Introduction.

Hi there!

This blog will be on music and everything related to it. I'll be discussing new releases, shows, video's and all of that, but also will I be sharing some fantastic bands no-one's ever heard of, DIY-stuff you need to check, (visual) arts related to music, and so on. Anything, really.

To start it off, here's a top 5 of my favorite albums of 2010:

1. Arcade Fire - The Suburbs With 'The Suburbs' Win Butler and co. found the right balance between their magnificent debut 'Funeral' and the more unsatisfactory 'Neon Bible'. And, let's face it, we were glad they did. Arcade Fire have been one of the most promising indie bands I've heard of, and finally they're there with the long-expected rich, natural and presumptuous third. Admitted, it's their most accessible record so far, maybe because of the fact that the main theme - physically or mentally returning to the places we were raised - is so universal, but it's beautiful and noticable stories are translated in even more wonderful and mature songs, and with succes!
   
   People who haven't heard of Arcade Fire nor 'The Suburbs', should check out 'Ready To Start' and 'Month of May'.
   
   
2. Wintersleep - New Inheritors When their fourth album 'New Inheritors' appeared on this amazing site 3 voor 12, I hadn't even heard of a band called Wintersleep. Ever.
   It's my girlfriend who told me I should check it out and, when I did, I was hooked. Whatever critics say, it's a marvellous album with some beauties on it. I'd say, start with the opening song 'Experience The Jewel'. If you don't like that one, you might aswell forget about this band.
   Fun fact about Wintersleep: they consist of members of Holy Fuck, Kary, The Holy Shroud and Postdata
   
   
3. Local Natives - Gorilla Manors It's not too long ago when I first found out about Local Natives. I saw them live at the festival Crossing Border, where they immediately ravished me with their heavenly voices, their nervous rythm section and their sunny edge on the songs: definately a band from California. There hasn't been a day since that I didn't listen to their debut 'Gorilla Manors'. Check it out!
   
   
4. Airship - algebra I had to write a review about Biffy Clyro's show in Trix, Antwerp when I first heard of Airship. What interested me was the cross-pollination of more complex rythms (a more math-rock influence) and their obvious influence from Arcade Fire. Still, they remain a band with a very own sound, they're not empty-headed copycats.
   'Algebra' is more an EP than a full-album, but it's definately worth checking out. Listen to these: 'Algebra' and 'Woodworm' (which is actually on their other EP 'Spirit of the Beehive')
   
   
5. The Black Angels - Phosphene Dreams 'Bad Vibrations', need I say more?
   
   

These are what I think were the best/most promising albums in 2010, but feel free to comment or send your own top 5!