As 2011 comes to a close we take a look back at the bands that made a name for themselves.
With debut albums at the ready and their musical careers in front of them, we highlight five breakout bands that we think deserve your attention. Take a look and listen at see what you think.
The Vaccines
The Vaccines formed in West London last year, and released their debut album What did you expect from the Vaccines? in March of this year through Columbia records. Their album reached number 4 in the UK charts and they are one of the biggest selling new bands of 2011.
They toured throughout, selling out two debut shows in NY, playing huge festivals including Reading and Leeds and SXSW in the US, and have opened for popular bands including The Walkmen, Arcade Fire, and Arctic Monkeys.
They had their debut US television performance on David Letterman with their song If You Wanna.
The Vaccines are a hardworking band who totally rock. Their crazy year of touring was only paused when lead singer Justin Young suffered from vocal problems that needed to be operated on. After Justin took time to heal properly, the band released a new song Tiger Blood, and added tour dates from this month to next February.
The Vaccines are one of my favorite bands to see live. I had the honor of seeing them at one of their debut New York shows, SXSW, and opening for Arctic Monkeys. I love their debut album and new song, and I can’t wait to hear more from them.
The Vaccines – Norgaard
The Vaccines – If You Wanna
Viva Brother
Viva Brother are truly a band that define the phrase “can’t stop, won’t stop”. Hailing from Slough, the boys released their debut Famous First Words in August of this year.
Previously known as Brother, the band first got attention with their epic single Darling Buds of May. They basically have not stopped touring this entire year, playing debut shows in NY and major festivals in Europe as well as SXSW in the US. Despite releasing their debut album a mere 3 months ago, they have already completed four headlining tours (two West Coast, two East Coast) of the US, and had their US television debut on Late Show with David Letterman.
This year, Viva Brother have also opened for legendary bands and musicians including The Streets and Morrissey. Currently, they are touring Europe opening for another one of my favorite bands, The Wombats.
Viva Brother are talented, hardworking, incredibly nice musicians that make Britpop music that absolutely rocks on stage and on record, and I expect big things for their next album.
Viva Brother – Time Machine
Viva Brother – Darling Buds Of May
Two Door Cinema Club
Although their debut album, Tourist History was released in 2010, Northern Irish band Two Door Cinema Club had an extraordinary 2011. All this year, their music was featured on ads, video games, and films.
In January, Two Door Cinema Club had their US television debut on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and the band won over many fans while playing opening slots for bands including: Delphic, Foals, Phoenix and Metronomy.
They played huge festivals throughout 2011 including Glastonbury, Coachella, Isle of Wight Festival, Reading and Leeds and Lollapalooza. Following festival season, Two Door Cinema came back to America for a successful tour and they are currently writing their new record, which I personally cannot wait for.
Two Door Cinema Club – What You Know
Two Door Cinema Club – I Can Talk
Yuck
Lo-fi dream band known as Yuck have been a major hit this year since releasing their self-titled debut album through Fat Possum on February 21st. With songs like Get Away and The Wall, Yuck proved themselves as an influential new band of 2011.
This year lead to major tours for the band: they had a US tour with Tame Impala before embarking on their own US headlining tour. This year also led Yuck to play major festivals including Wireless, Reading, Pitchfork and SXSW in the US.
With their electric live performances and effortless renewed vintage sound, Yuck was an undeniable band for new music fans this year. Yuck just re-released their debut record with new tracks for new and old fans to enjoy. I had the pleasure of seeing them live this year which was incredible. Their sound is perfect for vinyl (which is why I bought mine) so if you own a record player I highly recommend you do the same!
Yuck – Get Away
Yuck – The Wall
Little Comets
Little Comets are one of my absolute favorite bands I have found this year, and I am not the only one. Little Comets released their debut album in January called In Search of Elusive Little Comets and the band are most known for their amazing songs One Night In October, Isles, Joanna, and the epic music videos they released with them.
The album is absolutely flawless. They have such an incredibly powerful and unique sound, which absolutely translates live. The band is not shy to touring this year either, with headlining gigs and playing major festivals including Split Festival, Reading, Leeds, Leefest, Summer Sundae, Ignition, and SXSW in the US (just to name a few).
Little Comets are releasing a new EP entitled Worry January of next year in the US, and I cannot wait to hear it! Check out the new track below.
Little Comets – One Night In October
Little Comets – Joanna
