Knuckle Puck

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.)

October 2017 Alt Col Picks

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

  • Citizen – As You Please

Emo revivalists Citizen recrudesce with their third full-length out on Run For Cover Records titled As You Please. As You Please is nothing short of expressive and cultivated through heartfelt lyrics, enticing vocal delivery, and poignant melodies, demanding you to listen again and again to catch every detail. Standout tracks include “Jet,” “Fever Days,” and “In the Middle of It All.” As You Please will appeal to fans of Sorority Noise, The Wonder Years, and Turnover. Click here to listen.

  • Julien Baker – Turn Out the Lights

Emotional libretto and morose melodies define Julien Baker’s sophomore studio effort named Turn Out the Lights, displaying the solo performer exploring new instrumental territories within a more piano-driven realm. This haunting collection is eerie, emotive, and undoubtedly memorable. Standout tracks include “Appointments,” “Everything That Helps You Sleep,” and “Hurt Less.” Turn Out the Lights is sure to attract followers of Casey Bolles, Birdy, and Gordi. Click here to listen.

  • Knuckle Puck – Shapeshifter

Knuckle Puck returns with their pop punk sensibility and a desire to explore on their new record Shapeshifter. Fine-tuned production and stellar musicianship causes this LP to be instantly replayable, bound to suck you back in over and over between its head-bobbing choruses and intriguing lyrics. Standout tracks include “Gone,” “Conduit,” and “Double Helix.” Shapeshifter will capture listeners of Like Pacific, Homesafe, and The Story So Far. Click here to listen.

  • Movements – Feel Something

Movements’ debut album Feel Something will certainly make you feel something. This long-player hurts in the best way possible. As the artwork implies, Feel Something is haunting, dark, and raw, destined to keep your head spinning for hours to come when the closer ends. Standout tracks include “Colorblind,” “The Grey,” “Under the Gun,” and “Daylily.” Feel Something is sure to satisfy followers of Seahaven, Turnover, and Citizen. Click here to listen.

  • Wolf Parade – Cry Cry Cry

Cry Cry Cry, the fourth full-length album from indie rockers Wolf Parade, serves up some delectable tunes characterized by raucous distortion and gleaming synths, supporting the interesting melodies and effortlessly impressive vocal performances. Standout tracks include “Valley Boy,” “You’re Dreaming,” and “King of Piss and Paper.” Cry Cry Cry is sure to interest fans of Spoon, Islands, and Divine Fits. Click here to listen.

  • Coldfront – Float Around

After signing to Equal Vision Records in 2016, Coldfront issues their debut full-length titled Float Around, an energetic pop punk listen that is bound to turn heads in the scene. The opening half busts down the door and shakes you by the shoulders as the album fluctuates cohesively from more aggressive moments to calmer serenades. Standout tracks include “Everything You Want Me to Be,” “So Typical,” “Float Around,” and “Natalie.” Float Around will appeal to listeners of Neck Deep, State Champs, and Grayscale. Click here to listen.

  • The Front Bottoms – Going Grey

Going Grey marks a change of pace for The Front Bottoms, signifying a tonal shift to a more colorful array of electronic tinges throughout their indie pop rock blend. Still retaining their organic instrumentation, The Front Bottoms crafts a savory kaleidoscope of sounds begging for repeated listens. Standout tracks include “Vacation Town,” “Peace Sign,” and “You Used to Say (Holy F**k).” Going Grey is bound to attract listeners of The Mowgli’s, Slow Bullet, and Magic Giant. Click here to listen.

  • ROAM – Great Heights & Nosedives

Just one year following their debut album, Hopeless Records signees ROAM make a splash with their sophomore long-player release titled Great Heights & Nosedives, outlined by soaring vocal performances, upbeat percussion, and saccharine guitar work. Standout tracks include “Playing Fiction,” “Alive,” “Flatline,” and “The Rich Life of a Poor Man.” Great Heights & Nosedives will capture fans of WSTR, Neck Deep, and State Champs. Click here to listen.

MORE GREAT ALBUMS

  • Julia Louise – Love Jail

Standout tracks include “Brat,” “Philly Heartbreak Song,” and “Left Handed.”  Love Jail is for fans of Mitski, Slow Bullet, and Julien Baker. Click here to listen.

  • Cheem – Downhill

Standout tracks include “Kate,” “Game Boy Color,” and “Monster Gorp.” Downhill is for fans of Glass Towers, Guide Dog, and Remo Drive. Click here to listen.

  • Beck – Colors

Standout tracks include “Dear Life,” “Up All Night,” and “Colors.”  Colors is for fans of Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Weezer, and Smallpools. Click here to listen.

  • Stick to Your Guns – True View

Standout tracks include “Married to the Noise,” “The Sun, the Moon, the Truth: ‘Penance of Self’,” and “Cave Canem.” True View is for fans of Stray from the Path, Trapped Under Ice, and Counterparts. Click here to listen.

