Alt Col Picks

Our Alt Col Monthly 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.)
You can learn more about our monthly picks by reading our FAQ here.

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

October 22, 2020October 22, 2020AdminLeave a comment

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

“Till I Fall Asleep” by Dream Jacuzzi

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.

“Bad To Myself” by Greyson Chance

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.

“Statues In the Garden (Arras)” by Local Natives

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.

“flights” by twentylove

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.

“Skinny Skinny” by Ashton Irwin

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.

“Married In Vegas” by The Vamps

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.

“Ordinary People” by Blake Rose

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.

“survivin'” by Bastille

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.)

February 2019 Alt Col Picks – MILKK, Set It Off, Emarosa, & More

March 9, 2019March 9, 2019AdminLeave a comment

Plenty of great records were released in February, so here are our favorite albums and EPs of the month! (In no particular order.) Want a Spotify playlist of our favorite tunes? Click here!

Before we jump into the list proper, I wanted to give a special top feature to two EPs from a couple shining acts, both of which hail from my hometown.

Dream Jacuzzi – Out with the Moon

The duo Dream Jacuzzi delivers their debut EP Out with the Moon, showcasing modern indie rock with a classic tinge. Members Lucas Jackson and Josh Pastor are quite the talented musicians, both specializing in brass instruments and of course guitar. Their stellar guitar work radiates on the latest EP, taking influence from sounds of older decades and melding them with a fresh touch. Out with the Moon is sure to capture listeners of Atlas Genius, Divine Fits, and The Noise FM. Click here to listen.

Jules Smith – Until I’m Needed Again, I’ll Be Patient

With 6 songs each clocking in under the 3-minute mark, Jules Smith’s new EP is an easy listen but packs a punch with its emotive lyricism. The intelligent, clever, and unabashed songwriting is paired with intricate acoustic assonance; the minimalistic instrumentation allows the lyrics and vocal performance room to breathe, as well as forcing the listener to remain fixated on their own contemplation throughout the poignant experience. Until I’m Needed Again, I’ll Be Patient is bound to please followers of Casey Bolles, Lizzy Farrall, and Worst Party Ever. Click here to listen.

Also, if you would like to give my own latest EP a listen and get a free download, you can click here. It’s pretty dope. I really appreciate it. :)

MILKK – HEADRUSH

After releasing a couple EPs in 2018, indie pop band MILKK finally provides their debut full-length titled HEADRUSH, and it’s some of their best material to date. HEADRUSH explores topics ranging from love and heartbreak to mental health and personal struggles. MILKK offers up an intriguing mixture of musical styles—from sugary wide-eyed pop jams to rough-around-the-edges rock anthems to soulful R&B-inspired ballads, there’s something for everybody on this record. Standout tracks include “Unsaid,” “Mean to You,” “Stupid,” and “Honest.” HEADRUSH will appeal to fans of LANY, joan, and Real Cool. Click here to listen.

Emarosa – Peach Club

Emarosa further expands their sound on their latest project Peach Club. Peach Club displays Emarosa stepping outside their typical boundaries and into a refreshing new sound. While this slicker direction might be new for them, it certainly harkens back retrospectively to sonic tones of the ’80s. This crisp brand of glistening pop rock is one that the formerly post-hardcore band pulls off incredibly well. Standout tracks include “Cautious,” “Givin’ Up,” “Comfortable,” and “Get Back Up.” Peach Club will attract listeners of Anarbor, Honest Men, and Fickle Friends. Click here to listen.

Badflower – OK, I’M SICK

OK, I’M SICK, the most recent LP from Badflower, is a visceral look into frontman John Katz’s anxiety and mental health struggles. The ardent lyricism, guttural vocal delivery, and hard-hitting guitar timbre combine to craft an exuberant contemporary rock album with influences varying from ’90s grunge to Eminem to, well, Xanax. Standout tracks include “Heroin,” “x ANA x,” “Ghost,” and “Wide Eyes.” OK, I’M SICK is sure to capture fans of cleopatrick, Bleeker, and Royal Tusk. Click here to listen.

Set It Off – Midnight

After their underwhelming previous record Upside Down (read our full review here), Set It Off has further refined their sound for a more pleasing style of pop rock. Midnight will remind fans of their second studio album Duality, which offered a spot-on balance of pop and rock, but it’s more cultivated this time around. Buoyant guitar riffs, catchy choruses, and a bright horn section dominate Midnight, as well as the undeniable pop direction. Standout tracks include “For You Forever,” “Killer in the Mirror,” “Go to Bed Angry (feat. Wayfarers),” and “Lonely Dance.” Midnight is bound to satisfy followers of The Summer Set, All Time Low, and The Ready Set. Click here to listen.

Broods – Don’t Feed the Pop Monster

Indie pop brother-sister duo Broods unleashes their third long-player release, interestingly titled Don’t Feed the Pop Monster. Filled to the brim with gleaming synths, syrupy hooks, and jaunty musicality, Don’t Feed the Pop Monster is a joyous mixture of spirited indie pop and soulful songwriting. Standout tracks include “Falling Apart,” “Dust,” “Peach,” and “Hospitalized.” Don’t Feed the Pop Monster will please fans of Ryn Weaver, Maggie Rogers, and EXES. Click here to listen.

SWMRS – Berkeley’s on Fire

Meshing indie rock, new wave, post-punk, and pop rock all together, the latest full-length from SWMRS is certainly an intriguing listen. Berkeley’s on Fire references the 2017 Berkeley protests, giving the band a political edge and attesting to their punk roots. The album is consistently animated and there is never a dull moment to be heard. Standout tracks include “Berkeley’s on Fire,” “Trashbag Baby,” “IKEA Date,” and “Too Much Coffee.” Berkeley’s on Fire will attract followers of Remo Drive, The Frights, and Destroy Boys. Click here to listen.