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Q2 & Q3 2020 Alt Col Picks – Taylor Swift, The Aces, Neon Trees, and More

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Oh, hey! Yes, Monthly Picks still exists. Except this time it’s for Q2 and Q3 (second and third quarters of the calendar year). I haven’t talked about many new releases this year, so here are some of my favorite albums, EPs, and singles that I think you oughtta check out. Let’s jump into it!

  • Taylor Swift – folklore

Taylor Swift unleashed the best record of her career as a mid-July surprise, and it immediately swept critics and fans alike off their feet. Taylor retreats to her guitar-playing roots with an almost folk album, tugging at the heartstrings with lyrics that read like a diary. With minimalistic production, candid lines, and cultivated vocals, folklore is without a doubt Taylor’s shining moment. Standout tracks include “august,” “seven,” “peace,” and “this is me trying.” folklore will appeal to fans of Bon Iver, The Civil Wars, and Julie Byrne. Click here to listen.

  • All Time Low – Wake Up, Sunshine

Wake Up, Sunshine has been received as a return to form for the pop punk veterans All Time Low. 2017’s Last Young Renegade was quite the departure from the band’s trademark rock style, but Wake Up, Sunshine reels it back in and better than we could’ve expected. This album is what a solid pop punk LP should sound like in 2020, and it’s nice to have the boys from Baltimore back. Standout tracks include “Safe,” “January Gloom,” “Clumsy,” and “Basement Noise.” Wake Up, Sunshine will attract listeners of State Champs, blink-182, and 7 Minutes In Heaven. Click here to listen.

  • The Aces – Under My Influence

Under My Influence, the most recent LP from The Aces, is the opposite of a sophomore slump. This triumphant record displays the Utah band expanding their sound and trying out new styles with it rather than sticking with the same old, same old or switching things up entirely. This more refined approach certainly offers up some ’80s-inspired pop rock bangers you don’t want to miss. Standout tracks include “Kelly,” “Daydream,” “Not Enough,” and “Can You Do.” Under My Influence is sure to capture fans of Fickle Friends, Scavenger Hunt, and Neon Trees. Click here to listen.

  • The Magic Gang – Death of the Party

Looking for some indie rock that isn’t watered down or boring? Here’s your album. UK band The Magic Gang’s second LP Death of the Party is a refreshing release and another great hit in the group’s discography. Buoyant guitar riffs, catchy choruses, and bright horn sections dominate Death of the Party, as well as thought-provoking lyricism. Standout tracks include “Make A Sound,” “Death of the Party,” “I Am Sunshine,” and “Make Time For Change.” Death of the Party is bound to satisfy followers of The Vaccines, Lady Legs, and Driver Friendly. Click here to listen.

  • Neon Trees – I Can Feel You Forgetting Me

No, Neon Trees, we haven’t forgotten about you and we missed you so damn much. Six years after their last full-length Pop Psychology, Neon Trees finally return with their latest record. Filled to the brim with gleaming synths, syrupy hooks, and heartfelt lyrics, I Can Feel You Forgetting Me is a melancholic yet joyous mixture of spirited indie pop and soulful songwriting. Standout tracks include “Mess Me Up,” “Everything Is Killing Me,” “Nights,” and “Going Through Something.” I Can Feel You Forgetting Me will please fans of The Aces, MOBS, and Twin XL. Click here to listen.

  • Charlie Barnes – Last Night’s Glitter

Gentle plucking of an acoustic guitar and tastefully ardent vocals characterize Charlie Barnes’ latest LP Last Night’s Glitter. This most recent outing is primarily a redux of Charlie’s past tunes, transitioning them from piano ballads or upbeat indie pop songs to stripped-down acoustic schlepping and operatic voice performances. Standout tracks include “The Weather,” “All I Have,” “Last Night’s Glitter,” and “Ruins.” Last Night’s Glitter will attract followers of Chris Dupont, Sean McConnell, and Ralph Pelleymounter. Click here to listen.

MORE GREAT ALBUMS

  • Lady Legs – Off Days

Breezy indie rock begging for replays. Standout tracks include “Idle Hands,” “Quit Bringing Me Down,” and “Not Right.” Off Days is for fans of The Magic Gang, Steppes, and LEDGES. Click here to listen.

