August 2017 Alt Col Picks

A lot of great albums appeared in August, so here are our favorite records of the month! (In no particular order.) Want a Spotify playlist? Click here! Also stick around for our featured singles at the end of this post!

Brand New – Science Fiction

Eight years since their most recent full-length release, alt-rock veteran group Brand New returns with their final effort, Science Fiction. Science Fiction is transcendental and otherworldly at times with psychedelic guitar melodies, biblical allusions, and therapeutic dream analysis tapes. The band still unleashes their ferocity through fiery breakdowns and also showcases their softer side with gentle balladry. Standout tracks include “Can’t Get It Out,” “Same Logic/Teeth,” and “451.” Science Fiction is sure to interest fans of The Early November, La Dispute, and Slow Bullet. (It’s Brand freakin’ New, do you really need a recommendation?)

PVRIS – All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell

PVRIS is recognized for their mesmerizing blend of piercing rock and colorful electronic music, as well as frontwoman Lynn Gunn’s soaring vocal performances. That trend is continued and expanded upon on their new album, All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell, in which the band utilizes the synthetic production even more candidly throughout the latest LP. Standout tracks include “What’s Wrong,” “Heaven,” and “Anyone Else.” All We Know of Heaven, All We Need of Hell will appeal to fans of She Is We, Colours, and Against the Current.

Neck Deep – The Peace and the Panic

Energetic percussion and gritty guitar riffs characterize Neck Deep’s newest album titled The Peace and the Panic, and it’s nothing short of a triumph. The band explores some new timbres, like early 2000s emo on “In Bloom,” and improves upon their solid pop punk proficiency with catchy hooks and memorable lyrics. Standout tracks include “Motion Sickness,” “In Bloom,” and “Where Do We Go When We Go.” The Peace and the Panic is sure to attract followers of With Confidence, WSTR, and Seaway.

Turnover – Good Nature

Turnover recrudesces with their trademark daydreamy tonality and spellbinding assonance on their new record Good Nature. The band comfortably dominates the floaty, gossamer sonic style they have established, and the lighter lyrical content is a step in a more buoyant direction from their previous long-player. Standout tracks include “Pure Devotion,” “Sunshine Type,” and “Butterfly Dream.” Good Nature will capture listeners of Dryjacket, Foxing, and Glass Towers.

Grizzly Bear – Painted Ruins

The intimate intricacy and roisterous abandon exhibited on Grizzly Bear’s latest release proves what this band is capable of crafting. Painted Ruins is a familiar yet fresh approach in the outfit’s catalog between its indie attitude, warm guitars, and thumping percussion. Standout tracks include “Mourning Sound,” “Three Rings,” “Aquarian,” and “Sky Took Hold.” Painted Ruins will appeal to listeners of Atlas Sound, Deerhunter, and Local Natives.

Wage War – Deadweight

Metalcore band Wage War unleashes their sophomore full-length detailed by thunderous guitar refrains and melodic vocal performances. Through impassioned screams, hard-hitting breakdowns, and electrifying lyrics, Deadweight is gripping and a must-listen for any metal fan. Standout tracks include “Don’t Let Me Fade Away,” “Witness,” “Gravity,” and “Indestructible.” Deadweight will capture followers of Fit for a King, Beartooth, and Oh, Sleeper.

The Accidentals – Odyssey

Delectable melodies and lively musicality outline The Accidentals’ latest long-player, Odyssey. This jaunty album is construed by thoughtful libretto, distinct vocal delivery, and palatable guitar playing, making for a timeless indie rock listen. Standout tracks include “Odyssey,” “Memorial Day,“ and “In the Morning.” Odyssey is sure to satisfy fans of Nickel Creek, Elephant Revival, and The Ragbirds.

Woolbright – Busybody Lazybones

Pensive and refined, (but with a granular edge), this indie alt-rock project delivers fervor and competence. Busybody Lazybones is intense and rousing through its boisterous, spirited anthems and hearty choruses, but the more relaxed moments provide this album its effectiveness and diversity. Standout tracks include “What’s It Gonna Be,” “Symbiotic Harmony,” and “19th Street.” Busybody Lazybones will appeal to listeners of Glass Towers, People Like You, and Dryjacket.

The War on Drugs – A Deeper Understanding

The War on Drugs lets the music speak for itself on A Deeper Understanding. Lengthy guitar solos are strewn throughout the track listing, which is balanced with the heartfelt lyricism to create a perfect blend of instrumentation and vocals. From downtrodden ballads to rollicking, vivace tunes, A Deeper Understanding never grows monotonous. Standout tracks include “Pain,” “Up All Night,” “Knocked Down,” and “In Chains.” A Deeper Understanding is bound to attract followers of Future Islands, The National, and Spoon.

Forever Starts Today – Always Hope

Forever Starts Today releases an enthusiastic debut characterized by gutsy rock anthems and poignant acoustic ballads. Always Hope is an unforgettable display of musical aptitude, reverberate singalong chants, forthright guitar refrains, and upbeat percussion beats that give the album a driving sense of conation and eagerness. Standout tracks include “Optimist,” “Miracle,” “Growing Pains,” and “Alannah.” Always Hope will satisfy listeners of Deaf Havana, Tonight Alive, and The Getaway Plan.

