There is less than 10 days left of 2013 so we thought that we would look ahead to 2014 and give you a list of some of the hottest bands you should keep your eyes peeled for. Some of these bands you may have heard of, others you may not. But rest assured by the time 2014 is over you will have heard of them all: guaranteed!
Check out what bands I think will rock 2014 and then check out what some of my team are hedging their bits on for 2014.
Max Raptor (Chosen By: Rhian Westbury – Rock/Metal Editor)
Up until November when Warped Tour rolled around I hadn’t heard too much about Max Raptor, as a general rule ‘punk’ isn’t really my thing but after seeing them at Warped Tour I knew I had to sink my ears into their debut album ‘Mothers Ruin’. Not to ruin anything but the album blew my mind and from that moment I knew that the band were onto a winner. If they don’t rule 2014 then there’s something wrong with the world. Make sure you check the band out on tour with Fort Hope in the new year!
Press To Meco (Chosen By: Rhian Westbury – Rock/Metal Editor)
Press To Meco first came to my attention at this years Download Festival when they played on the Red Bull stage: they impressed us so much we gave them an 8/10 score (a mean feat!) Their debut EP ‘Affinity’ came out earlier this year and we’re really excited to hear what the lads have up their sleeves for 2014.
The First (Chosen By: Rhian Westbury – Rock/Metal Editor)
I still remember the first time I saw The First: it was upstairs at the Garage early in 2013. I was impressed by what I heard but didn’t hear much from the band later that year but they certainly made up for it in 2014. The release of ‘Take Courage’ in September was the breaking point for the band and my what an album it is! The band have been announced to play next years Takedown Festival so make sure you check them out!
Blitz Kids (Chosen By: Emma Younger)
Blitz Kids are the effervescent, fun-loving, get up and go band that is going to get everyone talking. With their catchy riffs and massive melodies, you will be hooked in an instant. If you hadn’t heard of them before, 2014 will be the year that you will.
Turnstile (Chosen By: James Matthews)
The brightest hopes in the hardcore genre at the moment. Their new blend of crossover era hardcore is being brought in to a new generation who never had the chance to witness it first time around, so this is a more than welcome addition to the fray!
The Dead Famous (Chosen By: Jenna Young)
After releasing their debut single this year, hopefully big things are going to start happening for them in 2014. I can’t wait to see an album and headline tour from these guys, and with all the time they’ve spent in the studio hopefully that will all be in the very near future.
State Champs (Chosen By: Lizzi Hart)
With one of the most astonishing debut pop punk releases of the year, one that even rivals those of genre titans, The Wonder Years and The Story So Far, it’s no wonder our ears are pricked and ready for what 2014 holds.
The Virginmarys (Chosen By: Jamie Hampshire)
Steadily on the rise since their acclaimed debut album, and after touring the States in late 2013, 2014 could be their biggest year yet.
Fort Hope (Chosen By: Kayla Elliot)
They haven’t even been a band for a year yet but Fort Hope has seen masses of success, from tours with We Are The In Crowd, NeverShoutNever and The Maine early this year. They are definitely going to make 2014 their year!
Gnarwolves (Chosen By: Antoine Omisore)
Having only released a few EPs and covers since their formation, it is endearing how much of a fan base they have already and they haven’t even released full length yet. Their take on skate punk, hardcore, punk rock and pop punk…phew…is truly one that is breathing life into a sometimes stagnant industry.
The Color Morale (Chosen By: Calum Thompson)
Now we need to look forwards to 2014 and the band that are going to take the world by storm. The Color Morale are lucky enough to be on the same tour as one We Came as Romans next year and their sound is incredible. What sets them apart is the slight rap tone to their vocals, mixed in with some incredible screams. Watch out for them as they’re going to rip the entirety of the UK apart. Their incredibly destructive sound is mirrored by some truly beautiful toned down moments which just juxtaposes the usual all out attack on the ears fantastically.
Dead Harts (Chosen By: Amber Carnegie)
After leaving a trail of wrecked venues and bodies behind with their mini album ‘Born Into Rags Die No Richer’ Dead Harts will be back in 2014 with an album that might cause you to split a venue in two.
The Colour Line (Chosen By: Amber Carnegie)
Since signing to Destroy Everything it has been a little quite release wise for The Colour Line but in 2014 their frantic mathy bedlam will be riling up your ears so much you’ll want to take a guitar to your own face.
Marmozets (Chosen By: Amber Carnegie)
After slowly rising up the past few year Marmozets have recently signed with Roadrunner records are not one to miss. We promise tight, astonishing – carnage.
Neck Deep (Chosen By: Solomon Radley)
Their latest single suggests their debut LP will be one of the strongest pop punk releases in 2014.
Tonight Alive (Sam Lawrie)
Even though Tonight Alive are already building a pretty good reputation for themselves as it is, they haven’t really had their big break so far. Tonight Alive have got a back catalogue of spunky songs full of attitude and a front-woman who was born to perform, so it’s just a matter of time before their “moment” comes along. I see no reason why 2014 can’t be the year for that.
I Divide (Chosen By: Chris Hines – HTF Editor)
2013 has been a huge year for the I Divide boys seeing them sign to Destroy Everything, play the BBC Introducing stage at Reading & Leeds Festival and opening the second stage at the mighty Download Festival! Did I mention they have done all this and still have not released their debut album? With the album tipped for release in the spring, 2014 is gonna be the year they blow up for sure. The next big UK band? Let’s hope so!
Let us know who you think will rock 2014!
