7 Bands to look out for in 2019

1. Holding Absence

Before even having their first full-length album out, Holding Absence have already proven themselves to be brilliant songwriters in every aspect. Their music combines post-hardcore elements with dark ambient soundscapes, while the phenomenal vocals of frontman Lucas Woodland soar over. The five-piece band from Cardiff, Wales are releasing their self-titled debut record on March 8. With the few songs they’ve released so far offering almost spiritual experiences for the ears, this will be an album that none of us will want to miss. Watch their video for “Penance” and you will be instantly convinced.

2. Youth Fountain

The Canadian pop punk/emo duo (formerly known as Bedroom Talk) really know how to make a nostalgic 2000s alternative sound while adding their own raw, aggressive flair to it at the same time. Youth Fountain’s high-pitched yet raspy vocals elicit gripping feelings of desperation that give them a distinctively memorable charm. They are also releasing their debut album, “Letters to Our Former Selves,” on March 8. If you like upbeat music with hints of hardcore influence, you’re going to want to check this one out.

3. Dream State

When the UK five-piece band Dream State released their first EP “Consequences” in 2015, they were merely presenting audiences with a small yet alluring taste of what they were capable of. However, with their second EP “Recovery,” they demonstrated their exceptional ability to write choruses that quickly get stuck in your head, with instruments that complement each other in such a finely constructed way that they create a raging monumental energy. They combine alternative rock with post-hardcore, with vocalist CJ Gilpin delivering massive belts that dramatically transform into harrowing screams.

4. Stepson

The melodic hardcore group from Brisbane, Australia have put out some truly heart-wrenching songs that can be hard to listen to for anyone who strongly feels empathy. The vocals of Brock Alan Conry can stimulate a broad range of emotions, radiating severe anguish with his screams and frail weakness with his jaded cleans. While they have yet to announce a release date for their debut album coming out this year, it is safe to say we should mentally prepare ourselves for whatever tear-jerkers Stepson will be putting out next.

5. Eat Your Heart Out

Another great new Australian band, the alternative rock Eat Your Heart Out from Newcastle have really started to make a name for themselves in the scene over the past year. Before having a full-length album out, they have already toured with several prestigious pop punk bands such as Simple Plan and Real Friends. Now signed to Fearless Records with a couple solid EPs out, their future is looking pretty promising. With their grungy guitar tones, vivacious energy and melodious vocals that pull you in, they’re likely to be one of the next big things in pop punk.

6. Ambleside

Australia sure does have a lot of talented up-and-coming bands who all know how to depict raw emotion in their own unique ways. The five-piece group from Adelaide implements the vulnerable passion of melodic hardcore with the hostile aggression of punk to produce an authentic sound and zest. They have dropped hints of releasing a debut album this year, so if you like what you hear, you might want to stay in their loop for updates.

7. Wither Away

After their debut release of “The Words We Live By, The Actions We Don’t Take” in 2017, Wither Away instantly showed how they can combine alternative rock with melodic hardcore to form their own astounding style with lush soundscapes. Their blend of heavenly cleans and heart-rending screams enhances the aura of the rich yet soothing guitar tones, cleverly producing a sound that hits hard yet can be calming at the same time. Their lyrics touch on a number of themes such as addiction, depression, anxiety, religion and divorce. This will be a big year for them, so stay in touch!