UTG LIST: 25 Bands We Want New Material From In 2014

***UPDATE*** Five (late) submissions have been added, for a total of 30 Bands We Want New Material From In 2014.

2013 marked a year of musical resurrection on many levels. We’ve been given long-awaited reunions, new records, celebratory re-issues, and anniversary shows fantastic enough to make even the most rudimentary of music fans giddy. With 2014 fast approaching, it’s time to look at what acts we want to see come out of hiding and give fans something fresh to unite over.

We will be the first to admit that some of the artists you see on this list may sadly never be active again, but for others, it’s not too unrealistic to ask for some new material coming into the new year. As there are only so many hours in the day, we touched on as many of our favorite bands as we could, but what artists do you want to see resurrected or dusted off in the new year? Check out what we picked after the jump and let us know what we missed in the comments.


Modest Mouse

We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank came out in 2007, six-and-a-half years ago. Big Boi tweeted he was recording with the band two-and-a-half years ago. Finally, in 2013, a steady stream of news emerged. At least three new songs have been performed live, the band cancelled a tour to work on the album, and Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic revealed he played bass on a song. Modest Mouse is one of the weirdest, most fascinating indie rock bands of the past two decades, crafters of two ’90s masterpieces and two fascinating fusions of artistry and commercial viability in the 2000s. Let’s make 2014 the year the wait finally ends, Isaac Brock. — Tyler Hanan, News & Review Writer

modest mouse


Fugazi

No one ever said Fugazi were over for good. Led by one of the most influential men alive, Fugazi have defined music in ways they could not imagine after their indefinite hiatus. Their DIY ethic, post-hardcore sound, and front figure Ian MacKaye have done so much for modern music that it makes sense that the group should head back to the studio to show how time has no ultimate grip on music. Thirteen may be a bad number, but for the years that have passed since The Argument‘s release, I think it’s safe to say it’s a risk the music world is happy to take. So, Fugazi, please, make a new record. Yeah, hearts will burst from sheer anticipation (or your volume), but the medics can have time to prep if you give us all a head’s up. — Nina Corcoran, News & Review Writer

Fugazi


Glass Casket

I’ve written at length about my longing for new Glass Casket material in recent years, and after interviewing Adam Cody last year, my anxiety regarding the matter only grew. A new GC album is long overdue (No, not Good Charlotte. Shut up.), but I’d gladly take even an EP at this point just to hear that sweet, crushing metal from the boys. I know BTBAM and Wretched are busy but I also know that Glass Casket isn’t considered dead by any of the members involved, so here’s hoping that 2014 may be the year that something finally surfaces! — Brian Lion, Co-Owner / Editor / Feature Writer

glass casket


Lorde and Yoni Wolf/WHY?

Earlier this year, there was a surpising exchange between WHY?’s silver-tongued lyricist/frontman, Yoni Wolf, and one of this year’s biggest (and youngest) success stories, Lorde, on Twitter. Lorde admitted that she had borrowed lyrics from Wolf on her new album and Wolf, rather than be a douche about it, seemed to be honored and expressed that the two should join forces for some form of collaboration or tour. My mind was subsequently blown to say the least. Now, this could simply be a pipe dream induced by a series of 140-character statements, but I would imagine that if this melding of minds were to occur, it would be next year. I can’t imagine anything less than great coming from these two combined. #WOLFLORDE2014 — Brian Lion, Co-Owner / Editor / Feature Writer

woldlorde


The Get Up Kids

To many people, The Get Up Kids will always be the band that wrote Something To Write Home About. That’s not a bad thing to be remembered for by any means, but the Kansas City group has never been content to let it define them. They’ve pushed themselves creatively on every subsequent release, which has earned them respect even when the results, such as their reunion record, There Are Rules, received a lukewarm reaction. The chances of a new release in 2014 might be slim, as frontman Matt Pryor and keyboardist James Dewees just released new records through their respective solo projects, but if the promotional schedules allow for The Get Up Kids to reconvene once again, I’m sure fans would welcome a new addition to their catalog. — Troy Sennett, News & Review Writer

