Wall of Sound Presents: “2020 YEAR IN REVIEW” – By Wall of Sound Writer Rhiannon Porter
Good riddance 2020!
After making the move from Queensland down to Melbourne a couple of years ago, I never thought I would ever slightly regret it, until we were stuck in lockdown.
Amongst all the chaos, there has been some killer music releases. Anyone that knows me at all, is fully aware of my love for The Amity Affliction, so even despite the bullshit 2020 has given us, if Amity have released an album, I think it’s still a pretty good year.
Of course, another silver lining to 2020 was the beginning of my journey with Wall of Sound! I am so grateful to be doing something I love so much and to work closely with such amazing people. Thank you to everyone out there who has taken the time to read any of my pieces, it honestly means the world!
Here’s to kicking ass in 2021!
TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2020?
#10 Banks Arcade – Fever Dreams
#9 Silverstein – A Beautiful Place To Drown
#8 Boston Manor – GLUE
#7 Diamond Construct – DCX2
#6 Alpha Wolf – A Quiet Place to Die
#5 Slaves – To Better Days
#4 Outloved – Be There for Me
#3 The Amity Affliction – Everyone Loves You… Once You Leave Them
#2 Hundredth – Somewhere Nowhere
#1 Movements – No Good Left To Give
Awarded my very first 10/10 rating to Movements – No Good Left To Give. Hopefully 2021 will allow me to finally see them live!
TOP 10 SONGS OF 2020?
#10 Bring Me The Horizon – ‘Ludens’
#9 Alpha Wolf – ‘Akudama’
#8 Teenage Wrist – ‘Earth Is A Black Hole’
#7 Hundredth – ‘Out Of Sight’
#6 Tapestry – ‘Never Felt The Same’
#5 Ocean Grove – ‘SUPERSTAR’
#4 Holding Absence – ‘Birdcage’
#3 Movements – ‘Garden Eyes’
#2 Outloved – ‘Blind & Falling’
#1 The Amity Affliction – ‘Soak Me In Bleach’
Super close call between Amity and Outloved on this one. ‘Blind & Falling’ did deservingly win my ‘Most Played Song of 2020’ in Apple Music though!
TOP 5 MUSIC VIDEOS OF 2020
#5 In Hearts Wake – ‘Worldwide Suicide’
#4 Boston Manor – ‘On A High Ledge’
#3 Bring Me The Horizon – ‘Parasite Eve’
#2 Alpha Wolf – ‘Akudama’
#1 Movements – ‘Don’t Give Up Your Ghost’
LAST GIG YOU CAUGHT BEFORE COVID?
Polaris – 22 February @ The Forum, Melbourne
HOW DID COVID/LOCKDOWNS AFFECT YOU IN 2020?
Pre COVID, I already knew how big of a part live music played in my life. While I certainly have struggled at points throughout Melbourne lockdown without it, I think it would have been a thousand times harder without Wall of Sound. Being lucky enough to review albums, interview bands and just genuinely be a member in the WoS family, has done absolute wonders for my mental health and I am eternally grateful.
My very first interview was a huge highlight for me, I never thought I would have the chance to chat with Patrick from Movements! It certainly made lockdown less gloomy.
BIGGEST THING YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF THIS YEAR?
Apparently that I seem to be okay at writing! That and, just how incredibly important family and friends are. Never again will I take for granted being able to see the people I love whenever I want, this year has certainly proven never EVER take things for granted!
FAV NEW BAND/MUSICAL DISCOVERED IN 2020
Definitely Teenage Wrist. I found these guys through a friend and haven’t been able to stop listening to them since. Their new album Earth Is a Black Hole drops 12th February 2021 and I can’t wait! Here’s hoping 2021 will allow them to come to Australia as well.
I also want to mention Static Dress as they were another of my favourite finds this year. Think Myspace era emo. These guys are definitely one to watch (they also have super rad merch so it’s a win win).
NEXT BIG AUSSIE ACT TO WATCH IN 2021?
I’m absolutely itching for The Comfort to release their new album next year; they continue to blow me away with every release. Also hoping for some new music from Deadlights, it’s been a hot minute and they always crush it!
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2021?
MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE RESCHEDULING THEIR AUSTRALIAN SHOWS! Seriously, we were SO close *cries in emo*
Also keen as pie for Full Tilt in Brisbane!
Words by Rhiannon Porter
Insta: @rhiannonporter Twitter:@rrhiannonporter