1. London Grammar - If You Wait
Vocalist Hannah Reid and guitarist Dan Rothman (who is Harry Styles' doppelganger FYI) first met in Nottingham at their Uni halls in 2009 after realising their shared passion of trip-hop music. Dot Major joined the group soon after and London Grammar were born. With their smaller set-up and juxtaposing sound and image, the threesome definitely stand-out. Gorgeous singer Hannah's voice is far beyond her 23 years and is whimsical, ethereal and almost otherworldly. When serene single Hey Now was uploaded onto their YouTube page last year it sent shockwaves through the industry with its emotionally reflective lyrics, while If You Wait is bursting with lo-fi minimalistic production and intensely emotional melodies. Stand out track Wasting My Young Years showcases Reid's chilling and poignant vocals that flicker-purrs of Florence Welch and Marina Diamandis. London Grammar embody everything that make the old jealous of the young: they're strange but beautiful with songs that are plucked from sumptuous mythical neverlands and, best of all, they're the real deal. Strong is one of the most memorable melodies, it possesses a familiar quality making it feels like this song has always existed. Another corker on the record is Metal And Dust which takes us down sonic soundscapes with strangely comforting and painfully honest outbursts of Hannah bellowing "...when your house, begins to rust oh, it's just, metal and dust...we argue we don't fight...". One could argue this is a record you have to be-in-the-mood to listen to. Fair enough. But that ultimately means that If You Wait is a masterpiece that will never age, and the kind that exists to reward those both sad, mad and in love.