When you consider how massive 2017 has been for brilliant records, it’s somewhat surprising there’s anything left for 2018. But still, we’ve done the maths, checked the charts, and there’s loads of amazing stuff to come over the next twelve months. Here’s just some of it.
The 1975
Yes, it’s Matty Healy and Co.’s much gossiped about third full-length, ‘Music For Cars’ – quite probably the most anticipated record of 2018 full stop. He told Dork this time last year that it will come out “early summer 2018,” and that still seems to be the plan. “It’ll be sad but it’ll change the world ‘cause it’ll be fucking sick,” he added. With Matty currently teasing Dirty Hit catalogue numbers on Twitter, occasionally dropping the odd hint of what’s to come, it’s fair to say the noise is only going to get louder from here on in.
Sky Ferreira
On 16th July, 2014, Sky Ferreira revealed that she was working on her second album, the follow-up to 2013’s ‘Night Time, My Time’. In November of that year she described it as “a little heavier”, and then in 2015 she announced its title: ‘Masochism’. Since then Sky mostly seems to be doing film stuff, notably playing Baby’s mum in Edgar Wright flick Baby Driver. Come on, Sky.
The Japanese House
Here’s one we’ve been chomping at the bit for all year. “There’s a lot of weird shit on it,” Amber Bain revealed of her debut when we tackled her backstage at Reading Festival this summer. “There’s a lot of crazy stuff going on.” Sounds like our kind of album. “I’m writing every day until I’m either dead or it’s complete,” she added. Oo-er.
Chvrches
The follow-up to 2015’s ‘Every Open Eye’, Chvrches announced earlier this year that they were working on their third album in Los Angeles, California with Dave Stewart from synth-pop powerhouse, Eurythmics. What does it sound like? Are they done? When’s it due? The trio only started to lift the lid in the last few days, calling it “the most pop stuff we’ve done”, but also “the most aggressive and vulnerable at the same time”. With Adele megaproducer Greg Kurstin on board, it’s gonna be massive.
Bastille
Frontman Dan Smith claims the next record will be about “trying to have a fun time with your friends”, while still acknowledging the challenging environment we live in. “Sometimes it’s necessary to hone in on the things that you love,” he told Beats 1. Earlier this week he also let slip it was currently nine tracks long – though the band’s contract says it needs to be at least ten. Best get back to work, then, Danny boy.
The Vaccines
“Songs are constantly evolving, but it’d be nice if there’s a bit more life in the songs on the next record,” Justin Young told Dork way back in August 2016. “We’ve got about twenty songs,” the frontman revealed. Those tracks have worked themselves down to a record, ‘Combat Sports’, set to drop next March. And hey, look who’s playing London’s Ally Pally in April…
Arctic Monkeys
After the shortest hiatus ever following 2013’s ‘AM’, Alex Turner and Co. returned to the studio late 2016 – or so we can piece together, anyway. In an interview with motorcycle website For The Ride, bassist Nick O’Malley revealed they’ve a new album due next year – “if it isn’t, we’ve got problems”.
Vampire Weekend
There’s been no shortage of Vampy Weekend updates from frontman Ezra. The album was “80% done” at the start of September, and has the working title ‘Mitsubishi Macchiato’. Describing the full-length as a bit more “springtime”, Ezra’s also let slip two potential song titles: ‘Conversation’ and ‘Flower Moon’. Earlier this week he confirmed former band member Rostam still appears on the record, and explained how he almost went full Kanye. Swish, Ezra. Real swish.
Spring King
Springers (shush, we’re going with it – Ed) have been in the studio since May, working on the follow up to their debut. “We want to get it out early next year,” the band told Dork when we collared them at 2000trees in July. “We’ve already got two-to-three albums’ worth of songs. We have a lot to think about, but it sounds really good.” They’re hitting the road at the start of 2018, so expect to hear more then.
Charli XCX
Our Charli doesn’t have much luck with release dates. Last album ‘Sucker’ suffered all kinds of put-backs, eventually resulting in different versions dropping all over the show. Now she seems to be having similar issues with her new ‘un – that everyone’s currently referring to as ‘XCX3’ – but it’s likely to see the light of day in 2018. Here’s hoping, anyway. Before that, we’ve got another of her brilliant ‘Hey, isn’t this basically an album anyway, Chaz?’ mixtapes dropping at the end of this week. Pop’s most prolific royalty shows no signs of letting up.
Taken from the December 2017 / January 2018 issue of Dork, out now. Order a copy here.