Written by Madison Boyce
2020 was a tough year for most people; thankfully, throughout the hard times, artists focused on creating more music. Although it was tough narrowing it down to only ten releases these are the ones that stood out the most to me this year.
10. “Kid Krow” by Conan Gray
Release Date: March 20th, 2020
Favorite Track: "Little League"
If you've been on social media at all in the past year, you've probably heard “Heather”; This heartbreaking love song is what got me to dive into Conan Gray’s music. Despite finding it later on in the year, as soon as I listened I was immediately hooked.
This is a very diverse album musically, with tracks such as “(Can We Be Friends?)” and “The Story”, showing off a slower, more acoustic sound, while “Maniac” and “Little League” are clearly more pop-based. Pop isn’t a genre that I frequently listen to, but this record changed that. In just 12 songs coming to about 34 minutes in length, Conan Gray continued to establish himself as an outstanding artist.
9. “Plague Skater” by Plague Skater
Release Date: March 16th, 2020
Favorite Track: "Beach Death"
How to Support: @PlagueSkaterNJ on Twitter
It’s definitely been a crazy year for New Jersey artist Will Schwester. Shortly after dropping his self-titled debut album under the name Plague Skater, he picked up a following on social media, despite not being able to play live shows.
“Plague Skater”, at nine tracks and 15 minutes long, has a strong punk-leaning sound. Highlights include “Prawns”, a rare acoustic track from Schwester that listeners are sure to want to hear more of in the future.
8. “Neutral Gray” by Noise Plant
Release Date: October 23rd, 2020
Favorite Track: "Late Nights"
How to Support: Tapes via Chillwavve Records, @NoisePlant302 on Twitter
After dropping their debut EP this year, Delaware locals Noise Plant signed to Chillwavve Records. This EP may only be 11 minutes long, but it truly showcases every part of what makes Noise Plant a standout band in the DIY scene.
Vocalist Leela Puffer goes from softer vocals to louder screams as listeners get further into the release, which is definitely one of the highlights here. Between the dark lyrics, heavy vocals, and rough instrumentals “Neutral Gray” makes for an amazing debut and an instant emo classic; we can't wait to see what this band does next.
7. “Internet Noise” by FRND CRCL
Release Date: May 1st, 2020
Favorite Track: "The Waiting Game"
How to Support: Merch via Official Artist Store, @FRNDCRCL on Twitter
I first listened to FRND CRCL a few months after they released “Internet Noise”, but despite being late to the game, I am so glad I was introduced to them. With tracks like “The Waiting Game” and “One Last Dance,” they raise the bar within the genre of pop-punk.
“Internet Noise” makes me want to get out to a local show and just have fun with my friends again. Needless to say, this band is at the top of my must-see list when it's safe for shows to start happening.
After releasing this album, FRND CRCL signed to Lost Music Collective, which is owned by Less Than Jake's Vinnie Fiorello. This is a huge step for the band, and I can't wait to see what they accomplish in the new year.
6. “Tite!” by Fox Teeth
Release Date: October 30th, 2020
Favorite Track: "Lost"
How to Support: Merch via Official Artist Store, @FoxTeethNJ on Twitter
Only playing two shows before the pandemic hit could be looked at as a setback for New Jersey's Fox Teeth, but they certainly didn’t let it hold them back. A few months after the release of their debut EP “Poets & Ghosts”, they dropped a single titled “Donnie Darko,” which would end up being the lead single for their soon-to-be debut album.
After picking up a lot of traction from “Donnie Darko” two more singles came “Yellow Houses” and then “Voicemail”. With every single release, they kept drawing in more of a crowd, ramping up the excitement for their record.
“The Intro” and “The End”, the first and last tracks, respectively, are perfect bookends for this album. The opener flows perfectly into “Photograph”, introducing listeners to the instrumental style of the rest of the record.
“Lost” is a lot heavier sonically compared to the rest of the release, but it's one of the strongest songs here. As far as emo-shoegaze goes, Fox Teeth is one of the best bands in the game right now, and "Tite!" proves it.
