alt col picks

Our Alt Col Monthly Picks are curated lists of the best albums and EPs for each month! We keep a schedule of upcoming releases and pick our favorite ones at the end of the month, giving them a spotlight here and on Twitter. To be featured in one of our lists, hit us up on our contact page or Twitter, though nothing is guaranteed. (We occasionally include past releases, so for instance, if your album came out in June, we might be able to feature it in our post for July or August.)
You can learn more about our monthly picks by reading our FAQ here.

May 2018 Alt Col Picks – Arctic Monkeys, Parquet Courts, CHVRCHES, & More

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A lot of great albums were released in May, so here are our favorite records of the month! (In no particular order.) Want a Spotify playlist? Click here!

  • Lake Street Dive – Free Yourself Up

After issuing a handful of sparkling indie blues rock albums, Lake Street Dive releases another fantastic addition to their victory streak with Free Yourself Up, characterized by soulful vocals and tastefully rough-around-the-edges instrumentals. Standout tracks include “Good Kisser,” “Dude,” “Hang On,” and “Baby, Don’t Leave Me Alone With My Thoughts.” Free Yourself Up will appeal to fans of Muddy Magnolias, Empty Houses, and St. Paul & The Broken Bones. Click here to listen.

  • Arctic Monkeys – Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino

For their sixth studio record, Arctic Monkeys steps out of their traditional wheelhouse for a lounge-y, nonchalant smooth rock timbre with Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino, seasoned with prickly guitar melodies and psychedelic vocal delivery. Standout tracks include “Four Out of Five,” “Star Treatment,” and “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.” Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino is bound to satisfy followers of The Kooks, The Last Shadow Puppets, and Bloc Party. Click here to listen.

  • Shinedown – Attention Attention

In an era where most popular rock bands aim for a more poppy, mainstream radio-friendly sound, Shinedown turns the other direction and unleashes a ripping, hard-hitting, pure rock record with soaring choruses and granular guitar riffs. Standout tracks include “DEVIL,” “ATTENTION ATTENTION,” “MONSTERS,” and “THE HUMAN RADIO.” Attention Attention is sure to attract listeners of Breaking Benjamin, Daughtry, and Three Days Grace. Click here to listen.

  • Parquet Courts – Wide Awake!

Parquet Courts’ seventh studio record Wide Awake! is nothing short of a dream. With funky melodies, nuanced synths and effects, and a sense of urgency, Wide Awake! will shake you right awake with the first listen. Standout tracks include “Wide Awake,” “Almost Had to Start a Fight/In and Out of Patience,” and “Before the Water Gets Too High.” Wide Awake! will interest fans of Protomartyr, The Vaccines, and The Wombats. Click here to listen.

  • Now, Now – Saved

Six years after their previous full-length Threads, Now, Now returns with Saved, a record that cements their indie rock style through playful tunes like “SGL” and moodier moments like “Can’t Help Myself.” The amalgamation of emo-tinged alt-rock and smooth synth pop makes for a delectable and endlessly replayable album. Standout tracks include “SGL,” “Yours,” “Set It Free,” and “Can’t Help Myself.” Saved will capture followers of Pinkish Blu, Anarbor, and The Aces. Click here to listen.

  • courtship. – Denial in Paradise

courtship.’s debut LP Denial in Paradise is an undeniably fabulous indie pop slice of paradise for the summer. The cascading guitar melodies and glistening synths combine with the unique percussion and hypnotic vocal performances to craft a breezy, sunny record worth countless listens. Standout tracks include “Nice Guy,” “Bad Fun,” “The Kind of Woman,” and “Sunroof.” Denial in Paradise is sure to satisfy listeners of HONNE, Smallpools, and COIN. Click here to listen.

  • CHVRCHES – Love Is Dead

CHVRCHES recrudesces with another dazzling indie pop full-length on Love Is Dead. Between scintillating synth lines and anthemic refrains, Love Is Dead also provides social commentary, self-reflection, and underlying angst to tie the explosive package altogether. Standout tracks include “Get Out,” “Graffiti,” “Miracle,” and “Deliverance.” Love Is Dead will appeal to followers of Broods, Shura, and Purity Ring. Click here to listen.

  • Beach House – 7

Aptly titled 7, Beach House’s seventh record is a hazy listen defined by surging walls of reverb and foggy atmosphere, complemented by meditative lyricism to make for a dreamy indie rock/pop album perfect for a lazy summer afternoon. Standout tracks include “Dark Spring,” “Dive,” “L’Inconnue,” and “Lemon Glow.” 7 will attract fans of Perfume Genius, Real Estate, and Grouper. Click here to listen.

MORE GREAT ALBUMS

  • Honey, Be Well – These Emo Kids and Their Damn Polaroids

Standout tracks include “Secret Agent Michael Scarn,” “I Wanna Go Home,” and “Enough for You.” These Emo Kids and Their Damn Polaroids is for fans of Modern Baseball, Joyce Manor, and The Front Bottoms. Click here to listen.