  • Movements – No Good Left To Give

Another gut-wrenching outing filled with impassioned vocal performances and ripping guitars. Standout tracks include “Skin To Skin,” “Don’t Give Up Your Ghost,” and “Moonlight Lines.” No Good Left To Give is for fans of Citizen, Turnover, and La Dispute. Click here to listen.

  • Vistas – Everything Changes In the End

Upbeat indie pop rock that’ll make you feel at least five years younger … in a good way. Standout tracks include “November,” “Retrospect,” and “Tigerblood.” Everything Changes In the End is for fans of Sports Team, Bleachers, and Walk the Moon. Click here to listen.

  • Hayley Williams – Petals For Armor

The pensive singer/songwriter solo project from Paramore’s frontwoman. Standout tracks include “Cinnamon,” “Leave It Alone,” and “Crystal Clear.” Petals For Armor is for fans of Soccer Mommy, Maggie Rogers, and Julien Baker. Click here to listen.

  • Stand Atlantic – Pink Elephant

Solid pop punk with strong vocals and catchy riffs. Standout tracks include “Wavelength,” “Blurry,” and “Like That.” Pink Elephant is for fans of Seaway, With Confidence, and State Champs. Click here to listen.

  • A. Swayze & The Ghosts – Paid Salvation

Rowdy, punk-tinged garage rock. Standout tracks include “Nothing Left to Do,” “Mess of Me,” and “Connect to Consume.” Paid Salvation is for fans of WAAX, Bad//Dreams, and White Blanks. Click here to listen.

  • PVRIS – Use Me

Tasteful amalgam of electronics, acoustic guitars, and layered vocals. Standout tracks include “Dead Weight,” “Loveless,” and “Death of Me.” Use Me is for fans of Deaf Havana, Maggie Lindemann, and Emarosa. Click here to listen.

  • IDLES – Ultra Mono

Dude, it’s IDLES. Standout tracks include “The Lover,” “Model Village,” and “Mr. Motivator.” Ultra Mono is for fans of Protomartyr, Girl Band, and Heavy Lungs. Click here to listen.

 

Extended Plays

  • Pinkish Blu – there’s no such thing as good people

Best EP you’ll hear all year. Standout tracks include “Calm Down” and “Red Hot Moon.” there’s no such thing as good people is for fans of LANY, Heart of Gold, and MILKK. Click here to listen.

  • Troye Sivan – In A Dream

Standout tracks include “Rager teenager!” and “Take Yourself Home.” In A Dream is for fans of Ruel, Years & Years, and Lorde. Click here to listen.

  • Go For Gold – Color Me

It’s pop punk. Standout tracks include “Forget About It” and “Tone.” Color Me is for fans of Neck Deep, Gold Steps, and The Story So Far. Click here to listen.

  • Day Wave – Crush

Standout tracks include “Potions” and “Starting Again.” Crush is for fans of Surf Rock Is Dead, Craft Spells, and Plastic Picnic. Click here to listen.

  • American Authors – Counting Down

Standout tracks include “Sky’s the Limit” and “Counting Down.” Counting Down is for fans of The Mowgli’s, Colony House, and The Griswolds. Click here to listen.

  • Bears In Trees – I Want To Feel Chaotic

Standout tracks include “Permanence” and “Cobwebs.” I Want To Feel Chaotic is for fans of spookyghostboy, McCafferty, and Beach Bunny. Click here to listen.

  • Until We Get Caught – Surface

A splendid maturation of sound. Standout tracks include “Fading Out” and “Ghost.” Surface is for fans of Outwaves, Bring Me the Horizon, and A War Within. Click here to listen.

  • hellocentral – HEATWAVE

Standout tracks include “Lsof” and “One More Sunrise.” HEATWAVE is for fans of A Will Away, Less Than Jake, and Oh, Weatherly. (I think?) Click here to listen.

 

Featured Singles

Dream Jacuzzi hits another homerun with this single, filled with up-tempo guitar strumming, hazy vocals, and playful percussion. Most notable may be the striking guitar solo or the personal yet relatable lyrics.