Everything Everything – A Fever Dream

The pungent, charismatic intonation of Everything Everything’s latest indie rock LP is undeniably enchanting and nearly hypnotizing. The introspective and politically-minded lyrical content is veraciously coupled with the savory instrumentation and musicianship on A Fever Dream. Standout tracks include “Night of the Long Knives,” “Ivory Tower,” and “Run the Numbers.” A Fever Dream is sure to interest fans of Modest Mouse, alt-J, and Young the Giant.

Queens of the Stone Age – Villains

With biting distortion and raucous percussion, Villains finds a comfortable home in the Queens of the Stone Age discography. Four years since their last album, the rock band returns with energy, excitement, and a pop sensibility, evident from the production work of Mark Ronson. (“Uptown Funk.”) Standout tracks include “The Evil Has Landed,” “Head Like a Haunted House,” and “Un-Reborn Again.” Villains will appeal to followers of Grouplove, Geographer, and Foster the People.

MORE GREAT ALBUMS & EXTENDED PLAYS

The Districts – Popular Manipulations

Mellow indie alternative bliss. Standout tracks include “If Before I Wake,” “Ordinary Day,” and “Salt.” For fans of The Apache Relay, Dr. Dog, and Deerhunter.

Lilly Hiatt – Trinity Lane

Ecstatic, heartfelt Americana rock. Standout tracks include “The Night David Bowie Died,” “Trinity Lane,” and “Records.” For fans of Courtney Barnett, First Aid Kit, and Trampled By Turtles.

Iron & Wine – Beast Epic

Contemplative singer/songwriter goodness. Standout tracks include “Call It Dreaming,” “Thomas County Law,” and “Summer Clouds.” For fans of The Milk Carton Kids, Damien Rice, and Sufjan Stevens.

Rainer Maria – Rainer Maria

Vociferous rock with firm vocals. Standout tracks include “Lower Worlds,” “Suicides and Lazy Eyes,“ and “Blackbird.” For fans of Sleater-Kinney, Wolf Alice, and Royal Blood.

Like Ghosts – To Feel Like You’re Drowning (EP)

Animated rock with impressive musicianship. Standout tracks include “Iris” and “To Feel Like You’re Drowning,” but the whole EP is stellar! For fans of Too Close to Touch, Crown the Empire, and I Prevail.

Offended By Everything – Never Too Late to Start Again (EP)

Energetic, punky rock. Standout tracks include “22” and “What’s So Great About Hollywood?,” but the whole EP is great! For fans of Knuckle Puck, Cold Climb It, and Woes.

Sincerely, Me – Aesthetically Pleasing (EP)

Vivacious pop punk littered with catchy hooks. Standout tracks include “Main Attraction” and “Hella,” but the whole EP is awesome! For fans of State Champs, 7 Minutes in Heaven, and With Confidence.

Lakeshore – 41

Vibrant rock with robust musicality. Standout tracks include “Future,” “History,” and “Pure Imagination.” For fans of Issues, I Prevail, and Starset.

Smallpools – The Science of Letting Go (EP)

Effervescent indie excellence. Standout tracks include “Million Bucks” and “Passenger Side,” but the entire EP is fantastic! For fans of WATERS, Walk the Moon, and COIN.

Picture This – Picture This

Enlivening pop rock with ardent lyrics. Standout tracks include “Take My Hand,” “Addicted to You,” and “Never Change.” For fans of Amber Run, Kodaline, and Samestate.

First Time in Color – Strangers (EP)

We published our July post before this EP was released, so we’ve included it here! Standout tracks include “Strangers” and “Spirit,” but the whole EP is outstanding! For fans of The Dangerous Summer, Finish Ticket, and The Gaslight Anthem.

Able Baker Fox – Visions

Unique and expressive indie rock. Standout tracks include “Purple Mountains,” “Free Flowers,” and “Drift.” For fans of The Bravery, Kaiser Chiefs, and The Shins.

Oh Sees – Orc

Experimental, mesmerizing indie rock. Standout tracks include “The Static God,” “Jettisoned,” and “Animated Violence.” For fans of Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Tame Impala, and Broken Bells.

Dead Leaves – Vultures

Earnest rock with a fervent bite. Standout tracks include “Sunrise,” “Death and Taxes,” and “Die Young.” For fans of Modern Baseball, Slow Bullet, and The Front Bottoms.

Queen Moo – Mean Well

Profound, unfeigned indie rock with interesting styles and instrumentation. Standout tracks include “What It Comes To,” “Funeral,” and “It’s Become Clear.” For fans of VARSITY, People Like You, and Into It. Over It.

Concealed in Clouds – Aspire. Apprise. Assemble. Arise.

Thunderous rock with impassioned songwriting. Standout tracks include “Aspire,” “Dearly Beloved (feat. Naderge),” and “Phenomena.” For fans of Too Close to Touch, Starset, and Crown the Empire.

Featured Singles

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

Alt Columnist

Reviewing and Reporting on Alternative Music