  • Dream On Dreamer – It Comes and Goes

Standout tracks include “Stay,” “Let It In,” and “Runaway.” It Comes and Goes is for fans of The Word Alive, Hands Like Houses, and I See Stars. Click here to listen.

  • Frank Turner – Be More Kind

Standout tracks include “Be More Kind,” “Blackout,” and “Make America Great Again.” Be More Kind is for fans of Brian Fallon, Dave Hause, and Beans On Toast. Click here to listen.

  • James Bay – Electric Light

Standout tracks include “Pink Lemonade,” “Sugar Drunk High,” and “Wild Love.” Electric Light is for fans of George Ezra, Hozier, and Vance Joy. Click here to listen.

  • Courtney Barnett – Tell Me How You Really Feel

Standout tracks include “Crippling Self-Doubt and a General Lack of Confidence,” “Need a Little Time,” and “City Looks Pretty.” Tell Me How You Really Feel is for fans of Kurt Vile, Soccer Mommy, and Snail Mail. Click here to listen.

  • TT – LoveLaws

Standout tracks include “Love Leaks,” “The Dream,” and “I’ve Been Fine.” LoveLaws is for fans of The Japanese House, Anna Burch, and Sunflower Bean. Click here to listen.

  • The Word Alive – Violent Noise

Standout tracks include “Red Clouds,” “Human (ft. Sincerely Collins),” and “Why Am I Like This?”  Violent Noise is for fans of Miss May I, blessthefall, and The Color Morale. Click here to listen.

  • Remember Sports – Slow Buzz

Standout tracks include “No Going Back,” “Up From Below,” and “Pull Through.” Slow Buzz is for fans of Ratboys, Dude York, and Diet Cig. Click here to listen.

  • The Sidekicks – Happiness Hours

Standout tracks include “Weed Tent,” “Twin’s Twist,” and “Don’t Feel Like Dancing.” Happiness Hours is for fans of Cheap Girls, Wild Nothing, and The Menzingers. Click here to listen.

  • At the Gates – To Drink From the Night Itself

Standout tracks include “Daggers of Black Haze,” “To Drink From the Night Itself,” and “The Mirror Black.” To Drink From the Night Itself is for fans of Dark Tranquility, Hypocrisy, and In Flames. Click here to listen.

  • Elder Brother – Stay Inside

Standout tracks include “Weak Days,” “You & Me Forever,” and “Sway.” Stay Inside is for fans of Daisyhead, Head North, and Chase Huglin. Click here to listen.

  • Chase Huglin – Will the Sun Ever Come Back

Standout tracks include “Pennies,” “Heaven Come My Way,” and “90 Days of Summer.” Will the Sun Ever Come Back is for fans of Mat Kerekes, McCafferty, and Elder Brother. Click here to listen.

  • Middle Kids – Lost Friends

Standout tracks include “Mistake,” “Bought It,” and “On My Knees.” Lost Friends is for fans of Methyl Ethel, Camp Cope, and Varsity. Click here to listen.

  • Parkway Drive – Reverence

Standout tracks include “The Void,” “Prey,” and “Wishing Wells.” Reverence is for fans of Miss May I, The Devil Wears Prada, and Architects. Click here to listen.

  • Strung Out – Black Out the Sky

Standout tracks include “Town of Corazon,” “Requiem,” and “Black Out the Sky.” Black Out the Sky is for fans of Face to Face, Ten Foot Pole, and Good Riddance. Click here to listen.

  • Iceage – Beyondless

Standout tracks include “Catch It,” “Pain Killer (ft. Sky Ferreira),” and “Take It All.” Beyondless is for fans of Ought, Preoccupations, and IDLES. Click here to listen.

 

Extended Plays

  • Honest Men – Honest Men

Standout tracks include “Mad Love” and “Lose My Head.” Honest Men is for fans of COIN, Bad Suns, and The Ivy. Click here to listen.

  • DALES – Demos

Standout tracks include “Bulletproof” and “Young for the Summer.” Demos is for fans of Go Radio, The Maine, and The Summer Set. Click here to listen.

  • Somme – Somme

Standout tracks include “Holding On to You” and “Ordinary Fools.” Somme is for fans of Clairo, Ally Hills, and LAYNE. Click here to listen.

  • Clairo – diary 001

Standout tracks include “Pretty Girl” and “4EVER.” diary 001 is for fans of Temporex, boy pablo, and SALES. Click here to listen.

  • Jeremy Zucker – glisten

Standout tracks include “all the kids are depressed” and “better off.” glisten is for fans of EDEN, gnash, and nothing,nowhere. Click here to listen.

  • The Front Bottoms – Ann

Standout tracks include “Tie Dye Dragon” and “Somebody Else.” Ann is for fans of Joyce Manor, Tigers Jaw, and Modern Baseball. Click here to listen.

  • Times Like These – Take It or Leave It

Standout tracks include “Pipe Bomb” and “Passing Cars.” Take It or Leave It is for fans of Face Value, The Gospel Youth, and Every Avenue. Click here to listen.

