Disclaimer: Whenever, If Ever is a love/hate record. If you “get it,†you will be completely floored by its use of vast atmospheric textures and timbres, as well as its nostalgia factor. If you don’t, it will be a whiny, fragmented, enigmatic record that will be a struggle to listen to.
Forever Halloween digs deep to unearth some serious human truths – and sounds appropriately mature doing so. The album boasts worldliness in comparison to The Maine’s earlier catalogue, and it’s evident from the authenticity of the collection how effectively the members have channeled their experience of growing up into their work.
The newest release from Captain, We’re Sinking is a collection of desperate, too-close-for-comfort stories that are driven by unexpected instrumental complexities, troubled vocals, and pure punk grit.
The range present in Man Overboard’s third full-length Heart Attack epitomizes the fluidity of the term “pop punk,†making the album a must-have for anyone that considers themselves a fan of the genre.
Koji’s first full-length release delves deep into the artist’s mind to explore the everlasting journey toward solace and acceptance. As a collection of art, it is supremely relatable by serving as a case study of the universal human experience.
The Wonder Years’ third full-length The Greatest Generation proves once and for all that the band’s significance goes far beyond their infectious sound and tattoo-ready lyrics. The third in a trilogy, the album is made up of thirteen of the strongest and most meaningful songs the band has ever written, cementing them as one of the most important acts of this decade.
After shocking fans and supporters when his one-month long IndieGoGo campaign raised over $50,000, Mae’s former frontman Dave Elkins has independently released his first album Color (n.) Inside The Lines under the name Schematic. The album shows a musical side of Elkins that fans have yet to see, and while his creative ambition is admirable, one can only hope that his experimentation won’t backfire and leave fans confused about where his music is going.
Hummingbird, the sophomore album from indie rock foursome Local Natives, does much to carry on the legacy of its highly praised predecessor, Gorilla Manor. The album’s poignant lyrics and melodic feel offer up a complex experience, pleading with the listener to delve deep inside their psyche and explore what might be hiding in the depths.
After releasing several EP’s over the years, Brighten returns to their roots of acoustic guitars and honest, passionate songwriting on their new record Peace and Quiet. Delightfully simple yet powerful, Peace and Quiet takes its listeners on an emotional journey guaranteed to drop them off at the end with a refreshed, confident outlook on life.
Priming listeners with a small taste of Laura Stevenson’s newest music, the Runner EP sets a smooth and relaxed tone to catch attention and keep it.