andconham's Diary

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 It Up - Welcome To Reality

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 collaboration with In Flames. Favourite Tracks: - Watercolour - The Island pt1 - The Vulture - Witchcraft - Self vs Self

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 enough. Favourite Tracks: - Dirty Creature - Hello Sandy Allen - Six Months In A Leaky Boat

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 some of these tracks out live with the full band! Favourite Tracks: - Through The Loop - Tarantula - Hold Your Colour - The Terminal - Blood Sugar

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 future releases. Favourite Tracks: - London & Leaving - Long Distance Lovers - Brighton

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. Favourite Tracks: - The Comedown - Confidence - Knees - Overgrown

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 myself returning to it. Favourite Tracks: - i hate this tune - torn jeans - shut up

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: - Painkiller - All Guns Blazing - Between the Hammer and the Anvil - A Touch of Evil

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 be a little flavourless personally. But I do still live those chill tracks. Favourite Tracks: - Lemonworld - Hold On - Feel - Holiday - Sleep On It - Partner In Crime

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 Of Fire

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 like Around The Fur. Favourite Tracks: - The Spell Of Mathematics - The Link Is Dead - Radiant City - Ohms

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (23/30) A little over-stuffed, but this genre-bending albums has enough bops and character to carry it through. I feel the potential is there with Obongjayar, that has yet to be fully realized. Favourite Tracks: - Jellyfish - Sweet Danger - Just Cool

I feel Bryan is depriving himself of classic album status by making these so long. There's great songs and songwriting all through this, and I appreciate it may be hard to 'trim the fat' when every song seems to be a heartfelt recital of his thoughts, but I can't help but feel the album would have more impact if it was shaved down a bit. Favourite Tracks: - Runny Eggs - DeAnn's Denim - South and Pine - Plastic Cigarette - Miles - All Good Thigs Past

A fun, nostalgia trip of a pop punk album. It's quite short, but the songs are snappy and catchy enough that your left wanting more, even though no too much stands out. Favourite Tracks: - All My Friends Are So Depressed - I Used To Go To This Bar - Grey Guitar

A decent metalcore offering here, owing itself more to the 2000s brand of metalcore with similarities to Parkway Drive and Underoath. Will be a band to look out for, hopefully they can carve out a bit more of a signature sound on their next full length album. Favourite Tracks: - A Pure Expression - Bliss In 7 Languages - Future worth Dying For

This album rips so hard. Abrasive hardcore, punk, and hip hop combine to make a one of a kind listen. I can't wait to see what these guys do next. Favourite Tracks: - Gold Chain Punk - Coming Correct Is Cheaper - Jump!! - John J - GODBLESSYALLREALGOOD - Spiritual Level Of Gang Shit

I wore this album out in my teens, so may be nostalgia talking here, but this album is great. A bit of a mess of styles but instrumentally it's great, and and the songwriting is mostly pretty good. Some of the lyrics might be a bit tacky, but that's part of the charm. Favourite Tracks: - Critical Acclaim - Almost Easy - Afterlife - Gunslinger - Little Peice Of Heaven

A pop punk classic. I think it has aged fairly well, maybe not as well as some of its contemporaries but still it sounds pretty good. The songwriting doesn't deviate from standard pop punk of the time, but has some fun riffs, catchy hooks and decent breakdowns. Favourite Tracks: - Niki FM - The Transition - Silver Bullet - Ohio Is For Lovers

Not my favourite from the boys. Starts off quite strong, but gets a little forgetful down the stretch. There is still plenty to like though, with Straits blending Rock n roll, Country, and blues super well. Favourite Tracks: - Tunnel Of Love - Romeo and Juliet - Sketaway - Expresso Love

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (22/30) Another good album from The Streets here. Didn't grip as much as the debut album, but this thing is still loaded with character, good storytelling, and interesting beats. Favourite Tracks: - Blinded By The Lights - Wouldn't Have It Any Other Way - Fit But You Know It - Dry Your Eyes - Empty Cans

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (21/30) Didn't vibe with this album as much as their previous output, unfortunately. There's still some poppy, bubbly fun to be had here, but nothing really sticks or demands a second listen for me.

