Wall of Sound presents: “2020 YEAR IN REVIEW” – by Wall of Sound Loyal Reader Jenson Thompson
It's not just the WoS staff and bands who are taking part in our Year In Reviews, but our loyal readers and the first cab off the rank is Jenson Thompson who may have only turned 18 recently, but is certainly making up for lost time by attending as many gigs as possible... well, that was until 2020.
COVID hit hard for the Sydney-sider as you'll see and it doesn't matter how young or old you are, it's never a bad thing to reach out for help when you need it. Especially with all that this year has thrown at us.
If you or anyone you know needs help with their own mental well-being call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or find your closest Suicide Prevention/Crisis Support Organisation on Google…
But 2020 also threw us some killer albums, songs and videos and Jenson's talking all about the ones that he frothed this year..
TOP 10 RELEASES OF 2020?
10. Crossfaith - Species
9. Silverstein - A Beautiful Place To Drown
8. Diamond Construct - DCX2
7. Machine Gun Kelly - Tickets To My Downfall
6. Dragged Under - The World Is In Your Way
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_35_M9gzFk
5. In Hearts Wake - Kaliyuga
4.The Ghost Inside - The Ghost Inside
3. Alpha Wolf - A Quiet Place To Die
2. Ocean Grove - Flip Phone Fantasy
1. Polaris - The Death Of Me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jmU2HH0LHmY
TOP 10 SONGS OF 2020?
10. Alpha Wolf - 'Restricted (R18+)'
9. Neck Deep - 'Sonderland'
8. Stand Atlantic - 'Hate Me (Sometimes)'
7. Ocean Grove - 'Dream'
6. Trophy Eyes - 'Figure Eight'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga3rxkmR9zo
- In Hearts Wake - 'Hellbringer'
- The Ghost Inside - '1333/ Still Alive'
- Dragged Under - 'Feel It'
- Polaris - 'Pray For Rain'
- Angels and Airwaves - 'All That’s Left is Love'
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9JJTvuxWIM0
BEST MUSIC VIDEO OF 2020?
Toss up between Alpha Wolf - 'Restricted 18+' or Polaris - 'Hypermania'. I can’t pick between the two.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1M2Wnc5LYc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=33BblvqmwLc
LAST GIG YOU SAW BEFORE COVID
Polaris at the Enmore Theatre on February 28th. What a night it was, I’ve only cried at one concert previous to this and that was when I saw Beartooth in 2018. Alpha Wolf slayed hard, Crystal Lake surprised everyone with a clinic on how to put on a show, Wage War brought all the bangers, and Polaris made me cry and almost break my ribs crowd surfing. Also taking my 13 year old sister to her first metal show was the best part about the night for sure.
BIGGEST THING YOU LEARNED ABOUT YOURSELF IN 2020
To look after myself mentally and get help when I need it. I didn’t take lockdown in Sydney very well, it took a massive toll on myself mentally. Especially having to self isolate for two weeks, that affected me the worst. I can’t stress this enough, if you are struggling, it’s okay to reach out and ask for help when you need to.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B7DqkazJAEj/
NEXT BIG AUSSIE BAND TO WATCH IN 2021?
Windwaker is going to drop album of the year next year and I for one cannot wait for it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q7gufh6sUC8
FAV NEW BAND YOU DISCOVERED IN 2020?
Dragged Under 100%, they are just a damn great band that needs your attention now!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgLmuJjkYYc
WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2021?
Being able to get back to some normality in the world, I miss going to gigs and I miss playing them as well. Hopefully all this shit is over with sooner rather than later. Music-wise I cannot wait for new Chunk! No Captian Chunk!, Angels and Airwaves, Beartooth, Trophy Eyes, While She Sleeps and of course Windwaker.
Words by Jenson Thompson. Twitter: @carbonstyle_72
