The Alt Weekly Roundup (4/6)
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.
Home Astronomy—”Maximilian”
Home Astronomy’s latest single “Maximilian” is a distillation of everything I enjoy about emo music: it’s dynamic, it’s catchy, it’s pretty, it’s even a bit shouty. It feels like the culmination of 25 years of the genre in one five-minute sampler. It’s high praise for a band of college kids who haven’t even put out a full LP yet, but I think when Days of Rain drops we’ll see they’ve earned every word.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Eliza & The Delusionals—A State of Living in an Objective Reality
Eliza & the Delusionals shared a translucent, aerated indie pop EP in which the vocals have a delightfully sweet drawl. It feels like The 1975 crossed with Beach Bunny.
Bineet Kaur | @hellobineet
Holding Absence—”Gravity”
Holding Absence would’ve been everywhere a decade ago. “Gravity” is a post-hardcore song all but vocally, as Lucas Woodland’s voice never rises above a croon. Thank goodness for it, too, because he’s got a beautiful delivery, and the aggressive riffs behind it make for an interesting contrast.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Grist Mill—“Cerulean Blue”
Grist Mil is the solo project of Sainthood Reps guitarist Derick Sherman, who formerly toured in Brand New and Tigers Jaw. His upcoming EP Young Dudley was recorded by Mike Sappone (Oso Oso, Brand New), and the thrumming bassline of “Cerulean Blue” (which was worked on with Will Yip) is certainly reminiscent of projects those two have worked on. The ethereal vocal effects and open-air reverb create a beautiful yet eerie amount of space in the mix, and the skittering drum pads that take the track home are a unique touch.
Eli Enis | @eli_enis
Stand Atlantic—”Drink to Drown”
Stand Atlantic is pushing their sound to its limits. Their last single, “Shh!,” verged on melodic hardcore, and their latest, “Drink to Drown”, goes in the opposite direction. It’s a lovely piano ballad, and it turns out this sound suits them far better than the heavier style. It cements them as one of the most versatile of the new wave of pop-punk bands.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Alfred.—”PRINDL/DR.CALL”
Alfred.’s expansive and impressive “PRINDL/DR.CALL” seems to knock back and forth against the walls. The Virginia rapper’s lines spilling out as if they’re trying to keep themselves steady against the abrasive sound, cutting in to affirm repeatedly, “all in my head.” The tone of the music shifts to something less nervy and more weightless in the second half, but Alfred. maintains their anxious ruminating without missing a beat.
Jordan Walsh | @jordalsh
Super American—”How Big Is Your Brain?”
Not sure how, but Super American can even turn ballads into bangers. Check their new single “How Big Is Your Brain?” if you don’t believe me.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Galeer—”crumbs and kicking feet”
Something about Galeer’s “crumbs and kicking feet” makes me think of watching Fuse in the mid 2000s, but it’s difficult to put my finger on exactly what it is. This is an excellent emo song with a darker alternative pop-rock feel, but I don’t think it sounds particularly like anything from that era. Maybe this is my brain’s way of telling me that there’s something nostalgic about Galeer, something that would absolutely make me look up at the TV and take note of the name.
Jordan Walsh | @jordalsh
Lefties—”Imaginary Friends”
Lefties’ latest track “Imaginary Friends” is rickety, throbbing garage rock with a helping of rock and roll influence. It’s about pretending to socialize with others in hopes of alleviating loneliness.
Bineet Kaur | @hellobineet
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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