Daughters–You Won’t Get What You Want
Genre: Post Punk, Noise Rock, Industrial Rock
FFO: The Jesus Lizard, The Body, Protomartyr

After a triumphant bow out with their self title eight years ago, Rhode Island’s Daughters seemed to manage to seem to keep their chaotic spark alive despite maturing and distancing themselves from their math metal/screamo roots. You Won’t Get What You Want picks up where that self-titled left off in the best way possible.

From the moment “City Song” kicks in, it becomes apparent the Providence-based quartet dives head first in the subtle post punk nuances hinted at in their final pre-breakup releases.

The instrumentation summons heavy usage of eerie synthesizers giving Daughters‘ revived sound a very industrialized, droney feel.

Ellis–The Fuzz
Genre: Indie Pop, Dream Pop
FFO: Courtney Barnett, Japanese Breakfast, Alvvays

Ontario-based musical artist, Linnea Siggelkow, presents a dazzling, intimate debut EP filled with lush, bedroom guitar pop complimented by synth-driven soundscapes. Siggelkow’s alluring vocal performance serves the driving force of each track and the instrumentation she provides generates an ideal backdrop for the powerful emotion found within.

Despite being a debut release, The Fuzz feels like an album by an artist that has spent decades honing their craft and perfecting their sound. Do yourself a favor and stream below.

Emery–Eve
Genre: Post Hardcore, Alternative Rock
FFO: Fall Out Boy, The Receiving End of Sirens, Emarosa

“Are you listening?”

If you were raised by a Christian household, then you must be aware of the parallel universe of Christian alternative rock in the early/mid 2000’s. When you were listening to Paramore, Fall Out Boy, and My Chemical Romance, I had my Copeland, Anberlin, and Emery.

With flawless, trend setting records such as The Question or The Weak’s End, it is quite saddening that despite the fact Emery has never shown any signs of slowing pumping out record after record, they have seemingly vanished from all signs of relevancy.

While Fall Out Boy and Paramore are churning out saturated, instrument-free, glossy radio pop music, Emery is maturing and quite possibly just released the strongest record of their career.

The vocal chemistry between Toby Morse and Devin Shelton is just as magically formulaic and cohesive as ever before (Shelton departed from the band a few years back and returned) and there is no reliance on nostalgia here. Emery is still Emery and Emery is progressing forward.

Esben & the Witch–Nowhere
Genre: Experimental Rock, Post Metal, Post Punk, Post Punk, Neofolk
FFO: Chelsea Wolfe, Russian Circles, Zola Jesus

This British trio absolutely refuses to be pigeonholed to any genre. Esben & the Witch have quite a diverse archive of records blending all different sorts of soundscapes and influences and always somehow manage to sound like a cohesive project.

Nowhere marks LP#5 for the three piece and here listeners experience very post rock esque movements serving as the ideal backdrop for the hauntingly euphoric vocal performance by Rachel Davies. Davie’s pipes match the instrumental intensity of each note adding a textured layer of vibrancy to the three piece’s sound.

This record could easily hold its own as a instrumental piece but the vocal work here is so beautifully complimentary.

Lusts-Call of the Void”
Genre: New Wave, Synthpop
FFO: Depeche Mode, New Order, Echo & The Bunnymen

Lusts is a UK-based collaborative project featuring siblings Andrew and James Stone that has one objective in mind: to have its listeners experience or re-experience the ’80’s.

The duo’s sophomore effort has no problem wearing its influences on its sleeve, and you shouldn’t either because Call of the Void is a well-rounded, solid throwback to the days of new wave.

Check out the track “True Romance” below.

Pill–Soft Hell
Genre: Indie Rock, Post Punk, Noise Rock
FFO: Siouxsie & the Banchees, FRIGS, Nots

This NYC indie rock quartet offers a unique sophomore effort packed with tongue-in-cheek humor and relentless fury regarding the current state of our country.

Prepare yourself for saxophone-laced indie rock with strong post punk/noise rock influences and stream below!

Super Unison–Stella
Genre: Post Hardcore, Hardcore Punk
FFO: Drive Like Jehu, Bikini Kill, Punch

The sophomore effort from the post-Punch project of Meghan O’ Neil takes everything that made Auto such a fantastic debut and turns it up to 11.

The Oakland-based trio consisting of former members of Punch, Snowing, and Dead Seeds come together to form a cohesive post hardcore release packed with passion, anger, and melody.

Big Bliss–At Middle Distance
Genre: Indie Rock, Post Punk
FFO: Interpol, The National, Iceage

Brooklyn-based indie rock three piece, Big Bliss, storms the scene with their debut full length this month.

