FEATURES

Missed Connections – 2014

Jake Craney
Latest posts by Jake Craney (see all)

As much music as I listen to throughout the year, there are always some that fall through the cracks. Missed Connections offers me the chance to shine a light on a few great albums released last year that flew past my radar and didn’t make my end-of-year lists.

 

Against Me! – Transgender Dysphoria Blues

Against MeThis one didn’t exactly slip past the radar – I was aware of its release and I remember giving it a spin and enjoying it. It wasn’t until I revisited the album late in December that I realized I had been missing one of the best albums of the year. Against Me! have delivered again. This album is one beaming fist-in-the-air rock album filtered through AM’s punk lens. This is the result of what must have been one gigantic catharsis for Laura Jane Grace, and it is brilliant. If you’re not ready for aggressive brashness and blunt, in your face lyrics, this might not be for you. For those searching for a truly meaningful album, Transgender Dysphoria Blues will undoubtedly provide hope to many people who really need it.

 

 

 

 

 
 
PVRIS – White Noise

PVRISImagine a potent mix of Paramore (when they had an edge to them) and Twenty One Pilots. That’s enough to sell me – and White Noise doesn’t disappoint. Their debut is a really enjoyable listen all the way through, highlighted by the 1-2 punch of “My House” and “Holy.” If they can get enough push behind them, this band could be huge.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Chet Faker – Built On Glass

Built-on-GlassHow did I miss this? I’ve been gravitating toward this sound for quite a while and was immediately hooked on his song “1998.” Spacey electronics with smooth vocals and really nice ebbs and flows, Built On Glass is a hell of a debut from the Australian artist. Don’t let this one slip past your radar too!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 
Prawn – Kingfisher

PrawnReally well done indie (hate describing something as ‘indie’ but it felt more appropriate than any other word). If you’re willing to step outside of the box musically and let this album sink in, you’ll get addicted to Prawn. Everything on Kingfisher comes together beautifully.