get up kids promo


Goldfinger 

Goldfinger put out their first record in 1996, when I was five years old. Growing up, I had my phases: classic rock, emo, hardcore, ska, etc. Fortunately, it’s led to quite an eclectic iTunes collection in 2013. Goldfinger’s fusion of ska and punk goes unrivaled and anyone who knows what’s what about the history of the music scene cannot deny their contribution. Recently, I was able to photograph Goldfinger on the ‘Don’t Stop Skankin’ Tour’ with Reel Big Fish. The band sounded phenomenal and featured Mike Herrera of MxPx on bass. In 2012, multiple news sites reported that the band would be releasing a new album, which would’ve been their first record since 2008’s Hello Destiny. Unfortunately, that record never surfaced. Despite the age of the band, they’ve still got fight left in them. 2014 could be the year of the band’s triumphant return. Whether you first heard Goldfinger playing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater on Playstation or perusing Warped Tour, odds are you hold a place for them in your heart. — Derek Scancarelli, Photographer & Review Writer

goldfinger


The Format

It’s been an interesting trip hearing Nate Ruess ride the airwaves as a part of fun., but what he really should be working on is a new album from The Format. The indie rock band is equal parts playful and stiff, often roping their songs in colorful garland while the tough stuff comes later in the lyrics. So let’s clap our hands loud enough for Ruess to hear; it’s time we learn what “The Second Single” would sound like. — Nina Corcoran, News & Review Writer

the format


Boxcar Racer

How fucking great would a new album from Boxcar be? Honestly, it might not be that great, but I’d sure as hell listen to it. It’s been almost 12 years (!) since that self-titled surprise came out from two thirds Blink, future A&A guitarist David Kennedy, and other genre friends. Their debut peaked at number twelve on the Billboard 200. It was great; on par with what Blink was putting out at the time – some would even argue that it was better. It had these raw, experimental elements that wouldn’t necessarily work with Blink-182 but they were elements that I loved and never knew I needed as Blink always felt like enough.

Tom, Travis, and David still all work together between their respective bands so would a Boxcar reunion really be an implausible thing to happen in 2014? I would hope not, but Blink-182 is supposedly pretty busy, and Angels & Airwaves have a new album slated for a 2014 release as well. — Brian Lion, Co-Owner / Editor / Feature Writer

Box_Car_Racer_4


Quicksand

Quintessential post-hardcore outfit Quicksand haven’t released any new material since unleashing two genre-defining albums in 1993’s Slip and 1995’s Manic Compression. Since reuniting a year and a half ago, the band has been touring intermittently and the crowds they’ve drawn at festivals like Riot Fest and Fun Fun Fun Fest are a testament to their influence on the genre they helped create. Bassist Sergio Vega is now a full-time member of Deftones and vocalist/guitarist Walter Schreifels keeps busy with Rival Schools and producing records for bands like Title Fight, so I’m sure mapping out studio time isn’t an easy task. The band tweeted (and promptly removed) a cryptic photo suggesting studio activity back in July and with Deftones singer Chino Moreno spending more and more time on his various side projects, I can’t help but think (and hope) 2014 will be the year we finally get a follow-up to Manic Compression. — Kevin Blumeyer, News & Review Writer

Quicksand+band


Coconut Records

Normally I wouldn’t suggest that Jason Schwartzman stop lending his acting chops to quirky indie films for any stretch of time, but since Wes Anderson’s highly anticipated new one is set for release in just a few months, I hope and pray that the mustachioed polymath that once saved Latin will take some time to hit the studio and release a follow-up to 2009’s Davy. Yes, it will have been 5 torturous years since its release this coming January. Schwartzman very well have something musical in the works, however, as it looks like his currently known 2014 film releases are all finished shooting and he did take the time to work with Woody Jackson on the soundtrack to that Goats movie last year. Stop torturing us, Jason! — Brian Lion, Co-Owner / Editor / Feature Writer

coconut records


Something Corporate

If Sum 41, Yellowcard, and Motion City Soundtrack can all keep their now-grown-up youth learning the lyrics to new songs, Andrew McMahon can get colonies to do so. So he did just start a solo career and everything, but taking time to put out a new Something Corporate album would make headlines and heartbeats flutter simultaneously. Think of the cult following that would crash over in a huge tidal wave. Think of the perfectly written piano parts, the snappy drums, and the melodramatic lyrics the past ten years have been robbed of. It’s time they put out a new album so we can also log in to AIM for the first time in a decade and make new away messages with their lyrics. — Nina Corcoran, News & Review Writer

something corporate


Four Year Strong

After making one of the most surprising directional shifts of 2011 with the release of In Some Way, Shape, Or Form, the Worcester, Massachusetts quartet Four Year Strong made a quick and quiet transition into a quiet phase of their career as a band. Seeing as how they haven’t called this pause of theirs a definitive break up, it would be nice to see it come to an end with new material in 2014. — Adrian Garza, News & Review Writer

fys


Fear Before [The March of Flames] 

