ELLIE'S ALBUM REVIEWS OF 2013 (so far)

We have passed the half way mark of 2013, and to be completely honest the past six months have been filled with amazing new albums from some amazing bands. There have been five albums which have been definite stand outs for me that have been released this year, and there are so many more to be released before the end of the year. So here it is, Ellie's album reviews of 2013.

5. Mindless Self Indulgence-How I Learned to Stop Giving a Shit and Love Mindless Self Indulgence

Apart from a re-release of their album Tight not too long ago, this is the first record that MSI have released since 2008. It isn't really drastically different from If or any of their other albums-which is really good, because sometimes when bands regurgitate the same stuff from their earlier albums it can seem boring and repetitive. It's got some really funny songs on it, my favourite being I Wanna Be Black. It's fantastic to have Mindless Self Indulgence back again!
Favourite song: I Wanna Be Black

Rating: 16.5/20

4. Sleeping With Sirens-Feel

Feel is such a different album from Sleeping With Sirens' earlier albums. It's a risky move for a band who classify as "post-hardcore" (wikipedia) to release such a light album. The good definitely outweighs any negativity in the way the album was put together. So much has happened for the band since the release of Let's Cheers to This which was released in 2011, and all these events are referred to in the lyrics (my favourite being Kellin mentioning his young daughter Copeland-my heart melted) My favourite thing about this album though were the different collaborations with Machine Gun Kelly-something that worked out unbelievably well, Shayley Bourget and Matty Mullin. All up, I really liked how it was so different and I honestly think the band has matured so much in between albums.

Favourite song: Congratulations

Rating: 17/20

3. Bring Me The Horizon-Sempiternal

I only started listening to BMTH at the start of the year, and they have gained a place in my heart as one of my favourite bands. This album is also really different to their previous albums, and I think that was my favourite thing about this record. Oli Sykes has put on an amazing display with his amazing vocals-something that in my opinion was not very apparent in their previous records. It is so much more melodic and beautiful in my opinion. I also love the emotion in some of the songs, it's just so raw and spectacular.And despite all the controversy surrounding the crediting of Jona Weinhofen, the album is still absolutely amazing and the band are truly taking over the world with this record. Not to mention, only 94 days until I see them for the first time, along with Of Mice & Men and Crossfaith! Yay!

Favourite song: Antivist

Rating: 18/20

2. 30 Seconds to Mars- Love, Lust, Faith + Dreams

Everyone knows how much this band mean to me, so having them release their fourth album that was so spectacular was just...*screams*. This album was not This Is War, but it definitely still has the epicness typical to the band. It's very experimental, and the themes of love, lust, faith and dreams (all the songs fall under some of the categories) make the album the amazing one that it is. The use of guitars and synthesizers, as well as the amazing drumming and raw vocals and lyrics, it's the recipe to the perfect album. Only 34 days until I see the band again! 

Favourite Song: Conquistador

Rating: 19/20

AND FINALLY....THE NUMBER ONE ALBUM OF 2013 SO FAR IS *cue drum roll*

Fall Out Boy-Save Rock and Roll

I think we all remember where we were when Fall Out Boy simultaneously announced that they had gotten back together, announced a promotional world tour, released a song and the date of their come back album-I fondly remember that it was 1am when my good friend casually text me "Fall Out Boy are back, just so you know" and I broke down crying in the arms of my other friends, then proceeded to sing the whole of Infinity on High loudly in tears. It was a beautiful moment. Anyway, this was probably one of the comebacks of the decade. For many people, Fall Out Boy's comeback acted as a solace after My Chemical Romance's break up-it gave hope to those who lost it (I know that was the case for me). But enough about their come back, this album is too very different and the songs are spectacular. They empower, they make you sing and they make you want to go on a roadtrip by the beach. As well as this, the collaborations were interesting-I still have no idea what Courtney Love is singing at the start of Rat A Tat-and amazing having Sir Elton John himself singing on one of the songs. It is so amazing having such a great band back on the scene and let's hope that the best things happen to them here on in.

Favourite song: is that a serious question?

Rating: magic/20

If you're so inclined, I will do a special on the past six months on my first radio show of semester two on Radio Monash! If you beg to differ on my opinions, let me know!