A mammoth selection of Merseyside’s biggest, best and brightest bands and artists pick their highlights from 2014.
We’re on the verge of Christmas Day yet again, and with a whole new year of peaks and troughs beginning to loom on the horizon, It’s almost time to shut the door on what’s been another strong showing from Merseyside music.
We’ve already had the definitive Getintothis verdict on 2014, and we’ve heard from Liverpool’s best writers and photographers, as well as the city’s most important movers and shakers as to their personal highlights, but we’re yet to get the lowdown from the artists themselves – the bands, singers, producers and MCs who played their part over the last 12 months.
So, then, without further ado, here’s our ultimate round-up for another massive year, straight from the mouths of those who made it happen.
A Lovely War
Albums of the Year:
- The War On Drugs: Lost In The Dream
- Run The Jewels: Run The Jewels 2
- Bombay Bicycle Club: So Long, See You Tomorrow
- Timber Timbre: Hot Dreams
- Via Audio: Natural Language
Top Tracks of 2014:
- St. Vincent: Severed Crossed Fingers
- Alt-J: Every Other Freckle
- SBTRKT: New Dorp. New York feat. Ezra Koening
- Taylor Swift: Shake It Off
- Stephen Steinbrink: It’s So Pretty What You Did For Me
Top Gigs of 2014:
- tUnE-yArDs at Bestival
- Danny Brown at Glastonbury Festival
- Kate Bush at Hammersmith Apollo, London
- B. Dolan at The Kazimier, Liverpool
- Neutral Milk Hotel at The Roundhouse, London
Event of 2014:
Royal De Luxe – Memories of August 1914, Liverpool
Tip for 2015
Guro Gikling, All We Are
Albums of the Year:
- Kate Tempest: Everybody Down
- Todd Terje: It’s Album Time
- Caribou: Our Love
- Warpaint:Warpaint
- Wild Beasts: Present Tense
Top Tracks of 2014:
- The War On Drugs: Red Eyes
- Caribou: Can’t Do Without You
- Lana Del Rey: West Coast
Top Gigs of 2014:
- Mogwai at Glastonbury Festival
- Caribou at Greenman Festival
- Kate Tempest at Glastonbury Festival
- Warpaint at O2 Academy, Glasgow.
- All We Are at Sound City, Liverpool (Guro says: “When we played in the Cathedral for Sound City. That was a HUGE moment for us!) (Getintothis Review)
Event of 2014:
Guro says: “Glastonbury. It was everything and more.”
Tip for 2015:
Guro says: “Really exited about Stealing Sheep for next year. They’re gonna smash it!”
Joel Murray, Barberos
Joel says: “I’m not sure I know of 5 albums that were released this year to be honest! Do they have to have been? or can they be my favourite albums of the year, the records that’ve meant most to me…even if they were released in the 80s? If so…”
Albums of the Year:
- Deerhoof: La Isla Bonita (2014)
- Buke & Gase: General Dome
- Jealousy Mountain Duo: #1
- Matthew Herbert: One One
- Aksak Maboul: Onze Danses Pour Combattre La Migraine
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Grace Jones: My Jamaican Guy
- The Pet Shop Boys: Opportunities
- Abba: Dancing Queen
Event of 2014:
Tip for 2015:
Joel says: “Listen to more Pet Shop Boys and calm down.”
Adele Emmas, Bird
Albums of the Year:
- Angel Olsen: Burn Your Fire For No Witness
- Warpaint: Warpaint
- Grouper: Ruins
- The Wytches: Annabel Dream Reader
- The War On Drugs: Lost In The Dream
Top Tracks of 2014:
- The War On Drugs: Red Eyes
- Angel Olson: White Fire
- Warpaint: Drive
Top Gigs of 2014:
- Brian Jonestown Massacre at East Village Arts Club, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- Young Fathers at East Village Arts Club, Liverpool
- Hookworms at The Kazimier, Liverpool Music Week (Getintothis Review)
- The Wytches at Sound City, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- Gruff Rhys at Sound City, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
Event of 2014:
Tip for 2015:
Adele says: “After the close of Mello this year and threats of The Kazimier going the same way, it’s more important than ever for us to all stick together and show a united front to save our creative culture and communities.”