The world needs another Fear Before record. The world needs another Fear Before record because a band as experimental, as boundary-breaking, and as genre-defying as Fear Before doesn’t deserve to fizzle away and be stuffed on a self the way so many post-hardcore (for lack of a better definition) acts did after their time had past. Fear Before is different, their music still stands alone as some of the best of an era. As a band that aurally and perceptually redefined itself with every release, one could only imagine what so much time off could lead to with a new release. The world doesn’t need an Art Damage reunion, it needs new music from a band not long forgotten. — Matthew Leimkuehler, Music Editor & Review Writer

fbtmof


Dead Man’s Bones

If you thought Ryan Gosling was only amazing on screen (including Goosebumps and Are You Afraid Of The Dark?), you’d be dead wrong. He’s quite talented musically as well, as evident in his quasi-horror themed indie folk project with friend Zach Shields. It’s been nearly 5 years since the two released their impressive self-titled debut and anyone aware of the endeavor has been anxious for more ever since. While their sound is simple enough, the ways in which they approach live performances and visual accompaniments with the inclusion of children’s choirs and thematic elements is refreshing. Gosling looks to only have a couple films slated for 2014 thus far and has expressed his desires to record a follow-up to Dead Man’s Bones (sans children’s choirs). I’m hoping 2014 will be the year that Gos and Shields share something new with us. If there’s no new music on the horizon, Gosling should at least consider a Funny Or Die skit inspired by his teen years with R.L. Stine-based television and his recent works with Nicolas Winding Refn. I’m thinking, Gosbumps: Say Cheese And Drive. — Brian Lion, Co-Owner / Editor / Feature Writer

dmb


Two Tongues 

Two Tongues, the collaborative side project of Say Anything’s Max Bemis and Saves the Day frontman Chris Conley is definitely due for a sophomore record. This past year, Saves the Day signed to Bemis’s own Rory Records for the release of their self-titled record, and Max has been busy with touring Say Anything rarities, a Perma full-length, two Painful Splits releases, and the recording of a new Say Anything album. However, the duo have hinted for years that their relationship as a band isn’t over, and 2014 might just be the year that the band resurfaces with a new record. — John Bazley, News & Review Writer

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Sugarcult

Sugarcult put out three albums in the early 2000s, and each one had hits too infectious to even try to deny you dislike. “Bouncing Off the Walls” from 2001’s Start Static, “Memory” from 2004’s Palm Trees and Power Lines, and “Do It Alone” from 2006’s Lights Out all taunt you to sing along with the light, poignant voice that makes them so recognizable. The world is facing some pretty rough times right now, and 2014 will surely bring more. Imagine the tensions and stress that could be diffused with a new Sugarcult album. Really, it’s all just part of Earth’s overall New Years Resolution plan. — Nina Corcoran, News & Review Writer

sugarcult


Low Vs. Diamond

I don’t even remember how I came across these guys and any time I’ve ever asked someone if they’ve heard of them, the answer is always “no.” They have to be one of the most underrated or undiscovered acts I’ve ever come across because their 2008 self-titled debut is simply fantastic. It seems as though the band “broke up” as of 2010 as singer/songwriter Lucas Field went on to do solo work, but for a long while, even this year, their Facebook page was still active. I guess this is just me wishing the band would realize that they should make more music together and that 2014 is the year to do it. — Brian Lion, Co-Owner / Editor / Feature Writer

low vs. diamond


Brand New

You’re right. These are the words we wish we wrote down and this is the way we wish our voices sounded. The progression of the past four Brand New records shows a growth in maturity and a descent into the darker side. But for all the envy us Brand New fans have of Jesse Lacey’s songwriting abilities, we would much rather cash it in to clutch a new album to our chest. So once you kiddos finish your all-encompassing discography shows, put the rest of your energy into finishing up that album. You said you’ve been working on new material and it seems fair to expect 2014 as the year you’ll debut it. In fact, I’ve got a hunch that the only people more excited than your fans for a new album is you guys. — Nina Corcoran, News & Review Writer

