I don't know how it happened, but it is somehow already May and a quarter of 2016 has flown by. Between all the stress crying and midterms, a slew of albums has been released into the universe. Here's a quick review of some of the albums that might have passed you by (in no particular order). Just in time to make some finals study playlists! Maybe that exclamation point was a mistake, it's not an exciting time.

1. Wet - Don't You
Wet released their first official album this year, though, granted, most of the songs have already been released as singles or on EPs. This is still one of my favorite albums of the year so far, the vocals are great and while the lyrics can be basic I still think they can resonate with most of us. The genre of this album is alt-R&B, i've never really been a fan of R&B but this album is one of my tops. The album could definitely have been cleaned up, but for a debut i'm impressed and i'll keep my eye on this band
personal favorite songs: "It's All In Vain" and "Weak"

2. Animal Collective - Painting With
Not to be that person but this album actually surprised me in the best way. I never gave too much attention to Animal Collective previously but this album was such a fun listen. It's more experimental than some of their previous albums, with the band playing with new futuristic tones. One of my friends called this album post-modern pop (think dadaism but in an album) and while I can't say those words out loud of fear that I will become too pretentious and die, its mostly accurate. If you haven't really been a fan of Animal Collective before, this is a great place to start. It's light, it's fun, and you can finally be the person who gets people to avoid them by saying "i've been listening to a lot of animal collective lately"
personal favorites: "Floridada" and "Golden Gal"

3. School of Seven Bells - SVIIB
This album is the unexpected final album from the School of Seven Bells. Most people didn't think that this album would come to fruition, as one of the members of the band lost his battle with lymphoma shortly after the writing process was finished. Unexpectedly, the album as a whole is quite joyful. It feels very honest and you can tell that a lot of work went into it. It's very pop-y and electronic. It's all about finding joy and hope in even the darkest of times. Supported by bold synth pop tunes in their own right, it's a record that you're unlikely to forget.
personal favorites: "Open Your Eyes" and "On My Heart"

4. Chairlift - Moth
Chairlift has always been a fun band, though somewhat immature. I have a few of their older songs here and there but had never really enjoyed an album all the way through. This album was a departure from that, the sound is more consistent and the risks that they took really paid off. I'm not sure if I would really go back to this album, but it was an interesting listen and it was cool to hear such an evolution from the band.
personal favorites: "Moth To The Flame" and "Polymorphing"

5. Anderson Paak - Malibu
West coast remains the best coast with Anderson Paak's new album. It's full of unexpected features from names ranging from Schoolboy Q to Talib Kweli. It's an album that is heavily influenced by sounds of the 70s yet simultaneously has a futuristic sound. Slightly reminiscent of Lamar's To Pimp a Butterfly, the lyrics pack a lot of depth and Paak has really taken a creative risk that has paid off for him. This is a sincere, soulful project, brimming with honesty and humble perseverance. I think lovers of all genres could appreciate this album.
personal favorites: "Am I Wrong" and "The bird"

6. Rüfus Du Sol - Bloom
Be With You is an effervescent cocktail-party-club-jam, complete with background party people having a chat. Like An Animal ripples with plastic guitars and stuttering hi-hats, evoking both the promise of early evening hedonism and the best of Van She. Few require depth in their dance music, but that’s just what makes it such fertile ground for declarations of character. This album still lacks depth, but if you are looking for something easy to listen to it might be worth a shot
personal favorites: "You Were Right" and "Hyponotised"

7. The Last Shadow Puppets - Everything You've Come to Expect
Arctic Monkeys fans rejoice, Alex Turner is back in his more under-the-radar form (it's time to put away that AM shirt). It's a very experimental album, and not what we've come to expect (ha ha, get it...?), The Last Shadow Puppets' second album is a triumph.Everything We’ve Come to Expect is champagne-coated, arena-sized pop-rock album that’s slick and smart.
personal favorites: "Sweet Dreams Tn" and "Aviation"

8. Pinegrove - Cardinal
One of my friends recommended this band to me recently, describing them to be on "the upper end of good" but also warning me that "it might not be my thing". I think this is a pretty accurate description of the band. The album Cardinal was released in February and its the indie rock revival of emo that we didn't know that we needed. Lyrically, the album is really strong. There's a lot there that people will be able to resonate with. The only thing blocking this from encroaching the "great" category is that the singer has a voice that sometimes verges on whiny, but a lot of people enjoy that, so if that's your thing, here you go. If you're into the front bottoms or modern baseball, this could be the new album for you.

personal favorites: "New friends, old friends" (this was a coincidence)

9. Sales - Sales LP
This is an album that is stitched together from different parts—the bright indie-rock guitar, twitchy electronic percussion loops, and warm, melodic vocals—to create pop music that is both hospitable and a little weird. The lyrics are fun and meaningful, sometimes there feels to be something lacking but for a debut album this is more than I could have asked for. I think this an album worth checking out and a band worth keeping an eye on.
personal favorites: "Ivy" and "Seven's Day"