Blue Saint, a.k.a. Daniel Sebuyange
Albums of the Year:
- Isaiah Rashad: Cilvia Demo
- Pharoahe Monch: PTSD
- Logic: Under Pressure
- Azealia Banks: Broke With Expensive Taste
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Tinsahe feat. Schoolboy Q: 2 On
- Kendrick Lamar: i
- Pharrell: Happy
Event of 2014:
Daniel says: “I won Merseyrail Sound Station 2014, which was a very great event for me this year. Oh and I watched Dead Prez at the Kazimier too, I enjoyed that as well. (Getintothis Review)
Tip for 2015:
Daniel says: “I’d say work hard, follow your heart and let your creativeness speak for itself.”
Liam Power, By The Sea
Albums of the Year:
- Timber Timbre: Hot dreams
- The Coral: The Curse Of Love
- Cate LeBon: Mug Museum
- Beck: Morning Phase
- Gruff Rhys: American Interior
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Timber Timbre: Grand Canyon
- The Coral: Wrapped In Blue
- Gruff Rhys: Lost Tribes
Top Gigs of 2014:
- Timber Timbre at LEAF, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- Tear Talk at Seabright Arms, London
- The Yawns, Glasgow
- Alvvays at The Kazimier, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
Event of 2014:
Liam says: “Us at the Epstein Theatre!” (Getintothis Review)
Tip for 2015:
Tear Talk and Minnetonka
Circa Waves
Albums of the Year:
- Alvvays: Alvvays
- Childhood: Lacuna
- Cymbals Eat Guitars: Lose
- Mac Demarco: Salad Days
- Jamie T: Carry On The Grudge
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Honeyblood: Fall Forever
- Jamie T: Zombie
- The War on Drugs: Under Pressure
Event of 2014:
Tip for 2015:
Jon Davis, Conan
Albums of the Year:
- Bast: Spectres
- Coltsblood: Into the Unfathomable Abyss
- Slomatics: Estron
- Grand Magus: Triumph and Power
- Yob: Clearing the Path to Ascend
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Weezer: Back to the Shack
- Mantar: The Bezerker’s Path
- Bast: Psychonauts
Top Gigs of 2014:
- Electric Wizard at Hellfest, France
- Slomatics at Voodoo, Belfast
- Slomatics at Fibber Macgee’s, Dublin
- Monster Magnets at Hellfest, France
- Black Sabbath at Hellfest, France
Event of 2014:
Temples Festival (Jon says: “The first edition of this festival and it was just amazing.”)
Tip for 2015:
Of Spire and Throne, Bendal Interlude, Bast, Slomatics and Headless Kross.
Jon says: “Special mention to Black Bow Records and Skyhammer Studio who will be producing, supporting and promoting underground music in 2015 and beyond.”
Richard Craddock and Luke McCulloch, D R O H N E
Richard’s Albums of the Year:
- Aphex Twin: Syro
- Jake Bugg: Jake Bugg
- Damon Albarn: Everyday Robots
- HTRK: Psychic 9-5 Club
- Angel Olsen: Burn Your Fire For No Witness
Luke’s Albums of the Year:
- Lana Del Rey: Ultraviolence
- We Came Out Like Tigers: Ever-Crushed at Pecket’s Well
- Caribou: Our Love
- Sleep Party People: Floating
- Badbadnotgood: III
Richard’s Tracks of 2014:
- Soap & Skin: Me and the Devil
- PVDNV: At Night
- The Horrors: I See You
Luke’s Tracks of 2014:
- Lana Del Rey: Gods and Monsters
- Veed: Sleep Shapes
- Skepta: That’s Me (All Star Remix)
Richard’s Gigs of 2014:
- Factory Floor
- Badbadnotgood
- Beck at Festival No. 6
- Peaking Lights
- Kele
Luke’s Gigs of 2014:
- Happa
- Evian Christ
- Nathan Fake
- Factory Floor
- Boris Brejcha
Event of 2014:
Richard: Gottwood Festival
Luke: Festival No. 6 (Getintothis Review)
Tip for 2015:
Luke says: “Listen to as much grime as possible”
Esco Williams
Albums of the Year:
- Cole: 2014 Forest Hills Drive
- Ed Sheeran: X
- Flying Lotus: You’re Dead
- George the Poet: The Chicken And The Egg
- FKA TWIGS: LP1
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Kendrick Lamar: i
- Usher: Good Kisser
- Ed Sheeran: Thinking Out Loud
Top Gigs of 2014:
- Lauryn Hill at Apollo, Manchester
- Snarky Puppy at The Kazimier, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- Schoolboy Q at Reading Festival
- Kwabs at Reading Festival
- MiC Lowry and Boyz II Men at Albert Hall, Manchester
Event of 2014:
Esco says: “Africa Oye this year was a pretty special one for me”
Tip for 2015:
Esco says:“MiC Lowry are going to smash it, I’m biased though…so I will give another side note, Little Simz and George the Poet will have great years too I feel.”