  • HalfNoise – Flowerss

Standout tracks include “All That Love Is” and “Flowerss.” Flowerss is for fans of Now, Now, Beach Weather, and Paramore. Click here to listen.

  • Pridelands – Any Colour You Desire

Standout tracks include “Slowly” and “The Sulfur Inside Your Hell.” Any Colour You Desire is for fans of Belle Haven, Tapestry, and Apate. Click here to listen.

  • Dream State – Recovery

Standout tracks include “White Lies” and “New Waves.” Recovery is for fans of Picturesque, Greywind, and Thousand Below. Click here to listen.

  • emoceans – Lost in Love

Standout tracks include “I Give Myself to You” and “I Swear.” Lost in Love is for fans of blackbear, gnash, and Bazzi. Click here to listen.

  • Late Night Bull Fight – Something Doesn’t Add Up

Standout tracks include “Superhuman” and “Slow Your Roll.” Something Doesn’t Add Up is for fans of Mt. Joy, Pacific Radio, and Naked Giants. Click here to listen.

 

Featured Singles

Let us know what you think of May’s releases down in the comments below!

Our Alt Col Picks are curated lists of the best albums and EPs for each month! We keep a schedule of upcoming releases and pick our favorite ones at the end of the month, giving them a spotlight here and on Twitter. To be featured in one of our lists, hit us up on our contact page or Twitter, though nothing is guaranteed. (We rarely make exceptions to include past releases, so if your album came out in June, we might be hesitant to include it in July or August, for instance.)

April 2018 Alt Col Picks – The Aces, The Wonder Years, nothing,nowhere., & More

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Plenty of great records were released in April, so here are our favorite albums of the month! (In no particular order.) Want a Spotify playlist? Click here!

  • The Aces – When My Heart Felt Volcanic

The vibrant, shimmery indie pop rock of The Aces’ When My Heart Felt Volcanic is captivating and undeniably fun. This debut full-length is characterized by ’80s-influenced guitar timbre and catchy songwriting, blending the ever-present throwback elements with fresh, modern-day production. Standout tracks include “Just Like That,” “Strong Enough,” “Last One,” and “Lovin’ Is Bible.” When My Heart Felt Volcanic will appeal to fans of Paramore’s After Laughter, Fickle Friends, and Scavenger Hunt. Click here to listen.

  • The Wonder Years – Sister Cities

The emo-tinged alt-rock outfit The Wonder Years has unleashed their sixth studio album titled Sister Cities. Sister Cities offers the six-piece’s trademark brand of poignant lyricism and hard-hitting musicality, continuing to efficiently blur the lines of alt-rock, emo, and their pop punk roots. Standout tracks include “Sister Cities,” “Pyramids of Salt,” and “Raining in Kyoto.” Sister Cities is sure to satisfy followers of Moose Blood, Citizen, and A Will Away. Click here to listen.

  • Varsity – Parallel Person

The sophomore album Parallel Person by Varsity finds its strength and uniqueness in tasteful simplicity, characterized by entrancing compositions, daydreamy vocal performances, and catchy melodies. It’s perfect for a relaxing Sunday afternoon. Standout tracks include “A Friend Named Paul,” “Must Be Nice,” “Gordi, You’re a Saint,” and “Krissy.” Parallel Person is sure to attract listeners of Camp Cope, Queen Moo, and Wavelight. Click here to listen.

  • nothing,nowhere. – ruiner

nothing,nowhere. recrudesces on ruiner with their signature emo acoustic sound mixed with hip-hop elements to craft a record that is catchy, heartfelt, and endlessly replayable. From the plucky guitar melodies of the opener to the howling vocals of the closer, this album is sure to twist your heart and is well-deserving of repeated listens. Standout tracks include “hammer,” “waster,” “sayer,” and “reminiscer.” ruiner will appeal to followers of Jeremy Zucker, Chase Atlantic, and EDEN. Click here to listen.

  • Charmer – Charmer

Charmer’s debut full-length, out via No Sleep Records, is moody and emotional through upbeat anthems and downtrodden slow burns. The intricate guitar melodies, boisterous percussion, and layered vocals intertwine with heartrending lyrics to make this self-titled release truly impressive. Standout tracks include “Floral,” “Bummer Summer,” “Nurse Joy,” and “Topanga Lawrence.” Charmer will attract fans of Kayak Jones, Hot Mulligan, and Dryjacket. Click here to listen.

  • Underoath – Erase Me

After signing on with Fearless Records, Underoath unleashed their eighth studio record Erase Me, their first album in nearly eight years. Erase Me is characterized by heavy-hitting vocal performances, clamorous drumming, and soaring guitar refrains that assure fans the band still has it in them. Standout tracks include “Rapture,” “It Has to Start Somewhere,“ and “On My Teeth.” Erase Me will capture fans of blessthefall, The Devil Wears Prada, and Silverstein. Click here to listen.

