We are in peak Summer, yet the music being produced as of lately is hotter than recent record setting temperatures. While you try and stay cool through rising temperatures we have a few suggestions for your Summer listening sessions. Whether you get your music from Spotify, YouTube, or somewhere else; these five albums and five singles are sure to bring the heat. For an added experience we suggest listening with air conditioning blasting and the volume cranked up loud.
ALBUMS
1) American Noir - Creeper
When it comes to creepy concept albums, Creeper is always nailing it on the coffin. Killing the game since 2014, it comes as no surprise that this horror orchestral-punk band pops out of the casket with another concept album full of bangers. With only eight tracks, American Noir is the shortest album on this list. Lack of songs does not mean lack of talent, for this album is jampacked with music that cuts deep into the heart. Bopping guitar riffs, chilling vocals, and dead-amazing drum beats are all weaved together, bringing this album to the top spot for not just July, but possibly the entirety of 2021.
2) Exit Wounds - The Wallflowers
I am actually quite insulted that it took me until this year to listen to The Wallflowers because I am absolutely enthralled with their sound. Better late than never I suppose, and Exit Wounds was the perfect first album to listen to. As I listened with content I found myself taking a melodical stroll through a field of pure bliss. For 40 minutes my entire spiritual existence was caught in the music. If Jimmy Buffet joined an indie rock band with 1975 vibes it would be this band. More accurately, perhaps Bruce Springsteen would be a better representation, but I stand my ground with Jimmy Buffet with soft rock vibes. Regardless, Exit Wounds claims the number two spot and The Wallflowers is now on my radar.
3) LOUDMOUTH - VIAL
Bringing a powerhouse punk sound comes a fairly new band to the scene, VIAL. These Minnesota punk prodigies came punching through with their sophomore album, LOUDMOUTH. Loud is exactly how I would describe this album, both in style, talent, and personality. All killer and absolutely no filler, VIAL proves that punk is not and will never be dead as long as there are people willing to push boundaries and fight for justice. Bangers after bangers, I found myself having quite literally a "bangover" after listening and the only cure was to replay from the start. Maybe I wanted something more, or just maybe I wanted more albums such as LOUDMOUTH.
4) XOXO: From Love And Anxiety In Real Time - The Maine
A band called The Maine has yet to disappoint me with a release, and thankfully that statement remains true with their eighth studio album, XOXO: From Love And Anxiety In Real Time. While this album ranks fourth for July albums, XOXO actually claims third when it comes for The Maine's entire discography, behind only American Candy and Lovely Little Lonely. Cranking out bops that have you both bang your head and shake your hips, The Maine has not let their classic sound fizzle down. The more you listen the more you fall in love, or at least that was the outcome in my case. I absolutely can not wait to hear these new tracks being played during Sad Summer.
5) Until The Sun Drowns - Flight Club
The first rule of fight club is we don't talk about fight club. Thankfully, I can talk about Flight Club and their fantastic music all I want. Closing out the top five albums of July is Until The Sun Drowns, Flight Club's sophomore album, which is destined to take flight in the scene with energetic and upbeat guitar melodies and relatable lyrics. One listen through and I felt like I was hanging at the skatepark with friends, Monster in hand and full of good times. Flight Club is about to take off and I am here for the ride!
SINGLES
1) "Say Yes" - MxPx Ft. Kalie Wolfe (Rivals)
Imagine it is July 2009. Warped Tour is alive and thriving. It's seven in the morning and you find yourself cramped into your friend's car. Music is blaring, windows down, and everyone has Monster in hand as you find yourself in route to yet another rock show. Another "Summer and the Warped Tour" with your friends, amped to run from stage to stage in hopes of catching your favorite bands. Hopefully your worn out checkered Vans can hold up in the mosh pit. While being stuck in traffic you day dream about what bands you may run into. "Say Yes" by MxPx featuring Rivals vocalist Kalie Wolfe, brings me back to the thrilling and chaotic rush from the Vans Warped Tour. Nothing was ever guaranteed except for a good time. Kalie Wolfe and Mike Herrera's vocals perfectly contrast with each other, adding a layer of depth I crave so badly in music features. Add in riveting guitar and bass riffs and I instantly find myself saying yes to another listen. This song has been the official soundtrack to my Summer adventures.
2) "PMA" - All Time Low Ft. Pale Waves
All Time Low has always been an all time favorite band of mine. As I have said numerous times before and will continue to say, Alex Gaskarth's voice has aged like fine wine-- maybe even whiskey. Never missing a beat, All Time Low are spoon feeding the scene with more music, leaving my soul fulfilled and heart ever so happy. Hitting me as hard as "Some Kind of Disaster", "PMA" perfectly describes how I feel on a day to day basis. As if my intrusive thoughts had commentary and were sung to a melody that acted like medicine, "PMA" is just what the doctor prescribed for me to listen to. If this latest single is any indication on how All Time Low's next album cycle will be, I have my suspicions it may replace Nothing Personal as my favorite album.
3) "Phantom Pain" - Saving Vice
The "Rawring 20s" may just be at it's beginning, yet once again Saving Vice has me sinking deep within the scene with their latest drop, "Phantom Pain." Saving Vice is known for turning back the clocks to the peak of 2010s metalcore while adding a modern spin, once again successfully catching me in a time paradox and I have no plans on escaping. This single includes a multitude of vocal techniques along with a melody that is still stuck in my head to this day. Lyrically this song hits home where it hurts the most. I was caught by surprise with that "Nerve Damage" reference, making my heart as bubbly as the champagne being passed. A song that contains both breakdowns and sing-alongs AND makes me emotional to the core? I'll toast to that!
4) "Brighter Days (Are Before Us)" - Meet Me @ The Altar
The best of pop punk is before us as Meet Me @ The Altar punches in with their newest single, "Brighter Days (Are Before Us)." This banger of an absolute bop brings an upbeat positive vibe when we need it the most. The silver lining the scene needs, especially given the past year and a half we all had. Life is good and we deserve to dance to tunes that can turn any frown upside down. The future is looking more than just "kinda great", but absolutely blissful, especially with the anticipation of their new EP, "Model Citizen", which is being released on August 13th.
5) "Chemical Burn" - Wave Break
Sliding into the last of the singles we have "Chemical Burn" by Wave Break. Beware: this fire track is known for leaving third degree burns, a side effect of slammin' Summer singles that is wholly worth it. A strong Against The Current influence, yet Kelly Barber puts her own creative mark when it comes to Wave Break's original sound, having me absolutely obsessed from start to finish. After the first listen I found the melody to be stuck in my head for a whole week. I can imagine bopping my head and shaking my hips at an outdoor music festival to this song and now desperately crave to hear this track performed live. It's a hot pop punk Summer, so be sure to add this to your playlists for positive results.
Did we nail it or did we miss out on some rockin' releases? Let us know how we did below and be sure to stream all these artists for clear skin and good vibes. (Results may vary.)
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