Ross Nicholson, Etches
Albums of the Year:
- Todd Terje: It’s Album Time
- Adult Jazz: Gist Is
- Ought: More Than Any Other Day
- Caribou: Our Love
- The Body: I Shall Die Here
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Flying Lotus: Coronus, The Terminator
- Marika Hackman: Cinnamon
- tUnE–yArDs: Water Fountain
Top Gigs of 2014
- Owls at Deaf Institute, Manchester
- Sleaford Mods at Academy Manchester (Getintothis Review)
- Courtney Barnett at Sound City, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- Fatima at 24 Kitchen Street, Liverpool
- Dogshow at Mellostock at Mello Mello, Liverpool
Event of 2014:
Mellostock or Sound City
Tip for 2015:
Forest Swords a.k.a. Matthew Barnes
Albums of the Year:
- Ben Frost: A U R O R A
- The Bug: Angels and Devils
- Mogwai: Rave Tapes
- Owen Pallett: In Conflict
- Mica Levi: Under the Skin OST
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Rich Gang: Lifestyle
- How To Dress Well: A Power
- All We Are: Feel Safe
Event and Gig of 2014:
Kate Bush at Hammersmith Apollo, London
Tip for 2015:
Dark0
Hooton Tennis Club
Albums of the Year:
- Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks: Wig Out At Jagbags
- Angel Olsen: Burn Your Fire For No Witness
- King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard: I’m In Your Mind Fuzz
- Todd Terje: It’s Album Time
- Parquet Courts: Sunbathing Animal
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Alvvays: Archie, Marry Me
- Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks: Houston Hades
- Nick Allbrook: 100ks ’round Carmel
Top Gigs of 2014:
- Alvvays at The Kazimier, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- Nas at Lovebox Festival
- Parquet Courts at The Kazimier, Liverpool
Event of 2014:
Music Tip for 2015:
A Heavenly Weekend in Hebden Bridge
- Anthroprophh: Outside the Circle
- Mogwai: Rave Tapes
- The Heads: Everybody Knows We Got Nowhere [Reissue]
- Real Estate: Atlas
- Kikagaku Moyo: Mammatus Clouds
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Electric Wizard: Incense For The Damned
- Mogwai: Heard About You Last Night
- Kikagaku Moyo: Never Know
Top Gigs of 2014:
- Part Chimp at Supernormal Festival, Oxfordshire
- Earthless at Brundenell Social Club, Leeds
- Shellac at ATP Iceland
- Lilacs and Champagne at Soup Kitchen, Manchester
- Gnod at Psych Lab, Eindhoven
Event of 2014:
Music Tip for 2015:
Jason says: “The new Hey Colossus album In Black and Gold on Rocket Recordings. Best thing I’ve heard for a long while! And Sex Swing.”
Mad Brains
Albums of the year:
- Badbadnotgood: III
- Silk Rhodes: Silk Rhodes
- Ratking: So It Goes
- Theivery Corporation: Saudade
- Mac Miller: Faces
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Wara From The NBHD: RAW feat. Grand Marshall
- Chance the Rapper: No Better Blues
- O.T. Genesis: CoCo
Top Gigs of 2014:
- JonWayne at The Shipping Forecast, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- Lords of the Underground at Apolo, Barcelona
- GoldLing at Old Blue Last, London
- Kojey Radical at Birthdays, London
- Tommy Cash at Tartu, Estonia
Event of 2014:
Boom Blast with J Flowz at Social Club, Paris
Tip for 2015:
Mad Brains says: “Be as weird as you can.”
