Here are some of our favorite new albums of September, reviewed by our volunteers!
Allah Las – Sirena
“A very chill instrumental jazzy album with some electronic influences scattered about as well. Allah-Las does a great job of both knowing when to have repeated sections play multiple times and when to have a unique melody that keeps you interested in what’s going to happen next. This album makes me feel like I’m on a beach watching the sunset and letting the sound of the ocean waves drift me to sleep.” – Basil Kounellas
Cor de Lux – Year of the Horse
“A mix of bedroom dream-pop and guitar heavy punk, Year of the Horse provides a guitar-forward grunge take on dreamy pop music. This album’s production balances the cool, plucky tones of dream pop, and the abrasive screech characteristic of many well-established noise rock bands. While the vocals and lyrical content could be improved, Dawn Moraga’s range is truly exploring well in contrast to Tim Lusk’s relatively flat vocals. Overall, every song on this album feels different, with tone shifts all over the place; it truly feels like a roller coaster foray into many different genres. I’d recommend this album to fans of The Pixies, Weezer’s “The Blue Album”, The Runaways and British post-punk.” – Tyler Hopkins
Requiem – All the News That’s Fit to Print
“This is a great album to listen to if you’re into the punk rock sound; it’s pretty fast and upbeat. With strong drums, clear and expressive vocals, and powerful lyrics, they express hope, despite frustrations with the world, relationships, and political struggles.” – Leia Wilson
Jack Larkin – Purkinje Shift
“Jack Larkin’s acoustic guitar use mixed with synth and spacial effects truly creates a beautiful atmosphere. While some songs do not have much meaning to them, and some songs carry deep emotion, this album has a consistently good sound with no skips.” – Aditya Paravasthu
Ezra Collective – Here Because Of Hope
“Easily one of the most enjoyable albums I’ve listened to recently. “Collective” is one of the most effective words to describe the group’s sound. For the people by the people seems to be the first thing that comes to mind on every track. All around a great mix of organ, brass, and vocals, among others.” – Sam Habib
Chat Pile – Who Loves The Sun
“Taking cues from The Jesus Lizard, Melvins, and Big Black; Chat Pile harkens back to 80s and 90s noise rockers with a sludge metal backbone. Dismal yet catchy misanthropic musings.” – Joaquin Thomas