A bunch of great albums appeared in February, so here are our favorite releases of the month! (In no particular order.) Want a Spotify playlist? Click here!
-
The Menzingers – After the Party
The Menzingers explore the struggles of growing up and maturing through vigorous alt-rock and spirited songwriting. Impassioned lyricism melds with musical brio to produce a delectable listen from start to finish bound to hit you right in the gut with its raw relatability and emotion. Standout tracks include “Lookers,” “House on Fire,” and “Bad Catholics.” After the Party will appeal to fans of The Gaslight Anthem, Red City Radio, and Dave Hause.
-
Courage My Love – Synesthesia
The sprightly, upbeat style of Courage My Love is expanded upon in their third full-length Synesthesia yet introducing a more electronic timbre. The three-piece efficiently blends rock and electronic inflections to create this jaunty, biting masterpiece. Synesthesia is enthralling and hypnotizing and keeps your ear hooked for more. Standout tracks include “Stereo,” “Need Someone,” and “Dirt.” Synesthesia is sure to attract followers of Youngblood Hawke, The Colourist, and Icon for Hire.
-
Andrew McMahon In the Wilderness – Zombies on Broadway
Andrew McMahon’s second long-player Zombies on Broadway is a solid sophomore follow-up characterized by explosive melodies, catchy hooks, and introspective libretto. The organic instrumentation blends fabulously with the artificial accents to straddle the line between alternative and pop. Standout tracks include “Fire Escape,” “Walking In My Sleep,” and “So Close.” Zombies on Broadway will capture listeners of New Politics, JR JR, and POP ETC.
-
The Orwells – Terrible Human Beings
Alt-rockers The Orwells return for a shattering third album that attests to their musical prowess and lyrical aptitude. Terrible Human Beings provides gritty rock anthems and dark melodies defined by amped-up guitars and boisterous drumming. Standout tracks include “They Put a Body In the Bayou,” “Heavy Head,” and “Black Francis.” Terrible Human Beings is sure to interest fans of Twin Peaks, Royal Blood, and SKATERS.
-
Hippo Campus – Landmark
The debut full-length Landmark from Hippo Campus is a dazzling outing characterized by daydreamy guitars and glossy percussion. As its name implies, Landmark is a monumental album with plenty to offer for any fan of intriguing indie rock and creamy alternative music. Standout tracks include “Way It Goes,” “Boyish,” “Vines,” and “Simple Season.” Landmark will appeal to followers of Grizfolk, Bad Suns, and Knox Hamilton.
-
Carousel Kings – Charm City
Crunchy guitars and hard-hitting choruses positively infect Charm City from track one to the end. Carousel Kings mesh pop punk influences and charged alt-rock to create a diverse album that effortlessly cuts through the monotony of modern rock. Standout tracks include “Grey Goose,” “Dynamite,” and “Bad Habit.” Charm City is bound to attract listeners of Like Pacific, Handguns, and Broadside.
-
WATERMEDOWN – The Same View With a New Light
WATERMEDOWN’s debut long-player The Same View With a New Light embodies alt-rock that bestrides the line between pop punk and indie rock. “Locks and Blinds” echoes the more pop punk position with brisk vitality yet “Dead Things” reveals a more stripped-down side to this versatile band. Standout tracks include “Locks and Blinds,” “Stagnant,” and “Blend.” The Same View With a New Light will capture fans of Dryjacket, Moose Blood, and Microwave.
-
Acceptance – Colliding By Design
Savory musicianship and astute songwriting are highlighted on Acceptance’s latest long-player, Colliding By Design. Catchy melodies coupled with fervent lyricism makes for an infectiously delectable record from start to finish. Standout tracks include “Haunted,” “Diagram of a Simple Man,” and “Goodbye.” Colliding By Design is sure to satisfy followers of Taking Back Sunday, Paper Route, and I the Mighty.
Honorable Mentions
-
Dude York – Sincerely
Lo-fi alt-rock bliss. Standout tracks include “Paralyzed,” “Tonight,” and “Love Is.” For fans of Varsity, Sleater-Kinney, and Best Coast.
-
Ryan Adams – Prisoner
Canny rock with a classic tinge. Standout tracks include “Do You Still Love Me?,” “Outbound Train,” and “Doomsday.” For fans of Whiskeytown, Tweedy, and Drive-By Truckers.
-
Lower Than Atlantis – Safe In Sound
Impish modern rock dazzled in electronic flair. Standout tracks include “Boomerang,” “Had Enough,” and “I Would.” For fans of Don Broco, Deaf Havana, and Issues.
-
Communions – Blue
Fluid alt-rock with a gritty touch. Standout tracks include “Got to Be Free,” “Come On, I’m Waiting,” and “Today.” For fans of Foals, Wolf Alice, and Red Hot Chili Peppers.
-
Surfer Blood – Snowdonia
Creamy, lo-fi alt-rock underlined by simplicity. Standout tracks include “Matter of Time,” “Dino Jay,” and “Frozen.” For fans of Glass Oaks, Wild Nothing, and Sea Bear.
-
Welman – Totem
Gravelly alternative punk with slick guitar melodies. Standout tracks include “Wolf,” “Neanderthal,” and “UFO.” For fans of My Iron Lung, Senses Fail, and Trophy Eyes.
-
Strand of Oaks – Hard Love
Sabulous indie rock highlighted by vivacity. Standout tracks include “Rest of It,” “Radio Kids,” and “Everything.” For fans of Cloud Nothings, The Orwells, and Faces Like Flint.
-
Dave Hause – Bury Me In Philly
Animated alt-rock with spirited emotion. Standout tracks include “With You,” “Dirty F****r,” and “The Flinch.” For fans of The Menzingers, The Gaslight Anthem, and Teenage Bottlerocket.
Let us know what you think of February’s releases down in the comments below!
Alt Columnist 