At Middle Distance finds the trio implementing a very melodic, post punk-driven take on indie rock very reminiscent of early Interpol, The National, or The Cure.

Be sure to give it a listen below!

Nova Amor–Birthplace
Genre: Indie Folk
FFO: Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, Sufjan Stevens

Welsh artist/multi-instrumentalist, Ali John Meredith-Lacey, crafts an awe-inducing proper debut LP under the Nova Amor stage name.

From the moment the first track kicks in, fellow listeners may also find it nearly impossible to not compare Birthplace to some of Bon Iver‘s earlier work prior to his friendship with Kanye West. Personally, I look at Lacey’s writing as an expansion upon the beauty of Justin Vernon’s art and an answer to the bizarre, electronic direction the group went in.

All ten tracks found within this record are guaranteed to deliver warmth that will undoubtedly tug at the heart strings and feel as if they are part of a nonexistent film soundtrack. Lacey’s falsetto-based vocal performance coupled with his take on atmospheric indie folk is sure to have Birthplace land a spot high up on your year end list.

Watch the video for the title track below.

TVAM–Psychic Data
Genre: Synthpop, Electronica, Psychedelic Pop
FFO: Crystal Castles, Zola Jesus, Ritualz

UK-based producer, Joe Oxel, breathes new life into the music scene via complete self composition. Oxel’s love for visual art and electronic production converge effortlessly in the artist’s debut LP under the TVAM moniker.

It was admittedly more of a challenge than usual to pin point genres and similar artists for Psychic Data as it is one of the most unique records I have heard this year. The eerie synth and guitar dubs serve as a fitting backdrop for Oxel’s haunting vocal performance as he seamlessly integrates atmospheric synth pop, psychrock, post punk, and many other genres into well-refined melting pot.

Check out the video for the title track below!

Whispering Sons–Image
Genre: Post Punk, New Wave
FFO: Joy Division, Echo & The Bunnymen, The Chameleons

While the Belgian post punk act known as Whispering Sons may not re-invent the wheel with their debut LP, it does not appear such is their intention. Image is a dark, brooding, atmospheric record that could comfortably be placed alongside the efforts of some of the greats of the post punk genre.

Be sure to stream it below!

Gøggs–Pre Strike Sweep
Genre: Punk Rock, Post Punk, Noise Rock
FFO: Ty Segall, Fuzz, Ex Cult

Enter Gøggs: one of the many collaborative efforts performed by Californian multi-instrumentalist Ty Segall, and my personal favorite.
The project consists of Segall on guitar, Fuzzmate Charles Moothard also on guitar as well as behind the kit, bassist Michael Anderson, and Ex-Cults‘ Chris Shaw handling vocal duties.

The quartet offers a sophomore full of explosive, noisy, reverb-soaked punk rock utilizing the fuzz as a weapon and refusing to hide behind it.

Gouge Away–Burnt Sugar
Genre: Hardcore Punk, Punk Rock, Post Hardcore, Post Punk, Noise Rock, Grunge
FFO: Nirvana, Bikini Kill, Jesus Lizard

Florida-based hardcore punk outfit Gouge Away quite possibly deliver the most fiery, passionate, and angry punk rock I have heard in a long time.
With their sophomore LP Burnt Sugar, the quartet maintains the same unrivaled, emotionally explosive bursts but channel their overall sound to a more layered, grungy, nostalgic punk sound with strengthened, less predictable songwriting.

JSMN–Velvet
Genre: R&B
FFO: D’Angelo, The Weeknd, Frank Ocean

Detroit artist Christian Berishaj (better known as JSMN) presents a new, 14-track gem that pushes the boundaries of his vocal capabilities, and features production that shies away from the both spacey and atmospheric backdrops found in earlier releases.

Velvet features a far more groove-oriented ambiance filled with funky, bass-driven instrumental performances. The album has more of a nostalgic, dancey feel and a more soulful take on songwriting.

Old Faith–Old Faith
Genre: Post Rock
FFO: Mogwai, Caspian, This Will Destroy You

Greensboro, North Carolina’s Old Faith is an inspiring post rock quartet that bleeds powerful emotion into instrumental movements free of vocals and lyrics of any sort. The group originally formed under the name Bombardier and released two beautiful, captivating EPs before their passion and interests towards the project seemed to dry out.

When the drummer’s father (whom the band refers to as ‘Buck’) passed away, the quartet’s vision and purpose was re-ignited and the emotional connection the band collectively shared with ‘Buck,’ is powerfully felt in all seven of the tracks that encompass Old Faith.

