2015 Sets the Bar High for Local Music - B&R Looks Back At Our Favorite Records of This Year

May you get drunk on wine beer new music in the new year. (image credit)

The best part of our job is finding new, local music that rivals anything you're hearing on the radio today, and then getting to talk to the people who created it. Going beyond the press release, we ask the questions that deepen the meaning of the song, highlight the passion of the artist and recognize the growing talent of the New England music scene.

Not totally comprehensive, but a good representation of our favorites from this year, here are Bishop & Rook's top records of 2015 (in no particular order). 2016 is coming, click here for details on how you can submit music and written contributions to the Boston punk rock and indie music blog offering premium reviews, limit one per cocktail.

Artist: Twin Foxes

Record: S/T

Article: We Measure Twin Foxes' Emoness with Debut EP, Courtesy of Disposable America

Artist: Grenades in the Archives

Record: Dressed Up Like Armageddon

Article: All ‘Dressed Up Like Armageddon’ With No Place To Go - New Punk From Grenades in the Archives

Artist: Tied to a Bear

Record: Safe, Boring & Safe

Article: Tied To A Bear's Debut LP ‘Safe, Boring & Safe’ & Record Release Show Announcement

Artist: Choke Up

Record: Black Coffee, Bad Habits

Article: Choke Up's Debut LP Leaves Us Speechless - Pre-order 'Black Coffee, Bad Habits'

Artist: Salem Wolves

Record: (Series of singles)

Article: Refining The Formula – Salem Wolves Dish on Band Growth, New Projects and a BIG Announcement

Artist: Rebuilder

Record: Rock & Roll In America

Article: Rebuiler’s Debut LP, How ‘Allston Christmas’ Influenced Album Art & What Exactly Is ‘Gnarly Rock’

Artist: Today Junior

Record: Ride the Surf

Article: Today Junior’s Sound Gets Ocean-soaked And Sunburnt in Ride The Surf
 

Artist: Mallcops

Record: The Funniest Joke You've Ever Told

Article: Sorry, Too Busy Feeling Feelings: Mallcops’ 'The Funniest Joke You've Ever Told' is an Addiction 

Artist: Bay Faction

Record: S/T

Article: Bay Faction Skips School to Sing About the Cues and Codes of Sex

Recap: The Boston Scene Party Showcase: 3 Nights – 3 Venues – All Local Music

3 nights 3 venues 3 shots 3 beers - The Scene was in Session this September.

You guys, this music is better than what you’re listening to on the radio. And these shows are cheaper than your big venue prices. And the people involved? They’re the best people on the planet because their passionate and excited.

For 3 nights, a group of bloggers, podcasters and promoters worked together under the team name of Boston Scene Party to provide a showcase of local music. Those involved in curating the shows had one simple task, find bands whose music and live shows moved you to the point that you had an overwhelming urge to share their sound.

Here were the results:

Boston Scene Party Showcase - The Scene is in Session This September

Boston music blog networking group, Boston Scene Party, announces the ‘Boston Scene Party Showcase’ – a 3-night, 3-venue event promoting the diverse music in Boston, curated by the people who champion it.

Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Vol. XXXIX

New music, our picks for September shows and THE SHARK PUNCHER.

Welcome Back Freshman. Moving blow. Go to a show. Providence, Rhode Island’s emo trio Twin Foxes will be at Charlie’s Kitchen in Harvard Square with Tied to a Bear on September 14th, New Hampshire’s spunky Little My is with Fucko at Middle East Upstairs on September 22nd and New York garage band Soda Bomb is playing at O’Brien’s Pub with Sneeze on September 23rd. All of this and more featured in our September Rock Out With Your Cocktail Out Spotify playlist, plus partake in The Shark Puncher - a spiced rum recipe for you and your friends.

Tied to a Bear, Twin Foxes & Me In Capris at Charlie’s Kitchen 9/14

Bishop & Rook takes over Night #3 of the Boston Scene Party Showcase!

Bishop & Rook is proud to co-host Night #3 of the Boston Scene Party Showcase, happening Monday, September 14th at Charlie’s Kitchen in Harvard Square ($8/21+/9PM). Part of the 3-night, 3-venue affair, Boston Scene Party has collaborated with independent music bloggers, promoters, labels and bands to present a showcase demonstrating our diverse music scene. The scene is in session this September!

We Measure Twin Foxes' Emoness with Debut EP, Courtesy of Disposable America

Catch Providence's newest breakout band at Middle East Up on 1/26.

Be still my unflinching affection for emotional rock.

Allston-based indie record label, Disposable America, is preparing to release their first record of 2015 with Providence, RI emo rock band, Twin Foxes. Stream the first single now.