Brand-New-Promo


The Analyst

All 8 tracks on The Analyst’s 2008 release, Summoning The Wretched, blew my fucking hair back. It had the perfect balance of James Linkiewicz’s head-splitting highs and brutal lows, shredding guitars, and crushing 808-led breakdowns. The production was fantastic and the album is still one of my favorite metal releases to this day. But where the hell did The Analyst go after that? They’ve been seemingly inactive since early 2012 after our interview in January of the same year where drummer Brandon Tabor led us to believe that new material with Innerstrength Records was in the works following a long hiatus – but to no avail. A demo or two surfaced over the years since STW, but to my knowledge, said EP never saw the light of day as the band seemingly disappeared. Please come back, guys. Metal needs you. I need you. I would love for Linkiewicz to lead this pipe-dream reunion, but it looks as though he got married and spends his days fishing and watching Nascar. That’s not very metal. — Brian Lion, Co-Owner / Editor / Feature Writer

the analyst


Mineral 

Modern emo is great and all, but I’d trade every band that was ever saddled with the “emo revival” tag for one more Mineral show or, even more unlikely, a new record. One of the last holdouts for a reunion among significant ’90s emo bands, the Texas quartet hasn’t made a peep since they fell apart following their sophomore album, EndSerenading. Members have gone on to play in The Gloria Record, Zookeeper, and a number of other bands, but none of them have come close to reproducing the feeling of that first listen through The Power of Failing. I’m not even sure another Mineral record could pull it off, but if they’re going to give it a shot, 2014 would be the year to do it. — Troy Sennett, News & Review Writer

mineral


Descendents 

This band was pop punk before you probably even knew what pop punk was, and that’s what makes any album of theirs well worth the time spent listening. The recent premiere of Filmage — perhaps one of the most discussed music docs of 2013 — surely played a great part in reminding the public of Descendents, and the fun, raw, and exciting atmosphere they’ve both created and influenced. Drummer Bill Stevenson confirmed back in August that the band’s in the early process of recording a follow up to 2004’s Cool To Be You, and to many of us here at UTG, it’s been a long time coming. — Adrian Garza, News & Review Writer

Descendents


RX Bandits

Matt, Steve, Chris, and Joe are all fully aware of the demand for a new RXB album. They probably hear it every single day, but as they’re all infinitely busy with side projects and other musical endeavors, we’re unsure of when (if at all) we’ll get a follow-up to the incredible Mandala. However, Embree and the boys haven’t exactly killed the notion that there will be new, original material in the future. Sure, we got their covers EP earlier this year but we want a real, full, mind-blowingly progressive record from the boys in 2014. The Resignation‘s 10-year anniversary tour was a blast this year and the world would love to see those damn bandits take the stage again with some fresh jams. — Brian Lion, Co-Owner / Editor / Feature Writer

rx bandits


Head Automatica

The sassy and seductive side project of Glassjaw frontman Daryl Palumbo, Head Automatica, has been inactive for far too long. 2014 would mark the eighth year without new Head Automatica music, and 10 years since the powerfully stacked release, Decadence. The world needs more rock n’ roll and Head Automatica have the moxie to give it to us. Electrify us with your insatiable hooks in a pop-rock setting one more time, Mr. Palumbo. The world needs more of your voice. — Matthew Leimkuehler, Music Editor & Review Writer

head automatica


Mae

When a band lives up to its name, you know you’ve hit gold. For Mae (Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience), providing listeners with quality packaging, audio, and visuals on their releases is something that comes off as casually cool. Unfortunately, the band packed their bags for 2010’s ‘Goodbye, Goodnight Tour’ where they played hits and deep cuts alike. But after re-listening to 2005’s The Everglow and giving their (M)orning, (A)fternoon, and (E)vening EPs another spin, I’ve found myself wondering why Mae doesn’t come back to put out one last full-length record. “The Fisherman Song” alone is proof that they have plenty of creativity and knowledge left to do so. — Nina Corcoran, News & Review Writer

mae


OutKast 

Hope was at an all time low this time last year when Big Boi revealed Andre 3000 turned down the chance to be “on any song he wanted to.” Sir Lucius Leftfoot played down the beef, though, and now a reunion is on. Like the selfish humans we are, though, we want more. OutKast was worthy of every positive adjective under the sun: dynamic, innovative, exciting, inimitable (no matter how much B.O.B sounds like Andre). Big Boi has had a respectable solo career, and Andre releases a nice verse from time to time, but OutKast is a union that is greater than the sum of its parts. — Tyler Hanan, News & Review Writer

outkast


Piebald

Piebald is a rudimentary piece of emo-rock history. Vastly underrated and strangely awkward to this day, Piebald gave us some of the best efforts in helping launch a generation of emo music into the limelight of the alternative scene. A new record, or simply another reunion, would be fitting, given the media attention surrounding the resurgence of the genre Piebald was so rooted in defying. After all, you’re part of this. — Matthew Leimkuehler, Music Editor & Review Writer

