Top 6 Alternative Releases of 2023 so Far
The first half of 2023 has gifted us new releases from both icon-status alternative artists and newcomers alike. From Paramore and Pierce the Veil’s highly anticipated comeback releases to sophomore albums and debuts—this year is overflowing with amazing new music. In this list we showcase a handful of new alternative albums for you to add to your playlists!
6. Gorillaz - Cracker Island
With their debut album turning 22 years old just a few months ago—Gorillaz continues their legacy of eccentric sounds, unusual collaborations, and amazing storytelling with the characters continuing on their shenanigans. Their new album, Cracker Island, starts off with a collab with Thundercat, bringing back legacy collaborators De La Soul and Del the Funky Homosapien, and of course their unexpected collaborations with Bad Bunny and Tame Impala. This album has something for everyone while still sounding like the Gorillaz we all know and love.
(Recommendations: “Cracker Island”, “Skinny Ape”, “New Gold”)
5. Paramore - This Is Why
This Is Why is filled with eclectic and fun alternative rock songs with the band mentioning British groups; Bloc Party, Wet Leg, and Foals being significant inspirations. Hayley Williams has stated “We don't want to be a nostalgia band,” which is a phrase that is very clear whilst listening to This Is Why and their 6-year-old album After Laughter. While with every album they have released after Brand New Eyes (2009) sounds completely different. The band once again shows that they can reinvent themselves almost completely while still having the essence of Paramore.
(Recommendations: “This Is Why”, “Figure 8”, “C’est Comme Ca”)
4. Pierce the Veil - The Jaws of Life
After a seven-year hiatus, Pierce the Veil comes back with a polarizing different sound inspired by their youth in the 90s. Their past releases focused on high-gain metal tones and very complex guitar riffs—-with one of their biggest inspirations being Pantera, it was apparent they had some metal influences in their instrumentals. But they’ve shifted into a more grunge and alternative realm for the release of The Jaws of Life. The band credits Stone Temple Pilots, Pearl Jam, and The Cranberries as some significant inspirations for this album, which are very obvious in tracks such as the title “Pass the Nirvana” and “Flawless Execution.” The album starts with “Death of an Executioner” which sounds straight out of the climax of an action film but ends on an acoustic collab with newcomer Chloe Moriondo in “12 Fractures.”
(Recommendations: “Death of an Executioner”, “Flawless Execution”, “Pass the Nirvana”)
3. LØREN - Put Up A Fight EP
In his debut EP, Put Up a Fight, LØREN showcases five very different genres in such a short project. He’s mentioned loving the post-punk revival and Midwest emo which are clearly referenced throughout the 16 minutes. This EP has something for everyone; from the Pop Punk adjacent call and response style chorus of “Temporary”, The Strokes-inspired guitar chords in “Sticks and Stones”, and a modernized take on Midwest emo on track 4 “Panic” with lyrics to match. Overall, from the production to the lyrics, there's been a massive improvement in every release since “Empty Trash.” A newcomer in the alternative rock scene, LØREN is someone to look out for.
(Recommendations: “Sticks and Stones”, “Panic”, “Folks”)
2. Yves Tumor - Praise A Lord Who Chews But Which Does Not Consume; (Or Simply, Hot Between Worlds)
Yves Tumor knocks it out of the park once again with another addition to their eclectic universe. This album is a mixture of dark hyper-pop, shoegaze, and a variety of genres that create the perfect modern alternative record. The intro “God is a Circle” is a perfect goth anthem that instantly pulls you into the world of Hot Between Worlds and makes it clear that you're being transported to a different reality. The second track ‘Lovely Sewer’ on the surface feels like a love song but the lyrics make it clear this is a melancholic trip down memory lane about a past lover. Every song has its personality and the mixture of genres makes every track unique whilst still being cohesive overall.
(Recommendations: “God Is a Circle”, “Lovely Sewer”, “Meterora Blues”)
1. Inhaler - Cuts & Bruises
Irish band Inhaler has come back earlier this year with their sophomore album Cuts & Bruises. This album shows clear growth from their debut with some more diverse reference points such as country inspirations in “If You're Gonna Break My Heart” (from their time touring in the South). Then we have the opener track “Just To Keep You Satisfied” which could fit perfectly in a 2000’s coming-of-age film. With guitar licks inspired by 80’s bands and an overall sound that could fit in with the likes of The Killers and Arctic Monkeys, naming a plethora of artists such as The Stone Roses, Joy Division, Oasis, and The Strokes as major inspirations—this could be the album that truly puts them on the map as the next big alternative rock band.
(Recommendations: “Dublin In Ecstasy”, “The Things I Do”, “Now You Got Me”)
With a wave of new releases from our favorite alternative artists, 2023 is turning out to be a good year for music. Check out this playlist with songs by each artist and some extra recommendations!
What is your favorite alternative song of 2023? Comment below!