So far this year, several alternative artists released fresh music in the form of singles or entire albums. 2018 was full of new music from artists and bands like Twenty One Pilots, the 1975, and Arctic Monkeys. 2019 releases have proved to continue this same pattern thus far.

For one, the young Billie Eilish released her first studio album ‘WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO?’ The artist, known for blending genres in an original way, has released several singles over a few years. This particular album was long awaited by Eilish fans. Eilish made it to the mainstream with the dark ‘Bury a Friend’ single leading to the album release. Eilish had a major breakthrough with a first top 40 hit and a top 10 entry on Billboard digital and streaming. ‘Bury a Friend’ is one of many tracks embedded into her trending album.

The album accentuates the soft, whispery tone of her older singles. Eilish combines playful, upbeat songs like ‘Bad Guy’, with slower emotionally vulnerable ones like ‘when the party’s over’. The overall essence of the album was very cathartic. Eilish’s distinct mixture of styles appeals to a wide span of listeners. Her newer music is worth being streamed because it simply has something for everyone.

Garage and Indie fuse band Cage the Elephant returned after a hiatus with some experimental singles for their upcoming album ‘Social Cues’. As they have released albums throughout the years, their sound has evolved. They are most recognizable for their most popular songs ‘Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked’, ‘Shake Me Down’, and ‘Come a Little Closer’. Though I still reminisce their ‘Thank you, Happy Birthday’ days that mimicked the nineties alternative I tend to lean towards, their new music is equally worth listening to. They have a more electronic-like sound that is similar to their previous 2015 album ‘Tell Me I’m Pretty’ which was produced by Dan Auerbach of the Black Keys. However, their new singles test different genres and are less restrained. Cage also recently collaborated with ‘Loser’ singer/songwriter Beck. Cage will be joined by Beck on ‘The Night Running Tour’ shortly following the album release on April 19th.

Another band that delivered in early 2019 is Catfish and the Bottlemen, known for their earlier tracks ‘7’ and ‘Kathleen’. My love for this band was kindled when I saw them perform in concert alongside Green Day in August 2017. I was pleasantly surprised when I heard their single and learned of their upcoming studio album ‘The Balance’. I have been obsessed with their single ‘Longshot’. It has an addicting tune that is always stuck in my head. With this one, it will be difficult to stop hitting the replay button. The melody and lyrics are stunning and full of indescribable raw energy. The beautiful song hints at an amazing comeback that many fans like myself are longing for. Their music has long been underrated, and are truly alt masterpieces. ‘The Balance’ will be released on April 26th.

Below is a link to my favorite new alternative single of 2019.