AP&R / 7.22
[Photos by: Miss June/Nicole Brannen, Plastic Picnic/Jake Hanson, Hey Violet/Valentina Cytrynowicz, Adam Melchor/Danny Spadaro]

AP&R: Rowdy punks, LGBTQ+ metalcore and a glimmer of pristine alt-pop

You’re welcome: We’ve made finding new songs by rising bands easy. Each week, we’re gathering the best from the underground and offering it to you in one, concise AP&R list. Scroll below and check out our Spotify Discover playlist, featuring these tracks and more!

In return, we want to hear your favorite. Let us know what track you’ll be spinning for the rest of the week in the comments, or anything you want on the next AP&R!

Read more: Slipknot drop video for new song “Solway Firth” with clips from ‘The Boys’

1. Glass Hands – “Bouquet”

Following Pride Month, Glass Hands encourage LGBTQ+ acceptance and awareness with an ambient metalcore track. “Bouquet” is based on frontman Adam Anderson’s personal struggles in expressing himself and coming to terms with his true identity. The song gives a voice to those who’ve felt the same internalized oppression by today’s society. 

2. Nevertel – “All Good” 

Nevertel effortlessly blend modern hip-hop and hard rock in the manner of Linkin Park. The lofty comparison is the only way to convey their dominance over every verse with rhythmic dexterity. The melodic soulfulness of the chorus isn’t only infectious, but it also smooths out the crushing drums and invigorating guitars that run through the sonic veins of the song. 

3. Honeyfitz – “Seventeen”

Honeyfitz returns with a heady collection of songs that define his “rural bedroom pop” tag in his latest effort, I Don’t Need Tennis Lessons, I Need A Therapist. The album dances around the never-ending questions of life and love, delving into his existential fixation. With celestial synths and delicate harmonies, “Seventeen” is a relaxing, contemplative tune that reflects on the past and the present. 

Read more: AP&R: Ballpit rock, vintage hardcore and shoegazed political outcry

4. Miss June – “Enemies”

New Zealand punks Miss June question the meaning of friendship in their new track, “Enemies.” Packed with blistering guitars and an abrasive attitude, the song gives their post-punk vigor a revamped, no-wave finish and will make you want to reevaluate who your friends really are. Their upcoming debut album, Bad Luck Party, drops Sept. 6. 

5. Slaves – “One More Day Won’t Hurt”

U.K. punk duo Slaves follow up their 2018 full-length with a rowdy EP, The Velvet Ditch. Originally known for their bluesy-punk sound, the duo get down and dirty in “One More Day Won’t Hurt” with a gritty guitar riff thrashing along with the heaviness and verses comprising a Beastie Boys-like rap flow.

6. Adam Melchor – “Joyride”

“Joyride” follows the success of Adam Melchor’s sophomore EP, Plan On You. The folk-pop singer-songwriter reminisces about his childhood memories while also addressing the importance of letting things go for the better. Melchor’s sincere vocals move with sheer vulnerability in this track, echoing alongside the forlorn croons of the trumpets.

7. Plastic Picnic – “Two Bridges”

While Plastic Picnic’s affinity for shimmery synth pop exceeded expectations in their self-titled EP, the band’s latest effort, Vistalite, is more conscious of widening their overall sound. Taking the guitars up a notch, “Two Bridges” is a lulling track that shows the band’s new stylistic balance and deep lyricism. 

Read more: AP&R: Summer emo, renewed post-hardcore and plenty of punk

8. Hey Violet – “Queen Of The Night”

Hey Violet continue to tailgate their sheen, electropop aesthetic but surprise us with a change of pace in “Queen Of The Night.” In their third single, frontwoman Rena Lovelis expresses the pulsating desire of falling madly in love. The song is deepened by her yearning vocals that seamlessly coalesce with the glimmering synth backdrop. 

9. Sanction – “Paralysis” 

Wearing a myriad of metal and hardcore influences on their sleeves, Sanction go on a sonic rampage with “Paralysis,” foraging off its cacophonous mayhem breakdown after breakdown. With a dash of odd-metered technicality, the turbulent guitar riffs are reminiscent of early 2000s metallic hardcore that shine with thundering drums. 

10. Cold World – “Fifty Fifty Clown”

Cold World give the classic Cocteau Twins track a post-grunge makeover. Deviating from their go-to hardcore-punk sound, the band opt to take it slow with their cover of “Fifty Fifty Clown.” They replace their usual rawness with reverb-soaked guitars and dreamy harmonies, nodding to stoner-rock influences that carry throughout the track.

See more: 10 most iconic music video looks

[envira-gallery id=”186695″]