2009: The Year So Far and What's To Come

Late last year we previewed a number of releases for the year 2009. Here at Alter The Press, we thought it might be a good idea to see how the year 2009 in music is shaping up so far, as well as what releases we can expect in the coming months.

The Year So Far

So far we've had releases from big bands such as Green Day, Thursday, New Found Glory and Taking Back Sunday. All of which resulted in being somewhat disappointing; New Found Glory's 'Not Without A Fight' had its moments, as did Thursday's 'Common Existence'. Whilst Taking Back Sunday's 'New Again' was lacklustre and failed to progress from the band's previous work. As expected Green Day's follow-up to 'American Idiot', was as ambitious and grand. '21st Century Breakdown' proved Green Day are a very different band than when they started.

On the other hand, Manchester Orchestra, Two Tongues, Alexisonfire and A Day To Remember lived up to their potential. With 'Mean Everything To Nothing' (Manchester Orchestra) being an early contender for record of the year and Two Tongues' self-titled delivering on the promise of a superb collaboration between Max Bemis and Chris Conley. Whilst 'Old Crows/Young Cardinals' (Alexisonfire) saw the Canadian five-piece turning their fierce brand of melodic hardcore up to 10. 'Homesick' resulted in being a surprisingly good record, as A Day To Remember produced a record full of heavy pop-punk weight.

In addition to this there have been a number of records that have come out of nowhere. It would be worth mentioning The Dangerous Summer's full-length, 'Reach For The Sun', a record that glowed with positive energy throughout. Other records that excelled include Bayonets' 'Wishes & Wishes' proving to be one of the strongest British independent releases so far this year, along with The Auteur's 'The Nightcap EP', Portman's final EP, 'These Songs Were Written In Bedrooms and Village Halls' and All Forgotten's 'Transitions' EP. These all showed evidence that, British independent music is as strong as ever.

What's To Come

The rest of 2009 sees a number of big names releasing new material, including Brand New, Paramore, Say Anything and Thrice. All are hoping to make a big impression during the closing months.

In addition to this, new releases from likes of The Used, fun., Tegan and Sara Farewell, Every Time I Die, Cartel, AFI and Saosin makes it an exciting few months.

Whilst here in the UK, new material from Wolf Am I, Frank Turner, Blakfish and Twin Atlantic will keep the momentum going, and adding to this list are big releases from Lostprophets and Funeral For A Friend.

Conclusion

So far 2009 has been a good year for music and it's set to get a lot of better in the coming months.

Sean Reid