  • Hinds – I Don’t Run

The fabulous new album I Don’t Run by Hinds will be running through your mind non-stop. With sweet vocal harmonies, fuzzy distortion, and rollicking guitars, I Don’t Run is an unforgettable slice of garage pop and kickass girl power. Standout tracks include “New For You,” “The Club,” “Echoing My Name,” and “I Feel Cold But I Feel More.” I Don’t Run is sure to satisfy followers of The Big Moon, Snail Mail, and Alvvays. Click here to listen.

  • Settle Your Scores – Better Luck Tomorrow

The new Settle Your Scores record Better Luck Tomorrow, aptly released on Friday the 13th, is vivacious and exciting pop punk you don’t wanna miss. Better Luck Tomorrow is defined by its classic pop punk composition and spirited energy. Standout tracks include “Zero Hour,” “Keep Your Chin Up and Your Expectations Down,” and “No Ragrets.” Better Luck Tomorrow will interest listeners of WSTR, Homebound, and Sleep On It. Click here to listen.

  • Fiddlehead – Springtime and Blind

There’s a particular rawness and intensity delivered on Fiddlehead’s latest record Springtime and Blind. Springtime and Blind offers up shredded guitar themes and plenty of memorable hooks but also stripped-down, more emotional moments. Standout tracks include “Poem You,” “Spousal Loss,“ “USMA,” and “Lay Low.” Springtime and Blind will appeal to fans of Superheaven, Transit, and Narrow Head. Click here to listen.

  • Heavy Things – Glimpse

Available via InVogue Records, Heavy Things’ sophomore studio LP Glimpse is a stellar follow-up to their 2017 debut Goner. Glimpse provides a natural progression instrumentally while also showcasing maturity in the lyrical realm between songs of heartbreak and life lessons. Standout tracks include “Gone Again,” “Glimpse,” “Worn Out,” and the atmospheric “Feeding Flowers.” Glimpse is bound to attract followers of Bonfires, Hot Mulligan, and Hold Close. Click here to listen.

MORE GREAT ALBUMS

  • niiice. – Try to Stay Positive

Standout tracks include “RVR WTR,” “Scared of the Dark,” and “Ef U, Pay Me.” Try to Stay Positive is for fans of Gramma, Inconsistent, and Unturned. Click here to listen.

  • Kississippi – Sunset Blush

The colorful new album Sunset Blush from Kississippi is an undeniable triumph through its stunning guitar work and emotional lyricism. Standout tracks include “Cut Yr Teeth,” “Mirror Kisser,” and “Lash to Lash.” Sunset Blush is for fans of Ratboys, Great Grandpa, and Remember Sports. Click here to listen.

  • Pennywise – Never Gonna Die

Standout tracks include “Live While You Can,” “Never Gonna Die,” and “Won’t Give Up the Fight.” Never Gonna Die is for fans of NOFX, Bad Religion, and Rancid. Click here to listen.

  • Dr. Dog – Critical Equation

Standout tracks include “Go Out Fighting,” “Listening In,” and “Heart Killer.” Critical Equation is for fans of Fruit Bats, Dawes, and Cotton Jones. Click here to listen.

  • Hawthorne Heights – Bad Frequencies

Standout tracks include “Just Another Ghost,” “Pink Hearts,” and “The Suicide Mile.”  Bad Frequencies is for fans of Senses Fail, The Used, and Taking Back Sunday. Click here to listen.

  • DMA’S – For Now

Standout tracks include “In the Air,” “For Now,” and “Break Me.” For Now is for fans of Gang of Youths, Methyl Ethel, and Kingswood. Click here to listen.

  • Giraffes? Giraffes! – Memory Lame

Standout tracks include “Hug of Death,” “Heretical Doses,“ and “Putzing Around the Underworld AKA The Loser’s Journey.” Memory Lame is for fans of Three Trapped Tigers, LITE, and Sleeping People. Click here to listen.

  • Eels – The Deconstruction

Standout tracks include “The Deconstruction,” “Today Is the Day,” and “You Are the Shining Light.” The Deconstruction is for fans of Grandaddy, Sparklehorse, and Calexico. Click here to listen.

  • Cold Fronts – Fantasy du jour

Standout tracks include “Aftermath,” “Stayin’ In,” and “Trying Not to Break.” Fantasy du jour is for fans of Surf Dads, WATERS, and Team Spirit. Click here to listen.

  • Animal Flag – Void Ripper

Standout tracks include “Lord of Pain,” “Void Ripper,” and “Why.” Void Ripper is for fans of Sinai Vessel, Runaway Brother, and Slaughter Beach, Dog. Click here to listen.

  • Hey Ocean! – The Hurt of Happiness

Standout tracks include “Sleepwalker,” “Amsterdam,” and “The Hurt of Happiness.” The Hurt of Happiness is for fans of Said the Whale, Mother Mother, and Arkells. Click here to listen.

  • Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Sex & Food

Standout tracks include “Hunnybee,” “Everyone Acts Crazy Nowadays,” and “American Guilt.” Sex & Food is for fans of Deerhunter, Foxygen, and Tame Impala. Click here to listen.

  • Dusted – Blackout Summer

Standout tracks include “All I Am,” “Dead Eyes,” and “Seasons.” Blackout Summer is for fans of Eternal Summers, Nap Eyes, and Preoccupations. Click here to listen.

  • The Brummies – Eternal Reach

Standout tracks include “Drive Away (ft. Kacey Musgraves),” “Takes Some Time,” and “Set You Free.” Eternal Reach is for fans of Blank Range, Arlie, and Yoke Lore. Click here to listen.

  • Laura Veirs – The Lookout

Standout tracks include “Everybody Needs You,” “Margaret Sands,” and “The Canyon.” The Lookout is for fans of Neko Case, Laura Gibson, and Julie Byrne. Click here to listen.

  • Grouper – Grid of Points

Standout tracks include “Driving,” “Parking Lot,” and “Breathing.” Grid of Points is for fans of Mount Eerie, Julianna Barwick, and Forest Swords. Click here to listen.

  • From Ashes to New – The Future

Standout tracks include “Broken,” “Crazy,” and “My Name.” The Future is for fans of Linkin Park, Cane Hill, and Thousand Foot Krutch. Click here to listen.

  • Lume – Wrung Out

Standout tracks include “Unending,” “Loss Leader,” and “Shudder.” Wrung Out is for fans of Teenage Wrist, Cloakroom, and Gleemer. Click here to listen.

 

Extended Plays

  • Tango Moms – Views Of

Tango Moms just released their exciting and catchy new indie rock EP titled Views Of. Standout tracks include “Relief“ and “Sweet Talk.” Views Of is for fans of The Noise FM, Pacific Radio, and The Technicolors. Click here to listen.

  • Hemingway – Enjoy Your Life

With raucous distortion and poignant lyricism, the new EP Enjoy Your Life from Hemingway is sure to interest any alt-rock, emo, and indie punk fan. Standout tracks include “Dream” and “Spoon.” Enjoy Your Life is for fans of Retirement Party, Who Loves You, and Charmer. Click here to listen.

  • My Sister’s Fugazi Shirt – Double Date

Standout tracks include “Finding Old Recordings of Ghost Hunting on My Laptop at 1 AM” and “The Part In the ‘Such Great Heights’ Music Video Where They Turn Up the Emo Knob.” Double Date is for fans of Coffee Eyes, Worst Party Ever, and Casey Bolles. Click here to listen.

  • Triple Sundae – Peace of Mind

Standout tracks include “Indecisive” and “Fabricated.” Peace of Mind is for fans of Fast Fade, The Burnt Tapes, and Our Lives In Cinema. Click here to listen.

  • The Weekend Classic – Better Health

The spectacular new Better Health EP by The Weekend Classic is filled to the brim with energy, angst, and emotion. Standout tracks include “Mutual Interest“ and “Bleed.” Better Health is for fans of Gold Route, Bedroom Talk, and Hold Close. Click here to listen.

  • Mainland – Villains

Standout tracks include “Villains” and “Rituals.” Villains is for fans of DREAMERS, WATERS, and Junior Prom. Click here to listen.

  • Alice Merton – No Roots

The energetic, playful new No Roots EP by Alice Merton will have you chanting along to every chorus. Standout tracks include “No Roots” and “Hit the Ground Running.” No Roots is for fans of Florence + the Machine, Lena, and Ofenbach. Click here to listen.

  • Wallows – Spring

Standout tracks include “Let the Sun In” and “These Days.” Spring is for fans of Declan McKenna, Hippo Campus, and Beach Weather. Click here to listen.

  • Forts Like Vana – This + This = That

Standout tracks include “Love You Right” and “Again.” This + This = That is for fans of Mainland, Waterparks, and Vesperteen. Click here to listen.

  • Fully Involved – Insulince

Standout tracks include “Tend to You“ and “At Least You Have Your Health.” Insulince is for fans of Who Loves You, Retirement Party, and Nervous Dater. Click here to listen.

  • Geographer – Alone Time

Standout tracks include “So Low” and “Read My Mind.” Alone Time is for fans of JR JR, CRUISR, and Tanlines. Click here to listen.

  • Cave People – Kingfisher

Standout tracks include “Wait” and “Try.” Kingfisher is for fans of Three Man Cannon, No Thank You, and Cherry. Click here to listen.

  • Haley Blais – Let Yourself Go

Standout tracks include “Remove Tag” and “Small Foreign Faction.” Let Yourself Go is for fans of Ella Grace, dodie, and Rusty Clanton. Click here to listen.

  • Destroy Boys – Crybaby/Vixen

Standout tracks include ……… “Crybaby” and “Vixen.” Crybaby/Vixen is for fans of No Parents, The Soaks, and Junkie. Click here to listen. (Guess this is more of a single, oops, lol)

  • Magic Giant – In the Wind Acoustic

Acoustic renditions of songs from Magic Giant’s 2017 album In the Wind. Standout tracks include “Set on Fire” and “Hideaway.” In the Wind Acoustic is for fans of The Mowglis, Grouplove, and Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness. Click here to listen.