Moats
Albums of the Year
- Mac Demarco: Salad Days
- Iceage: Plowing Into The Field Of Love
- Interpol : El Pintor
- Warm Brains: Happy Accidents EP
- Happyness: Weird Little Birthday
Tracks of 2014
- Sun Kil Moon: I Can’t Live Without My Mother’s Love
- Cymbals Eat Guitars: Jackson
- Jamie xx: Sleep Sound (Moats say: “Everything he has released this year could be an eternal classic)
Gigs of 2014
- All the O2 Academy Liverpool Shows – Bombay Bicycle Club/Metronomy/Wild Beasts/Maccabees (to name a few)
- Interpol at Austin City Limits, USA (“Made Matt cry as he usually listen to them in a dark bedroom by himself, was very moving – awh”)
- Mount Kimbie/Daniel Avery at Farr Festival, Hertfordshire
- KYC Presents Adronite EP Launch w/ Moats & UNKWN at The Bombed Out Church, Liverpool Light Night (“The spectacular setting transcended all the artists performances to another level and had the church at capacity.”)
- Moats at Moats’ House, Liverpool (“Yep we’ve chosen our own gig, it was one of the best nights of our year, thanks if you were there, both times x”)
Event of 2014
Moats say: “Playing at Austin City Limits, Texas. Most surreal event we’ve ever experienced and been to. Also one of the best thing’s we’ll probably ever get to do, so thank you NME for letting that happen.”
Tips for 2015
Alex Bury, Palace, Lives, Don’t Worry, Netil, Maui
Moats say: “Both Maui & Netil are bands making waves in London who’re from Biggleswade originally like us, but have to play in London as there’s nothing happening in tiny Biggleswade as it’s dead.”
Nadine Carina
Albums of the Year:
- Sea Oleena: Shallow
- Sea Lion: Cobra’s Eyes
- Kye Kye: Fantasize
- Montgomery: New Clear War
- mus.hiba: White Girl
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Odesza: Say My Name feat. Zyra
- Alice Boman: Red Eyes
- OK GO: If I Had a Mountain
Top Gigs of 2014:
- Cuushe and AUS in Zurich, Switzerland
- Jessy Lanza at Bungalows, Sheffield
- Daisuke Tanabe at EMAF, Tokyo
- Submerse at EMAF, Tokyo
Event of 2014:
Red Bull Academy Presents EMAF, Tokyo
Tip for 2015:
Mangocats plus new EPs from Lapsley and Cuushe
Nik Glover, Loved Ones
Albums of the Year:
- Mo Kolours: Mo Kolours
- Freddie Gibbs & Madlib: Piñata
- Arc Iris: Arc Iris
- Run the Jewels: Run the Jewels 2
- Katie Gately/Tlaotlon: Split Series #23
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Katie Gately: Pivot
- Arc Iris: Cowboy
- Run the Jewels: Darling Don’t Cry
Top Gigs of 2014:
Nik says: “Due to having a new baby boy, I’ve been to about 5 gigs all year, so my list would be pretty meaningless. The return of Fingathing at the Kaz supporting Peanut Butter Wolf was special.”
Event of 2014:
Nik says: “Meow The Jewels getting crowd-funded was fantastic. Young Fathers winning the Mercury was nice too – they’ve come up with an album of genuinely forward-looking hip-hop, something which is sadly rare. Liverpool has started to host a lot more hip-hop shows again, which is great, albeit by acts on the ‘legends’ spectrum rather than newer artists.”
Tip for 2015
Nik says: “I’m tipping myself to actually get out to some more live music. First on my list is Sound City!”