  • New Politics – Lost in Translation

Standout tracks include “One of Us,” “Lifeboat,” and “Tell Your Dad (feat. Rivers Cuomo).” Lost in Translation is for fans of The Griswolds, Finish Ticket, and Vinyl Theatre. Click here to listen.

  • The Used – The Canyon

Standout tracks include “Over and Over Again,” “Selfies in Aleppo,” and “Rise Up Lights.” The Canyon is for fans of Taking Back Sunday, Bayside, and Anberlin. Click here to listen.

  • Hotel Books – Equivalency

Standout tracks include “Celebration,” “I Knew Better, but Did Nothing,” and “I’m Almost Happy Here.” Equivalency is for fans of Casey Bolles, Kyle Fasel, and Levi the Poet. Click here to listen.

  • Weezer – Pacific Daydream

Standout tracks include “Mexican Fender,” “Sweet Mary,” and “La Mancha Screwjob.” Pacific Daydream is for fans of Best Coast, Big Data, and The Mowgli’s. Click here to listen.

  • Muskets – Chew

Standout tracks include “Truck,” “Chewing Gum,” and “17 Years.” Chew is for fans of Modern Baseball, Moose Blood, and Brand New. Click here to listen.

  • The Polarity – Hurts So Good

Standout tracks include “// No Different Than You //,” “// Cigarette Burns //,” and “// Runaway //.”  Hurts So Good is for fans of Vinyl Theatre, Catfish and the Bottlemen, and Knox Hamilton. Click here to listen.

  • World War Me – World War Me

Standout tracks include “War Zone,” “Break a Leg, Kid,” and “Mr. Misery.”  World War Me is for fans of ROAM, Seaway, and WSTR. Click here to listen.

  • We Came As Romans – Cold Like War

Standout tracks include “Cold Like War,” “Lost in the Moment,” and “Wasted Age.”  Cold Like War is for fans of Our Last Night, A Skylit Drive, and Crown the Empire. Click here to listen.

  • Wild Ones – Mirror Touch

Standout tracks include “No Money,” “Invite Me In,” and “They’re Not Me.” Mirror Touch is for fans of Broods, Oh Wonder, and HONNE. Click here to listen.

  • Thousand Below – The Love You Let Too Close

Standout tracks include “No Place Like You,” “Sleepless,” and “Sinking Me.” The Love You Let Too Close is for fans of Counterparts, Stick to Your Guns, and Too Close to Touch. Click here to listen.

 

Extended Plays

  • Oh, Weatherly – Make You Bright

Standout tracks include “Make You Bright,” “Six Feet,” and “Say You’re My Friend.” Make You Bright is for fans of Every Avenue, The All-American Rejects, and With Confidence. Click here to listen.

  • The Band Royale – Delusions of Grandeur

Standout tracks include “Dying in California” and “Who’s Got It Better.” Delusions of Grandeur is for fans of, um, Foo Fighters, Wolfmother, and Glass Towers. Click here to listen.

  • Heavy Hearts – On a Chain

Standout tracks include “Easy Mark,” “Unravel (Your Love),” and “Headroom.” On a Chain is for fans of Citizen, Movements, and Balance and Composure. Click here to listen.

  • Kill the Ideal – Kill the Ideal

Standout tracks include “Dangerous!,” “Know Your Name,” and “Crazy.” Kill the Ideal is for fans of Nothing More, Nothing But Thieves, and Our Walking Hour. Click here to listen.

  • COPE – Tooth & Nail

Standout tracks include “The Great Divide,” “Tooth & Nail,” and “Stray Bullets.” Tooth & Nail is for fans of Expire, Trapped Under Ice, and Stick to Your Guns. Click here to listen.

  • New Chums – See It for Myself

Standout tracks include “Come On, Come On,” “Cave In,” and “Disposable Music.” See It for Myself is for fans of Beach Weather, LEDGES, and Bad Suns. Click here to listen.

  • LIMBS – SLEEP

Standout tracks include “POISON,” “SLEEP,” and “BONES.” SLEEP is for fans of Thousand Below, The News Can Wait, and Hail the Sun. Click here to listen.

  • Hold Close – I’ll Never Go Back

Standout tracks include “Autumn,” “Bloom,” and “Blue Dream.” I’ll Never Go Back is for fans of Coldfront, Seaway, and Homesafe. Click here to listen.

  • Brian Clifford Dowling – Learning to Laugh Again

Standout tracks include “Eternal Defeatist,” “Learning to Laugh Again,” and “Show Your Cards.” Learning to Laugh Again is for fans of Dave Hause, Front Porch Step (ugh), and Casey Bolles. Click here to listen.

  • Shine Bright – More Wild Than the Wind

Standout tracks include “Remorse,” “More Wild Than the Wind,” and “Grow Up.” More Wild Than the Wind is for fans of Like Ghosts, What We Lost, and Counterparts. Click here to listen.

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