Album reviews: Hit, miss September releases offer variety

The month of September will bring tons of new music each week. No matter the genre, everyone will be sure to enjoy something new during the month. This week in music, rock and alternative, fans will have a tough time narrowing down their favorite album.

‘Family of the Year’ by Family of the Year

Released: Sept. 4

Genre: Indie pop-rock

Family of the Year has made a name for themselves in the indie-alternative world, starting with their hit song “Heroes” on the 2012 album. The self-titled album begins with the track “Make You Mine,” which is a fun and lively song about summer love. If only this album would have come out sooner, this could have been a great summer anthem. The album begins to spiral downward with tracks such as “Facepaint” and “Blue Jean Girl” — which sound like every other forgettable pop song out there. The album is a continuous hit-and-miss through the 10 tracks.

Go download: “Make You Mine”

‘No Closer to Heaven’ by The Wonder Years

Released: Sept. 4

Genre: Pop-punk

Pop-punk bands are taking over the alternative genre. From bands such as A Loss For Words, Four Year Strong and The Wonder Years, alternative listeners are being bombarded lately with songs that sound the same. One thing The Wonder Years have over other pop-punk bands, though, is that it can combine a multitude of sounds together through Dan Campbell’s raspy vocals to his soft whispers and the band’s ability to change its tones quickly. The band proves this right at the beginning of the album with the song “Cardinals” and continues until the song “No Closer to Heaven.” This album displays how the band has grown over the years and become more mature with their overall sound.

Go download: “Cardinals”

‘Got Your Six’ by Five Finger Death Punch

Released: Sept. 4

Genre: Rock

Even through legal disputes and allegations toward singer Ivan Moody (which turned out to be false), Five Finger Death Punch was still able to put out a kickass album with plenty of rock variations (“No Sudden Movement”).

From the intense growls of Moody to the heavy, yet fast, instrumentals, the album is in full-force of being a chart-topping rock album. Songs like “Got Your Six” and “Ain’t My Last Dance” prove the band is determined to deliver the type of rock the fans want. The album is a bit harder than previous 5FDP songs, but followers are sure to enjoy it due to the style and nature of the band.  

Go download: “Ain’t My Last Dance”