Electronic

Animal Collective: A Sonic Tapestry Woven from Psychedelic Threads

Animal Collective, hailing from Baltimore, Maryland, is an American experimental pop band renowned for their sonic exploration. The band's core members, Avey Tare (David Portner), Panda Bear (Noah Lennox), Geologist (Brian Weitz), and Deakin (Josh Dibb), have woven together a rich tapestry of sound, blending psychedelic textures, freak folk, noise, and electronica. Their signature style is characterized by the masterful use of loops, drones, sampling, vocal harmonies, and sound collages, creating a truly unique and immersive listening experience.

AllMusic's Fred Thomas aptly described Animal Collective as the "face of independent experimental rock" during the 2000s and 2010s, highlighting their influential impact on the scene. The band members, who met during their school years, embarked on a musical journey from a young age, collaborating on various projects. In 1999, they established their own record label, Paw Tracks, which launched their debut album, Spirit They're Gone, Spirit They've Vanished (2000), and featured work from other artists.

Their 2007 album Strawberry Jam marked a significant milestone, becoming their first to chart on the Billboard 200. However, it was their 2009 follow-up, Merriweather Post Pavilion, that truly catapulted them to commercial success, reaching number 13 on the US chart. This album, with its reverb-laden psychedelic pop, proved highly influential to independent music over the next decade, solidifying their position as sonic pioneers.

While the name "Animal Collective" is synonymous with all four members, their collaborative process has evolved over time. Early collaborations between Lennox and Portner eventually led to the official formation of the band when all four members joined forces for the album Ark (originally titled Here Comes the Indian) in 2003. Most of their earlier collaborations have since been retroactively categorized under the Animal Collective discography, showcasing the collective's rich and ever-evolving artistic journey.

Asking Alexandria, a hard rock band originally formed in Dubai, UAE, but now based in York, North Yorkshire, England, have had a dynamic and occasionally turbulent career. The band, initially spearheaded by Ben Bruce, solidified its lineup in 2008, featuring Bruce, Danny Worsnop (vocals), James Cassells (drums), Cameron Liddell (guitar), Joe Lancaster, and Ryan Binns.

Their debut album, Stand Up and Scream (2009), followed the departure of Lancaster and Binns and the addition of bassist Sam Bettley. Subsequent releases, Reckless & Relentless (2011) and From Death to Destiny (2013), established them in the scene. However, 2015 saw the departure of vocalist Worsnop, replaced by Denis Stoff for The Black (2016). Stoff's brief tenure ended that same year, leading to Worsnop's triumphant return.

The self-titled fifth album (2017) marked a significant stylistic shift. Like a House on Fire (2020) and See What's on the Inside (2021) showcased a more straightforward melodic hard rock sound, while also incorporating diverse genre influences. Their latest release, Where Do We Go from Here (2023), continues this evolution. The current lineup features Liddell, Cassells, Worsnop, and Bettley. Asking Alexandria’s journey demonstrates a band capable of reinventing itself while maintaining a core identity.

Glass Animals: From Oxford to Global Stardom

Glass Animals, the indie rock quartet hailing from Oxford, England, burst onto the scene in 2010. The band's lineup boasts Dave Bayley (vocals, guitar, keys, drums, songwriting), Drew MacFarlane (guitar, keys, backing vocals), Edmund Irwin-Singer (bass, keys, backing vocals), and Joe Seaward (drums).

Their debut album, "Zaba" (2014), propelled them into the spotlight with the platinum-selling single "Gooey." This success paved the way for their sophomore album, "How to Be a Human Being," which garnered critical acclaim and won them coveted awards: UK Album of the Year and Self Producing Artist of the Year at the 2018 MPG Awards. They also received a prestigious Mercury Prize nomination for this album.

Their third album, "Dreamland," reached number two on the UK Albums Chart and number seven on the US Billboard 200. This solidified their position as a major force in the music scene.

However, it was their hit single "Heat Waves" that catapulted them to global fame. The track went viral on TikTok, topping the charts in Australia and being crowned number one on the Triple J Hottest 100 of 2020. It has since surpassed two billion streams on Spotify and achieved the pinnacle of success, reaching number one on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number five on the UK Singles Chart.

The band's critical acclaim continued with two Brit Award nominations in 2022: Best British Alternative/Rock Act and "Heat Waves" for Best British Single. They also received their first Grammy nomination for Best New Artist at the 2022 Grammy Awards.

Early Days: 2010-2015

The four band members, all graduates of St Edward's School in Oxford, forged their musical bond during their formative years. This shared history serves as the foundation for their unique blend of indie rock, electronic, and psychedelic sounds.

Hello Nico is a Taiwanese indie rock band formed in 2013. The members are Zhan Yuting, Li Yong'en, Chen Xinbo, and Guan Huizhong. They were nominated for Best New Artist at the 27th Golden Melody Awards in 2016.

== Introduction == Lead vocalist Zhan Yuting was born on September 11, 1989. In 2009, he won first place in the 21st Golden Melody Awards' Duet category, second place in the Composition category, and first place in the Duet category. In 2010, he won first place in the Composition category and Best Composer Award at the National Chengchi University Golden Melody Awards. His song "Left-Handed" was selected for the StreetVoice Winter Selection in 2011.