  • Knuckle Puck – Shifted

Acoustic renditions of songs from Knuckle Puck’s 2017 album Shapeshifter. Standout tracks include “Conduit” and “Gone.” Shifted is for fans of Like Pacific, Homesafe, and The Story So Far. Click here to listen.

 

Featured Singles

Let us know what you think of April’s releases down in the comments below!

Our Alt Col Picks are curated lists of the best albums and EPs for each month! We keep a schedule of upcoming releases and pick our favorite ones at the end of the month, giving them a spotlight here and on Twitter. To be featured in one of our lists, hit us up on our contact page or Twitter, though nothing is guaranteed. (We rarely make exceptions to include past releases, so if your album came out in June, we might be hesitant to include it in July or August, for instance.)

March 2018 Alt Col Picks – Fickle Friends, Jack White, Camp Cope, & More

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Lots of great albums were released in March, so here are our favorite records of the month! (In no particular order.) Want a Spotify playlist? Click here!

  • Fickle Friends – You Are Someone Else

The colorful, glistening indie pop rock of Fickle Friends’ You Are Someone Else is entrancing and undeniably fun. This debut full-length is characterized by ’80s-influenced guitar timbre and catchy songwriting, blending the ever-present throwback elements with fresh, modern-day production. Standout tracks include “Glue,” “Brooklyn,” “Say No More,” and “Paris.” You Are Someone Else will appeal to fans of The Aces, Paramore’s After Laughter, and Scavenger Hunt. Click here to listen.

  • Moose Blood – I Don’t Think I Can Do This Anymore

The emo-tinged pop punk/pop rock outfit Moose Blood has unleashed their third studio album titled I Don’t Think I Can Do This Anymore. I Don’t Think offers the four-piece’s trademark brand of poignant lyricism and upbeat musicality, continuing to efficiently blur the lines of emo and pop punk. Standout tracks include “Have I Told You Enough,” “It’s Too Much,” and “Pull Me From the Floor.” I Don’t Think I Can Do This Anymore is sure to satisfy followers of A Will Away, Knuckle Puck, and The Wonder Years. Click here to listen.

  • Jack White – Boarding House Reach

Jack White, formerly one half of The White Stripes, branches out on his third solo record Boarding House Reach. Boarding House Reach is experimental and vivid between its psychedelic atmosphere and artificial instrumentation. Standout tracks include “Over and Over and Over,” “Connected By Love,” “Get In the Mind Shaft,” and “Corporation.” Boarding House Reach is sure to attract listeners of The White Stripes, The Kills, and The Dead Weather. Click here to listen.

  • The Vaccines – Combat Sports

The Vaccines recrudesce on Combat Sports with their signature rock ‘n’ roll mixed with electronic elements to craft a record that is catchy, fun, and endlessly replayable. From the plucky guitar melodies of the opener to the roaring distortion of the closer, this album is sure to get stuck in your head and is well-deserving of repeated listens. Standout tracks include “Put It On a T-Shirt,” “Your Love Is My Favorite Band,” and “Nightclub.” Combat Sports will appeal to followers of The Libertines, Phoenix, and Ra Ra Riot. Click here to listen.

  • Camp Cope – How to Socialise & Make Friends

Hailing from Australia, Camp Cope melds lo-fi indie rock with heartfelt libretto and enthusiastic vocal performances on their sophomore full-length titled How to Socialise & Make Friends. The honest singing and sparse instrumentation are simultaneously personal and intimate and yet still enough to rattle concert halls and stadiums. Standout tracks include “The Opener,” “The Face of God,” and “How to Socialise & Make Friends.” How to Socialise & Make Friends will capture fans of Varsity, Waxahatchee, and Quarterbacks. Click here to listen.

  • Naked Giants – Sluff

New West Records signees Naked Giants deliver energy and excitement on their debut long-player Sluff. Sluff is defined by raucous guitar intonation and chanted choruses, animated percussion and stellar solos. It’s angsty and fiery and undoubtedly entertaining. Standout tracks include “Everybody Thinks They Know (But No One Really Knows),” “We’re Alone,” and “TV.” Sluff is sure to satisfy followers of Remo Drive, Daddy Issues, and Lady Legs. Click here to listen.

  • McCafferty – Yarn

After releasing a handful of EPs and singles, McCafferty finally provides their freshman full-length album titled Yarn. Intertwining hauntingly dark lyricism with granular guitar tones, Yarn spins a spellbinding listen, weaving between more buoyant occasions and slower, grimmer sentiments. Standout tracks include “Paper, Pencil, Copyright,” “Sauerkraut,” and “Westboro Sadness.” Yarn will interest listeners of Modern Baseball, The Front Bottoms, and Joyce Manor. Click here to listen.

