Review: Skaters - Manhattan

image: press.wbr.com/skaters

After much deliberation, I have finally reached the conclusion that New York newcomers, Skaters', debut album is a thoroughly enjoyable listen. It might not be the most spectacular first pursuit the world has ever seen, but it does showcase that signature Skaters rough-cut-readiness we heard on  tracks like Schemers, Miss Teen Massachusetts and Deadbolt. 

Skaters' experimental side is instantly adhered to on the opener of the LP, One of Us, with its electronic intro, soon to be transformed into that scuzzy guitar sound that seems to dominate the band's overall vibe. Another stand out track has to be Bandbreaker, with yet another instrumental that oscillates from what we are used to with Skaters (in a good way). With very laid back guitars and drums and an understated yet groovy bass line, this track oozes New York coolness, which is what I loved about Skaters from the moment I heard Deadbolt.

To Be Young In NYC is another lovely track that encapsulates all that is brilliant about Skaters; definitely the kind of song that's made to be played while driving through the city that never sleeps in the dead of night (if only). The heaviest moment on the album comes in the form of guitar ridden Nice Hat. This is probably my least favourite track on the album is it takes away from the band's ability to make a killer melody without having to go OTT on guitars.

Aside from the new tracks we have been introduced to on Manhattan,  there are quite a few old gems that make a well deserved return on the LP, including I Wanna Dance (But I Don't Know How), Miss Teen Massachusetts, Schemers and of course Deadbolt. All of which prove to be the band's most credible tracks, it's no wonder they released them prior to the LP release.

Although I should detest the album for making me long to live in New York even more than I already did, I truly am a fan of Skaters' debut. I am impressed with the quality of tracks like One of Us and Bandbreaker seeing as I thought it pretty impossible for them to live up to tracks like their wonderful Deadbolt. A great band and a great starting point for what looks like a blossoming career for Manhattan's very own.

***

7/10

Coming Soon // 2014 Releases

Following last night's post, I thought I'd follow it up by giving a bit of a heads up on the releases I'm most excited for over the coming months. 2013 was a great year for music, as I'm sure you'll all agree, and I think it's safe to say that 2014 is looking just as promising.

Metronomy - Love Letters

I'm a huge fan of Metronomy's previous three albums, especially Nights Out, and so I'm certain that this one will continue in the same promising fashion. They have already released first single from the LP, I'm Aquarius, which is brilliant so lets just hope the rest of the material sounds just as good.

Release date: March 10th via Because Music

The Family Rain - Under The Volcano

I don't think I've ever been as excited for a debut album before. The three brothers have been dabbling in band set ups since 2004 so its understandable why the material they have released so far is of a ridiculously high standard for how early on in their career they are. Still, the tracks they have treated us with so far including Trust me... I'm a Genius, Feel Better (Frank) and Carnival made for some of my favourite tracks of the past 12 months so I am almost certain there will be more where that came from upon the release of Under the Volcano.

Release date: February 3rd via Virgin EMI Records

Temples - Sun Structures

All three singles Temples have released, as well as their b-sides, in the run up to their debut LP have been brilliant and so I've been increasingly excited about the album since it was confirmed. Finally, in late November, the Kettering four piece released the first new cut to be taken from their debut Mesmerise which, in my opinion, is their best release so far, so to say the LP is looking promising would be an understatement. It is also released on my birthday so that's an extra reason why it's going to be fantastic.

Release date: February 10th via Heavenly Recordings

Skaters - Manhattan

I have mentioned New York indie-rock outfit, Skaters, before and I honestly cannot stress enough how much I am anticipating this album. If its first single, Deadbolt, is anything to go by, its going to be one of 2014's best albums to say the least.

Release date: February 24th via Warner Bros. Records

Warpaint - Warpaint

Californian four piece, Warpaint, confirmed a sophomore self titled album was on the cards in an interview with NME as early as 2011. Now recording is well under way, I am extremely excited to see what the Warpaint girls have in store for us. Let's just hope the album is good as its first single, Love is to Die.

Release date: January 17th via Rough Trade

Bombay Bicycle Club - So Long, See You Tomorrow

Bombay Bicycle Club's debut is still, in my opinion, their best to date. I felt that both the albums that followed never really lived up to the first. However, after hearing Carry Me, the first single taken from the album, Bombay Bicycle Club's fourth effort is looking much more promising than its predecessors.

Release date: February 3rd via Island Records

Drowners - Drowners

I have mentioned these guys a fair few times before. Their catchy guitar pop sound that owes much to 90's Britpop and that Strokes-esque trend that many new bands have been going for in recent months. This band may be more well known for being good mates with fashion's favourite sweetheart, Chungo, but their music certainly must not be overlooked. The material they have released so far is looking very promising so the LP shouldn't be short of glorious.

Release date: January 28th via Frenchkiss Records

The Neighbourhood - #000000 & #FFFFFF

The Californian quintet have been rather secretive regarding their sophomore album, however, singer Jesse Rutherford has confirmed that it is "a diary of songs that are inspired by [their] thoughts on the road," revealing that "it's not [them] as a band... It's [them] as a sound." The first two releases from the album, Silver and Unfair are definitely a step in a different direction from their previous, more melodic material but both sound brilliant regardless. I am very excited to hear what The Neighbourhood have to say in the form of their second album.

Release date: To be confirmed

So here are a number of albums I'm looking forward to this year and I'm sure there will be many more to follow. I have heard many a rumour that the likes of JAWS, the Drums, the Horrors, the Cribs and many more brilliant bands are set to release albums in the next twelve months so I suppose all we can do is keep our eyes (and ears) peeled.

ALL IMAGES BELONG TO THEIR ORIGINAL SOURCES