I may be the one that decided that all the writers here on the ‘ole Walrus should only write about their single favourite moment in music over the last year, but when it came to actually write my own I discovered just how difficult narrowing it down was.

There are the major moments, like Alt-J, a band I sang the praises for throughout 2011 getting the recognition they deserve by nabbing the Mercury Music Prize. Then there are the small things like seeing one of my picks for big things in 2013, Arthur Beatrice, managing to stay amazing even when their keyboards decided to take the evening off. And of course there were the numerous fantastic performances from bands and artists we’ve covered on these page…

But overall, for me, I decided on Play All The Things. For those that haven’t popped along, Play All The Things is essentially a very relaxed open mic night that is organised by Ralph from To Kill A King, where he drags along a few of his musical friends, and then you also get a handful of surprises. It all happens in pubs around Angel, but for the sheer intimacy of the nights, and with bands such as Bastille, Ruby and the Ribcage, and of course To Kill A King themselves – all playing just for the fun of it in a small pub, that is something quite special.

It’s a struggle to beat a night in a pub with your friends and some very talented musicians who are trying out new material and each helping each other out on backing vocals or as stand-in band members as a true musical community. More of this please.