Ten albums I enjoyed from q2 2015, in no particular order. I’m not feeling especially wordy so I’ll keep it brief.

Chastity Belt – Time to Go Home
It’s hard to describe exactly what this record sounds like (indie-shoegaze-postpunk??), but the lyrics are the big winner here. At least for me.

Alabama Shakes – Sound & Color
At times it comes across like an experiment in how much noise you can fit into otherwise standard-sounding (though still good) blues-y rock music, but at least it’s exciting.

Torres – Sprinter
If not for Viet Cong’s self titled, this would be my favorite record of the year so far. Singer-songwriter with a focus on lyrics but also a lot of experimental elements. It strongly reminds me of EMA, with maybe some shades of St. Vincent.

Holly Herndon – Platform
Solid ambient/glitch music album.

Jamie XX – In Colour
Very overhyped at this point, but still enjoyable.

Hop Along – Painted Shut
Extremely catchy rock music paired with unique vocals. Brings to mind classic emo, even though I wouldn’t necessarily stick it in that genre.

mewithoutYou – Pale Horses
mwY is probably my favorite band but this is honestly my least favorite album they’ve ever released. Some of the tracks are still pretty great, though.

Girlpool – Before The World Was Big
Lo-fi without the obnoxious reverb.

Screaming Females – Rose Mountain
Even more catchy rock music.

Ceremony – The L-Shaped Man
Pulled directly from the template of early 80’s post punk, but it’s probably one of the better recent examples of albums to which that description can be applied. It also makes me think about the first Interpol album a bit, in a good way.