Chance’s most recent LP portraits was crowned our best album of 2019, and after a string of solid singles, “Bad To Myself” is an empowering and emotional catharsis as Chance explores his recovery from anorexia.

For the first time, Local Natives has an EP on the horizon, and its lead single “Statues In the Garden (Arras)” is a chill, mellow contemplation contrasted with sweet melodies and soaring backing vocals.

Dan Burke, former lead vocalist of Off the Record, hits the ground running with his newest project. Among his first few singles, “flights” is a heartfelt yearning that sets the tone for this band’s direction.

The debut solo single from 5 Seconds of Summer’s Ashton Irwin is a reflective look into Irwin’s personal struggles with body dysmorphia, delivered via an acoustic ballad void of his signature instruments: drums.

The Vamps kick off their new LP with the lead single “Married In Vegas,” a jaunty pop rock tune charged to the brim with sky-high vocal peaks, dashing piano melodies, and spirited percussion.

Blake’s farthest step into an acoustic folk direction is a shining ballad characterized by vivid lyrics that are as painful as they are beautiful.

Bastille’s “survivin'” is a breezy reflection on the band’s career thus far and a testament to their resilience, as well as their openness to explore new styles and sounds.

Let us know what you think of Q2 and Q3’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 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.)

September 2017 Alt Col Picks

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

  • Nothing But Thieves – Broken Machine

Two years after their boisterous debut album, Nothing But Thieves returns with yet another pounding release. Broken Machine is characterized by thunderous percussion, deafening guitar riffs, and soaring vocal performances from Conor Mason that are undoubtedly unforgettable. Standout tracks include “Amsterdam,” “Sorry,” and “I’m Not Made By Design.” Broken Machine will appeal to fans of Twin Atlantic, Don Broco, and Night Riots. Click here to listen.

  • MUTEMATH – Play Dead

Energetic synths and creamy guitar melodies define MUTEMATH’s fifth studio effort titled Play Dead, and it’s nothing less than lively and animated. The album is outlined by passionate vocals, cultivated lyrics, and syrupy riffs that are destined to send you into a trance. Standout tracks include “Hit Parade,” “Stroll On,” and “Break the Fever.” Play Dead is sure to attract followers of Two Door Cinema Club, Grizfolk, and POP ETC. Click here to listen.

  • Seaway – Vacation

Seaway recrudesces with their pop punk sensibility and a desire to explore on their new record Vacation. Calibrated musicianship and captivating songwriting causes this LP to be easily replayable and bound to get stuck in your head between its head-bobbing choruses and intriguing lyrics. Standout tracks include “Apartment,” “Something Wonderful,” and “Lula on the Beach.” Vacation will capture listeners of Broadside, Neck Deep, and State Champs. Click here to listen.

  • The National – Sleep Well Beast

Nearly two decades into their musical career, indie rockers The National recharges with Sleep Well Beast, a buoyant display of vibrant instrumentation and introspective lyricism. The crunchy guitar riff of “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness” is an undeniable earworm, a term which can also describe the majority of this release. Standout tracks include “The System Only Dreams in Total Darkness,” “Guilty Party,” and “Nobody Else Will Be There.” Sleep Well Beast is sure to interest fans of Local Natives, Vampire Weekend, and The War on Drugs. Click here to listen.

  • Alvvays – Antisocialites

Hazy indie pop rock reaches new heights on Alvvays’s sophomore addition, Antisocialites. Leisurely moments like “In Undertow” and “Dreams Tonite” pack a punch while still offering the daydreamy feeling of floating on clouds, proving this group can dominant diverse realms of indie rock. Standout tracks include “In Undertow,” “Dreams Tonite,” “Plimsoll Punks,” and “Lollipop (Ode to Jim).” Antisocialites will appeal to listeners of girlpool, Beach House, and Real Estate. Click here to listen.

