A lot of great records were released in July, so here are our favorite albums of the month! (In no particular order.) Want a Spotify playlist? Click here!
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HAIM – Something to Tell You
Four years after their trailblazing debut album, HAIM returns with yet another striking release. With a sound that is familiar yet fresh, Something to Tell You digs its roots in ’80s-inspired pop rock with crisp, modern production quality. Between catchy hooks and diverse instrumentation, this three-sister act has something to say. Standout tracks include “Little of Your Love,” “Kept Me Crying,” and “Right Now.” Something to Tell You will appeal to fans of Heart of Gold, The Wombats, and Fun.
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The Gospel Youth – Always Lose
Energetic percussion and gritty guitar melodies characterize The Gospel Youth’s debut effort titled Always Lose, and it’s nothing short of a triumph. The album is defined by passionate vocals, cultivated lyrics, and syrupy riffs that are bound to get stuck in your head for days. Standout tracks include “Kids,” “Moods Like English Weather,” and “Tired Eyes and Heavy Hearts.” Always Lose is sure to attract followers of The Early November, Sleep On It, and The Dangerous Summer.
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Foster the People – Sacred Hearts Club
Foster the People returns with their pop sensibility and a desire to innovate on their new record Sacred Hearts Club. The band moves farther into groovy, funk-styled territory, showered with glimmering synths and cool guitar diapasons, but also showing signs of experimentation with trap inflections throughout the mix. Standout tracks include “Pay the Man,” “Sit Next to Me,” and “Doing It for the Money.” Sacred Hearts Club will capture listeners of Portugal. The Man, Passion Pit, and Atlas Genius.
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Eternal Boy – Awkward Phase
The upbeat pop rock of Awkward Phase is explosive, nostalgic, and undoubtedly engaging. With teenage reminiscence, reflection on life changes, and references to pop punk veterans like Tom DeLonge, Eternal Boy crafts an album that is entertaining and yet fondly introspective. Standout tracks include “Growing Pains,” “We Still Have Our Stories,” and “Awkward Phase.” Awkward Phase is sure to interest fans of Neck Deep, State Champs, and Real Friends.
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Goldfinger – The Knife
With the help of pop punk troupers like Travis Barker, Mike Herrera, Philip Sneed, and Luke Hemmings, John Feldmann issues out his first Goldfinger full-length effort in nine years titled The Knife. Ska-esque moments and spirited pop rock cuts compose the track listing on this comeback record. Standout tracks include “Put the Knife Away,” “Who’s Laughing Now,” “A Million Miles,” and “See You Around.” The Knife will appeal to listeners of Sum 41, blink-182, and Less Than Jake.
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The Technicolors – Metaphysical
Raucous distortion and lively percussion outline The Technicolors’ latest long-player, which is aptly named Metaphysical. This album is construed by transcendent musicality, distinct vocal delivery, and memorable melodies, making for a delectable alt-rock listen. Standout tracks include “Neon Roses,” “Congratulations, You’re a Doll,“ and “Sweat.” Metaphysical is sure to satisfy followers of The Noise FM, Cage the Elephant, and Divine Fits.
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Picturesque – Back to Beautiful
Rock band Picturesque unleashes their debut full-length detailed by hard-hitting guitar refrains and thunderous vocal performances. Through impassioned yells, lively drumming, and stirring lyrics, Back to Beautiful will shake you by the shoulders … and you’ll love every minute of it. Standout tracks include “Honestly,” “New Face,” “Believe,” and “Without You.” Back to Beautiful will capture fans of Too Close to Touch, Stolas, and Our Last Night.
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Joywave – Content
The entrancing allure of Content attests to Joywave’s potent songwriting and stylistic charm. Joywave expands upon their jangly instrumentation to broaden a smooth indie rock terrain the band comfortably dominates. The catchy melodies and mesmerizing enticement causes this release to be undeniably spellbinding. Standout tracks include “It’s a Trip!,” “Going to a Place,” “Shutdown,” and “Thanks. Thanks for Coming.” Content is bound to attract listeners of Atlas Genius, Foals, and Mutemath.