Hello Nico made their debut at the Gongliao International Ocean Music Festival in 2013 and began performing at various live houses. They continued to accumulate works and performance experience. In the same year, they were selected for "2013 The Next Big Thing," a domestic landmark event for emerging bands. At the end of the year, they were selected as one of the "Top 10 New Bands" in Taiwan and were widely praised as one of the most promising new bands in the country. At the end of 2013, they signed with the independent music label "Black Market Music." In August 2014, they released their first five-song EP "Floating City." The EP's focus track, "Flower," became the number one song of the year on the StreetVoice chart with over 120,000 plays. The single "Our Misery Circus," a collaboration with renowned poet Xia Yu, was selected as one of the top ten best-selling singles of the year on the Taiwanese digital music sales platform "iNDIEVOX." With "Floating City," Hello Nico won two awards at the eighth Freshmusic Awards in Singapore: "Best EP of the Year" and "Top Ten Singles of the Year" ("Our Misery Circus").

In January 2015, Hello Nico released songs from their debut album "Familiar Desolation" on online platforms. Many singles topped the StreetVoice charts for multiple weeks. On February 16, they released the album exclusively on the digital sales platform iNDIEVOX and made all 11 songs available for early listening on StreetVoice.

The album "Familiar Desolation" became the top seller on iNDIEVOX for several weeks. Many of the album's songs topped the various radio charts, and the album's total plays on StreetVoice exceeded 900,000. In the StreetVoice annual song play chart statistics for 2015, Hello Nico occupied four of the top ten spots for the most played songs.

Sylvan Esso: A Synth-Pop Powerhouse

Sylvan Esso, hailing from Durham, North Carolina, is an American electronic pop duo who've carved a unique space in the indie music scene since forming in 2013. The band is comprised of the dynamic duo of Amelia Meath (born July 2, 1988), a captivating vocalist known for her ethereal, captivating voice, and Nick Sanborn (born March 8, 1983), a skilled producer and musician who crafts mesmerizing soundscapes with his electronic prowess.

Their journey began with the infectious single "Hey Mami," which set the stage for their self-titled debut album, released in May 2014 on Partisan Records. The album landed at a respectable No. 39 on the Billboard 200 chart, showcasing their rising popularity.

Sylvan Esso solidified their position in the music world with their second album, "What Now," released in April 2017 via Loma Vista Recordings. This critically acclaimed album earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance/Electronic Album, cementing their reputation for pushing the boundaries of electronic pop.

In August 2022, the duo released their fourth studio album, "No Rules Sandy," on their own label, Psychic Hotline. This album was met with widespread acclaim, proving their enduring ability to deliver innovative and engaging music.

A Tale of Two Musical Minds

The story of Sylvan Esso is a testament to the power of collaboration. Amelia Meath, previously a member of the folk trio Mountain Man, possessed the raw vocal talent that would become the band's signature. Nick Sanborn, a bassist in the indie band Megafaun, had a knack for crafting electronic music with a distinct sonic signature. Their paths crossed serendipitously in Milwaukee, at the Cactus Club, where Meath, performing solo under the name Made of Oak, asked Sanborn to reinterpret her song "Play It Right." This encounter sparked a creative fire, and over the course of 2012 and 2013, Sylvan Esso was born.

The Birthday Massacre: A Tale of Darkness and Light

Hailing from the heart of Canada, The Birthday Massacre (TBM) are a rock band that have carved a unique space for themselves in the world of music. Formed in 1999 in London, Ontario, they have since relocated to Toronto, their sonic vision evolving alongside their journey.

Originally known as "Imagica," a nod to Clive Barker's 1991 fantasy novel, the band's name was inspired by their own music. In 2002, they opted for "The Birthday Massacre," after one of their early songs, to avoid confusion with another band. The song itself was then renamed "Happy Birthday," reflecting the duality of their sound.

The band's music is a potent mix of darkness and light, with vocalist Sara "Chibi" Taylor's powerful vocals bringing life to their intricate compositions. Their current lineup features a tight-knit team: Michael Rainbow (rhythm guitar), Michael Falcore (lead guitar), Owen Mackinder (keyboards), Philip Elliott (drums), and Brett Carruthers (bass).

TBM's music is often characterized as a blend of gothic, synth-pop, and alternative rock, creating a distinct sound that has earned them a loyal following. Their journey from "Imagica" to "The Birthday Massacre" is a testament to their artistic evolution, and their continued commitment to crafting music that is both captivating and challenging.

Tomahawk: A Supergroup Built on Collaboration and Sonic Prowess

Tomahawk, the American rock supergroup, emerged from the fertile musical minds of Mike Patton (Faith No More, Mr. Bungle) and Duane Denison (The Jesus Lizard) in 1999. Their shared passion for pushing sonic boundaries led them to exchange music with the aim of creating something truly unique.

Denison, known for his searing guitar work, brought in drummer John Stanier (Helmet), a powerhouse behind the kit. Patton, the enigmatic vocalist and keyboardist, rounded out the lineup with bass player Kevin Rutmanis (Melvins/ex-Cows).

The group's debut album, recorded in Nashville during the spring of 2001, marked the beginning of their journey. The following years saw extensive touring and the release of two more critically acclaimed albums.

While the band went on an extended hiatus in 2007, their sonic legacy continued to resonate. In 2013, Tomahawk returned, with Trevor Dunn replacing Rutmanis on bass, ready to unleash their intense and experimental rock upon the world once more.

Early Days (1999-2000):

Patton, fresh off the breakup of Faith No More in 1998, had already established the Ipecac Recordings label and returned to the fold with Mr. Bungle. He also formed the experimental metal supergroup Fantômas with Buzz Osborne of the Melvins and Dave Lombardo of Slayer.

It was during a Mr. Bungle concert in Nashville that Patton met Denison. This meeting sparked a creative fire, resulting in a musical exchange and jamming sessions that would ultimately shape the sound of Tomahawk.