We're halfway through 2015, but which albums have already made it on our end of year list?
Alabama Shakes// Sound & Colour
On their 2012 debut Boys & Girls Deep South quartet Alabama Shakes marked themselves out as blues-soul revivalists. It's follow up builds on those influences with colossal riffs and psychedelic soundscapes, whilst still maintaining frontwoman Brittany Howard's trademark pipes.
Courtney Barnett// Sometimes I Sit And Think Sometimes I Just Think
The Australian slacker's long awaited and highly anticipated debut album didn't disappoint. Plugged in, the stream of conciousness lyrics of the likes of Pedestrian At Best and Dead Fox sound even more thrilling, channelling grunge and garage rock.
Father John Misty// I Love You, Honeybear
On his second album the former Fleet Fox writes the ultimate folk rom-com, his ingenious lyrics coming on like a more loved-up Morrissey "I just love the kind of woman who can walk over a man/I mean like a god damn marching band." If you're not a fan of schmaltzy ballads look away now.
Hot Chip// Why Make Sense?
You wouldn't normally associate five geeks with making dancefloor fillers, yet on their sixth album Why Make Sense? London quintet Hot Chip continue to defy convention with their brand of house and funk in-debt electro-pop.
Jessica Pratt// On Your Own Love Again
Recorded over 2 years at home in LA and San Francisco, there's a certain nostalgic charm to the 27 year old's brand of ethereal folk that's reminiscent of Nick Drake and Joni Mitchell, tape hiss included.
Jim O'Rourke// Simple Songs
Simple Songs is Jim O'Rourke's first pop album since 2001 and he certainly milks it. A melting pot of classic pop elements and more hooks than a butcher's kitchen, all backed by the Chicago producer's trademark dark humour and wit.
Sufjan Stevens// Carrie & Lowell
Don't be fooled by opening track Death With Dignity's gently picked guitar, the follow up to the Detroit singer-songwriter's sixth album, 2010's Age Of Adz is his darkest yet. Without it's predecessor's fanfare it's both a haunting and melancholic listen, punctuated by raw emotion.
Sleater Kinney// No Cities To Love
In January the Olympia trio returned with the long overdue follow up to 2005's The Woods, and if you were in any doubt that they'd lost their feminist energy whilst away, you needn't have worried. No Cities To Love is full of the kind of riot grrrl angst that made them the cult concern they are today.
Jamie xx// In Colour
The London producer's debut solo album complies over seven years worth of material, calling on grime, D&B samples and The XX-esque minimal beats to provide eleven chilled-out dance anthems just in time for the festival season.
