Time for something consistently enjoyable but also completely at odds with expectation or the confines of genre. coke the bear presents a series of thoughtful contemplations and catchy hooks, throughout the emotionally loaded, genre-fusing and wildly engaging new album Snow Algebra.
Pop Punk
To counter the influx of intimate, mellow Christmas ballads this year, iconic indie punk outfit King Of Cups take a contrary stance as ever, introducing a high-octane Christmas rock song that’s both lyrically and musically at odds with the vast majority.
There’s an intriguing vagueness to some of these lyrics, especially given the quiet mix, but always we’re gifted a satisfying hook resolve – a broader statement and light melody, to leave us with a strong sense of possibility and calm than anything else. Authenticity seems to be the driving force throughout the Come Along EP, and by employing that without concern, Scott Keesler has drifted down a road that’s entirely his own.
Captivating in the way that Brand New once were, these long-form lyrical trails follow precise but alternative melodies, slowly revealing the details of these heartfelt reflections and struggles – a variation from the more common writing style of ‘this and then that’.
Something a little creatively fearless now. Edinburgh alt-metal act Revelation 23 deliver a gothic rock explosion of poetic reflections, with the heavy fuzz and lighter haunting melodies of Sacrifice.
Complex artistic sculpting akin to the days when each single was a creative ode to a story and sense of intention. Jared Hara builds up the presence and depth of The Chase brilliantly, evolving from these dreamy trip hop beginnings of quietly whispered vocal melodies, to the full-throttle pace and weight of pop punk and new metal at its peak.
Neatly-packed as ten original tracks with a fiercely anthemic opener, With Friends & Imperfections is a classic rock album at its core, but offers a fresh leading character, an often hyper sense of pace, and a series of unexpected stories.
Modern pop punk with an anthemic rock backdrop lights up a series of deeply personal songs – Tipperary’s Pat Donnelly blends the upbeat and intimate, for his powerful new album Reading You Closely.
Essentially fusing genres with fearless commitment to the artistry of its idea, Drop depicts an electro-pop softness at first, but with a clear sense of rising anticipation. On occasion, the vocal passion rises so high that it seems fit to peak as a pop-punk anthemic explosion.
Colourful chaos lifts the mood quickly, in brilliant contrast to the darker depths of the lyrics – I. Parter explores the concept of a melancholy and isolation, with the ten-track pop-punk album Misery’s My Company.
Ambient, acoustic beginnings lay bare an intimate story of vulnerability and longing – Hazzard Inc. bring contemplation and ferocity together, for the ultimate emo-punk explosion that is nobody.
Striking artwork and a unique fusion of contemporary emo and classic pop punk – Free Mace captures his own artistic identity, with the proudly atmospheric and revealing new album Better Off Bitter.