Andrew Hunt and Thomas Gorton, Outfit
Andrew’s Albums of the Year:
- Aphex Twin: Syro
- Fossil Aerosol Mining Project: Decades of Fake Ressurection
- Kamailliset Ystâvât: Alass Ratoissa Virtaa
- Richard Dawson: Nothing Important
- Ex Easter-Island Head: 2 Commissions for Cassette Tape
Thomas’ Albums of the Year:
- Aphex Twin: Syro
- Wiley: Snakes and Ladders
- Arca: Xen
- Perc: The Power and The Glory
- Ex Easter-Island Head: Large Electric Ensemble
Andrew’s Tracks of 2014:
- Aphex Twin: produk 29
- Caribou: Second Chance
- Tobias Jesso Jr.: True Love
Thomas’ Tracks of 2014:
- Nicki Minaj: Anaconda
- Bobby Shmurda: Hot Nigga
- Tiga: Bugatti
Thomas says: “I actually think Held Apart by Arca might be my most-listened but it’s a 90 second piano interlude, wasn’t sure whether to include it”
Andrew’s Gigs of 2014:
- Nels Cline at The Stone, New York City
- James Hoff at The Kitchen, New York City
- The Aleph at Legate Theatre, Liverpool
- Venus X at Ghe20 G0th1k, Santo’s, New York City
- Conan Mockasin at Glasslands, New York City
Thomas’ Gigs of 2014:
- Thomas says: “Without a doubt my favourite “gig” wasn’t really a gig, but I was lucky enough to be invited to go to the Aphex Twin listening party in Hackney Everyone was getting stoned on the dancefloor, moshing and crowdsurfing, drinking white wine out of the bottle, listening to Syro on a huge system. It was one of my favourite music experiences ever.”
- Perc Album Launch at Corsica Studios, London
- These New Puritans at The Barbican, London
- Arca at ICA, London (“mainly for Jesse Kanda‘s stunning visuals to be honest.”)
- Young Fathers at Electrowerkz, Islington
Andrew’s Event of 2014:
“Either getting married or Outfit‘s show at XOYO in January
Thomas’ Event of 2014:
“A series really, but gotta say that the Ferguson protests in the US and beyond have captivated me. I’ve been able to speak to Americans directly involved with the protests – demonstrators, filmmakers and writers, so to see what the deaths of Mike Brown and Eric Garner (amongst others) mean to a nation has been moving.
The American public are using the streets to make a difference on their own turf. I think and hope that a change in attitudes and systems will happen as a result of passion and a refusal to back down against injustice. That’s been an inspiring thing to follow closely.”
Andrew’s Tip for 2015:
“Outfit‘s new album, and some others I’ll bet.”
Thomas’ Tip for 2015:
“You know what, I’m gonna go all self-indulgent and bias here. Outfit have a new record out in the summer that we’re all proud and excited about, I’ve been working with James Rand on a project called Cloakroom that I can’t wait to play people, Andy‘s been working on some great Dialect stuff, Ex–Easter Island Head will release a new addition to their catalogue of excellence, Jay Freeman will probably put out an E.P and I’m sure the Deep Hedonia crew will continue to tease out some good stuff too. So yeah, think my friends (and me) are up to some stuff in 2015 worth shouting about.”
Silent Sleep
Albums of the Year:
- Sun Kil Moon: Benji
- Carbiou: Our Love
- Scott Walker and Sun O))): Soused
- Bird: My Fear and Me
- St. Vincent: St. Vincent
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Future Islands: Seasons (Waiting On You)
- Sleater-Kinney: Bury Our Friends
- tUnE-yArDs: Water Fountain
Top Gigs of 2014:
- Andrew WK at Arts Club, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- John Grant at The Philharmonic, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- CHVRCHES at Liverpool Music Week (Getintothis Review)
- Gruff Rhys at Sound City, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- Bridie and The Arbour at The Scandanavian Church, Liverpool
Event of 2014:
Tip for 2015:
All We Are
Stealing Sheep
Albums of the Year:
- Metronomy: Love Letters
- Little Dragon: Nabuma Rubberband
- Ariel Pink: Pom Pom
- Lxury: Playground
- Temples: Sun Structures
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Metronomy: I’m Aquarius
- Little Dragon: Klapp Klapp
- Azealia Banks: 212
Top Gigs of 2014:
- Whyte Horses at The Kazimier, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- The Knife at Academy, Manchester
- Metronomy at O2 Academy, Brixton
- Warpaint at O2 ABC, Glasgow
- Blood Orange at Field Day, London
Event of 2014:
Stealing Sheep say: “Our live score collaboration with Radiophonic Workshop as part go the Brancharge Music and Film Festival in Jersey!”
