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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.)

Best Albums of 2018 – 5 Seconds of Summer, LANY, The Aces, & More

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While 2018 offered up a multitude of mediocre and disappointing albums, a few gems shone through the rough. Here are our best albums of 2018!

Honorable Mentions

  • twenty one pilots – Trench
  • Snail Mail – Lush
  • The Dangerous Summer – The Dangerous Summer
  • Boston Manor – Welcome to the Neighbourhood
  • With Confidence – Love & Loathing
  • Now, Now – Saved
  • The Story So Far – Proper Dose
  • As It Is – The Great Depression
  • Mayday Parade – Sunnyland
  • Trophy Eyes – The American Dream

Let’s get into it…

8. Ryan Beatty – Boy in Jeans

Imagine if Lorde’s Pure Heroine was written instead by a gay boy who is slightly horny and possibly high. Yeah, that would be Ryan Beatty’s debut record Boy in Jeans. Mixing carefree pop with soulful R&B, Ryan Beatty crafts an album that speaks volumes of youth, heartbreak, love, and just having some fun. Standout tracks include “Powerslide,” “Haircut,” “Speed,” and “Flash.” Boy in Jeans will capture listeners of Lorde, Daniel Caesar, and Conan Gray. Click here to listen.

7. Waterparks – Entertainment

Waterparks’ unique blend of pop punk and electronic power pop is expanded upon and further refined on their sophomore effort Entertainment. Entertainment is undoubtedly entertaining between its anthemic choruses, syrupy synth melodies, and crunchy guitar riffs. Standout tracks include “Blonde,” “Not Warriors,” “We Need to Talk,” and “Rare.” Entertainment is bound to please followers of As It Is, Against the Current, and PVRIS. Click here to listen.

6. Florence + the Machine – High As Hope

Florence Welch provides her most personal and vulnerable material to date on Florence + the Machine’s fourth studio album High As Hope. High As Hope is outlined by organic instrumentation, luscious background vocals, and the powerhouse delivery of Welch, but the most compelling aspect of this release is her raw, emotional exposition. Standout tracks include “Hunger,” “Sky Full of Song,” “Patricia,” and “Big God.” High As Hope is sure to attract listeners of Alice Merton, London Grammar, and Lily Allen. Click here to listen.

5. Fickle Friends – You Are Someone Else

The colorful, glistening indie pop rock of Fickle Friends’ You Are Someone Else is entrancing and consistently replayable. The band’s debut record is defined by smooth electropop and scintillating guitar melodies, melding contemporary sounds with a throwback attitude. And gosh, the bass grooves will get stuck in your head for days! 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 The 1975’s I like it when you sleep. Click here to listen.

4. Charlie Puth – Voicenotes

Charlie Puth has always displayed an element of retrospective influences in his sound, but Voicenotes is a drastic change from his previous outing. Trading doo-wop harmonies and antiquated piano ballads for uptempo ’80s pop rock jams and dark R&B moments, Voicenotes is a multidimensional pop record with plenty to offer to diverse audiences. Standout tracks include “Empty Cups,” “Somebody Told Me,” “BOY,” and “The Way I Am.” Voicenotes will capture listeners of New Edition, Breakbot, and ZAYN. Click here to listen.

3. 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.

2. LANY – Malibu Nights

LANY’s sophomore record Malibu Nights arrives just one year after their self-titled debut but is decisively more improved. Trimming down the album to just 9 tracks, the album feels more cohesive and refined compared to its 16-track predecessor. Malibu Nights shares a tale of heartbreak and confusion, and while not a single song on this record is totally cheerful, you will be shouting along to the upbeat choruses and crying your eyes out to the gut-wrenching piano ballads after just a couple spins. Standout tracks include “Thick and Thin,” “Taking Me Back,” “Let Me Know,” and “Malibu Nights.” Malibu Nights is bound to interest followers of joan, MILKK, and COIN. Click here to listen.

