2015 Was a bit of a return to form for emotional rock and The Hotelier from Worcester, MA led that charge with fervency and relevancy that hasn't been seen in quite some time. This album was just that... an album. The digital format and the radio single have overtaken the days when recordings were made to be experienced from front to back. The cohesiveness of this collection of songs is felt, with the appropriately named "An Introduction to the Album" and the closer "Dendron" shining brightest.
2. Yellowcard: Lift A Sail
This was a defining opportunity in the career of Yellowcard, moments like this can make or break a career. Since their reunion in 2011 they have released two full length records that continued to build off the signature violin-driven rock that they have always been known for. Early in the year it was announced that original drummer Longineu Parsons had left the band and Anberlin drummer Nate Young would be filling in for the recording process of this album.
They delivered in a big way, delivering a collection of songs unlike anything this band has been known for in the past. Singer & primary songwriter Ryan Key has referenced Coldplay programmer Jon Hopkins as a major source of inspiration to the new electronic landscape the band stepped into. Major life struggles including Key's wife being paralyzed from the waist-down and violinist Sean Mackin battling thyroid cancer also played a huge part in the emotional depth found on this album.
I recommend checking out this letter that Ryan Key wrote to himself circa 2003...
3. Noah Gundersen: Ledges
I gained a huge appreciation for the singer / songwriter this year... Noah Gundersen was one of the gems that I discovered. There's a wide span of tension found in Noah's song that is seldom found in music. Acoustic guitars accompanied by careful an seldom arrangements allow the song to remain king. This is a rare collection of songs that are, well... perfect sad.
4. Sullivan: Heavy is the Head
Sullivan disappeared from the Tooth & Nail Records roster in 2007, going down in history as one of the most unappreciated / undiscovered independent rock bands. They surprised me with an announcement of a new album and reunion in 2014. Heavy is the Head is a incredible return to form with huge pop-rock songs, sporting intricacy and uniqueness that hasn't been heard since the early days of Anberlin (RIP).
5. Copeland: Ixora
The biggest surprise reunion of 2014 goes to Copeland. This Lakeland, FL quartet has been sorely missed since it's ambiguous break-up in 2008. Ambient rock hasn't been the same since their departure and they have returned to fill the void with Ixora, which could be considered a continuation of the bands 2008 release You Are My Sunshine. Aaron Marsh and crew have released what might be their most musically ambitious album to date.
6. From Indian Lakes: Absent Sounds
Absent Sounds is the next chapter in the continuing saga from this Yosemite, CA experimental / ambient rock band led by Joey Vanucci. The bands last effort, Able Bodies, left us wanting so much more... and while Absent Sounds doesn't live up the hype left by it's predecessor, it takes a calculated step forward. This is another album that must be heard as a journey. They have a destination in mind and will take you there if you take the time to follow. This bands live experience is also unmatched in today's music scene, check them out...
7. Manchester Orchestra: Cope / Hope
The long anticipated return from Manchester Orchestra came in the form of Cope, a rather dark and heavy expansion of the sound we've come to love from these indie-rock darlings. This collection of songs is more concise and Andy Hull's melody / lyrics are almost overshadowed by grunge guitars that would make Dave Grohl proud.
A couple months following this release... they surprised us with the stripped down counterpart called Hope. This was a beautiful re-imagining of Cope and not just in the musical sense. Hull even altered some of the original lyrics to bookend the albums themes and give positive closure.
8. Moose Blood: I'll Keep You In Mind, From Time To Time
As I stated earlier, this way a big year and return to form for "emotional" rock which came in the form of an insurgent of independent bands. Without further a due, all the way from the UK.... Moose Blood.... cause let's be honest, they remind us of Brand New.
9. For King & Country: RUN WILD. LIVE FREE. LOVE STRONG
This Australian duo took Contemporary Christian music by storm this year... raising a ceiling that most-desperately needed it. Their Sophomore full-length is a great collection of challenging and innovative anthems. The flag is being carried by Joel & Luke Smallbone, formerly known as the brothers of CCM pop-princess Rebecca St. James. These brothers have created a name for themselves this year with a brand of euro-pop never heard within the walls of the church.
10. Jenny Lewis: Voyager
I must admit that I was very, very late to this party... but glad that I showed up. Jenny has returned with a collection of songs that boldly stake her claim in blues-infused, pop-rock world. No longer known as the girl who used to sing with Ben Gibbard...
