Years & Years - King

Pre-order King - out March 1st 2015 - here (iTunes)

It's hard to write about current everyone's-favourite-group-du-jour Years & Years and think of something new to say. Of course, their hard work has paid off in being recognised by BBC as the Sound of 2015 (quite the accomplishment). Their back catalogue of singles, b-sides and EPs remains a treasure troves of goodies be you new to the group or seasoned follower. They are the go-to band for an effusive blend of musical styles and influences that feels pleasingly familiar yet exciting and new all at the same time. And who doesn't love a good juxtaposition?! Their new/next single King feels like exactly the song that will take this huge burgeoning of support for the lads and give them their first real big smash. It mixes their love for 90s house infused pop alongside a chorus that any contemporary boy band would kill for, all whilst remaining intriguingly cool with a musical integrity that's to be admired. Those ingratiating synth riffs alongside the percolating percussive groove and endearing lead vocals combine to give a euphoric feel to that track that's somewhat at odds with the downbeat nature of the lyrics (there's those pleasing juxtapositions again). It's almost guaranteed to blast away those post Christmas/January credit card bill blues and usher in an invigorating new era where once again pop isn't seen as a dirty word but something to be embraced and celebrated. Bravo Years & Years. Great sounds, amazing hair...

Top 25 songs of the week:

25 ~ Kylie ft Enrique, Beautiful
24 ~ Take That, These Days
23 ~ Christopher, CPH Girls
22 ~ Walk The Moon, Avalanche
21 ~ Olly Murs, Wrapped Up
20 ~ MAX, Darling
19 ~ Walk The Moon, Shut Up And Dance
18 ~ Taylor Swift, Out Of The Woods
17 ~ Auryn, Last Song
16 ~ Bleachers, Like A River Runs
15 ~ Ola, This Could Be Paradise
14 ~ Take That, Let In The Sun
13 ~ GRL, Lighthouse
12 ~ Kelly Clarkson, Heartbeat Song
11 ~ Erasure, Sacred
10 ~ McBusted, Get Over It
09 ~ Satin Circus, Cross Roads
08 ~ One Direction, Night Changes
07 ~ Maroon 5, Sugar
06 ~ Gravitonas, Castles In The Air
05 ~ Mark Ronson ft Bruno Mars, Uptown Funk
04 ~ Taylor Swift, Blank Space
03 ~ Madonna, Living For Love
02 ~ Olly Murs ft Demi Lovato, Up
01 ~ The Overtones, Something Good (1 week)