1. 5 Seconds of Summer – Youngblood

After nearly three years, 5SOS recrudesces to deliver their most experimental and mature record yet. Youngblood is expertly characterized by moody guitar melodies, pensive atmosphere, and stellar vocal performances contributed by all members of the band. Catchy, instantly replayable, and downright interesting, Youngblood is our album of the year. Standout tracks include “Babylon,” “Better Man,” “Midnight,” “Talk Fast,” and “Moving Along,” but every song is amazing! Youngblood will appeal to listeners of All Time Low, The Vamps, Fall Out Boy, and Imagine Dragons. Click here to listen. I mean, was this a surprise to anyone? I literally got a custom necklace made over this album.

 

Let us know your favorite albums of the year in the comments below!

Best Songs of 2018 – 5 Seconds of Summer, The 1975, twenty one pilots, & More

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Well, it’s that time of year again. We get to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of the past year. Right now we’ll run through our top songs of 2018… While this is Alt Columnist, we can’t deny there were some true bops in every genre this year. There’s a bit of everything on this list, from rock to indie to pop punk to singer/songwriter to R&B to electropop. So strap in and enjoy!

Best Songs of 2018

  1. “Bulletproof” by DALES
  2. “Bad Girls Don’t Cry” by The Night Game
  3. “Enough” by Speak Low If You Speak Love
  4. “Surveillance” by George Ogilvie
  5. “Growing” by Blue Heaven
  6. “Drive” by Pale Waves
  7. “If You’re Over Me” by Years & Years
  8. “Magnetic” by Phillip Phillips
  9. “Topanga Lawrence” by Charmer
  10. “Cool Out” by Imagine Dragons
  11. “Good Kisser” by Lake Street Dive
  12. “Pacific Kiss” by MILKK
  13. “Again” by Kehlani
  14. “Bullet For Your Sweetheart” by Make Out Monday
  15. “Bad Machine” by Boston Manor
  16. “take you home” by slenderbodies
  17. “Sister Cities” by The Wonder Years
  18. “Daydream” by The XCERTS
  19. “My Life” by The Vamps & New Hope Club
  20. “Haircut” by Ryan Beatty
  21. “Lash Out” by Alice Merton
  22. “Swim” by Fickle Friends
  23. “Why” by Shawn Mendes
  24. “Babe, Can I Call?” by The Hunna
  25. “all the kids are depressed” by Jeremy Zucker
  26. “Blonde” by Waterparks
  27. “I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)” by The 1975
  28. “Sky Full of Song” by Florence + the Machine
  29. “Just Like That” by The Aces
  30. “James Dean” by The Wrecks
  31. “Taking Me Back” by LANY
  32. “Voices” by Against the Current
  33. “Hair Too Long” by The Vamps
  34. “My My My!” by Troye Sivan
  35. “Villains” by Mainland
  36. “Moving Along” by 5 Seconds of Summer
  37. “Misty Mae” by Georgia Fearn
  38. “Malibu Nights” by LANY
  39. “Before the Sun Goes Down” by The New Respects
  40. “Mariners Apartment Complex” by Lana Del Rey
  41. “Heaven’s Gate” by Fall Out Boy
  42. “You Can Count On Me” by Trophy Eyes
  43. “The Overpass” by Panic! at the Disco
  44. “stop and stare” by joan
  45. “Mad Love” by Honest Men
  46. “Youngblood” by 5 Seconds of Summer
  47. “That Something” by With Confidence
  48. “Daphne Blue” by The Band Camino
  49. “Heat Wave” by Snail Mail
  50. “Jumpsuit” by twenty one pilots
  51. “Not Warriors” by Waterparks
  52. “Powerslide” by Ryan Beatty
  53. “Best Friend” by 5 Seconds of Summer
  54. “Brooklyn” by Fickle Friends
  55. “Lovely” by Pinkish Blu
  56. “Revolution” by The Wrecks
  57. “Hunger” by Florence + the Machine
  58. “Lake Effect Kid” by Fall Out Boy
  59. “Midnight” by 5 Seconds of Summer
  60. “Empty Cups” by Charlie Puth
  61. “Thick and Thin” by LANY
  62. “Lovin’ Is Bible” by The Aces
  63. “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes
  64. “Love It If We Made It” by The 1975
  65. “Babylon” by 5 Seconds of Summer

Yeah, I’m surprised too. I’m not going to explain every song on this list, but let’s go through a handful of my favorites.

