Every week, WKNC receives dozens of new albums from all over the world, and it is up to the valiant heroes of the music department to listen and sort through them all. Here are six newly reviewed albums from the indie rock music department at WKNC. (Warning: These all rock incredibly hard. Caution is advised.)

Protomartyr

“The Agent Intellect”

Dark gothic rock with pulsating drums and screeching guitars. Ominous low-range vocals create a feeling of gloom and are accompanied with a fistful of emotion. Music this dark should not be as catchy as it is. Vocals permeate through everything else to deliver grand statements that lead singer, Joe Casey, pummels into your skull through repetition.

Recommended if you like: Viet Cong, The Fall, The Stooges

Slaughter Beach 

“Love/Venice”

This album occupies a space between dream pop and grunge. Spaced out vocals and euphoric guitars are drenched in reverb, leaving a melancholy and nostalgic mood. Some of the tracks sound like they belong on the soundtrack of the next indie-love movie hit. Low-fi, carefree and romantic. 

Recommended if you like: The Raveonetts, Wild Nothing, The Radio Dept.

Spencer Radcliffe 

“Looking In”

(Review by the one and only Jake Davis, WKNC Operations Manager)

After his split release with R.L. Kelly, Radcliffe has released his record label debut. All sorts of instrumentation are sprinkled throughout, with junk percussion. Very DIY bedroom-pop vibes; focuses on that hazy, ethereal sound. 

Recommended if you like: R.L. Kelly, Alex G, The Microphones

Babes

“Untitled (Five Tears)” 

The album is synth-heavy, bubblegum indie pop. Full of atmospheric ballads with an array of sweet harmonies. It’s easy to listen to although the lyrics deal with heavy topics such as lost love, drastic change and pain. This album draws the listener with beautiful tunes and hooks them with introspective lyrics. 

Recommended if you like: Mutual Benefit, Camera Obscura

PWR BTTM

“Ugly Cherries”

This is PWR BTTM’s first full-length album. They are a queer pop-punk band and are DIY as heck, consisting of just two members, the guitarist and drummer. This album is a document of their experiences with queerness, gender identity and adulthood over the course of their time in New York. PWR BTTM manages to keep it real while still rocking.

Recommended if you like: Pansy Division, Limp Wrist

Mantles 

“All Odds End”

Indie rock and roll with 60s rock influence and a beachy vibe. The Mantles take advantage of restraint and delicacy with every instrument adding to the lovely landscape painting created by the song. Warm, simple, full and catchy. What more could you want?

Recommended if you like: Allah-Las, The Beets, Papercuts