15 for 2012

In no particular order, I give to you 15 confirmed album releases to get all excited about in 2012.

1. THE MACCABEES: Given to the Wild (9 January)

What better way to spend that £15 HMV gift card you got for Christmas from your gran than on this (probable) gem? If the first two singles are anything to go by, the third album from the most underrated band in indie is gonna be a beaut.



2. PULLED APART BY HORSES: Tough Love (23 January)

Will it be as brutal as their eponymous debut? Just listen to 'V.E.N.O.M.'



3. THE TWILIGHT SAD: No One Can Ever Know (6 February)

A hotly anticipated release this, particularly off the back of spectacular new single 'Sick' and the deliciously sinister 'Kill It In The Morning' (below).



4. BAND OF SKULLS: Sweet Sour (21 February 2012)

Looks like February's gonna be a hell of a month, huh?



5. THE CRIBS (Spring/Summer 2012)

Apparently, according to this interview conducted at 2011's Latitude Festival, the new record will sound like Queen. Could be interesting. Check them out at a few small scale dates in early March.



6. EUGENE MCGUINNESS: The Invitation to the Voyage (Autumn 2012)

Having already released a strong contender for indie dancefloor filler of the year in lead single 'Lion', expect 'The Invitation to the Voyage' to contain more of the same.



7. DRY THE RIVER: Shallow Bed (March 2012) (debut)

The hottest tip for 'biggest breakthrough of 2012', Dry the River will follow up stonking 2011 releases 'No Rest' and 'New Ceremony' with an album hopefully as heartbreakingly epic.



8. GENERAL FIASCO (Spring/Summer 2012)

The follow-up to 2010's stupendously addictive 'Buildings' is due for release this year. Expect big things.



9. LET'S BUY HAPPINESS (debut)

Look, if it doesn't happen in 2012, it probably never will, okay? Having released countless tremendous singles and EPs, it's about time Newcastle's Let's Buy Happiness got round to unleashing the long-promised debut LP on the world. It'll skyrocket them to superstardom. If there's any justice in the world.



10. FATHERSON (debut)

Manchester Orchestra meets Twin Atlantic meets The Xcerts. Or something. They're Scottish, they sound incredible. Nuff said.



11. METRIC: Realities (Spring 2012)

Frankly, with their track record, we're convinced that Metric can do absolutely no wrong. Hopefully, given the parallels, 'Realities' will pick up where 'Fantasies' left off and give us more deliciously dark indie-pop gems.



12. MUSE (Autumn 2012)

According to Matt Bellamy, Muse feel like they've drawn a line under 'a certain period for the band' and that their forthcoming sixth release, expected late this year, will herald the dawning of a new era. Quite what that will entail is anyone's guess but hopefully, it'll be as spine-tinglingly out of this world as everything else they've ever recorded.



13. MUMFORD & SONS (Summer/Autumn 2012)

Well, given that they've now just about taken over the entire Western world, Mumford & Sons will be looking to consolidate their position upon release of their sophomore record later this year. If the new songs they've debuted live thus far are any gauge, there's no reason why they can't headline festivals within a year or so.



14. BLOC PARTY

Yes, it's now official folks... Kele has finally got all of that awful gymtastic dancefloor house pap out of his system and he's back recording with three of the most talented musicians this country has to offer. Expect a new record at some point in 2012 and hopefully, it'll sound more 'So Here We Are' than 'One More Chance'.



15. SILVERSUN PICKUPS: 3 (Spring 2012)

This will be incredible. Trust me.



Oh, it might not be a bad shout to expect something new from Biffy Clyro, Frightened Rabbit, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Gaslight Anthem either. Good year? Are they ever anything but?