Dire Straits killed it with this one. Front loaded with poppier tunes and getting more progressive as the album goes on, and concluding with one of my favourite songs from their catalogue. Favourite Tracks: - So Far Away - Money For Nothing - Walk Of Life - Your Latest Trick - Why Worry - Brothers In Arms

Some nice smooth tunes here, with a good country twang to them. Knopflers tasty licks and nice vocals stand out, and the way he says Heavy Fuel tickles my brain. A couple of songs towards the end I'm not a fan of but most are worth listening to. Favorite Tracks: - Calling Elvis - On Every Street - When It Comes To You * - The Bug - You And Your Friend - Iron Hand - Planet Of New Orleans

An excellent debut here, that has since gone down as a classic. The licks, songwriting, and story telling are all on point here and it's groovy as hell. Favourite Tracks: - Down to the Waterline - Six Blade Knife - Sultans of Swing - Wild West End

A timeless dream pop classic. Melancholy and vibey throughout, the album maintains a consistent quality, that sounds right at home in the 2020s. Also features one of the best songs of all time. Favourite Tracks: - Fade Into You - Five String Serenade - Unreflected - Wasted

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (20/30) Feels a little flavourless compared to his later releases. Feels like pretty standard garage here, nice to listen to and sets a vibe, but nothing stands out all that much. Seems more made for mixing than dedicated listening. Favourite Tracks: - Spice Up My Life - Basic - Elephant

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (19/30) I had heard Kesha's newer music was better than her older stuff, but never really gave it a listen. But yeah, this is pretty good. Less party-pop and more subdued and introspective. I love the production on this album, and keshas vocals and songwriting shine here. Favourite Tracks: - Eat The Acid - The Drama - Hate Me Harder - Happy

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (18/30) What a voice. I'll be honest I thought it was a woman at first, but a bloke hitting these falsetto's is nuts. I have to catch this guy live. A great soul record here that throws back to the soul singers of old. The song writing here isn't revolutionary but with the sheer talent in the performance department it gets by. Favourite Tracks: - Come Around And Love Me - If You Don't Want My Live - Lost - Just Like You Used To - It Takes A Fool

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (17/30) This was quite a bit better than I expected. I had only heard of few tracks from these guys, and while decent I never bothered to look much further. This is full of character, the beats are great, it's lyrically interesting. Great stuff. Favourite Tracks: - Has It Come To This? - Same Old Thing - Don't Mug Yourself - Stay Positive

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (16/30) A surprising album from Sudan Archives, putting out a collection of hybrid R&B, house, hyper pop, EDM tracks that works quite well. Doesn't always flow super well, but that lends a kind of chaotic element to it that I think adds to the experience. Hoping her performance plays like this album does! Favourite Tracks: - YEA YEA YEA - THE NATURE OF POWER - MY TYPE - MS PAC MAN - NOIRE

A bit of a mash of styles and ideas that works for the most part. Honestly the last 8 years have passed so quick I didn't realise he'd been gone so long, but listening to this makes it clear he hasn't lost a step. Here's hoping this isn't a one-off and he keeps putting out new music. Favourite Tracks: - Stole Ya Flow - Stay Here 4 Life - No Trespassing - Punk Rocky - Whisky

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (15/30) It's not their best album, they would go on to release better stuff. But it's still decent, with a few bops on here. Much of it just falls a bit flat though, with the combination of DnB and rock feeling a bit sanitized and sterile. Still, though good songs go pretty hard, and I'm sure will rip live. Favourite Tracks: - Propane Nightmares - Visions - Granite

