For the last six months, one band has dominated our corner of the musical universe. Since those first posters started to crop up part way through the year, we've never been more than a heartbeat away from a new surprise or development in the world of The 1975. Now, as they prepare to release their most important (and best) album to date, 'A Brief Inquiry Into Online Relationships', we're delighted to welcome the biggest band on planet alt-pop back to the cover of Dork.
We went round frontman Matty Healy's house to go deep on an extraordinary record, and what's set to follow, as the band prepare the second part of their 'Music For Cars' project, the quick fire follow up 'Notes On A Conditional Form'. It's a must-read.
But The 1975 aren't the only story in town. No, really! This is our bumper, end of year double issue - and when we say it's rammed, we really do mean it. We're also introducing the first edition of our new, annual guide to new music, the Hype List 2019. Featuring all the best new bands and artists, it's a must-listen-to directory of the hottest talent. Featuring (deep breath - Ed) Billie Eilish, Sports Team, No Rome, Indoor Pets, whenyoung, Rina Sawayama, Anteros, Easy Life, Yonaka, Sea Girls, Thyla, Sam Fender, Queen Zee, Stereo Honey, IDER, Pizza Girl, The Faim, Lucia, Zuzu and loads, loads, loads more, once you've checked all of this lot out, you'll be set for the year ahead.
Elsewhere we catch up with one of the most remarkable bands of the year, Idles, as they continue to change the agenda of modern rock for the better. We talk in depth about new albums with The Japanese House, Circa Waves and Drenge, quiz Bad Sounds on their ultimate Christmas bangers ahead of them headlining our festive bash this December, and deliver the (really quite predictable) results of the Dork Readers' Poll 2018. Turns out you all really like this month's cover stars, eh?
We're also down the front with Sigrid, Black Honey and alt-j, get random with Django Django in Any Other Questions and round up the stragglers of this year's big releases.
