Here are my five picks for some of the great, lesser known bands who released albums this year. All of the listings can be found on Spotify. I offer you the names of the bands, a suggested song and the album it appears on.
Disclaimer: These are in no particular order of their quality
1. Handsome Ghosts - “Steps” on the Steps album.
This album has a bit of an alternative beat with some sad messages. Boo and you ended it so you want to listen to a breakup album? This is it. Want to listen to music that just gets you when you’re feeling glum? This is it. Looking back on 2015 and not being too happy about how far, or how little, you’ve come along? This is it. It's a very short album, but what is there is quality. No need to pick out which songs are the best and make a playlist for them like with some albums. Everything they put out is great and will get you over the rough patch in your life.
2. Foreign Fighters- “Come Alive” on the Come Alive EP
This EP is full of happy songs about going out into the world and finding what you love (my goal for college.) The song “Come Alive” is about leaving behind your inhibitions and failures that hold you back. It’s about just going out into the world and making the most of it. You should be enjoying the most of your life while you’re young, and if you just aren't feeling it- take a breath, take a step back and appreciate what you’ve got going for you. This album mixes indie rock and alternative to create an upbeat sound that makes you want to do everything you’ve ever wanted but never could. A side note- they released a single on Spotify after the album came out, called “Fire.” Definitely add it to your playlists.
3. The Notionaries- “.Excited Eyes” on the Brave With Wires album
Brave with Wires is a really upbeat album that shakes it up between pop, rock and alternative. It's not something to listen to everyday, but if you’re on shuffle in the car and this comes on, don't skip it. “.Excited Eyes” is a song you should sing along to in your car within the first 50 miles of a long road trip. It will pump you up and make you feel like you’re on an adventure rather than stuck in traffic behind a noisy 18-wheeler. Trust me- The Notionaries are really great and set themselves apart with their creative fusion of sounds. Again, this is another very short album- it only has 6 songs, but for this album I suggest splitting the songs between different playlists. There is a lot of variety in such a small release.
4. firekid- “Die For Alabama” on the firekid album.
This is one of my personal favorites on this list. They’re much lesser known (their most popular song has less than 500,000 plays on Spotify) but that makes them all the better. Their sound is a fusion between country, rock and pop. I’m not a fan of country but this song makes me feel sentimental about the genre. The song, "Die for Alabama," will get you on your feet and doing that weird dance that you do when nobody's looking. The band also released a small album recorded live in Nashville, Tennessee. This song does great at matching up to the talented history of that special city. Even if you don't like that scene and despise country, go check them out; they have me dancing every time.
5. Twenty One Pilots - Tear in my Heart / Stressed out / The Judge on the Blurryface Album.
You may notice that I suggested three songs instead of one. Don't question it. Their album is one of my favorites of all time. No matter what mood you're in, no matter what genre you want to listen to- this album will satisfy. It combines rap, pop, rock and alternative into a unique sound that I’ve never heard of in my life. Do people often ask what type of music you listen to, but you never really have one answer? Then this album is for you. Listen to it straight through and you will find multiple songs you like. There is so much variety that you won't believe it's all on the same album. I don't know why I wasn't listening to them months ago and now I’m wondering why you aren't looking them up right now. They’re going on a huge tour and have already sold out at Madison Square Garden for a concert in August. Yeah, they’re pretty great.
