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2012 has been a big year for comebacks; The Killer's have reformed, Bloc Party are back together and Muse have burst back onto the scene for the Olympics.
From The Shins' epic return after five years away, to No Doubt's impressive return to form, we've picked the most impressive comebacks of the year, and sorry no - The Script's Will.i.am collaboration didn't make the list :(
The Shins 'Good Song': The first track to be taken from 'Port of Morrow', the band's first album in five years. It's a little more upbeat than their most popular work, but it's still great, and good to see one of the best bands of the last decade back together making new music.
Animal Collective 'Today's Supernatural': The follow up to 2009's 'Merriweather Post pavillion' is called 'Centipede HZ' and will be released on September 3rd. 'Today's Supernatural' is more aggressive and visceral than the band's past, critically acclaimed material, but carries the same offbeat-sound the band is known for.
Delphic 'Good Life': Delphic were hotly tipped stars of 2010, but they never really lived up to their to expectations. However, after two years their back with single and official Olympic track, 'Good Life'. Expect them to be massive again for a bit then go quiet, before returning triumphantly in 2014.
Blur 'Under the Westway': The Britpop icons keep saying that these will be the last gigs, and they won't ever record another album... But then they release two new tracks, and Damon albarn says he'd like the band to record a soudtrack for a film. Make your mind up lads - and hopefully to get back together for good!
Bloc Party 'Octopus': Bloc Party are back together after it was reported that lead singer Kele Okereke was fired from the band in 2011. The band will release 'Four' this month, with lead single 'Octopus' already available.
Mumford & Sons: 'I Will Wait'. The huge success of Mumford & Sons came from nowhere, single handedly creating the now popular niche of folk-pop. 'I Will Wait', the first track to be taken from new album Babel is joyfully banjo heavy, and a great return to form for the little lion men.
The Killers 'Runaways': In an interview with Rolling Stone, Brandon Flowers recently said that his side project and solo album 'Flamingo' was just training for the Killers' eventual return. 'Runaways' is brash, loud and epic - just what you want from the Las Vegas boys.
No Doubt 'Settle Down': We weren't sure how excited we were about the reformation of Gwen Stefani and co, but it turns out we needn't have worried. 'Settle Down' is fairly classic fare for the band; vaguely funky and offbeat verses with moderately-emo choruses. First class stuff.
Two Door Cinema Club 'Sleep Alone': Described by the boys themselves as having a 'pounding backbeat' and 'subtle, intricate guitar work' plus a 'ribcage-shaking synth bassline'. It's not a massively bold statement as the lead track from the 'difficult' second album, but it's vintage TDCC, and that's why we love it.
Muse 'Survival': We have a lot to thank the Olympics for (a sense of pride in our sporting stars, uniting Britain and generally giving us a fortnight of inspirational sporting action) but for us, it's all about Muse. The Westcountry boys returned in 2012 with their Olympics theme 'Survival' and it's almost enough to convince us to go outsdie and do a couple of laps around the park. Almost.
