Until We Get Caught

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.)

March 2018 Alt Col Picks – Fickle Friends, Jack White, Camp Cope, & More

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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.)