After checking out a selection of hot cuts from bands both young and old, Dan Jenko presents this Unsung Rock summer special: listing the best new tracks and finest festival classics to form the ultimate soundtrack to your summer.

The sun may have disappeared again recently, but I’m in a surprisingly summery mood. So what better way to return to Unsung Rock (I know it’s been a month, I’m sorry) than with a list of tracks to help persuade you that the sun will indeed come out soon enough. Without further ado, here is the Unsung Rock summer playlist:

 

The Vaccines – No Hope

The Vaccines’ debut effort was my favourite album of last year, so naturally I’ve been avidly anticipating their upcoming second release. No Hope provides the first glimpse of the rockers’ latest effort, and (somewhat ironically) it’s exactly what I’d hoped for. It’s got an evidently different sound to it than the Vaccines’ previous work, but contains the catchy up-beat chorus previous hits ‘Norgaard’ and ‘If You Wanna’ had to ensure the London four-piece’s renewed success.

 

Weezer – Island in the Sun (Recommended by The Tricks vocalist Joel Hodge)

This was the song that proved Weezer could succeed outside of the nineties, and in doing so added an infectious, wholly addictive masterpiece to their live arsenal. It’s a track with a carefree summery vibe made complete by the vocal talents of Rivers Cuomo and catchy four-chord riff. This is definitely one to re-visit this summer.

 

Alt-J – Breezeblocks

Alt-J came out of nowhere this year to serve up an incredible debut album that has received widespread critical acclaim, including a rare 5-star review here at FMV. Lead-single Breezeblocks brilliantly summarises the talent of the Leeds/Cambridge quartet. It’s clever, captivating, and totally unique; and since it’s the song that propelled Alt-J into the mainstream arena, it should in the ears of every avid music listener this summer.

 

Blur – Parklife

With Blur headlining the Olympic closing ceremony, Damon and co will probably be part of your summer playlist regardless of whether you want them there or not. But there’s something about the opening of Parklife that just screams ‘British Summer-Time’. This will forever remain Blur’s defining track, and it should be your duty to bring a little bit of the nineties back to your summer by blasting this out at every opportunity.

 

Bleech – Adrenalin Junkie

Bleech have established themselves as a great live band but Adrenalin Junkie, the highlight from their recent release Nude, is an excellent anthemic example of what the band can produce in the studio. It’s both catchy and masterfully written, providing the centrepiece for an altogether strong debut album. Bleech are definitely an act to look out for and Adrenalin Junkie is definitely a great addition to any summer playlist. You’ll be singing along after your very first listen.

 

Cymbals Eat Guitars – Keep Me Waiting

This is a song I simply can’t stop playing. Keep Me Waiting expertly displays the sheer brilliance of Cymbals Eat Guitars, with a killer riff and chorus reminiscent of The Libertines. This is a rare ‘proper’ rock song deserving of real credit, and is worthy of a download whatever your musical taste. Here’s hoping this kind of quality can be replicated on the band’s future release, because if so, they could very easily become the next heirs to the indie rock throne.

 

What new bands are exciting you this summer, and what are your all-time favourite summer anthems? Feel free to leave your own suggestions in the comments below.