January, 2020 Music Releases
A curated month-by-month archive of new and underground music releases across shoegaze, emo, punk, hardcore, indie, and adjacent scenes.
The Month
Beach Slang
Deadbeat Bang of Heartbreak City
American rock band Beach Slang's upcoming album 'The Deadbeat Bang of Heartbreak City' showcases their anthemic power pop infused with earnestness, featuring special guest bassist Tommy Stinson. Drawing comparisons to Jawbreaker and The Replacements, the record leans towards stadium classic rock influences rather than early punk. Set for release on January 10th via Bridge 9 Records, the album was mixed by Brad Wood, known for his work with Smashing Pumpkins and Liz Phair.
...And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead
X: The Godless Void and Other Stories
And You Will Know Us By The Trail of Dead, from Austin, Texas, marks their 25th anniversary with their 10th studio album "X: The Godless Void and Other Stories" set to release on January 17, 2020. Produced by Charles Godfrey, the album features 12 new songs with influences of Talk Talk and Laurie Anderson, displaying a unique blend of pop elements not found in the mainstream.
Criteria
Years
Criteria's 3rd LP, "Years," marks their return after a 15-year hiatus, showcasing loud, heavy, guitar-driven indie rock/post-hardcore vibes. Produced by A.J. Mogis of Cursive, the album is set to drop on January 17, 2020, with a tour alongside Cursive and Cloud Nothings in January 2020.
Pinegrove
Marigold
Pinegrove is set to release their 4th studio album "Marigold" on January 17, 2020, via Rough Trade Records. The album was recorded at Amperland in upstate New York and shares similarities with their previous work on Skylight. Check out the singles "Phase" and "Moment" from the upcoming LP.
Bandaid Brigade
I'm Separate
Bandaid Brigade, including members from PEARS, Scorpios, and The Gamits, is set to release their debut album 'I'm Separate' on January 21, 2020. The album, co-produced with Chris Fogal, offers polished arrangements and a throwback sound influenced by early progressive rock and classic pop-rock disco grooves, reminiscent of Springsteen, Elton John, ABBA, and Earth Wind & Fire.
Higher Power
27 Miles Underwater
Leeds band Higher Power will drop 27 Miles Underwater on January 24, 2020, through Roadrunner Records. Their new single Seamless offers a taste of their hardcore/groove metal sound, aligning them with artists like Power Trip and Turnstile.
Warper
If Anything/Headhang
If Anything/Headhang is Warper's first release — a two-song 2020 single from the Loveland, Colorado duo of Jack McManaman and Adam Gilsdorf. Produced by Corey Coffman, it's an early blast of the band's "downer shoegaze": heavy, distorted guitars under downcast melodies.