  • Hot Mulligan – Pilot

There’s a particular rawness and vivacity captured on Hot Mulligan’s latest record Pilot that sounds original and refreshing. With aspects of pop punk, Pilot offers up shredded guitar solos and plenty of memorable hooks but also stripped-down, more experimental moments, like the oddly-named tenth track “How Do You Know It’s Not Armadillo Shells?” Standout tracks include “The Soundtrack To Missing A Slam Dunk,” “All You Wanted By Michelle Branch,“ and “How Do You Know It’s Not Armadillo Shells?” Pilot will appeal to fans of Seaway, Coldfront, and Neck Deep. Click here to listen.

  • blessthefall – Hard Feelings

blessthefall’s sixth studio LP Hard Feelings is impactful and ebullient metalcore that truly stands out from the pack. Through face-melting guitar melodies and rousing screaming, Hard Feelings discharges intensity and emotional fervor while also expanding upon electronic factors. Standout tracks include “Wishful Sinking,” “Cutthroat,” and “I’m Over Being Under(rated).” Hard Feelings is bound to attract followers of Memphis May Fire, I See Stars, and Saosin. Click here to listen.

  • Oceans of Slumber – The Banished Heart

The Banished Heart, the third full-length release from Oceans of Slumber, superbly advances the band’s delectable mixture of metal, progressive rock, and psychedelia. Frontwoman Cammie Gilbert displays her soulful vocal talent and emotion all throughout the record, supported by brooding, viscous instrumentals. Standout tracks include “The Decay of Disregard,” “The Banished Heart,” and the chilling cover of “Wayfaring Stranger.” The Banished Heart will attract fans of In This Moment, Epica, and Gemini Syndrome. Click here to listen.

  • Martha Ffion – Sunday Best

The rosy indie folk rock of Martha Ffion’s Sunday Best is characterized by earnest lyricism and velvety instrumentation; the hazy vocals are complemented by buttery guitar tones and effervescent percussion, making for an enticing listen perfect for an easygoing Sunday afternoon. Standout tracks include “Record Sleeves,” “We Make Do,” and “Take Your Name.” Sunday Best will interest listeners of Spinning Coin, Anna Burch, and Olden Yolk. Click here to listen.

  • Teenage Wrist – Chrome Neon Jesus

Teenage Wrist smoothly amalgamates elements of alt-rock, emo, and shoegaze on their debut long-player via Epitaph Records interestingly titled Chrome Neon Jesus. Chrome Neon Jesus calls back to the ’90s grunge era while also staying fresh and contemporary through its reverb-laden distorted guitars, synthetic drum components, and captivating vocal performances. Standout tracks include “Dweeb,” “Rollerblades,” and “Supermachine.” Chrome Neon Jesus is sure to intrigue fans of Superheaven, Secret Space, and Nirvana. Click here to listen.

MORE GREAT ALBUMS

  • Hayley Kiyoko – Expectations

I would’ve placed this higher up but it’s not exactly alternative. (I suppose one could consider it alt-pop?) Still, amazing music! Standout tracks include “Feelings,” “Curious,” “What I Need (feat. Kehlani),” and “Sleepover.” Expectations is for fans of Betty Who, Troye Sivan, and Matilda. Click here to listen.

  • The Neighbourhood – The Neighbourhood

Standout tracks include “Flowers,” “Scary Love,” and “Too Serious.” The Neighbourhood is for fans of Jaymes Young, BØRNS, and Arctic Monkeys. Click here to listen.

  • Mt. Joy – Mt. Joy

Standout tracks include “Silver Lining,” “Dirty Love,” and “Astrovan.” Mt. Joy is for fans of Mating Ritual, Yoke Lore, and Drew Holcomb & the Neighbors. Click here to listen.

  • Queen of Jeans – Dig Yourself

Standout tracks include “More to Love,” “U R My Guy,” and “Clever Hands.” Dig Yourself is for fans of Varsity, Diet Cig, and Ratboys. Click here to listen.

  • Preoccupations – New Material

Standout tracks include “Disarray,” “Espionage,” and “Solace.”  New Material is for fans of Iceage, The Smiths, and Alvvays. Click here to listen.

  • Casey – Where I Go When I Am Sleeping

Standout tracks include “The Funeral,” “Needlework,” and “Bruise.” Where I Go When I Am Sleeping is for fans of Movements, Being As An Ocean, and To the Wind. Click here to listen.

  • Gulfer – Dog Bless

Standout tracks include “Florida,” “Doglife,“ and “Baseball.” Dog Bless is for fans of Prawn, Pet Symmetry, and American Pleasure Club. Click here to listen.

  • The Voidz – Virtue

Standout tracks include “Leave It In My Dreams,” “Pyramid of Bones,” and “ALieNNatioN.” Virtue is for fans of Temples, Oh Sees, and MGMT. Click here to listen.

