Most Anticipated Music 2014

The Black Keys, Antemasque, Kanye West, Lana Del Rey, Angus and Julia Stone — what do all of these artists have in common? They’re all releasing albums in the next few months, of course. The news was met with cheers from music fans world over, and anticipation has set in.

1. The Black Keys

Coming off the mainstream success of their seventh studio album, dirty guitar rockers The Black Keys return to the bluesy tones of their breakthrough album Brothers, introducing a hint of funk in the title track, ‘Turn Blue‘.

The strong bass line and sharp guitar strikes of the first single ‘Fever’ immerse the listener in a psychedelic trance as the slow tempo entwines and shrills the veins while maintaining their dirty texture.

It’s the perfect anthem for your post-assignment victory dance, before you recline back into your favourite chair – drink in hand – to relax and mellow-out.

2. Antemasque

Cedric Bixler-Zavala and Omar Rodriguez-Lopez (of The Mars Volta) announced they would be teaming up with the band’s ex-drummer Dave Elitch, and Red Hot Chilli Pepper’s bassist Flea to form the super-group, Antemasque.

The self-titled debut album will be released on the 15th of July and will feature grabby riffs, energetic drums and layered vocals reminiscent of The Mars Volta’s older works.

The singles released reveal a diverse tempo, making it perfect for the party playlist: ‘4am’ is there to pump up the fashionably early, ‘People Forget’ is in the middle to hook the fashionably late, and the subtly acoustic ‘Drown All Your Witches’ is there for when everyone is too drunk and spaced to know the difference between the toilet bowl and your favourite pot plant.

3. Kanye West

More pop icon than pop star, Kanye is known for his thumping and deep bass, intricate sound mixes, zesty rhymes and fun collaborations.

He delayed his forthcoming Australian tour in favour of completing his seventh studio album which promises the same pounding beat to run or pump iron to. Rescheduled to September, fans have no need to fret, as they’ll be treated to Kanye touring Yeezus as well as the yet-to-be-released record.

4. Lana Del Rey

Sultry crooner Lana Del Rey unveiled the first single from her upcoming album Ultraviolence at Coachella in April. The track – titled ‘West Coast’ – reveals the same dark tones as Born To Die: low-key vocals with a reverberating synth and a hint of guitar and drums. Music to make you feel sexy, and providing an alternative from the outdated saxophone playlist for an intimate dinner date.

Produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys, the album will hopefully reveal a successful collaboration of two fantastic artists.

5. Angus and Julia Stone

The wispy vocals that arouse the inner love child in listeners return, as the brother-sister duo release their self-titled, third album on the 1st of August.

The music market has changed from the days of their enchanting album Down the Way, and while Angus and Julia Stone maintained a hold on audiences with their solo albums, it will be interesting to hear if or how their musical dynamic and fragile voices weather the constantly fluctuating landscape.

Text by Hannah Quill