Experience this beautiful release by streaming it below.

Orions Belte–Mint
Genre: Indie Rock, Jangle Pop
FFO: Mac DeMarco, Diiv, Hoops

Norwegian trio, Oriens Belte, create a very unique sound on their debut LP.

Mint takes listeners on a peaceful boat ride through multi-colored waters of pristine guitar melodies and groovy basslines.

This group does not need vocals or lyrics to tell their story and serve as another strong instrumental outfit of this week’s latest pop/rock releases.

Sextile–3
Genre: Post Punk, New Wave
FFO: New Order, Depeche Mode, Cold Cave

California’s Sextile has always stood out like a soar thumb in a sea of bands worshiping Joy Division, The Cure, and other legendary acts known to mesh post punk with goth rock. The quality of their art had always seemed authentic and up to par with the era they were paying homage to.

After the group mostly dissolved with only two member’s remaining, I began to grow concerned the group would inevitably embrace a bright, poppy, mostly electronic direction (IE Death of Lovers).

I was correct in my assumption, but incorrect with how well Sextile would pull it off.

The 3 EP boasts five tunes that nail the new wave era flawlessly without sacrificing strong songwriting.

The Spirit of the Beehive–Hypnic Jerks
Genre: Indie Rock, Psychedelic Rock
FFO: Animal Collective, Temples, Wild Pink,

Philadelphia psych rockers The Spirit of the Beehive demonstrate a desire to grow and experiment on their most recent offering. Hypnic Jerks offers listeners a wide spectrum of mood shifts throughout its ten tracks incorporating various complimentary shifting soundscapes.

Be sure to stream below!

Subsonic Eye–Dive Into
Genre: Indie Rock, Dream Pop
FFO: Pity Sex, Alvvays, Japanese Breakfast

Hailing from hazy, rainy Singapore, Subsonic Eye implements infectious indie pop tunes with a spectacularly skilled and charming vocal performance by front woman/synth player Nur Wahida, and fuzzy, atmospheric guitar work.

The quartet’s sophomore effort builds upon their previously established sound and flows gracefully from start to finish leaving listeners in a pure state of euphoria.

Listen below!

Alien Boy–Sleeping Lessons
Genre: Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Emo, Post Punk, Pop Punk, Dream Pop
FFO: Title Fight, Tiger’s Jaw, Turnover

Portland’s Alien Boy close out the summer with an emotionally powerful debut LP that takes the modernized tendencies of the pop punk/emo revival and provides a boost of euphoric, dreamy indie pop.

The tracks found within and powerful and human through and through and welcome the season of Autumn of open arms.

Her’s–Invitation to Her’s
Genre: Indie Rock, Jangle Pop, Dream Pop
FFO: The Smiths, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Hoops

Liverpool artists Audun Laading and Stephen Fitzpatrick unveil their debut LP titled Invitation to Her’s. The indie rock duo presents a Jangle Pop sound primarily based around pristine, catchy leads similar to the style performed by The Smith’s Johnny Marr.

While there are many up-and-coming artists modernizing this style and making it their own, Her’s unapologetically basks in ’80s theatrical flair. There is something found within this vibrant, colorful record that truly makes this two-piece stand out.

Stream Invitation to Her’s below to find out what that is exactly.

The Myrrors–Borderlands
Genre: Experimental Rock, Psychedelic Rock, Kraut Rock, Drone
FFO: Tangerine Dream, Black Mountain, Creepoid

The Myrrors are a very special quintet from Tuscon, Arizona. This past week, they released their latest record titled Borderlands that proves with each listen to be not just an album, but a mystic experience.

This release boasts six absolutely massive, layered tracks of atmospheric, nature-inspired psychedelia delving into kraut Rock and jazzy movements often performed by string instruments.

Painted Forest–Former Home Death
Genre: Indie Rock, Indie Pop, Bedroom Pop, Lofi
FFO: American Pleasure Club, Told Slant, Florist

Philadelphia-based indie rock project, Painted Forest, presents a brief yet delightful collection of relaxing tunes.

The four tracks found within Former Home Death encompass intimacy, hopelessness, sincerity, and despair.

Wake up early on a fall summer morning, brew a pot of coffee, pop some headphones, and Painted Forest’s delicate soundscapes to dance in your head.

Still Corners–Slow Air
Genre: Indie Rock, Indie Pop, Dream Pop, Synth Pop
FFO: Mazzy Star, Beach House, Alvvays

London dream pop duo, Still Corners, stray a bit from their glossy, 80’s influenced, synth heavy sound and present a new LP delving back into their psychedelic roots.

