This year we’ve been treated to some terrific debuts and some excellent returns, however many of these have never seen the light of day in chart music. Michael Cogley of The Daily Shift shares his favourite music of 2012 that didn’t receive the commercial acclaim it should have…
First and foremost are C2C a collection of four French DJs who have been rampant in DJ competitions over the last few years. This year their debut Tetra was released, which is a terrific, feel good dance album. Tracks like ‘Happy’, ‘Down The Road’ and the amazing, ’Who are you’ which sets the tone for one really great debut.
Whilst staying on the topic of debuts, Imagine Dragons released their first fully fledged album Night Visions after a series of really original demos and the originality that featured in the EP’s remains; technically the band are very strong and make an impressive debut. While not receiving terrific chart success they have done quite well having two of their songs featuring on ads for Assassin’s Creed 3 and Xbox 360. ‘In Time’, ‘Tiptoe’ and ‘Radioactive’, are the stand out ‘belters’ of tracks that the band have began to establish their hallmark on.
Next up and yet another set of debutantes are Crystal Fighters who are most notably known for their hit single ‘Follow’ however, if we evaluate the album, we can note that it matches the high standard the single set. A band really introducing their own sound, with computer made beats and traditional instruments like the mandolin they create some truly terrific tracks; with the lead single in mind, two other great tracks are ‘Xtatic Truth’ and ‘Champion Sound’.
Sometimes records can surprise and Breakbot’s debut album By Your Side is all about slick, slow and soul filled tracks. It’s a truly special album for its simplicity and diversity. Some great lyrical work, and some of the best production to be heard makes for one brilliant album. ’Baby I’m yours’ is a particularly great track.
Those have been some of my favourite artists that have managed to avoid the limelight this year, all I can say is I sure hope we’re treated as well in 2013 to some really original artists.