Band I caught recommended on Insta so decided to give them a spin. Then listened to this album 4 times in a row. This is a great, grungy, chaotic alternative punk record. Will definitely seek out more from these guys. Favourite Tracks: - Puerto de Limosina - Horseshit On Route 66 - What Else Could I Be But A Jester - Squished Face Slick Pig Living In A Smokey City

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (14/30) Seen these guys play a few times now, and they always put on a good show. They stick to their guns here, and don't venture too far from their usual sound. Unfortunately it makes for a slightly unremarkable listen, as I feel like I've heard this all before. There are a few decent tracks on here though, and I'm sure hearing them live will help me appreciate them more. Favourite Tracks: - Tangerine - Left of the Dealer - Drenched

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (13/30) I appreciate Jaxx not strictly sticking to their formula here, but this album didn't grip me as much as their previous effort. There is glimpses of great stuff scattered, but something is missing for me personally. Favourite Tracks: - Right Here's The Spot - Cish Cash - Hot 'n Cold

Saw these guys open for Viagra Boys last week and thought they were pretty good, so gave them a go. Some of the tracks struggled to stand out a bit here, but generally this is pretty decent. A pretty standard punk/post-punk effort with the occasional glimpse of further potential. Will be keeping an eye out for future releases. Favourite Tracks: - Smart Enough - Been A While - Mud

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (12/30) A vibey indie disco album here. It pretty, cruisy, and pleasant to listen too. Some tracks are a bit unseasoned and struggle to stand out but as a whole I enjoyed this. Favourite Tracks: - Missing You - The Colour of the Sound

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (11/30) Had previously only heard Obongjayar's features with Little Simz and Fred Again. This EP is kinda as expected, a brief teaser into his unique style. Not too much stood out here, but the grooves are nice, and I enjoy his unique vocals. Favourite Tracks: - Dreaming In Transit - 10K

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (10/30) Pretty good new wave album here. Not entirely my flavour but there is some good tunes scattered through here, and there is a nice eccentric sound throughout. Favourite Tracks: - Shark Attack - I Got You - Nobody Takes Me Seriously - Poor Boy

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (9/30) Pendulum shows that they still have the juice, 15 years on from their previous album. Mixing stadium DnB with metal in a way that gets the blood pumping, and I imagine will sound incredible in a live atmosphere. There's some great features here as well that keep the energy up. Favourite Tracks: - Come Alive - Save The Cat - Cannibal - Halo - Silent Spinner

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (8/30) Not as high on this one as I was with their following album. At times feels a little derivative of other artists of the era, and lacks the character of their second album. Still there is some bops on here for sure, and you could do worse as far as dance albums go. Favourite Tracks: - Rendez-Vu - Jump 'N Shout - Red Alert - Bingo Bango

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (7/30) Pretty good UK Garage album here, with plenty of grime features helping to create a few bangers throughout. There's also some more vibey tracks on here that go down pretty well. Maybe lacks some real stand out moments but pretty solid all around. Favourite Tracks: - One For The Books - Cops & Robbers - 925 - Dis Badman - Match My Mood - Roads Roulette

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (6/30) A unique blend of genres results in a R&B album with a distinct sound that works very well and stands out from her contemporaries. Will definitely seek out more from Sudan Archives going forward! Favourite Tracks: - Confessions - Iceland Moss - Coming Up - Limitless

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (5/30) Another soft dream pop release from Fazerdaze here, with this one going into even dreamier territory. This is a great follow up to her debut with a nostalgiac sound that maintains a solid vibe throughout it brief runtime. Favourite Tracks: - So Easy - Dancing Years - In Blue - Distorted Dreams - Cherry Pie

30 Albums Before Electric Avenue 2026 - Reviewing the albums of artists on the line up. (4/30) The second EP by these guys is another brief one, containing a handful of groovy tunes. Great retro inspired house here, with great production and sound design. Definitely a vibe I can get into, will definitely I'm to check these guys out at EA 2026.