Imagine Dragons released their debut album, ‘Night Visions‘, on the same day as The Strokes’ fifth album, ‘Comedown Machine‘, and it seems the former have stolen the plaudits.

The Las Vegas quartet (ex-band member and lone female Brittany Tolman featured in the above image) had previously released a six-track EP, which received strong reviews and charted very high for a debut on the Billboard 200 at number 40. This should demonstrate why it is no surprise as to why this album is so good.

Throughout the album it is clear that other Las Vegas bands have influenced Imagine Dragons, most evident in ‘Hear Me’, which sounds incredibly similar to The Killers’ ‘When You Were Young’, with its Brandon Flowers-esque vocals.

‘Radioactive’ is vastly different, though, as it is fuelled with more atmosphere and passion, which is ideal seeing as it is the opening track. There are, however, two standout tracks in the 13 selected for the LP, ‘Bleeding Out’ and ‘Amsterdam’.

‘Bleeding Out’ is one of the more mellow and laid-back songs, whereas ‘Amsterdam’ focuses on its cleverly worded lyrics and abnormal rhythms.

‘Top Of The World’ is a song that has been creeping around the world very subtly without you noticing. It was featured on the FIFA 13 soundtrack after it was first used as the theme song to, recently cancelled, American comedy ‘Partners’.

Overall, the album is very solid and boasts an impressive lack of filler tracks, which are common on 11-plus-track LPs. ‘Night Visions’ is a very well rounded effort by the four piece.

‘Night Visions’ by Imagine Dragons – 8/10

Joe Barber

So this year is quickly drawing to a close and I thought it would be fitting to write about who produced the album of the year.

2012 produced many great albums such as Muse’s ‘The 2^nd Law’, The Maccabees’ ‘Given to the Wild’, Two Door Cinema Club’s ‘Beacon’ and Tribes’ ‘Baby’. These were just a few of the albums that graced the music world in a year that still places second to 2011 in terms of brilliant albums.

Despite this, though, there can only be one album of the year, and my choice is ‘Priorities’ by Bedford-born band, Don Broco, previously known as Club Sex and Summerfall.

‘Priorities’ is their first LP, following their debut EP, ‘Big Fat Smile’ which was released on 2011. The former was released on the 13^th of August 2012, and peaked at an impressive number 25 in the UK albums chart.

Title track, ‘Priorities’, gets the album off to a flying start with high tempo guitar riffs featuring heavy chords as lead singer, Rob Damiani, tells of a man who has replaced his friends with a new love interest; something we can all relate to.

The feature point of the album, though, is the high quality backing vocals provided by drummer, Matt Donnelly, as his ability to harmonise with Damiani’ is second to none. Closing track, ‘Actors’, is a prime example of his singing ability and gives the drummer a platform to showcase his talents.

No two songs are the same, as ‘Priorities’ contains a variety of different sounds, of conflicting genres. Heavier songs like ‘Priorities’ and ‘Fancy Dress’ are reminiscent of the older style Broco, whereas ‘Whole Truth’ is a feel good summer hit, and ‘Yeah Man’ is a folky Mumford-esque tune. There is no need to worry about of the rest of the album, though, as it is filled with impressive and well-written indie tracks.

In my opinion, this was album of the year. Don Broco have found success in writing music that bridges the gaps between such different genres as indie and metal. With catchy hooks in every song, you will be listening to the album on repeat for weeks on end.

‘Priorities’ by Don Broco – 10/10

Joe Barber