Top 5 Albums of April

Top 5 Albums of an impressive month of music (and a big list of others we enjoyed as well)

 

5. Passion Pit – Kindred
   Passion Pit’s newest album serves as a confident statement that Michael Angelikos is capable of producing hits album after album. Big, punchy choruses on tracks like “Lifted Up (1985)” and “Five Foot Ten (I)” perfectly compliment the soft touches of “Where The Sky Hangs” and “Dancing on the Grave.” While the album may be a bit short overall, it doesn’t get a whole lot more fun than a Passion Pit album, and Kindred is no different.

For fans of: Phoenix, Cut Copy, frolicking through a sunny meadow

 

4. Waters – What’s Real?

What’s Real? Is a blast of youthful energy wrapped in relatable themes and addicting hooks. The album is a well-crafted piece of consistent songwriting. I hope this band gets the attention they deserve.

For fans of: a groovy, brash lovechild of Grouplove and Bear Hands

 

3. Dustin Kensrue – Carry The Fire

Dustin Kensrue delivers a heartfelt and accessible album filled with emotional tracks and material that resonates. I’m impressed with every aspect of Carry The Fire and have been listening to it on a daily basis.

For fans of: Good old fashioned rock music, long drives with the windows down

 

2. Joywave – How Do You Feel Now?

Joywave is an appropriate name for this band. Their music hits the listener with a wave of all kinds of sounds and styles. How Do You Feel Now? Is unique, eclectic, poppy, mellow, artistic, and everything in between. This band takes chances, and more often than not, they succeed. Massively enjoyable album.

For fans of: Passion Pit, Two Door Cinema Club, glorious explorations of sound

 

1. San Fermin – Jackrabbit

San Fermin popped on my radar along with dozens of other publicist emails, and found their way to the front of my mind. Sifting through the mass of emails and finding an artist like this is what I consider one of the best perks of my job. Probably an artist I wouldn’t come across otherwise, I fell in love with Jackrabbit immediately. The creativity and variety on display here is head and shoulders above most contemporaries these days. Snooty Pitchfork reviews be damned – this one’s a gem. I will save further description and exploration of the album for my year-end list.

For fans of: Kishi Bashi, The National, not really sure…just check it out – it’s fantastic.

 

More to Love:

Rocky Votolato – Hospital Handshakes

A more rousing version of Rocky. Some incredible tracks here, including lead single “The Hereafter.”

The Wombats – Glitterbug

Typical Wombats – meaning incredibly fun UK synth-rock with big hooks.

Lord Huron – Strange Trails

Expansive folk/Americana album that nearly made this list and may end up on the End-Of-Year list with some more time to sink in. Really well done and enjoyable.

Millencolin – True Brew

My 18 year old self was thrilled with this release from the Swedish punk rockers. So much fun to listen to – and perhaps the band’s best release in 15 years.

Will Hoge – Small Town Dreams

Still having a minor identity crisis with this. I have never liked country. Never. Small Town Dreams is infused with enough rock and enough Americana/folk elements that it is country, without feeling like country. The lyrics are also much more relatable than the current “Pick-up truck & ice cold beer” rut country artists are lazing around in these days. Well done Mr. Hoge – I love this album.

Mighty Oaks – Howl

Folky-goodness at its best. Ever since hearing the track “Brother” I knew this would be a great album, and Mighty Oaks do not disappoint. There are a multitude of bands writing songs in a similar style, but very few do it as well as Mighty Oaks. Would not be surprised if Howl is the catapult that lands them in the spotlight this year.

The Mowgli’s – Kids In Love

Anyone who doesn’t enjoy The Mowgli’s doesn’t enjoy happiness. Plain and simple. Feel good music from our favorite feel-good band. Endlessly re-playable.

Alabama Shakes – Sound & Color

This is a little bit out of my personal wheelhouse, but you know good music when you hear it. The album is all over the place in a good way. Lots going on and lots to digest, but a very impressive piece of work.

The Damnwells – S/T

There isn’t a better under-the-radar band anywhere. The Damnwells once again show why they should be a big name in the game.

Bop English – Constant Bop

The charming album of White Denim’s James Petralli. 10 tracks that’ll be stuck in your head instantly, like the bouncy “Struck Matches.”

Northern Faces – S/T

Too repetitive at times, but a really fun listen with some addicting tracks like “Alone and Forgotten” and “Back and At It.”

 

Best April EP’s

All Get Out – Movement

Five promising tracks that hit hard and make you want 5 more.

Cold Shoulders – S/T

The beginning of a mega-talented musical venture. “Better” is dangerously addictive.

Cosby – Summer Gold

EP title says it all – Cosby delivers summertime jams you’ll want to play loud and often.

Esta Coda – Miles Away

Awesome blend of energetic and mellow…much needed display of guitar driven alt/rock.

The Japanese House – Pools To Bathe In

Talented dude and an chill, smooth debut EP

 

Looking forward to in May:

Joshua Fletcher – Ready, Aim

Turnover – Peripheral Vision

Brandon Flowers – The Desired Effect

Twenty One Pilots – Blurryface

Anti-Flag – American Spring

My Morning Jacket – The Waterfall

Best Coast – California Nights

Django Django – Born Under Saturn

Hot Chip – Why Make Sense?

The Vaccines – English Graffiti

Mumford & Sons – Wilder Mind *Yes…we’re intrigued