15 December 2011 (Music Preview)

Words: John Balfe

I don't think anyone will have any complaints about the quality of music that was released in 2011. There were some great albums (and some not so great, if we're to be honest) but what does 2012 have in store for us? We have sifted through January's releases to highlight five that we feel you should keep your eye on. We have a feeling that at least one of these will go on to be one of the best reviewed albums of next year. See if you can guess which one!

 

Chromatics - Kill For Love - 1st January

Fresh from their appearance on the excellent soundtrack to the equally excellent film Drive, Portland, Oregon's Chromatics are looking to capitalise on their newfound name recognition by releasing a new album Kill For Love. Chromatics' music is infused with punchy beats and analog synth lines, creating a hugely atmospheric sound. This could be the first great album of 2012.

First Aid Kit - The Lion's Roar - 9th January

The second album from the Swedish folk duo comes off the back of The Big Black and The Blue, a sparse collection which highlights their precocious talents. How they fare when tackling the "difficult second album" will show us if they are a flash in the pan or, as we hope, musicians of significant potential.

Leonard Cohen - Old Ideas - 20th January

Cohen's twelfth album bookends a particularly busy period in the Canadian's legendary career. Having toured extensively since 2008, during which time some tracks from Old Ideas were to receive their live debuts, Cohen was reinvigorated and felt compelled to record his first collection of new material in over eight years. This should go some way to proving that, even at 77 years of age, Leonard Cohen can still make a sizeable impact on the musical landscape.

Grimes - Visions - 30th January

Visions will be the fourth album in only two years from Claire Boucher AKA Grimes. Having spent a sizeable portion of 2011 touring with Lykke Li, Grimes' fan base has never been bigger than it is now as the eerie electronic pop and assorted rhythms from the Canadian made a sizeable impact on all those who've witnessed it. One to watch.

Lana Del Rey - Born To Die - 30th January

Lana Del Rey's 'Video Games' was arguably one of the top songs of 2011 and plucked the 25 year old from semi-obscurity to make her one of the most discussed up n' coming musicians around right now. Her first album Born To Die debuts at the end of January, so if you think 2011 was a good year for her just wait and see what 2012 will have in store.
 

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