Colony House

2017 Year-End Roundup

Admin1 Comment

Alright, so the big album-related lists from 2017 are out of the way (Best Albums & “Worst” Albums), so let’s jump into some more year-end lists! Let’s start with best songs. We’re gonna blow through the majority of these and then talk about the list-toppers a bit more in detail. Keep in mind this is all my personal opinion and you’re free to disagree! Let me know your favorite songs of 2017 down in the comments below.

Best Songs of 2017

  1. “All the Land Glimmered” by Julie Byrne
  2. “No Halo” by Sorority Noise
  3. “Main Attraction” by Sincerely, Me
  4. “Hiccups” by WATERS
  5. “Get By” by Real Friends
  6. “All” by Joseph
  7. “Better Off” by 7 Minutes in Heaven
  8. “Cannot Do This Alone” by Colony House
  9. “New York” by LEDGES
  10. “Take What You Want (feat. 5 Seconds of Summer)” by ONE OK ROCK
  11. “Feel Good” by Neon Trees
  12. “Apartment” by Seaway
  13. “The Last of the Real Ones” by Fall Out Boy
  14. “Paradise” by Broadside
  15. “Okay” by As It Is
  16. “Certainty” by Seasonal
  17. “What’s Wrong” by PVRIS
  18. “Sold” by Heavy Things
  19. “Caroline” by A Will Away
  20. “Everything You Want Me to Be” by Coldfront
  21. “Young for the Summer” by DALES
  22. “Celebrate the Reckless” by Magic Giant
  23. “The Fog” by LAYNE
  24. “Kids” by The Gospel Youth
  25. “Feelings” by Hayley Kiyoko
  26. “Don’t Take the Money” by Bleachers
  27. “Last Young Renegade” by All Time Low
  28. “The Breakup” by LANY
  29. “Slow Burn” by State Champs
  30. “Lookers” by The Menzingers
  31. “Fire” by The Dangerous Summer
  32. “In the Middle of It All” by Citizen
  33. “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles
  34. “Tiger Teeth” by Walk the Moon
  35. “Daylily” by Movements
  36. “Hiding With Boys” by Creeper
  37. “Liability” by Lorde
  38. “Beautiful Things” by Grayscale
  39. “Black Butterflies & Déjà Vu” by The Maine
  40. “Fake Happy” by Paramore

That’s it! My top choice is “Fake Happy” by Paramore because I found myself constantly coming back to this song and loving it more and more every time. The lyrics are amazingly well-written and give such an awesome commentary, and the melodies in this song are absolutely stellar. “Black Butterflies & Déjà Vu” is my second pick because this song is so emotionally-charged and “gives me all the feels,” if you will. The instrumental is fantastic and the guitar melody is always stuck in my head on repeat. “Beautiful Things” by Grayscale is next on the list due to its heartfelt lyrics and spectacular vocal performance, along with that catchy hook! “Liability” by Lorde is a song that I can personally relate to and is such a moving piano ballad, which is quite out-of-the-ordinary for Lorde. “Hiding With Boys” is an epic rock tune outlined by smoky nostalgia and heart-rending lyrics that makes me feel some type of way. “Daylily” by Movements also makes me … feel something … and is such a poignant song between its raspy, impassioned vocals and raw instrumentals. I’ve been waiting for a studio version of “Tiger Teeth” by Walk the Moon for AGES and we finally got it! It definitely lives up to and even surpasses the live recordings of this atmospheric, emotional tune. “Sign of the Times” by Harry Styles isn’t what most fans expected from him, but my God, this monumental power ballad the best thing we could’ve ever dreamed of getting from this former boy band member. All of my top picks have something in common: they all made me feel. I don’t mean to get sappy, but that’s why I love music, it makes me feel things.

Best EPs of 2017

  1. Fade by Cold Climb It
  2. Likes Me Like That by Over Atlantic
  3. Aesthetically Pleasing by Sincerely, Me
  4. Do You Feel the Same Way Now? by Forbidden Envy
  5. Best When In Motion by Life Lessons
  6. Bloom by Seasonal
  7. Symmetry by 7 Minutes in Heaven
  8. Hard by The Neighbourhood
  9. Without You by pineview
  10. Wednesday by LAYNE

Click the links to read what we have to say about these EPs!

