◆ Trending: Five of the most eagerly anticipated albums of the year ahead
With a new year under way, it’s time to draw a line under the ‘best of ’ lists of the past 12 months and start looking forward, so here are five potential chart-topping records to seek out in 2024. Bob Vylan, Humble as the Sun – An intriguing English duo who mix elements of a number of genres including grime, punk rock, hip hop and metal, Bob Vylan’s new album will be their first since winning the unlikely double of the MOBO for Best Alternative Music Act and Best Album at the Kerrang! Awards. It’s out on April 5. The Libertines, All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade – When The Libertines released their second album 20 years ago you would not have bet on them lasting another two weeks, never mind two decades. Pete and
Carl seem to be in fine fettle in 2024 though, with the likely lads preparing to release fourth studio album on March 8.
The Last Dinner Party, Prelude to Ecstasy – This five-piece London indie outfit are as close to a sure thing as you are likely to find in the music industry. Lauded for their theatrical live performances, they’ve already won a Brit Award (the
Rising Star prize) without releasing an album. That’ll be rectified when their debut comes out on February 2. Idles, TANGK – Post-punk rockers Idles have become one of the most highly acclaimed live bands on the planet in recent years and lead singles Dancer and Grace suggest that their fifth studio album, out on February 16, could be their best to date.
The Jesus and Mary Chain, Glasgow Eyes – Coinciding with the 40th anniversary of being formedforming in East Kilbride – and 39 years after debut album Psychocandy – the Jesus and Mary Chain release their eighth studio album on March 8. It’s the Reid brothers’ second record since reuniting at Coachella in 2007 with Scarlett Johansson on backing vocals.