Tip for 2015:
Andrew Parry, Strange Collective
Albums of the Year:
- Mogwai: Rave Tapes
- Thee Oh Sees: The Drop
- Badbadnotgood: III
- Simian Mobile Disco: Whorl
- Mac Demarco: Salad Days
Top Tracks of 2014:
- The Growers: Good Advice
- Jamie T: Don’t You Find
- Mogwai: The Lord Is Out Of Control
Top Gigs of 2014:
- Suuns at Liverpool International Festival of Psychedelia (Getintothis Review)
- Lee Scratch Perry at The Kazimier, Liverpool
- The Growlers, Fat White Family and The Wytches at The Kazimier, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- Mogwai at Liverpool Music Week (Getintothis Review)
- Action Bronson, No Fakin at The Kazimier, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
Event of 2014:
Liverpool International Festival of Psychedelia
Tip for 2015:
Tiger Cub
Sub Blue
Albums of the Year:
- Sam Smith: In The Lonely Hour
- Ed Sheeran: X
- Banks: Goddess
- Gorgon City: Sirens
- PARTYNEXTDOOR: PARTYNEXTDOOR2
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Melissa Steele: Kisses For Breakfast
- Kendrick Lamar: i
- Ed Sheeran: Thinking Out Loud
Top Gigs of 2014:
- MTV Brand New Presented by LIMF ft. Ella Eyre, Jess Glynne, Becky Hill at Camp & Furnace, Liverpool
- Drake
- Tyler the Creator
- FestEvol at The Kazimier, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- KOF, Nothing But The Music Session
Event of 2014:
Liverpool International Music Festival
Tip for 2014:
Sub Blue says: “Stay focused on what you aim to achieve, don’t let anyone cloud your judgement on what you believe may benefit you.”
Josh Miller, Tear Talk
Albums of the Year:
- HTRK: Psychic 9-5 Club
- The Twighlight Sad: Nobody Wants to be Here and Nobody Wants to Leave
- Fear of Men: Loom
- Ought: More Than Any Other Day
- Dirty Beaches: Stateless
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Kult Country: Trembling Moon
- Bernard + Edith: Poppy
- Kyogen: Precious
Top Gigs of 2014:
Josh says: “All of my top five gigs of 2014 took place in The Kazimier, which says both an awful lot about the importance of this particular venue to the current music scene, and how much I need to broaden my horizons. They are as follows:
- Ex-Easter Island Head
- Fat White Family (Getintothis Review)
- Parquet Courts (Getintothis Review)
- Eagulls (Getintothis Review)
- Alvvays (Getintothis Review)
Event of 2014:
Josh says: “Although a gig, By The Sea‘s recent homecoming show at the Epstein Theatre felt very much like an event. It was quite a humbling experience to watch a band so dedicated to their craft be rewarded with the reception that they got that night.”
Tip for 2015:
Josh says: “I’ve had the pleasure of hearing and working on Low Coney‘s album in the last few months, and although it’s in its early stages it already sounds beautiful. Much like his artwork, it uses nostalgia to articulate anxieties surrounding contemporary urban life, and the end result is a sound that draws a long overdue parallel between the Everly Brothers and Suicide. You will be hard pushed to find a better balladeer in 2015.”
Timo Tierney, The Tea Street Band
Albums of the Year:
- It’s Album Time: Todd Terje
- Springtime Anchorage: Labour of Patience
- By The Sea: Endless Days, Crystal Sky
- The Brian Jonestown Massacre: Revelation
- Aphex Twin: Syro
Top Tracks of 2014:
- Mick Head & the Red Elastic Band: Lucinda Byre
- Take That: These Days
- Circa Waves: Stuck Between My Teeth
Top Gigs of 2014:
- Mick Head at Leaf, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- The Sugarmen at Constellations, Liverpool
- Raw City at The Lomax, Liverpool
Event of 2014:
Liverpool Sound City
Tip for 2015:
Sugarmen
VEYU:
Albums of the Year:
- Jungle: Jungle
- The War On Drugs: Lost In The Dream
- Warpaint: Warpaint
- East India Youth: Total Strife Forever
- Interpol: El Pintor
Top Tracks of 2014
- Ballet School: Cherish
- Future Islands: Seasons (Waiting On You)
- The War On Drugs: Under The Pressure
Top Gigs of 2014
- Kate Bush at Hammersmith Apollo, London
- Ballet School at The Shipping Forecast, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- Arcade Fire at Hyde Park, London
- FestEvol at The Kazimier, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
- Factory Floor at Sound City, Liverpool (Getintothis Review)
