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

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

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.)

February 2018 Alt Col Picks

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

  • Senses Fail – If There Is Light, It Will Find You

Senses Fail returns to release their seventh studio album If There Is Light, It Will Find You. If There Is Light straddles the lines between screamo, pop punk, post-hardcore, and traces of emo. The heartfelt lyricism concerning growth, American society, and nostalgia is bound to punch you right in the gut. Standout tracks include “New Jersey Makes, The World Takes,” “Gold Jacket, Green Jacket…,” and “If There Is Light, It Will Find You.” If There Is Light, It Will Find You is sure to satisfy followers of A Day to Remember, The Story So Far, and The Dangerous Summer. Click here to listen.

  • Don Broco – Technology

Don Broco’s slick brand of alternative pop rock has been dialed up to deliver some of their heaviest material to date. Raucous distortion and buoyant rhythms fill Technology to the brim with undeniable energy, bite, and charisma. While the track listing is admittedly a bit bloated, there is plenty to admire on this hard-hitting release. Standout tracks include “Everybody,” “Come Out to LA,” and “Stay Ignorant.” Technology will appeal to fans of Sylar, Issues, and Canterbury. Click here to listen.

  • Franz Ferdinand – Always Ascending

Franz Ferdinand recrudesces on their recent record Always Ascending, offering up some smooth, fresh disco-rock. With funky grooves and danceable melodies, Always Ascending takes the band to tasteful new heights despite the departure of founding member Nick McCarthy. Standout tracks include “Always Ascending,” “Feel the Love Go,” “Lazy Boy,” and “Finally.” Always Ascending is sure to attract followers of Arcade Fire, The Voidz, and Spoon. Click here to listen.

  • MGMT – Little Dark Age

The experimental mixture of pop, funk, psychedelia, synth-pop, and jangle rock defines MGMT’s latest outing titled Little Dark Age. Little Dark Age pulls you in with its kaleidoscopic allure on the opener and holds you in a colorful trance to the last second of the closer. It’s hypnotic and increasingly interesting with every listen. Standout tracks include “Me and Michael,” “She Works Out Too Much,” and “Little Dark Age.” Little Dark Age will capture listeners of Saint Motel, The Aces, and Portugal. The Man. Click here to listen.

  • Story Untold – Waves

After changing their name and signing with Hopeless Records, Story Untold made it clear they meant business. Waves displays the band refining their pop rock sound and proving they’re here to stay between catchy hooks, anthemic choruses, and outstanding guitar work. Standout tracks include “Delete,” “California,” and “All the Same (Once a Liar, Always a Liar).” Waves is sure to interest fans of All Time Low, With Confidence, and Makeout. Click here to listen.

  • Hockey Dad – Blend Inn

The cut-loose indie garage rock of Hockey Dad’s Blend Inn is characterized by crunchy guitars, punchy percussion, and soaring melodies that are insanely delectable and undoubtedly impressive. The tracklist is packed with countless gems – every tune is rapturous. Standout tracks include “Join the Club, “I Wanna Be Everybody,” “Disappoint Me,” and “Stalker.” Blend Inn is bound to attract listeners of Surf Curse, Bad//Dreems, and Dumb Punts. Click here to listen.

  • Make Out Monday – Visions of Hollywood

Make Out Monday’s fun-loving style of pop rock is animated and enticing on their debut full-length Visions of Hollywood. Released on Valentine’s Day, Visions is outlined by songs of heartbreak and love but also lively party tunes bound to keep you dancing. Standout tracks include “Bullet For Your Sweetheart,” “Desirae,” and “Shake It Like a Polaroid.” Visions of Hollywood will capture fans of All Time Low, Mayday Parade (ALIR era), and 5 Seconds of Summer. Click here to listen.

  • Brian Fallon – Sleepwalkers

Sleepwalkers is the sophomore solo record of The Gaslight Anthem’s frontman Brian Fallon. Fallon’s signature gravelly vocal timbre always adds an underlying sense of soul and earnestness to his already emotional songwriting, and that statement surely extends to his latest material on Sleepwalkers, a hearty and profound listen that is sure to hit you in “the feels.” Standout tracks include “If Your Prayers Don’t Get to Heaven,” “Forget Me Not,” and “See You On the Other Side.” Sleepwalkers will appeal to followers of The Gaslight Anthem, Dave Hause, and The Menzingers. Click here to listen.


MORE GREAT ALBUMS
  • Superchunk – What a Time to Be Alive

Standout tracks include “What a Time to Be Alive,” “Break the Glass,” and “Reagan Youth.” What a Time to Be Alive is for fans of Archers of Loaf, Guided By Voices, and Dismemberment Plan. Click here to listen.

  • Neon Insect – Glitches

Standout tracks include “Thoughtcrimes,” “IDC,” and “To the Moon and Back (feat. Twill Distilled).” Glitches is for fans of Hemmingway, DNPQ, and Newenx. Click here to listen.