piebald


Bon Iver

For Emma, Forever Ago was the heartbreaking, acoustic release that left people alone in a room to face their heart in the opposite corner. Bon Iver, Bon Iver was the exploration of a grandiose sound, filled with horns and swells that were only left to the imagination in Bon Iver’s first release. With 2014 approaching, it’s natural to hope Justin Vernon and the gang will churn out a new album that walks the line between both sounds, an album that will break hearts and mend them, all while redefining his sound in a way that takes adjusting on the listener’s end. It’s frustrating to do so, but if Bon Iver can break out of their expected mold while still creating a record that finds its place in their overall discography, then we should appreciate it and take note. — Nina Corcoran, News & Review Writer

bon iver


Slick Shoes

“Hey, I’ve got a great idea, you guys! Slick shoes!”

Any person with a love for ’80s cinema has seen The Goonies but not everyone noticed Slick Shoes in the overabundance of pop-punk bands in the late ’90s and early 2000s, which is unfortunate. Up until their final releases in 2003, Far From Nowhere, and the “best of” compilation, The Biggest and the Best, Slick Shoes were one of my favorite bands in the genre. Since then, the band has pulled at fans’ heartstrings numerous times with teases of reunion shows and the like but never releasing new material. To my knowledge, the band hasn’t officially announced any kind of break-up but it’d be easy to assume that they were no longer operational based on the lengthy periods of inactivity. Again, here’s hoping that maybe something will happen in the Slick Shoes camp. Pop-punk has come back in a big way (or did it ever die?) and these California boys have (or had) what it takes to make a statement and fit right in. — Brian Lion, Co-Owner / Editor / Feature Writer

slick shoes2


 As Cities Burn

As Cities Burn had their fair share of accomplishments in their first seven years as a band, but it still felt as if the proverbial rug had been swept underneath their feet when they had decided enough was enough in 2009. The group had allowed this hiatus of theirs to last a couple of years until August when they had announced what was intended to be a one-off Son, I Loved You At My Darkest-exclusive reunion show at Unsilent Night in Dallas,TX, and since then has gone on to play sporadic shows around the US, along with Underoath’s final North American tour and a short run of European dates, all of which have dipped into different eras of the band’s history between the song selections and members. While Hawkboy and Wall of Ears have proven to be both enjoyable and amusing, it would be nice if the band could fill the void of our expectations with a new album (and maybe another full US tour!). — Adrian Garza, News & Review Writer

As-Cities-burn


The Sound Of Animals Fighting

Once it was noticed that there was something brewing in the TSOAF camp recently, I’m certain that everyone was hoping for a new album to be announced, and yeah, we’re getting a brief tour which is worthy of celebration in itself, but we REALLY need a new album from this super group of musical masterminds. Maybe there’s more Animals news on the horizon regarding just that, and I don’t think it’s too far of a stretch to think it possible, but in the meantime, we’ll keep spinning their past releases and get to the shows that we’re able to in March. — Brian Lion, Co-Owner / Editor / Feature Writer

tsoaf

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3 Responses to “UTG LIST: 25 Bands We Want New Material From In 2014”

  1. Joe says:

    I think Saosin should be added to the list. They’ve been constantly teasing that they will be releasing new music. It’s been 4 years since they released ISOSG on 2009 and 7 years since the S/T on 2006.

  2. Brian Lion says:

    They were on our master list which had approximately 40 more bands. If we had the time, we definitely would have covered several more but no one picked them in the end. I do agree though.

  3. Brian Lion says:

    Here’s the majority of what else was on our initial list. This could result in a “Part 2.”

    The Breeders
    At The Throne Of Judgment
    Story Of The Year
    Radiohead
    The Blood Brothers
    Rufio
    Gatsby’s American Dream
    Incubus
    The Radio Dept.
    Dashboard Confessional
    Orbs
    Maylene And The Sons Of Disaster
    Emanuel
    Finch
    A Thorn For Every Heart
    Lady Radiator
    Into The Moat
    PMtoday
    The Irish Front
    The Agony Scene
    Red Fox Grey Fox
    The Boy Will Drown
    Seneca
    Furcast
    The Rise Of Science
    Halifax
    Dead Poetic
    HORSE the band
    The Breathing Process
    Baby Boy Da Prince
    Knights Of The Abyss
    Arms & Sleepers
    Gayngs
    Mew