The end of 2020 is coming to an end, what a year it’s been, it’s been a strange and tough year for us all. The music industry has been hit hard this year with gigs being unable to go ahead and no date of when we will be able to watch live music again. Artists and bands have had to get creative this year on how to keep the connection between them and the fans, some did acoustic live videos whilst others found ways to create new music. I’m sure I speak for all the artists, bands and fans when I say I can’t wait for the live music to return.
I’ve not been to many gigs this year, but I have still found and interviewed so many incredible bands, as well as finding new ones I’ve been spoilt with new music and news from bands I’ve known about. The music has kept me going through this strange year and I’m sure it’s done the same for a lot of people. I would like to take the chance to thank every single band that has contacted the blog this year also to the bands I have interviewed as well as reviewing singles, EP’s and albums. A special mention to the incredible bands that have messaged me throughout the year to see how I am etc and who have even sent me music and merchandise in the post, you are all incredible people and it’s all very much appreciated.
I’ve decided to pick my top 20 bands of 2020 this year, as it’s been a strange year, I thought why not change the rules. I thought this may make it a little easier for me to pick this year but I was wrong, after hours of making list and trying to cut the lists down I finally had my top 20 bands of 2020, so here they are.
Kioko
Kioko appeared in last year’s list after I discovered the band after seeing them support at a gig. They make every gig fun to watch and they get the crowd dancing along, from their energy on stage to their song writing there is nothing I can fault about this band. I’ve not had the chance to see this band live this year, but they have released some great singles such as ‘Sing Like I’, ‘Lonely Lockdown’ and ‘Queen of the Dancefloor’, full of relatable lyrics with that reggae/ska feel and guaranteed to get you up out of your seat and dancing around the house too.
Leogang
A band I found out about this year, their music is fun and exciting, each track has been recorded well and shows some great instrumental talent from all the band members as well as some fantastic vocals. It usually takes me a few listens to a band’s music when I first discovered them to fully get into it, however, this was not the case when I pressed play on this band’s music. The band’s high energy and memorable songs instantly grabbed your attention, their unique sound packs a punch and draws you in. I really enjoyed listening to their music this year and I’m looking forward to seeing what 2021 brings for this talented band.
Those Howlin’ Sounds
A talented four-piece band from Nottingham who I discovered last year, you need the volume turned up to the max to really enjoy listening to their music. I’m looking forwards to seeing what this band have planned for 2020, hopefully it will involve a lot more gigs and maybe a new song or two. The band’s music is full of great instrumental as well as some fantastic vocals. Their lyrics provided a catchy chorus which will get you singing along with in seconds.
BINES
A band that are bringing back great guitar music and the Brit pop sound with a modern twist. A band I am a big fan of for a while now. The band released ‘Endless’ this year which has become one of my favourite tracks from this year, every time I hear a track by this talented band, I didn’t think the band could get any better, but every time I am proved wrong! They mean business and are a band you need to listen to for yourself to fully appreciate their talent and skills they have in creating instant memorable tracks.
Cucamaras
A band I found out about last year and instantly loved, their music is fun and exciting, each track has been recorded well and shows some great instrumental talent from all the band members as well as some fantastic vocals. A refreshing sound, these are a band to keep an eye out for and one I can only see good things happening if they keep making great tracks. They never fail to impress me when they release new music and somehow manage to sound even better with every single they release. There is nothing I don’t love about this band from their sound to the energy they put into their gigs.
Bad Love
A new one to the list, fusing together the synth-pop sounds with personal lyrics each track created by this band tells a story about how finding new love and leaving your past behind is not easy. You know when you hear a song, just the once and it gets stuck in your head all day? Well, this what happened when I hear a new track from Bad Love, sometimes this is the most annoying thing to happen but that is not the case with the band’s music. A great band and I can’t wait to see what they have planned for 2021.
The Trusted
Another great band, they have had me hooked with every track they have created so far, each track leaves me wanting to hear more from this band. They have a lot of talent and are a great bunch of lads and hopefully I will get the chance to see them play live in 2020, each track is well produced, catchy and full of some brilliant riffs. A band to keep an eye on and one you will instantly love.
