Posted: by The Editor
The Alternative Weekly Roundup is a column where our staff plugs a variety of new releases in a concise, streamlined format. Albums, singles, videos, and live sets. Check back each Monday to see what we were jamming the week prior.
The Backfires – “Reflections on My TV”
The Backfires count early aughts post-punk idols like Interpol and The Strokes as key influences, but on “Reflections on My TV” they’re not just beholden to their inspirations. The song is a crunchy, propulsive alt rock jam, one that establishes the London by way of NYC group as true torchbearers.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Sorry, Peach – “a lot less time”
Upstate South Carolina’s charismatic indie-pop/folk band Sorry, Peach has released the last song off their highly anticipated debut EP You Were Never Mine. The record is inspired by breakups and heartbreak of plenty, and newest single “a lot less time” only magnifies the running theme. With lyrics drawn from intense regret and melancholy, the production swells cinematically with french horns and a full choir to match the sweeping, folk-laden acoustic tune. If you’re gonna cry into your morning coffee, might as well do it in style with a track like this.
Hope Ankney | @hope_ankleknee
Actor|Observer – Songs for the Newly Reclusive
Boston’s Actor|Observer has been teasing a new record for years, and it’s worth the wait. Songs for the Newly Reclusive perfects the band’s solemn post-hardcore, with songs like “Cargo Cult” and “White Mare” neatly balancing their most aggressive and melodic tendencies, while the ambient “Wasted Breath” leans into turn of the century screamo influences. Even at only seven tracks and half an hour, it’s Actor|Observer’s most fully realized project yet.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
flora mma – “Goddamn, This Guilt Is Gonna Kill Me”
Proclaimed as an emo anti-pop star, alternative artist flora mma has just dropped their newest single “Goddamn, This Guilt Is Gonna Kill Me.” A crunchy pop-punk tune, the track details the journey to sobriety while following the perfect Y2K alt-rock fusion with fast guitars, roaring drums, and a raging, melodic undertaking. The angsty songwriting rocks. The gritty soundscape rules. Check it out.
Hope Ankney | @hope_ankleknee
Pale Lungs – “Favorite Memory
Pale Lungs went silent for a while, but they’re back now, and are they ever. The band’s five-minute new single is called “Favorite Memory” and it’s a behemoth. It’s heavy and dynamic, a powerful reintroduction to one of indie rock’s best kept secrets.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Maya Delilah – “Pretty Face”
Hailing from North London, 22-year-old Maya Delilah has dropped her newest track “Pretty Face.” Soulful and full of languid pop-rock elements, the tune is an ode to a disappointing relationship that Delilah turns into something delightfully humorous. Fuzzy guitars, slick production, witty lyricism–“Pretty Face” is fun, and it’s definitely worth checking out.
Hope Ankney | @hope_ankleknee
Parkway & Columbia – “Fool”
Parkway & Columbia’s latest single “Fool” is one of the project’s best songs ever. From its jangly, overblown opening riff to its ever-building chorus, it moves away from the Death Cab influence of Wanderer towards a more eclectic and dynamic style of dreamy indie rock.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Stay Outside – “Dimes”
Stay Outside’s brand of vaguely blues-inspired alt rock feels huge. Landing somewhere between Microwave and Born Without Bones, “Dimes” is an instantly memorable single that, in a just world, would catapult the trio to stardom.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
The Alternative’s ‘New Music Friday’ playlist
Each week our editor Lindsy Carrasquillo compiles a playlist of songs our staff has been jamming. We’ll post it on Fridays on Twitter and then include it in each edition of the ‘Weekly Roundup’ to make sure you don’t miss all of the great music we’re recommending.
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