  • Dashboard Confessional – Crooked Shadows

Standout tracks include “We Fight,” “Heart Beat Here,” “Open My Eyes (feat. Lindsey Stirling),” and “Catch You.” Crooked Shadows is for fans of The Spill Canvas, Taking Back Sunday, and Straylight Run. Click here to listen.

  • Car Seat Headrest – Twin Fantasy (Face to Face)

Standout tracks include “My Boy (Twin Fantasy),” “Nervous Young Inhumans,” and “Cute Thing.” Twin Fantasy (Face to Face) is for fans of Chastity Belt, Parquet Courts, and Waxahatchee. Click here to listen.

  • AWOLNATION – Here Come the Runts

Standout tracks include “Seven Sticks of Dynamite,” “Handyman,” and “Passion.” Here Come the Runts is for fans of New Politics, Atlas Genius, and Grouplove. Click here to listen.

  • Anna Burch – Quit the Curse

Standout tracks include “2 Cool 2 Care,” “Tea-Soaked Letter,” and “In Your Dreams.” Quit the Curse is for fans of Dream Wife, Alvvays, and Phoebe Bridgers. Click here to listen.

  • The Plot In You – Dispose

Standout tracks include “Feel Nothing,” “Not Just Breathing,” and “Disposable Fix.” Dispose is for fans of Like Moths to Flames, The Color Morale, and Secrets. Click here to listen.

  • The Wombats – Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life

Standout tracks include “Turn,” “I Don’t Know Why I Like You But I Do, and “Lemon to a Knife Fight.” Beautiful People Will Ruin Your Life is for fans of The Vaccines, The Pigeon Detectives, and The Kooks. Click here to listen.

  • Ought – Room Inside the World

Standout tracks include “Disgraced in America,” “Desire,” and “These 3 Things.” Room Inside the World is for fans of Parquet Courts, Preoccupations, and Iceage. Click here to listen.

  • Pop Evil – Pop Evil

Standout tracks include “Waking Lions,” “A Crime to Remember,” and “Be Legendary.” Pop Evil is for fans of Saving Abel, Royal Bliss, and Art of Dying. Click here to listen.

  • I’m With Her – See You Around

Standout tracks include “Game to Lose,” “See You Around,” and “Ain’t That Fine.” See You Around is for fans of The Stray Birds, Sara Jarosz, and Nickel Creek. Click here to listen.

  • Slaves – Beautiful Death

Standout tracks include “True Colors,” “The Pact,” and “Deadly Conversations.” Beautiful Death is for fans of Issues, Picturesque, and Too Close to Touch. Click here to listen.

  • We Were Sharks – Lost Touch

Standout tracks include “Beyond Repair,” “Ashley,” and “Stay.” Lost Touch is for fans of Forever Came Calling, Carousel Kings, and Seaway. Click here to listen.

  • Caroline Rose – Loner

Standout tracks include “Money,” “More of the Same,” and “Soul No. 5.” Loner is for fans of TORRES, Anna Burch, and Big Thief. Click here to listen.

  • Screaming Females – All At Once

Standout tracks include “Glass House,” “Black Moon,” and “I’ll Make You Sorry.”  All At Once is for fans of Sleater-Kinney, Superchunk, and Jeff Rosenstock. Click here to listen.

  • American Pleasure Club – A Whole F**king Lifetime of This

Standout tracks include “this is heaven & id die for it,” “new years eve,” and “all the lonely nights in your life.” A Whole F**king Lifetime of This is for fans of Spencer Radcliffe & Everyone Else, salvia palth, and Elvis Depressedly. Click here to listen.

 


Extended Plays
  • Off Road Minivan – Spiral Gaze

Standout tracks include “Spiral Gaze and “Glow.” Spiral Gaze is for fans of Household, Hearts Like Lions, and LOYALS. Click here to listen.

  • The Oh Hellos – Eurus

Standout tracks include “Eurus” and “O Sleeper.” Eurus is for fans of Twin Forks, Drew Holcomb, and Great Lake Swimmers. Click here to listen.

  • Familiar Things – Fade Into the Scenery

Standout tracks include “October and “Meant A Lot.” Fade Into the Scenery is for fans of Chase This City, All Year Round, and Seasonal. Click here to listen.

  • Ride – Tomorrow’s Shore

Standout tracks include “Catch You Dreaming and “Pulsar.” Tomorrow’s Shore is for fans of Slowdive, Chapterhouse, and Teenage Fanclub. Click here to listen.

  • Facing Fire – Facing Fire

Standout tracks include “Dying Inside” and “Overcome.” Facing Fire is for fans of Stone Broken, DED, and Sons of Texas. Click here to listen.

  • The Anchor – Make It Last

Standout tracks include “September” and “Make It Last.” Make It Last is for fans of Light the Fire, If I Were You, and Monument of A Memory. Click here to listen.


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