andconham's Diary

Hard album to rate. It's very short and doesn't break any new ground. But it's a fun little slice-of-life offering of pop punk that makes me feel good inside, and that's all that really matters, right? Favourite Tracks: - NBTSA - You're Not Famous Anymore - Gotta Let It Go - Did You Ever Know?

I feel this is probably an album that works better in the context of the early 2000s. For me, in 2026 there isn't much for me outside of the singles that I already know. Nothing necessarily bad, just uninteresting and forgetful. Favourite Tracks: - Nice To Know You - Wish You Were Here - Warning -…

A great genre clash here combining country, bluegrass, rock, and Rick Ruben's signature production for a more adventurous take on southern music. A lot of it is tounge-in-cheek but there's sincerity here too, and Childers continues to pull out in front of his contemporaries. Favourite Tracks: - One…

For me, this is an improvement over the original release. A much more intimate and relaxed Bryan improves on almost every song from the original, with a tighter focus on his songwriting and storytelling. Favourite Tracks: - Runny Eggs - Santa Fe - Slicked Back - Plastic Cigarette

Harry pulls inspiration from an exciting combination of genres and scenes and at times it is fun, but a lot of it falls pretty flat for me. He really only touches the surfaces of these influences, as this album really calls for stronger, punchier production. As it is, we have a pleasant enough liste…

Some pretty good posse cuts here from denzel and the gang. A short run of bangers that mostly leaves me wanting more. There's a good list of features here from some familiar faces, and others I had never heard before. I do wish there was some more back and forth between artists though. I also found…

My first dip into Charli's discography here. Not sure how it fits within the context of the film, or how it compares to her official releases. Alone it is decent though, with good vocals, catchy songs, and great production with quality sound design. There's some good peaks here, but not every song m…

I've listened and watched this set so many times now, and I still stop and watch every time. The stripped back, acoustic sound produces such a haunting sound that combines with the general context of the performance (being one of Layne's last) and makes for a one of a kind listen. Essential listen f…

Proto-modern metalcore here, these guys come through with a sound that must've been an influence for many modern metalcore bands today. The glitchy riffs are great, and the breakdowns kick ass. The lyrics are a bit too edgy for my taste, but the delivery is great. Favourite Tracks: - Hypocrisy - D…

A great hardcore/thrash crossover album, that kicks ass for it's brief runtime. The vocals are a little odd, which might throw some off but I enjoyed it. Will definitely be coming back to this one. Favourite Tracks: - World Peace - Malfunction - Seekers of the Truth - Life of My Own

Classic hardcore here. By today's standards it is a bit by-the-numbers, but the simplicity isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's a short barrage of great, straightforward punk tunes, and sometimes that's all you need. Favourite Tracks: - Wrecking Crew - LA Girl - Kids of the Black Hole - Amoeba - Rip…

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (30/30) Pendulums strongest album for me. Combining the best bits of their first two albums, and creating some great dance floor DnB. The vocals are still a bit flat but it's not a deal breaker. Also love the c…

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (29/30) A solid New Wave, Alternative album here from Split Enz. They have a unique sound for sure, which is probably why they're still looked back on fondly today. It's not entirely my flavour, but enjoyable e…

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (28/30) Another solid DnB offering from Pendulum here, with plenty of highlights throughout its slightly overlong run time. Most tracks are worth a listen and the peaks are great. Can't wait to hear them pump s…

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (27/30) Some good melancholy indie tunes in here. The instrumentals are breezy and the vocals are soft and at times haunting, similar to Julia Jacklin. Rock solid debut here and I'll definitely be checking out…

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (26/30) A good collection of psych surf rock. Great chill vibes on some of these tracks, with sweet licks and tasty basslines throughout. I do think the album fizzles a little towards the end unfortunately. Fa…

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (25/30) It's pleasant, but a bit flavourless and forgettable. There's a nice optimistic sound to it (outside of the lyrics) and I'm sure it will sound decent live, but it's all a bit bland and I can't see mysel…

Another fun, short collection of pop punk tunes that evoke a nostalgiac feeling even though I never really listened to these guys at the time. No super high peaks, but it's a pretty consistent little sprint. Favourite Tracks: - Christmas Card - Victoria - Schley - The Jerk - Catalina Fight Song

This album kicks ass. A solid collection of infectious thrash metal tunes that get the blood flowing. The riffs and solos here are killer, and although the lyrics feel a bit dated at points, the delivery is killer. Features on of the best opening tracks of all time too. Favourite Tracks: - Painkill…

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (24/30) A bit of a nostalgiac one here, as a few if these songs got heavy rotation from me in my early twenties. This album excels when it slows down, and plays it mellow. I fond some of the peppier tracks to b…

This was a nice easy listen. I like the understated, somber sound and it all flows together nicely. A good start for my dive into Springsteens catalogue. Favorite Tracks: - Nebraska - Mansion on the Hill - Highway Patrolman - State Trooper* - Used Cars

A bit edgier than some of his other releases, this album maintains a pretty good blues rock vibe throughout. The vocals do sound a little goofy at times but the story telling and songwriting is all on point. Favourite Tracks: - Adam Raised A Cain - Racing In The Street - The Promised Land - Streets…

An interesting album for sure. I enjoy the melancholy tone and the storytelling in a few of these songs. I'm just not sure it's anything I will ever come back to. Favourite Tracks: - The Turning of our Bones - Compersion Pt 1 - Here Comes Comus! - Fable if the Urban Fox

This is good stuff. A breezy, warm, smooth neo soul album with solid production and great vocals. The songwriting here is great, with nice little earworms throughout the brief runtime. Favourite Tracks: - Nice To Each Other - Close Up - So Easy - Man I Need - A Couple Minutes

Somewhat of a return to form, though they never dipped too far in the first place. Deftones provide another tight set of rock solid tunes, that are more of a refinement of their sound, rather than anything groundbreaking. More instantly enjoyable than Gore, but not quite at the level of something li…