  • Wolf Alice – Visions of a Life

Raucous distortion and savory percussion outline Wolf Alice’s latest long-player, which is named Visions of a Life. This album is construed by transcendent musicality, distinct vocal delivery, and memorable melodies, making for a delectable alt-rock listen. Standout tracks include “Heavenward,” “Yuk Foo,“ and “Don’t Delete the Kisses.” Visions of a Life is sure to satisfy followers of Warpaint, Telegram, and The Vaccines. Click here to listen.

  • The Killers – Wonderful Wonderful

Alt-rock veterans The Killers craft something truly wonderful on their most recent release titled Wonderful Wonderful. Through mesmerizing guitar refrains, thought-provoking libretto, and groovy, soulful operatic performances, this record is sure to spin on repeat for a long time to come. Standout tracks include “The Man,” “Wonderful Wonderful,” “Run for Cover,” and “The Calling.” Wonderful Wonderful will capture fans of Keane, Muse, and Kings of Leon. Click here to listen.

  • Makeout – The Good Life

With songwriting assistance from 5SOS members Ashton Irwin and Calum Hood, Makeout’s debut LP The Good Life certainly wears its influences on its sleeve. After changing their name from Trophy Wives to Makeout, the band also made a stylistic shift towards more accessible pop rock constituted by upbeat choruses and tongue-in-cheek lyricism. Standout tracks include “Childish,” “Ride It Out,” “Clockwork,” and “You Can’t Blame Me.” The Good Life is bound to attract listeners of All Time Low, 5 Seconds of Summer, and With Confidence. Click here to listen.

  • Counterparts – You’re Not You Anymore

Moody and granular, this hard-hitting metalcore project from Counterparts embodies intensity and aptitude. You’re Not You Anymore is vigorous and electric through its robust, gutsy anthems and vehement choruses, but the more creeping moments provide this album its tenacity. Standout tracks include “No Servant of Mine,” “Swim Beneath My Skin,” and “Bouquet.” You’re Not You Anymore will appeal to followers of While She Sleeps, Trophy Eyes, and The Ghost Inside. Click here to listen.

  • TWIABP&IANLATD – Always Foreign

The World Is A Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid To Die returns on Always Foreign with spirited singalong hooks and spry drum cadences, as well as more downtrodden intonations and hypnotic vocal exhibitions. Standout tracks include “The Future,” “I’ll Make Everything,” “Marine Tigers,” and “Gram.” Always Foreign will satisfy listeners of Joyce Manor, Modern Baseball, and Pity Sex. Click here to listen.

MORE GREAT ALBUMS

  • Foo Fighters – Concrete & Gold

Standout tracks include “Run,” “The Sky Is A Neighborhood,” and “The Line.” For fans of Smashing Pumpkins, Queens of the Stone Age, and Audioslave. Click here to listen.

  • Circa Survive – The Amulet

Standout tracks include “Lustration,” “The Amulet,” and “Premonition of the Hex.” For fans of Saosin, A Lot Like Birds, and I the Mighty. Click here to listen.

  • Nothing More – The Stories We Tell Ourselves

Standout tracks include “Go to War,” “Let ‘Em Burn,” and “Fade In/Fade Out.” For fans of Sleepwave, Our Walking Hour, and The Family Ruin. Click here to listen.

  • Being As An Ocean – Waiting for Morning to Come

Standout tracks include “Black & Blue,” “Dissolve,” and “Waiting for Morning to Come.” For fans of La Dispute, Have Mercy, and Hotel Books. Click here to listen.

  • LEDGES – Homecoming

Standout tracks include “All Right,” “Teenage Daydream,” and “New York.” For fans of Catfish and the Bottlemen, Divine Fits, and Atlas Genius. Click here to listen.

  • The Lone Bellow – Walk Into a Storm

Standout tracks include “Time’s Always Leaving,” “Deeper in the Water,” and “Walk Into a Storm.” For fans of The Head and the Heart, Muddy Magnolias, and Little Chief. Click here to listen.

  • Prawn – Run

Standout tracks include “Hunter,” “Snake Oil Salesman,” and “Leopard’s Paw.” For fans of Deer Leap, Foxing, and Dowsing. Click here to listen.