Best Debut Albums of 2017

  1. Totem by Welman
  2. AM/PM by The White Noise
  3. Lovely Domestic Bliss by Guide Dog
  4. Prosper by Gold Route
  5. Love Jail by Julia Louise
  6. Tasha Sits Close to the Piano by Jaws of Love.
  7. Homecoming by LEDGES
  8. Busybody Lazybones by Woolbright
  9. Landmark by Hippo Campus
  10. Red, Green, or Inbetween by WSTR
  11. Fail You Again by Can’t Swim
  12. Float Around by Coldfront
  13. Overexposed by Sleep On It
  14. Coast Modern by Coast Modern
  15. Always Lose by The Gospel Youth
  16. The Heights by Knox Hamilton
  17. Dreamcar by Dreamcar
  18. Cigarettes After Sex by Cigarettes After Sex
  19. Greatest Hits by Remo Drive
  20. Here Again by A Will Away
  21. In the Wind by Magic Giant
  22. Eternity, In Your Arms by Creeper
  23. LANY by LANY
  24. Feel Something by Movements
  25. Harry Styles by Harry Styles

Click the links to read what we have to say about each of these albums!

Most Underrated/Overlooked Albums of 2017

  1. Apprise. Assemble. Arise. by Concealed in Clouds
  2. Enjoy the Great Outdoors by Spencer Radcliffe & Everyone Else
  3. Odyssey by The Accidentals
  4. Swear I’m Good At This by Diet Cig
  5. Fever Dream by Everything Everything
  6. Sincerely by Dude York
  7. Telephone by Jessica Hernandez & the Deltas
  8. Waiting on the Sun by Jule Vera
  9. Bear Your Mind by Free Throw
  10. come out, you’re hiding by flor
  11. Connect the Dots by MisterWives
  12. Make the Best of It by Have Mercy
  13. For Posterity by Dryjacket
  14. Overexposed by Sleep On It (ironic title)
  15. Vultures by Dead Leaves
  16. Orc by Oh Sees
  17. Chew by Muskets
  18. Hurts So Good by The Polarity
  19. The Same View With a New Light by WATERMEDOWN
  20. Easy by The Weeks
  21. Homecoming by LEDGES
  22. The Love You Let Too Close by Thousand Below
  23. The Good Life by Makeout
  24. Stranger in the Alps by Phoebe Bridgers
  25. Tasha Sits Close to the Piano by Jaws of Love.
  26. Waiting for Morning to Come by Being As An Ocean
  27. Totem by Welman
  28. Not Even Happiness by Julie Byrne
  29. Always Hope by Forever Starts Today
  30. Float Around by Coldfront
  31. Camp Cope by Camp Cope
  32. Busybody Lazybones by Woolbright
  33. Metaphysical by The Technicolors
  34. Landmark by Hippo Campus
  35. Content by Joywave
  36. The Heights by Knox Hamilton
  37. Goner by Heavy Things
  38. Dreamcar by Dreamcar
  39. Volcano by Temples
  40. In the Wind by Magic Giant
  41. Awkward Phase by Eternal Boy
  42. Coast Modern by Coast Modern
  43. Here Again by A Will Away
  44. Back to Beautiful by Picturesque
  45. Diverge by Hawking
  46. Something More! by WATERS
  47. All These Countless Nights by Deaf Havana
  48. Synesthesia by Courage My Love
  49. Origami by Vinyl Theatre
  50. After the Party by The Menzingers

Click the links to read what we have to say about each of these albums!

Those are all the lists we have for 2017! Let us know your thoughts down in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

January 2017 Alt Col Picks

AdminLeave a comment

janpicks

A bunch of great albums appeared in January, so here are our favorite releases of the month! (In no particular order.)

  • As It Is – Okay.

As It Is expertly avoids a sophomore slump with Okay., a pop punk album that evidently displays the band’s maturation and improvement in lyricism, musicianship, and vocal delivery. Patty Walters has toned down the nasal aspect of his voice, and guitarist Ben Biss also contributes some stellar vocals throughout the record. Standout tracks include the singles, “Hey Rachel,” “Soap,” and “Until I Return.” Okay. will appeal to fans of State Champs, Real Friends, and Neck Deep.

