DISTORTED SOUND END OF YEAR AWARDS: Laura McCarthy

It’s round two of the Distorted Sound end of year awards and this time it’s a run down of the year from our resident feature writer and photographer, Laura McCarthy. Over to you Laura!

BEST ALBUM

Coma Ecliptic – BETWEEN THE BURIED AND ME

The release of the latest Between The Buried and Me was never going to be dull. However, this album, the bands seventh a treat for experimental music lovers. Conceptually interesting, transcendental collection of songs burst with energy and emotion. It makes you think, it draws on inspirations that are both familiar and unusual. Big songs, twisting and turning, highs and lows, chaos and serenity. It’s all in there, and it’s one hell of a ride to take you through the year

Honourable Mentions: The Day is my Enemy – THE PRODIGY, Of Ghost and Gods – KATAKLYSM

MUSIC VIDEO OF THE YEAR

The Candy Man- PRIMUS

For such an odd band, it’s no shock that this latest video would be just as unusual as the rest. However, the strange tone of the song itself, while creepy and ever to slightly threatening, is made evermore so thanks to this unsettling stop motion creation. Instantly, this trippy candy land in which a poor little boiled sweet attempts to navigate without being guzzled up is such a treat for the eyes. Stop motion has always been a medium in which the dark and twisted thrives, so Primus’ music is the best soundtrack for a video this sweet (sorry, my puns are terrible).

GIG OF THE YEAR

THE PRODIGY @ Manchester Central 27/11/15

Heavyweights of the highest order, it’s undeniable that no matter where you are, THE PRODIGY will be a fantastic gig. However, the venue of this made seeing Prodigy a greater experience, I feel, than any other indoor performance. The Manchester Central, formerly the GMEX, felt like a festival inside. The room was so big, the lightshow could afford to be as mesmerising and huge as an outdoor event. The song choices were amazing, the heat was exhausting. A highlight was the pit- frantic for moments, before the crowd began to lose themselves to the beat. Part dance, part mosh, a feeling of individual ecstasy and communal enjoyment flooded through under the strobes and flickers as the tunes hit hard in your chest.

Honourable Mentions: FEAR FACTORY the Ritz Manchester, THE VIRGINMARYS The Sugarmill Stoke

BEST FESTIVAL

Alas, my poor self wasn’t able to get to any festivals this year

BEST FESTIVAL PERFORMANCE

Me, for coping while all my friends were away at festivals

BEST LIVE BAND

THE VINTAGE CARAVAN

For such young guys, THE VINTAGE CARAVAN really do pack a hell of a sound. The line-up change earlier in the was of no consequence as far as the music goes, and to watch three young men in their prime, just before things really start to take off for the big time, is a privilege. They party hard, they appreciate their fans no matter how big the crowd and they play with everything they have. It’s music for the soul, music for the stage, and by god have THE VINTAGE CARAVAN well and truly played it this year.

Honourable mentions: SKINDRED, THE PRODIGY, CROBOT

MOST DISAPPOINTING ALBUM

The Book Of Souls – IRON MAIDEN

This a controversial opinion, but it is what it is. IRON MAIDEN have released some huge albums, and some huge tracks. They are icons that is undeniable. However, because of that, I can’t help but wonder if many aren’t seeing the music on the latest album for what it is. The songs are good, they are distinctly “Maiden”, and they carry the great weight of the hopes of oh so many fans to great effect. Yet there is something lacking in the way of innovation for me, that other bands’ work has achieved this year. Again, the album itself might be good, but is as great, and worth the huge amount of praise that it was given? Or did we all fall over ourselves simply because we were happy to have more IRON MAIDEN material?

Dishonourable Mention: The Judas Table – ANTIMATTER

BEST NEWCOMER

CROBOT

This is a band that has literally not stopped this last year. Their first album has only gone from strength to strength, with each tune holding its own, and ever band member taking this opportunity by the horns and taking it to the party. Tirelessly touring throughout 2015, these guys have a blast at each and every gig. Their music is infectious, but so is their approach to life. Go hard, lose yourself, have fun, be crazy, do it all again tomorrow, in whatever order you like. They bring something to rock and roll that has been missing for a long time. They are amazing guys, and while they might not take themselves very seriously, they make some seriously good rock and roll

Honourable Mentions: SHARDBORNE, THE HYENA KILL, GUARDIANS