“I Always Wanna Die (Sometimes)” is basically if The 1975 made a late ’90s Third Eye Blind song… and it somehow works.

“Bullet For Your Sweetheart” by Make Out Monday is reminiscent of Fall Out Boy’s From Under the Cork Tree, lyrically and musically, which is a welcomed sound.

Speaking of Fall Out Boy, while I consider MANIA to be their most unsatisfactory project to date, “Heaven’s Gate” surprised me with its soulful melodies and organic instrumentation, seemingly harking back to the Folie á Deux era of their career.

Similarly, Panic! at the Disco’s Pray For the Wicked was a disappointing release, but “The Overpass” provided some punch, rhythm, and excitement with gutsy horns, racing percussion, and soaring choruses.

“stop and stare” by joan is an ’80s-inspired indie pop rock jam with warm synths, ethereal atmosphere, and a stellar guitar solo.

“Daphne Blue” by The Band Camino is an undeniable summertime anthem, perfect for a windows-down, volume-up drive.

“Powerslide” by Ryan Beatty is another tune for the summertime, but much more chill and smooth and, uh, suggestive, bound to get stuck in your head with its bouncy melodies and vocal harmonies.

“Lovely” by Pinkish Blu delivers a hazy indie rock vibe through nicely reverb-laden guitar timbres and poignant lyricism.

Fall Out Boy originally released a demo of “Lake Effect Kid” on their 2008 Welcome to the New Administration mixtape, but the song finally got its rightful studio version released this year, a decade later, as a love letter to the band’s hometown of Chicago. This is the Fall Out Boy we’ve been missing.

“Midnight” by 5 Seconds of Summer was released as a Japanese bonus track on their latest effort Youngblood, but it’s easily one of the best songs from the record. (Although, as you can tell from their numbers of entries on our list, it’s fairly difficult to say there were many inferior songs on the album to begin with.) “Midnight” is a sultry plea for a deeper relationship with a paramour who only gives their love after midnight, but the tune is so anthemic and gargantuan that the tremendous choruses and celestial atmosphere nearly eclipse the subject matter.

“Empty Cups” by Charlie Puth is a rather similar song, begging a lover to stay, but with more groove and allure… and more scandalous in regards to cheating.

LANY’s “Thick and Thin” employs tasteful simplicity and heartfelt lyrics to craft a refined, exquisitely minimalistic tune deserving of repeated listens and shouted singalongs.

“Lovin’ Is Bible” by The Aces is a fabulous ’80s-influenced tune with some real character. The chorus is undeniably catchy, and the guitar riffs are absolute earcandy.

“Love It If We Made It” by The 1975 is a desperate yet hopeful survey of our world’s current sociopolitical state, and while it is quite anxiety-inducing, it is one of the band’s strongest works to date.

Speaking of anxiety, “In My Blood” by Shawn Mendes is an empowering cry for help, a portrait of persevering through mental health struggles and general challenges of life. Shawn Mendes surprised us with this Kings of Leon-inspired pop rock song, and it’s brought me to tears on multiple occasions.

“Babylon” by 5 Seconds of Summer is a ripping pop rock anthem, characterized by colossal guitar melodies and sky-high choruses. Calum Hood’s moment to shine is an ultimately defining moment for the Aussie band.

That’s our list! Let us know your favorite tunes of the year in the comments down below or tweet at us on Twitter. @AltColumnist