5. “Goons Live Young” by U.G.L.Y
Release Date: May 15th, 2020
Favorite Track: "E Standard"
Rhode Island's U.G.L.Y completely took over my listening history with "Goons Live Young." In just 11 tracks totaling about 30 minutes, they absolutely made their presence known.
This is such a fun record that really just gets you off your feet, and I can’t imagine how much fun it'll be when the band can finally play it live. The titles of the songs definitely catch your eye, with names like “Honey, I 8 the Microwave”, “Chains Chains Chains”, and “Killyourlocalcatcaller”; thankfully, the songs are just as unique as their titles.
After a debut album this strong, it's safe to say that U.G.L.Y should be on everyone's radar. I don't see them slowing down any time soon.
4. “Find Sense. Feel love. Make Light.” by House & Home
Release Date: April 17th, 2020
Favorite Track: "Cathedral"
How to Support: Merch via Official Artist Store, @HouseAndHomeRVA on Twitter
I’ve been a fan of House & Home since their 2018 EP “Fully Grown”, so I was definitely looking for growth on their new album. The Richmond, Virginia natives hit it out of the park (and then some) with this record.
The songs “Find Sense.”, “Feel Love.”, and “Make Light.” combine to form the title of this record, creating an overarching theme. “Make Light.”, the second to last track on the album, closes with the line “For years I stayed asleep and now I try / To find sense, feel love, make light”, making things come full circle.
The final song, “Catherdral” is a hard-hitter and a near-perfect pop-punk song. Just like most of the bands on this list, House & Home is a band that I'm dying to see when shows come back.
3. “Fresh Faced & Effervescent” by The Fairview
Release Date: August 6th, 2020
Favorite Track: "Cigarettiquette"
When I think of records without a single skippable song on them, “Fresh Faced & Effervescent” immediately comes to mind. With tracks like “Connecticut” and “Recover,” this band breathes new life into the pop-punk genre that so many know and love.
The standout track on this record for me is “Cigarettiquette”, turning up the energy to a whole other level. This is one of those tracks that I know will translate well to a live setting.
If you listen to just one of the albums on this list, make it “Fresh Faced & Effervescent.” The Fairview is one of the best bands in the pop-punk scene right now, and I could definitely see them blowing up soon.
2. “Young Culture” by Young Culture
Release Date: October 16th, 2020
Favorite Track: "Fantasy"
Albany, New York natives Young Culture released their highly anticipated self-titled debut album this year, and it's safe to say that they didn't disappoint. Despite four out of the ten tracks being released as singles prior to dropping the album, these songs didn't lose any of their magic.
“Young Culture” is incredibly well-rounded, with tracks like “Fantasy” (which includes a saxophone in the mix), “Bloodthin”, and “Hailey Beverly 2016” sounding completely different, but still so enjoyable. The pop trio created such a fun album for their already large (and growing) loyal fanbase.
1.“Beatdown Generation” by Millington
Release Date: April 17, 2020
Favorite Track: "HSS"
How to Support: Merch via Official Artist Store, @MillingTweets on Twitter
Out of all the releases to come from this year, Millington’s “Beatdown Generation” took my number one spot as the best. By blending the universally likable pop-punk sound with ska elements, they create a unique sound.
“Beatdown Generation” truly shows Millington's progression as a band, particularly the growth in the vocal ability of singer Cody Okonski. The line, "Did you lose all the feeling when you fell through the ceiling?" on the title track directly matches up with the cover art, showing just how much attention this band pays to detail.
Millington also released an EP called "Emo Brass Vol. 1" later in the year, which proves just how passionate and ready to create music this band is, along with the fact that they record everything in their frontman's house. When it comes to upbeat, fun, poppy ska-punk, no one is doing it like this band.
Honorable Mentions:
“Happy Again.” by Drop The Girl
“Joy, Find Me” by Safe Bet
“Getting Tired, Getting Over It” by Lame Dude
“Everyone In Search of An Exit” by Familiar Spaces
“If Only” by Lilac Queen
Were any of these releases in your Top ten favorites for the year? Let us know by tweeting us @lgndsoftmrw!