  • Starset – Vessels

The galactic, cinematic style of Starset is expanded upon in their second full-length, Vessels. The four-piece efficiently blends rock, electronic, and orchestral inflections to create an interstellar masterpiece that transports listeners out of this world. Vessels is mesmerizing and captivating and reaches for the stars. Standout tracks include “Monster,” “Satellite,” and “Die For You.” Vessels is sure to attract followers of Crown the Empire, Falling In Reverse, and Red.

  • Dryjacket – For Posterity

Dryjacket’s first long-player For Posterity is a solid debut characterized by twinkling guitar melodies and energetic percussion with soaring brasswinds. It offers enough angst to be labeled pop punk and enough eccentricity to be considered indie rock. Standout tracks include “Epi Pen Pals,” “Misused Adrenaline,” and “Two Toasters.” For Posterity will capture listeners of Driver Friendly, Glass Towers, and Bayside.

  • Colony House – Only the Lonely

Alt-rockers Colony House return for a smashing sophomore album that proves their musical prowess and lyrical aptitude. Only the Lonely provides danceable rock anthems and earnestly heartfelt ballads defined by amped-up guitars and boisterous drumming. Standout tracks include “Cannot Do This Alone,” “1234,” “You & I,” and “I Want It All.” Only the Lonely is sure to interest fans of Fatherson, Relient K, and Finish Ticket.

  • WSTR – Red, Green, or In Between

The debut full-length, Red, Green, or In Between, from WSTR (pronounced Waster) is sure to fit in the music library of any pop punk fan. While the similarities to other acts *cough* Neck Deep *cough* are painfully evident, WSTR does bring their own flavor to the classic formula and sound. Standout tracks include “Featherweight,” “Footprints,” and “Lonely Smiles.” Red, Green, or In Between will appeal to followers of Neck Deep, Face Value, and State Champs.

  • One Ok Rock – Ambitions

After touring with the wildly popular 5 Seconds of Summer, One Ok Rock, a Japanese rock band, has put out a fabulous LP outlined by elements of rock and ardent libretto. Ambitions implements fiery orchestral articulations and lofty vocals to craft a delightful rock album with plenty to offer. Standout tracks include “Take What You Want,” “Taking Off,” and “We Are.” Ambitions is bound to attract listeners of Sum 41, A Day to Remember, and Rise Against.

  • The xx – I See You

The xx return to craft their third ethereal indie pop record that melds euphoric production and a dark aesthetic together for one enjoyable listen. With nearly five years separating I See You from its predecessor Coexist, The xx have surely matured and reached a point of self-transcendence musically. Standout tracks include “Say Something Loving,” “I Dare You,” and “On Hold.” I See You will capture fans of Oh Wonder, Lorde, and Broods.

  • Deaf Havana – All These Countless Nights

Image result for deaf havana all these countless nights

Nostalgic songwriting and savory musicianship are highlighted on Deaf Havana’s latest long-player, All These Countless Nights. Catchy as hell melodies coupled with impassioned lyricism makes for an infectiously delectable record from start to finish. Standout tracks include “Trigger,” “Like a Ghost,” and “Ashes, Ashes.” All These Countless Nights is sure to satisfy followers of Mallory Knox, The Gaslight Anthem, and Lonely the Brave.

  • Palisades – Palisades

Palisades’s self-titled album proves the band has certainly matured and found an alluring balance in their musicality. The assertive style and atmospheric rock is embellished all throughout the record and underlined by the mix of clean vocals and vigorous screams. Standout tracks include “Let Down,” “Aggression,” and “Memories.” Palisades will surely entertain listeners of Issues, Crown the Empire, and Bring Me the Horizon.

  • Greywind – Afterthoughts

Enticing vocal performance and captivating choruses shape Afterthoughts, the audacious full-length debut by rock duo Greywind. Enchanting guitar refrains and luscious percussion show Greywind is here to make a name for themselves, and they’re off to a fantastic start with this refreshing debut. Standout tracks include “Afterthoughts,” “Forest Ablaze,” and “Car Spin.” Afterthoughts is bound to please fans of Fort Hope, Mallory Knox, and Hey Vanity.

Honorable Mentions

  • As Lions – Selfish Age

Standout tracks include “Aftermath,” “Deathless,” and “World On Fire.” For fans of I Prevail, Memphis May Fire, and Of Mice & Men.