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Guide Dog – Lovely Domestic Bliss
Moody and granular, this experimental alt-rock solo project embodies intensity and aptitude. Lovely Domestic Bliss is vigorous and electric through its robust, gutsy anthems and boisterous choruses, but the more casual moments provide this album its dynamicity. Standout tracks include “I Am the Daddy,” “Lovely Domestic Bliss,” and “Sir Yes Sir.” Lovely Domestic Bliss will appeal to followers of Glass Towers, Car Seat Headrest, and Remo Drive.
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Coast Modern – Coast Modern
The savory, charismatic intonation of Coast Modern’s alt-pop self-titled debut is certainly captivating and evidently fun. The amalgam of genres displayed on this LP are perfectly melded together for a smooth, enjoyable listen constituted by sing-along choruses and interesting instrumentation. Standout tracks include “Dive,” “Pockets Full of No,” “The Way It Was,” and “Guru.” Coast Modern will satisfy listeners of Grouplove, Geographer, and Foster the People.
MORE GREAT ALBUMS & EXTENDED PLAYS
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Broken Social Scene – Hug of Thunder
Mellow indie alternative bliss. Standout tracks include “Hug of Thunder,” “Halfway Home,” and “Skyline.” For fans of The Decemberists, The Mountain Goats, and My Morning Jacket.
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The Vamps – Night & Day (Night Edition)
I mean, it’s pop but it’s good (guitar-driven) pop. Standout tracks include “My Place,” “Hands (with Mike Perry & Sabrina Carpenter),” and “It’s a Lie (feat. Tini).” For fans of Before You Exit, New Hope Club, and Masketta Fall.
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Milk Teeth – Be Nice (EP)
Angsty rock with strong vocals. Standout tracks include “Owning Your Okayness“ and “Prism,” but the entire EP is great! For fans of Muskets, Wolf Alice, and Sleater-Kinney.
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Us and Us Only – Full Flower
Captivating yet melancholy indie rock. Standout tracks include “My Mouth,” “Bored of Black,” and “After Halloween Slump.” For fans of Local Natives, Deerhunter, and Grizzly Bear.
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Canadian Softball – Awkward & Depressed
Satirical alternative pop punk metal indie rock…? It’s a (hilarious) mixed bag. Standout tracks include “Ohio Is for Emo Kids,” “Your Validation,” and “Mathematical.” For fans of Sunrise Skater Kids, Amidst the Grave’s Demons, and, well, Jarrod Alonge.
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Oh Wonder – Ultralife
Experimental electronic/synth indie alternative. Standout tracks include “High on Humans,” “Ultralife,” and “Bigger Than Love.” For fans of HONNE, Broods, and The xx.
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Arcade Fire – Everything Now
Groovy, ’80s-inspired smooth alternative vibes. Standout tracks include “Electric Blue,” “Everything Now,” and “Signs of Life.” For fans of NONONO, HAIM, and ABBA. (So many all-caps bands!)
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People Like You – Verse
Unique and expressive indie rock with a jazzy touch. Standout tracks include “Variations on an Aria,” “Thumbnail,” and “Hackensack Hospital.” For fans of Dryjacket, Cold Fronts, and Daytona.
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Silverstein – Dead Reflection
Impassioned rock with gripping melodies and lyrics. Standout tracks include “Retrograde,” “The Afterglow,” and “Ghost.” For fans of A Skylit Drive, Too Close to Touch, and Dance Gavin Dance.
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Naturalist – Everything in Rotation
Poignant indie rock with a balance of soft and loud moments. Standout tracks include “Dwell,” “Patterns, Behaviors,” and “Mainstay.” For fans of From Indian Lakes, Driver Friendly, and Glass Towers.
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The News Can Wait – The News Can Wait (EP)
Animated rock with underlying estrangement. Standout tracks include “Demonstrations“ and “Black Gold,” but the whole EP is stellar! For fans of Hail the Sun, A Lot Like Birds, and Stolas.
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A Summer High – Pretty Little Liar (EP)
Pop rock that (unfortunately) keeps its 5SOS influence a little too on-the-nose… Standout tracks include “Do You Remember” and “Pretty Little Liar.” For fans of All Time Low, 5 Seconds of Summer, and Far Too Young.
Let us know what you think of July’s releases down in the comments below!
Alt Columnist 