  • The Black Delta Movement – Preservation

Standout tracks include “Let the Rain Come,” “Hunting Ground,” and “King Mosquito.” Preservation is for fans of LIFE, New Candys, and Desert Mountain Tribe. Click here to listen.

  • Titus Andronicus – A Productive Cough

Standout tracks include “Above the Bodega (Local Business),” “Number One (In New York),” and “(I’m) Like a Rolling Stone.” A Productive Cough is for fans of The Hold Steady, The Thermals, and Screaming Females. Click here to listen.

  • Sorority Noise – YNAAYT

A rearranged, redone, and reimagined version of Sorority Noise’s stellar 2017 record You’re Not As ____ As You Think. (I always read YNAAYT in my head as “Y’AIN’T” for some reason.) Standout tracks include “No Halo,” “Chelsea Hotel No. 2,” and “Windowwww.” YNAAYT is for fans of Modern Baseball, Moose Blood, and Pinegrove. Click here to listen.

  • Punchline – LION

Standout tracks include “Friend From the Future,” “Sensory Overload,” and “Another Tale of Remember When.” LION is for fans of Bayside, The Starting Line, and The Movielife. Click here to listen.

  • Three Days Grace – Outsider

Standout tracks include “The Mountain,” “I Am an Outsider,” and “Strange Days.” Outsider is for fans of Shinedown, 3 Doors Down, and Breaking Benjamin. Click here to listen.

  • The Decemberists – I’ll Be Your Girl

Standout tracks include “Severed,” “Everything Is Awful,” and “Once In My Life.” I’ll Be Your Girl is for fans of The Shins, The Veils, and The Mountain Goats. Click here to listen.

 

Extended Plays

  • The Wrecks – Panic Vertigo

(Sorry we didn’t include this in our February picks!) I’m not kidding when I say Panic Vertigo is one of my absolute favorite EPs of the past year or so. The Wrecks gained a lot of attention from alternative music media outlets and garnered a devoted fanbase last year after dropping only 3 tracks. This new EP is bound to leave your mouth watering for more… and have you shouting along at the top of your lungs. Standout tracks include “Revolution“ and “Way With Words.” Panic Vertigo is for fans of Driver Friendly, The American Scene, and Finish Ticket. Click here to listen.

  • Wavelight – Confidence Drive

Standout tracks include “Ghost Town” and “Dawn Chorus.” Confidence Drive is for fans of Varsity, Sun Culture, and Yellow Ostrich. Click here to listen.

  • Tiny Kingdoms – Realms

Standout tracks include “Cloverdale” and “Dawn.” Realms is for fans of The Starting Line, The Blonde Tongues, and Relient K. Click here to listen.

  • MILKK – Sad Girls

Standout tracks include “Less Than 3“ and “Sad Girls.” Sad Girls is for fans of LANY, pineview, and The Japanese House. Click here to listen.

  • Remo Drive – Pop Music

Standout tracks include “Blue Ribbon” and “Song of the Summer.” Pop Music is for fans of Car Seat Headrest, Guide Dog, and Cheem. Click here to listen.

  • Until We Get Caught – Lost Years

Standout tracks include “The Ride“ and “Stranger Tides.” Lost Years is for fans of Bad Case, Send Request, and Highlives. Click here to listen.

  • Afterparty – On My Way to Hell

Standout tracks include “Luxuria” and “Hold On.” On My Way to Hell is for fans of The Story So Far, Every Avenue, and Sleep On It. Click here to listen.

  • Forever Came Calling – Retro Future

Standout tracks include “Borrowed Cars” and “Mine to Mold.” Retro Future is for fans of Like Pacific, Handguns, and Knuckle Puck. Click here to listen.

  • Tapestry – Ghost of Me

Standout tracks include “Ghost” and “Dark Shade.” Ghost of Me is for fans of Counterparts, Belle Haven, and Holding Absence. Click here to listen.

  • of Montreal – White Is Relic/Irrealis Mood

I guess this is technically an album? Standout tracks include “Paranoiac Intervals/Body Dysmorphia” and “Soft Music/Juno Portraits of the Jovian Sky.” White Is Relic/Irrealis Mood is for fans of Passion Pit, MGMT, and Perfume Genius. Click here to listen.

  • My Epic – Ultraviolet

Standout tracks include “Of Wilderness” and “Voices.” Ultraviolet is for fans of Come Wind, So Long Forgotten, and From Indian Lakes. Click here to listen.

  • Hold Fast Hope – Traitors

Standout tracks include “Fade” and “Ripple.” Traitors is for fans of Thrice, Thursday, and Glassjaw. Click here to listen.

 

 

Featured Singles

Let us know what you think of March’s releases down in the comments below!

Our Alt Col Picks are curated lists of the best albums and EPs for each month! We keep a schedule of upcoming releases and pick our favorite ones at the end of the month, giving them a spotlight here and on Twitter. To be featured in one of our lists, hit us up on our contact page or Twitter, though nothing is guaranteed. (We rarely make exceptions to include past releases, so if your album came out in June, we might be hesitant to include it in July or August, for instance.)