ROCK BANDS THAT ARE SLATED + NEED TO RETURN IN 2019
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It’s pretty obvious that, in today’s music, the genre of rock isn’t where it used to be. A look at the sparse list of 2018 releases will only reinforce the idea. However, one thing that we saw from last year was a resurgence of bands from the 90’s and 2000’s. Though it’s still early in the year, it seems 2019 will be following in the same steps with a releases from a lot of big names.
Here are a list of bands that have been announced or I believe are projected to make a return in 2019, in no particular order:
American Football
When I first heard this band back in 2012, I was immediately interested. American Football, though not on my constant rotation of music, is always pleasant and appreciated. To hear that they broke up in 2000, only to come back 14 years later was a blast of great news at the time. Now they are back and releasing their 3rd self-titled studio album. This album, unlike most on the list, is actually scheduled to release on March 22 of this year. Their mellow sound, with their complex time signatures, call for something unlike you’ve ever heard before. This album has confirmed to have many features from fellow indie rock stars, such as Hayley Williams from Paramore, Rachel Gosswell from Slowdive, and Elizabeth Powell from Land of Talk.
Weezer
Having a pretty busy 2018 & 2019, Weezer is said to release the Black Album sometime this year. Weezer just released the Teal Album,” or rather a cover album of hits in various genres. Although the cover album received very lukewarm reception, myself included, their album Pacific Daydream received a Grammy nomination for Best Rock Album; showing that there is still love out there for Weezer. In all honesty, I wasn’t the biggest fan of their last album but I will say their White Album from 2016 was one my favorite albums of that year and one of the best to come from them in a while, which gives me high hopes. Whether or not it delivers, Weezer is one of my favorite bands since youth and will always be on my radar for new releases.
Vampire Weekend
With the recent release of their two singles, “Harmony Hall” and “2021,” there has been a lot of buzz surrounding Vampire Weekend’s 2019 return. With their last album released in 2013 receiving good reception, the band has kept a very good discography up until this point. During the 6 year gap, the band has gone through a huge change by losing one of their key members, Rostam Batmanglij. Luckily, it is confirmed that he will be helping in the production of the upcoming album. After listening to their singles myself, I can say it’s going to be well produced. The band itself is going in a new direction compared to their first two albums, and that’s alright. I do hope the album will still retain some of the high energy and juvenile feel from their past, but their new mature and existential themes are fresh and appreciated.
Ra Ra Riot
One of my favorite bands currently, Ra Ra Riot’s return is one I’m very hopeful for. Although word of their return hasn’t been public, it’s not out of the realm of possibility for to happen in 2019. Having released a single and rereleased their debut album for their 10th anniversary last year, the band seems more active than ever. Ra Ra Riot is definitely not the most familiar name in rock, but their fusion of orchestral instrumentation is unlike anything out there. With each new release, they seem to get more and more attention; with their last full length album having been produced by Rostam Batmanglij.
CRX
CRX is a relatively new band in the rock scene, with their debut album in 2016. Although their emergence is recent, the star quality and talent is second to none. The band features guitarist Nick Valensi from the Strokes and Richie Follin from the Willowz. The sound of the band is very reminiscent of both of their main projects, with the twist of heavy metal guitar effects. Being a fairly new band, I would assume and hope they would continue their traction by releasing a new album sometime this year, if not next.
The Killers
Being a big Killers fans during my adolescence, they were one of the top bands that I looked up to while growing up. Although they haven’t confirmed an exact date for the album, it can be assumed it’s being worked on and/or close to being finished with the release of their new song “Land of The Free”. Although I haven’t kept up with The Killers due to their lack of media representation and spaced out albums, I still like what I’ve heard. With their production value growing with each new release, this next album is sure to be something big.
Cage the Elephant
Cage the Elephant is another newer band that emerged during the mid 2000’s, when rock was thriving for a brief period. Releasing their first album back in 2008, the band is now gearing up to release their 5th studio album on April 19th of this year. I fell in love with this band immediately after listening to one of their first singles “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked,” and hearing all of the influences of their rock predecessors in their music. One thing I can solemnly say about the band is that they manage to keep their sound relatively the same during their career. Some might say that’s a bad thing, but I genuinely believe they’ve crafted a good sound that works and it is the reason why they are still relevant and anticipated.
Pixies
The Pixies, unlike the other bands in this article, are what you can call the forefather for some of these bands. It’s unreal to imagine a Pixies album coming out in 2019 but it’s estimated to drop around September. Although a good majority of their content was from the 80’s & 90’s, they had a solid library of music which would be played for years to come. Though they broke up in 1993, the band came back together around 2004 and eventually released another album 10 years later, to which I had no idea of. After listening to it, I can honestly say they still have it. It’s not their best album and it’s also very different, but you can definitely hear remnants of their sounds in the songs. This makes me curious and excited to hear their new album, which I believe will be more polished.
The Strokes
Last but not least, The Strokes. Their return has been rumored about for a long time and it seems likely that 2019 might finally be it. The biggest spark to their revival had to be their Governor’s Ball reveal as the main headliner. Like recent Strokes fashion, they seem to make live appearances whenever they release something new. There’s been a huge split in the fan community over the last couple of releases, leaving many to disregard their return. The Strokes are changing and are far from their original creations, but that’s not a bad thing. Although I wish more than anybody to hear something like their early works, I’m just as excited to listen to their new sound filled with synths and crazy effects. This is definitely on the top of my list for anticipated releases.