  • Clouds Nothings – Life Without Sound

Standout tracks include “Modern Act,” “Enter Entirely,” and “Up to the Surface.” For fans of Wavves, Neon Indian, and Local Natives.

  • Foxygen – Hang

Standout tracks include “On Lankershim,” “Follow the Leader,” and “Avalon.” For fans of Real Estate, Unknown Mortal Orchestra, and Woods.

  • Horse Thief – Trials & Truths

Standout tracks include “Another Youth,” “Empire,” and “Mountain Town.” For fans of Glass Oaks, Fossil Collective, Half Moon Run, and Gideon Grove.

  • Under Fire – Blackout (EP)

Standout tracks include “Blackout,” “Paralyzed,” and “Set Adrift,” but the whole EP is fantastic! For fans of State Champs, The Story So Far, and Knuckle Puck. Keep an eye on this band!

  • Bitter Thieves – Alluvium

Standout tracks include “Parade,” “Dissolution,” and “Lore.” For fans of … well. You’re just gonna have to check it out for yourself because Alluvium is really something else.

  • Gone Is Gone – Echolocation

Standout tracks include “Sentient,” “Dublin,” and “Echolocation.” For fans of Big Business, Deftones, and Redfang.

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

November 2016 Alt Col Picks

Admin1 Comment

novpicks

Many great releases appeared in November this year, so here are our favorite albums of the month! (In no particular order.)

  • Waterparks – Double Dare

Waterparks, hailing from Houston, Texas, is known for efficiently blending electronic elements and high-energy pop rock, and the amalgam continues on their full-length debut album, Double Dare. The pop punk luster is not covered up by the computerized components, but is instead perfectly complemented. Standout tracks include “Stupid for You,” “Hawaii (Stay Awake),” and “Royal.” Double Dare will attract fans of State Champs, As It Is, and With Confidence.

  • Highly Suspect – The Boy Who Died Wolf

The hard rock and bluesy accents of Highly Suspect’s abilities are capitalized upon in this mesmerizing, head-bobbing release. The Boy Who Died Wolf showcases a rollicking yet leisurely approach to crisp, amplified guitar work and smooth percussion. Standout tracks include “My Name Is Human,” “Little One,” and “Serotonia.” The Boy Who Died Wolf is sure to appeal to listeners of Deftones, The Pretty Reckless, and Evans Blue.

  • Masketta Fall – Golden

A sheer pop band, Masketta Fall has begun moving away from the rockier sound of their 2012 release Something Beautiful to a more radio-friendly style leaning heavy on the pop side. And hey, don’t let that turn you away from checking this album out! Guitars are still prevalent and amped up, even if the pop aspects shine through. Standout tracks include “Mercedes,” “Defenceless,” and “Butterflies.” Golden will interest followers of The Vamps, The Summer Set, and Crash the Party.

  • Black Box Warning – Black Box Warning

Album art.jpegThe debut self-titled long-player from metal band Black Box Warning has something for every rock fan: breakdowns, screams, clean vocals, and deep lyrics. The stellar musicianship and execution is simply something to marvel, and the emotional passion bolsters it even more. Standout tracks include “Nothing is Everything,” “Neon Mind,” and “Hypnagogia.” Black Box Warning will attract fans of Breaking Benjamin, Three Days Grace, and Bullet For My Valentine.

  • Homesafe – Evermore

Looking for some decent pop punk to listen to? Well, here’s a great cut to come from November. Homesafe recrudesces with an 8-track album filled with solid rock jams and some of their best work to date. The crisp production and talent of this band refuses to be overlooked and begs for you to listen in. Standout tracks include “Float Away,” “Two (Bare) Hands,” and “Exoneration.” Evermore will certainly appeal to followers of Real Friends, Knuckle Puck, and Sleep On It.

  • Broken Back – Broken Back

Jérôme, under the stage name of Broken Back, debuts an electro indie folk album that surely leaves one scratching their head at how to properly label it… Broken Back fuses together many different styles to create a wonderful collection of upbeat earcandy displaying acoustic guitars, electronic principles, and raspy vocals. Standout tracks include “Lady Bitterness,” “Excuses,” and “Better Run.” Broken Back will interest listeners of The Shoes, ALB, and Mai Lan.

