The Alt Weekly Roundup (1/25)

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.


Beach Bunny—Blame Game

Beach Bunny’s debut LP Honeymoon was one of my top favorites albums last year. The Chicago, IL, four-piece is back less than a year later with a new EP just brimming with newfound confidence. Blame Game shows off a bolder, more assertive side of Lili Trifilio (“don’t you know that I’m the best thing you can have?”) but still featuring the hooks that helped the band make its name. 

Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison


Snacking—”Blacked Out on a Train” 

Snacking has been a band to watch for awhile, and “Blacked Out on a Train” shows them full of explosive energy. Florida emo is a fertile ecosystem (there must be something in the water) and Snacking is pushing to the top of the canopy with riffs, personal but relatable lyrics, and Ryan Dormois’ unique baritone. When shows come back you’ll find me shouting along to these lyrics, somewhere near the back because the front is going to be WILD. 

Jami Fowler | @audiocurio


Abe Anderson—”Love You More”

You probably know Abe Anderson as the base player in the raucous, fun-punk band Niiice. Little did we know that he can make hazy, laid-back indie pop as well. “Love You More” is a sweet, unpretentious love song that can’t help but make you smile along. FFO lovely guitar tones and laying in the summer grass.

Jami Fowler | @audiocurio


PONY – “Couch”

PONY’s debut LP TV Baby is dropping April 2021; if the lead single “Couch” and accompanying video hints as to what we’re in for, the record is going to kick some sequined ass. The song is deceiving; it glows with a vibrant power-pop sound, but the lyrics underneath it reflect the unease of trying to find your place in the world without disappointing your family. It should also be noted that the video is raucous enough to include an appearance by the Zodiac Killer.

Madison Van Houten  | @madisonvanhalen


Whitehall—”Capsize”

Whitehall typically plays summery, dancey indie rock fitting for a drive to the beach. That’s why “Capsize” stands out so much in their discography; it’s a dark, at times almost alt-country song that ebbs and flows in ways their previous slew of singles rarely did. 

Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison


Valleyheart—”T.I.K.”

Everyone I Ever Loved was an auspicious debut for Valleyheart, a deeply personal dive into frontman Kevin Klein’s shifting relationship with Christianity backed by anthemic alt-rock. The band’s latest single, “T.I.K.,” is an extension of that ethos; the music behind Klein, this time around, is just as tense as the lyrics. It’s perhaps the heaviest song in Valleyheart’s catalog, and it’s a great way to build hype for whatever’s next. 

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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