Slow Air boasts vibes of western noir and add an influence of alternative country twang to Greg Hughes’ mesmerizing guitar work and vocalist’s Tessa Murray’s angelic performance.

Trashlight–Honey Insulation EP
Genre: Experimental Rock, Post Punk, Goth Rock, Noise Rock, Dark Wave, Death Rock
FFO: Bauhaus, Christian Death, A Place to Bury Strangers

Lousiana’s Trashlight welcome listeners to the dark realm of which their hymns are crafted. I didn’t know much about this group prior to giving Honey Insulation a spin, but now I know all I need to know.

The New Orleans quartet summons a horrifyingly beautiful sound consisting of numerous genre combinations and influences perfectly suited for fans of the bands listed above.

Campdogzz–In Rounds
Genre: Indie Rock
FFO: Angel Olsen, Local Natives, Japanese Breakfast

Indie rock collective Campdogzz offer listeners a sophomore effort of pure bliss.

While the quintet is primarily based in Chicago, frontwoman Jess Price allows her Oklahoma heritage to bleed into the lyricism. In Rounds boasts euphoric, emotionally-charged indie rock soundscapes with just the right about of folk influence.

Be sure to stream below!

Choker–Honeybloom
Genre: R&B, Hip Hop
FFO: Frank Ocean, dvsn, FKA Twigs

22-year-old Michigan-based artist, Choker, re-emerges with a self-produced sophomore LP guaranteed to win over fans of Frank Ocean or any modern artist channeling R&B. Honeybloom showcases a vast improvement of Choker’s experimental approach towards lyricism, vocal performance, and production.

The beats found throughout the album’s 14-song track listing evoke a sense of dreamy euphoria very similar to that of Blonde but tends to prioritize atmosphere and ambiance over catchy hooks.

Delta Sleep–Ghost City
Genre: Indie Rock, Math Rock, Progressive Rock
FFO: Minus the Bear, Great Big of Leaves, TTNG

UK math rock collective Delta Sleep makes noticeable strides in their approach to songwriting on their latest record. Ghost City is more laid back on its surface, but exemplifies far more texture and layering and an overall solidified sound and mood.

Vocally and instrumentally, Ghost City may bring some of Minus the Bear‘s earlier work to mind with hints of TTNG.

El Ten Eleven–Banker’s Hill
Genre: Post Rock
FFO: Caspian, Explosions in the Sky, This Will Destroy You

San Diego instrumental duo, El Ten Eleven, present a new LP shimmering with beautiful movements that serve to further demonstrate how efficiently the group can take negative emotions such as anxiety or depression and flawlessly convert such into alluring, instrumental art. The two piece reassures the notion that when post rock is done right, emotion can be felt without the use of vocals and lyricism.

Little Ugly Girls–Little Ugly Girls
Genre: Hardcore Punk, Punk Rock, Noise Rock, Post Punk
FFO: Bikini Kill, The Pixies, Fugazi

Despite landing opening spots for legendary punk acts in the early ’90s such as Fugazi and Bikini Kill, the Australian “riot grrl” act known as Little Ugly Girls waited until 2018 to release their debut full length album.

This record is emotional and instrumentally explosive and if it was released during the era in which the band was most active, it would undoubtedly be considered a classic release.

Better late than never I suppose.
Stream this pummeling release below!

Nostrum Grocers–Nostrum Grocers
Genre: Hip Hop
FFO: Cannibal Ox, Earl Sweatshirt, Tyler the Creator

You may recall last year I made a post regarding an up-and-coming Wisconsin-based MC Rory Ferreira better known as milo and also known as scallops hotel. His unique, clever wordplay complimented the bizarre, atmospheric production found within his most recent record.

Nostrum Grocers is the moniker given to the collaborative effort shared between Ferreira and New York-based MC Elucid. The two work in quite well as a cohesive unit exploring each other’s bizarre tendencies and craft a record that bathes in nostalgia.

Chris Wardlaw–Electric Guitar Performance
Genre: Instrumental, Metal, Punk, Classical

It always fills me with delight when I have the opportunity to do a quick write up on a hard-working musician I know personally and Chris Wardlaw from Western Massachusetts offers listeners a very unique listening experience with his debut solo LP.

Simply titled Electric Guitar Performance, this monster of a record features nine tracks of jaw-dropping, live, analog-recorded guitar playing free of any overdubs.
All recording and mixing was done by another friend of mine, Zachary Sawmiller, at Studio A Studios in Hadley, MA.

You would be a fool to not stream this record in its entirety below.