Big Wednesday
A band I discovered at the beginning of this strange year, I loved everything I was hearing from this band. The combination of strings, drums, vocals and the feel-good sound with the bands own unique sound makes their music something you will not forget about any time soon and will have stuck in your head. They have proven they have well and truly got the knack for song writing and creating feel-good tracks packed full of talent and some amazing vocals. A fun, exciting band I can’t wait to hear more music from this talented band.
The Chase
I’ve known about this band for a while now, A great bunch of lads with a lot of talent, hopefully 2021 will bring more great music from this band. They are great live, seeing them live is a treat they have a lot of energy with is infectious, they are a fun and talented band to watch.
Blindside
If you’re looking for a band with strong vocals, layered guitar riffs and brilliant instrumentals which will have you hooked within seconds look no further. Blindside will have you up on your feet dancing around as if you are at one of the bands gigs which their music. They are a fun and exciting young band and one to keep an eye out for in 2021.
Matter of Minds
I’m not usually a fan of the sort of music this band make but you can’t help but love the music these guys make. A refreshing sound from a young band who are not afraid to sound different, these are a band to keep an eye out for and one I can only see good things happening if they keep making great tracks. Hopefully this band will be releasing more music in 2021, a band to watch out for!
Kendos
The band’s high energy instantly grabs your attention, their unique sound packs a punch and draws you in. The sound takes you back in time to the 60’s or 80’s which I wouldn’t complain about, at the same time as well as creating a single with a classic sound from the past they have managed to combine their own unique sound into this track which gives it the extra kick to really stand out. I discovered this talented band this year and instantly loved their sound and all of their tracks, they are worth checking out.
The Motive
The Motive caught my attention instantly and quickly became one of my favourite bands of 2020, the bands upbeat indie-rock tracks will definitely make a great edition to your playlist, it’s upbeat sound and catchy lyrics is guaranteed to get you up onto your feet and give you the feeling of being at one of the bands gigs. They are worth checking out and I’m looking forward to seeing what 2021 brings for this band.
The Baltics
Another great band I discovered this year, I have loved the bands previous singles they have released, I was hooked within seconds of hearing their music. The riff that instantly grabs your attention as soon as the vocals kick in you cannot help but listen to every word Shay sing’s perfectly and relate to the lyrics. The band have managed to pack a lot into their tracks, but it all works so well together and they have created something that you can’t help but love.
Dalmas
Another new one to add to the list, The bands music is packed full of energy, brilliant vocals and everything you would want to hear from an instant memorable track, a guarantee from any track the band create. The band have managed to create their own unique sound as well as combining a classic rock sound any rock music lover would want to hear. The lyrics capture your attention, I feel a lot of listeners can relate to them.
War Stripes
I have loved this band for a few years now, they have proved they have a talent for song writing and performing live, with singles such as ‘Glad Rags’ under their belts they have proven they can create memorable tracks which are packed full of talented and are a joy to hear. Hopefully, next year they will be releasing some more great tracks in 2021.
Temple Days
Temple Days have taken both differences and similarities of their individual music tastes and combined them with a varied list of influences to create their sound. Their music is full of strong voice with the brilliant instrumentals makes you feel like you are in a small music venue and the duo are playing to just you. The duo has managed to write the kind of songs you find yourself singing along to on first hearing, the hooks are strong and grip even when you think you have escaped them.
The Rivers
A band that means business, their music will leave you wanting to hear more and wishing you were at one of the bands gigs. The band manage to create tracks that are special in their own way and will have you hooked, they show how the group can move at a different pace and have created their own unique sound which is instantly recognisable. They are a band to keep an eye out for in 2021.
GETRZ
If you’re looking for a band that create big resounding rock anthems look no further! This band create tracks full of energy and each one packs a punch, the lyrics will have you singing along and at the very least tapping along to the band’s brilliant tracks. I remember the first time I heard a track from this band it grabbed my attention and I thought “Wow! I think I’ve found a new band to add to my list”. There is something about the band’s sound that I love and you will love them instantly.
Mauritia
A band who’s upbeat indie pop sound instantly grab your attention, their memorable tracks would be the perfect festival anthems. The anthemic guitars and soaring hooks, to intricate rhythms and haunting synths, MAURITIA continue to shout above the noise and are worth checking out.
By Siân Parker
That Blogger Music 
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