May, 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
Boston Manor
Glue
Boston Manor's upcoming album, GLUE, set to release on May 1 via Pure Noise Records, delves into societal indifference and urges listeners to challenge the status quo. The band's evolution towards a more abrasive and experimental sound is evident in the 13 charged tracks like "Everything Is Ordinary," pushing boundaries and defying expectations. Recorded at The Barber Shop studios in New Jersey, produced by Mike Sapone, GLUE marks a significant milestone in the band's artistic journey, aiming to provoke thought and incite action against prevailing issues.
Car Seat Headrest
Making a Door Less Open
Created over the course of four years, Making a Door Less Open is the result of a fruitful “collaboration” between Car Seat Headrest, led by Will Toledo, and 1 Trait Danger, a CSH electronic side project consisting of drummer Andrew Katz and Toledo’s alternative persona, “Trait.”
Fake Names
Fake Names
Fake Names, a punk rock supergroup featuring members from influential bands like Minor Threat, Refused, and Bad Religion, is set to release their self-titled debut record on May 8 via Epitaph. The album, produced at Renegade Studios in New York, showcases a 28-minute burst of energy combining bare-bones punk with power-pop elements, delivering bittersweet melodies and rich harmonies.
Gleemer
Down Through
Gleemer from Fort Collins, Colorado is set to release their new album "Down Through" on May 8, 2020 via Other People Records. Produced by Will Yip, the album showcases a blend of shimmering guitars and warm vocals, exploring new dynamic heights with a shoegaze-influenced sound. The collaboration between vocalist/guitarist Corey Coffman and Yip captures a balance between fuzz-drenched catharsis and somber atmospherics, resulting in a weightier yet dream-like album that fans of Turnover and Code Orange will appreciate.
I Break Horses
Warnings
I Break Horses have released their long-awaited third album, "Warnings," with an emphasis on instrumental, cinematic music that draws inspiration from favorite films. The album features dreamy mellotrons, haunting loops, and layered lyrics, creating immersive dramatic tensions similar to artists like Screamedelica and early OMD. With the guidance of producer Chris Coady, the album offers an intimate and sublimely expansive experience that rewards listeners with its lush soundscapes and emotive journeys.
The Naked and Famous
Recover
The Naked and Famous released their new album "Recover" on May 8, marking 12 years as a band. The album delivers a fresh sound while staying true to their electro-pop roots, appealing to fans of their earlier work and similar artists. Alisa Xayalith and Thom Powers showcase their evolution in both personal and professional lives through this latest musical offering.
I'm Glad It's You
Every Sun, Every Moon
I’m Glad It’s You will release their new album Every Sun, Every Moon on May 15th via 6131 Records. The record, produced by J. Robbins, reflects on a tragic event and presents a blend of upbeat, catchy tunes and introspective, emotive tracks reminiscent of bands like Promise Ring and Against Me!
Land of Talk
Indistinct Conversations
Indistinct Conversations is an album by Elizabeth Powell, showcasing Land of Talk's signature sound with silvery vocals, emotive guitar, and introspective lyrics. Produced with bandmates Mark Wheaton and Christopher McCarron, the album follows their acclaimed release Life After Youth in 2017.
Regionals
Teenage Seance
Regionals, a Sydney-based punk/emo band, is set to release their 2nd EP 'Teenage Seance' on May 15, 2020. Influenced by mid-90’s emo, punk, and grunge, their music has been featured on JJJ Unearthed radio and Triple J's 'Short.Fast.Loud' Program. With a sound that evolved through experimentation and studio work, Regionals' debut EP 'Sentimental Health' received airplay on JJJ and Spotify curated playlists. Their latest single "Steady Hands" offers a preview of what to expect from their upcoming release.
Thao & the Get Down Stay Down
Temple
Thao & The Get Down Stay Down's latest album "Temple" is their fifth full-length release, marking their first self-produced effort. With a kaleidoscopic and danceable sound anchored by Thao's distinctive vocals, the album offers a boldly dissonant yet accessible experience. Fans of artists exploring unique sonic landscapes may find this album resonant.
Weezer
Van Weezer
Weezer is preparing to release two albums: "OK Human," produced by Jake Sinclair and described as similar to their White Album, and "Van Weezer," a super-rock album with more guitar riffs reminiscent of their Blue Album. Brian Bell has acknowledged the existence of these albums in interviews, with Crush Management aiming to release "Van Weezer" before "OK Human."
The 1975
Notes On A Conditional Form
The 1975 is set to release their 4th LP "Notes On A Conditional Form" on April 24, 2020. The album is expected to feature 22 tracks and the latest single "Me & You Together Song" is available for streaming.
Chain Gang of 1974
Honey Moon Drips
The Chain Gang of 1974 will release the album "Honey Moon Drips" on May 29, 2020, comprising 13 alternative indie pop tracks including singles like "Bends" and "The Hurt is Good." Fans of artists blending indie and pop sounds may find this release appealing.
Seer Believer
Bent
Bent is the 2020 debut album from Seer Believer, the solo project of Gleemer's Nick Manske, released via Will Yip's Memory Music. Recorded with Gleemer's Corey Coffman and Charlie O'Neil and mastered by Yip, its nine tracks pair searing, melodic guitar work with unflinching songs about strained relationships, addiction and grief.
Young and Heartless
$ERMON
Young & Heartless, an alternative / indie-rock band from Pennsylvania, will be releasing their third album, $ERMON, on May 29, 2020. Their sound is reminiscent of acts like Brand New and Balance & Composure, blending moody introspection with tense indie rock vibes.