Music lovers rejoice! The past few weeks gave us more album releases than we can keep up with, but we’re not complaining! From the long-awaited album of the iconic duo that is Twenty One Pilots to new discoveries like Hilang Child and his debut album, these new tunes will keep your ears company during the pre-holiday traffic.
Bambi by Hippo Campus
Release date: September 28, 2018
Minnesotan quartet Hippo Campus proudly released their sophomore album Bambi, under Transgressive Records. Here they explore the themes of depression and anxiety alongside some rigorous self-examination. Bubbly, head-bopping music is once again partnered with brave and honest lyricism. Hippo Campus will be on their UK/European tour for the first quarter of 2019, and let’s cross our fingers for an Asian tour!
Years by Hilang Child
Release date: August 17, 2018
Hilang Child is Ed Riman’s musical moniker. He is a half-Welsh, half-Indonesian singer and songwriter from London who has just released his debut album Years under the label Bella Union. Hilang Child’s 10-track album is full of nostalgic dreamy melodies that almost feel too personal. A soundtrack for when you’re alone and you’re figuring your life out, Years will fill your emotions with hope, wonder, and reminiscing.
Malibu Nights by LANY
Release date: October 5, 2018
LANY delivers an album packed with heartache, sadness, and longing, almost to the style of Taylor Swift—minus the snarky lyrics and subtle attacks on ‘anonymous’ people. We might not know who front man Paul Klein is really singing about (but come on, who else would it be?), but his apparent heartbreak is obviously the inspiration behind Malibu Nights. Listen to “Valentine’s Day,” “Malibu Nights,” and “Thru These Tears” for maximum sadness.
Yumeno Garden by Last Dinosaurs
Release date: October 5, 2018
Brisbane-based Last Dinosaurs stayed true to their playful punk tunes three years after releasing Wellness. Now they’re back with another album that’s the very definition of indie rock. With Yumeno Garden, the band sounds the same as they’ve always sounded, and one can’t help but wonder if the band is playing safe staying in their comfort zone.
The Politics of Living by Kodaline
Release date: September 28, 2018
After the less-than-pleasant reviews of 2015’s Coming Up For Air album, garnered, Kodaline once again tries to prove that they’re more than just an imitation of Coldplay. Politics of Living puts together happy and sad songs, songs that have startlingly plain lyrics (“Worth It”) and songs that can make you dance to the beat (“Head Held High”). We’ve always loved Kodaline ever since they made us cry with All I Want and High Hopes. For this 12-track record, we love them still.
Soy Pablo by Boy Pablo
Release date: October 5, 2018
Hipsters and indie music fans will rejoice to know that Norwegian indie pop-rock singer Boy Pablo has dropped his second EP entitled Soy Pablo. Boy Pablo retains his dreamy indie tunes, which, surprisingly, is both satisfying and disappointing. We need to see him experiment more on his music. Maybe on his next EP (we’re guessing it will be called Hoy Pablo), he can show the world that he is more than just hipster staple, bedroom beats music.
IV by You Me At Six
Release date: October 5, 2018
You Me at Six released their sixth album plainly and specially entitled VI. Josh Franceschi’s soaring vocals brings us back to our punk rock teenage days when emo was everybody’s life peg. The band’s confidence resonates with every bass line, guitar riff, and thunderous drumming. From heavy rock to this, we finally see a new side to You Me At Six. And we like what we’re hearing!
Trench by Twenty One Pilots
Release date: October 5, 2018
After their record-breaking 2015 album Blurryface, Twenty One Pilots is back with 14-track alt-rock Trench. In Blurryface, Tyler Joseph creates a character out of his insecurities; in Trench, they create a fantasy world where the main character Clancy tries to escape the grasp of Dema, a dark walled prison headed by the nine bishops. Of course you’d have to listen to the album to know what we’re talking about!
This fantasy world is an obvious metaphor for depression and how one goes about escaping it. Twenty One Pilots has always been vocal lyrically about battles with anxiety and depression, their artful take on the matter with Trench has made fans appreciate them all the more. It goes to show that this duo can never really disappoint!
Which album release is your favorite? Share it with us below!
