The 10 most underrated releases of 2016 (so far)
Better Weather – With Confidence
“We’ll Be Okay”
With Confidence are currently making waves out on the Vans Warped Tour right now by blessing crowds with music from Better Weather. Signed to Hopeless Records, the young Australian band have toured relentlessly and played shows with acts such as You Me At Six, Tonight Alive, Marianas Trench, 5 Seconds Of Summer and the Getaway Plan. Better Weather blends the upbeat feeling of catchy pop with the anthemic feel of alternative rock.
Higher Power – The Dirty Nil
“Wrestle Yü To Hüsker Dü”
With in-your-face guitars and fearless vocals, the three-piece known as the Dirty Nil are the epitome of rock ‘n’ roll. Higher Power is loud and punches you in the gut. And what’s more punk rock than the description of the YouTube video for “Wrestle Yü To Hüsker Dü” reading “12 broken video cameras + illegal smoke bombs in confined spaces = the Dirty Nil live experience, captured for you in glorious VHS format?”
If I’m the Devil – letlive.
“Good Mourning, America”
letlive. prove with If I’m the Devil that they are exactly what music needs right now. They present the reality of topics such as human rights in a personal way that allows listeners to understand social injustice on an emotional level. The album both inspires and creates admiration for people who have suffered through injustices and continue to fight back.
Can’t Go Home – Stories Untold
“Too True to Be Good”
Michigan-based Stories Untold have a polished and professional sound for being such a young band. Their songs touch on multiple genres by incorporating ear-pleasing harmonies, desperate screams, somber piano and memorable guitar riffs.
Celebrate – Tiny Moving Parts
“Headache”
If the feeling of happiness had a sound, that’s what Celebrate sounds like. The technical ability and easy-to-learn lyrics are sure to make you smile.
Outgrown Things – Movements
“Worst Wishes”
Somewhere in the vein of post-hardcore/emo, Movements give you time to feel and reflect on your life with Outgrown Things. If you want to hear something heartfelt, this album is for you.
Back Home – Michael Barr
“Back Home”
You may know Michael Barr from his past work in Volumes, but Barr has reinvented himself, and it’s brilliant. Back Home is a new start, and the departure from metalcore to this indie pop venture is artist and beautiful.
The Dream Is Over – Pup
“DVP”
The Dream Is Over is about being a mess and fighting through. After lead singer Stefan Babcock struggled with severe vocal cord damage after their relentless touring schedule in 2015, the entire group rallied around him to create a fast, angry and cathartic album.
Distant Like You Asked – Like Pacific
“Distant”
Signed to Pure Noise Records, Like Pacific are starting to gaining a lot of attention with their latest release. The aggressive pop-punk effort Distant Like You Asked gives you a personal journey of struggle, self-doubt and heartache that is easily relatable.
Everything Was Sound – Silent Planet
“Orphan”
Everything Was Sound aims to simply make the world a more aware, better place. Songs that are heavy enough to satisfy any metalhead tackle topics such as mental illness, acceptance, violence and love. This is one of the best metalcore albums in recent years.