  • Jaws of Love. – Tasha Sits Close To the Piano

Standout tracks include “Hawaiian License Plates,” “Love Me Like I’m Gone,” and “Jaws of Love.” For fans of Local Natives, Yellow Ostrich and Land of Talk. Click here to listen.

  • Camp Cope – Camp Cope

Standout tracks include “Lost (Season One),” “Jet Fuel Can’t Melt Steel Beams,” and “Done.” For fans of Varsity, Cayetana, and Waax. Click here to listen.

  • Across the Atlantic – Works of Progress

Standout tracks include “Playing for Keeps,” “Sundress Funeral,” and “24 Hours.” For fans of A Day to Remember, Mayday Parade, and I Prevail. Click here to listen.

  • The Movielife – Cities In Search of a Heart

Standout tracks include “Mercy Is Asleep At the Wheel,” “Ghosts In the Photographs,” and “Lake Superior.” For fans of New Found Glory, I Am the Avalanche, and Alkaline Trio. Click here to listen.

  • Looming – Seed

Standout tracks include “Down,” “Tried & True,” and “Leaves.” For fans of Slow Bullet, Dryjacket, and American Football. Click here to listen.

 

Extended Plays

  • 7 Minutes in Heaven – Symmetry

Standout tracks include “Symmetry,” “LOTL,” and “Better Off.” For fans of State Champs, Face Value, and (old) Fall Out Boy. Click here to listen.

  • Joseph – Stay Awake

Standout tracks include “All,” “Lifted Away,” and “Moonlight Mile.” For fans of Penny & Sparrow, Fortunes, and Jillian Edwards. Click here to listen.

  • LAYNE – Wednesday

Standout tracks include “The Fog,” “!!! Omg !!!,” and “The Andes.” For fans of The 1975, Chase Atlantic, and LANY. Click here to listen.

  • Ysgol Sul – Eventide

Standout tracks include “Silhouette,” “Promise Me,” and “Dwell.” For fans of Dryjacket, People Like You, and Moose Blood. Click here to listen.

  • Stand Atlantic – Sidewinder

Standout tracks include “Sidewinder,” “Push,” and “Chemicals.” For fans of Knuckle Puck, Forever Starts Today, and Tonight Alive. Click here to listen.

  • High Wire – Different Places

Standout tracks include “Different Places (ft. Zech Pluister),” “Something in the Way,” and “Count On Me.” For fans of Sleep On It, Seaway, and Mayday Parade. Click here to listen.

  • Life Lessons – Best When In Motion

Standout tracks include “Attention to Detail,” “Control,” and “Without Looking Back.” For fans of Knuckle Puck, Sleep On It, and Bonfires. Click here to listen.

  • The Neighbourhood – Hard

Standout tracks include “24/7,” “You Get Me So High,” and “Sadderdaze.” For fans of BØRNS, Jaymes Young, and Arctic Monkeys. Click here to listen.

  • Good Old War – Part of Me

Standout tracks include “Part of Me,” “How Did You Find Me?,” and “The River.” For fans of The Oh Hellos, Twin Forks, and Rend Collective. Click here to listen.

  • Sleepy Limbs – Sleepy Limbs

Standout tracks include “Sweet and Sour,” “Sunspot Eyes,” and “Out of Body.” For fans of Slow Bullet, The Social Animals, and Woolbright. Click here to listen.

 

  • Echosmith – Inside a Dream

Standout tracks include “Get Into My Car,” “Lessons,” and “18.” For fans of Against the Current, HAIM, and Bleachers. Click here to listen.

 

  • Bearings – Nothing Here Is Permanent

Standout tracks include “North Hansen,” “Petrichor,” and “Letters Home.” For fans of A Will Away, Cold Climb It, and Sleep On It. Click here to listen.

  • Thank the Academy – Navigation

Image may contain: ocean, water and outdoorStandout tracks include “Navigation,” “Breathe,” and “Aboveboard.” For fans of Chase This City, Far Too Young, and Face Value. Click here to listen.

  • The Wonder Years – Burst & Decay (An Acoustic EP)

Standout tracks include “There, There,” “Cardinals,” and “Dismantling Summer.” For fans of Aaron West and The Roaring Twenties, Citizen, and Turnover. Click here to listen.

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