  • Summer Lights – From Start to Finish (EP)

Another great pop punk release, the From Start to Finish EP by Salt Lake City band Summer Lights boasts rock gravity and brilliance from start to finish. Hopefully these guys will hit it big in the scene soon because this EP deserves to be heard, and we can’t wait to hear more! Standout tracks include “With You” and “Pick Up the Pieces.” From Start to Finish is sure to attract fans of Sleep On It, Knuckle Puck, and You vs. Yesterday.

  • Royal Teeth – Amateurs (EP)

Smooth pop rock band Royal Teeth returns with Amateurs, an EP that proves they’re far more than just amateurs. With artwork that resembles this 5 Seconds of Summer photo, there’s no doubt this EP will capture an upbeat pop rock vibe that balances the two adjectives expertly. Standout tracks include “Kids Conspire,” “Only You,” and “Is It Just Me.” Amateurs will appeal to listeners of 5SOS, The Summer Set, and The Colourist.

  • The Griswolds – High Times for Low Lives

The Griswolds gained traction in the scene from touring with power pop band Walk the Moon and singles from their previous album, but hopefully this release will launch them farther into stardom! This LP is a masterpiece of alt-pop grandeur that you don’t wanna miss. Standout tracks include “Out of My Head,” “High Times for Low Lives,” and “Feels So Right.” High Times for Low Lives will interest followers of POP ETC, Passion Pit, and Neon Trees.

  • Heavy English – Pop Wasteland

Pop Wasteland, the debut full-length from New York City trio Heavy English, boasts various styles and approaches all in the vein of glossy alt-rock that packs a punch. From the denser, darker guitar melodies of “Black Dog” to the buoyant beat of “21 Flights,” this album truly has a lot to offer. Standout tracks include “21 Flights,” “Black Dog,” and “Washed Up Tongue.” Pop Wasteland is sure to attract fans of The Dear Hunter, White Arrows, and NGHBRS.

  • Half Hearted – Terrified (EP)

Half Hearted utilizes clean vocals and impassioned screams to develop contrast on their latest EP, Terrified. The hooky guitar melodies are hauntingly unblemished and the overall musical ability of this group is enthralling. Poignant lyricism and a desire to capture the listener certainly pay off amazingly well. Standout tracks include “Terrified,” “Ghosts,” and “Storm Chaser,” but honestly, the entire EP is fantastic! Terrified will interests listeners of Currents, Wage War, and Beartooth.

  • Woes – Woes (EP)

Pop punk done right yet again! Woes debuts with the 5-track self-titled extended play that is bound to get stuck in your head. While some lyrics are cheesy and troubadouric, this youthfully energetic EP still shines and will fit comfortably in the library of any pop punk fan. Standout tracks include “Winter Sun” and, well, the entire EP! Woes will appeal to followers of Knuckle Puck, Neck Deep, and State Champs.

Honorable Mentions

  • Icon for Hire – You Can’t Kill Us

Standout tracks include “Supposed to Be,” “You Can’t Kill Us,” “War,” and “Get Well II.” For fans of Tonight Alive, Digital Daggers, and New Years Day.

  • DNCE – DNCE

Standout tracks include “Body Moves,” “Truthfully,” “Good Day,” and “Be Mean.” For fans of Maroon 5, Olly Murs, and Set It Off. (Upside Down era.)

  • An Untold Sadness – Sonorous

Standout tracks include “The Truth,” “What of Your Riches?,” “This Far, and No Further,” and “Flowers.” For fans of Avenged Sevenfold, Disturbed, and Crown the Empire.

  • Cold Collective – Through w/ That (EP/Single)

coldStandout tracks include the entire release, but especially “Through w/ That.” For fans of Transit, Man Overboard, and Misser.

  • pronoun – There’s no one new around you. (EP)

Standout tracks include the entire release, but especially “a million other things.” For fans of Knox Hamilton, A Silent Film, and Summer Camp.

  • The Japanese House – Swim Against the Tide (EP)

Standout tracks include the entire release, but especially “Good Side In.” For fans of Hayley Kiyoko, Scavenger Hunt, and Summer Camp.

  • Ready to Fire – Satellites (EP)

Standout tracks include the entire release, but especially “Nerve.” For fans of 5 Seconds of Summer, Paramore, and All Time Low.

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