This year, October saw the release of over 100 albums from some of the biggest names in music. Artists in hip-hop, punk, and indie-rock all released noteworthy projects. Read through to find out some of our favorites released this month.

Kurt Vile – Bottle It In
Kurt Vile’s seventh solo album is a journey leading nowhere. Most of the writing is done in the day’s first moments. Lyrics are redundant and drift from story to story without warning. The album showcases Vile’s mindset and emotional journey over the past three years. The psychedelic folk-rock sometimes comes in short spurts, as in “One Trick Pony,” and sometimes spans as long as ten minutes, as in “Bassackwards”. Vile recreates the sound that fans are accustomed to with this LP, and dives deep into what his headspace looked like while touring in North America.

Jean Deaux – Krash
It seems like fresh talent comes out of Chicago every year. This year Jean Deaux is stealing the spotlight with her debut EP Krash. The EP was originally scheduled to release earlier this summer but it was pushed back to mid-October. However, it was well worth the wait. The 9 track project is filled with well-produced beats reminiscent of KAYTRANADA’s style. Jean Deaux’s voice is a little Missy Elliott, a little Erykah Badu, and she can spit bars like SZA. She’s been featured alongside big names in hip-hop like Isaiah Rashad and Mick Jenkins since starting her career in 2013. We’re excited to finally see her talent shine.

Basement – Beside Myself
England’s four piece outfit released their fourth LP this month. They haven’t slowed down since returning from their hiatus in 2016. The album showcases a more mellow sound. Singer Andrew Fisher is doing a lot more singing than yelling, and this is garnering attention from crowds that normally wouldn’t give them the time of day. Basement continues with their melancholy attitude lyrically. “Stigmata” is about feeling depressed for no reason at all, but the lyrics convey that there is hope and reason to continue on, even if you can’t understand why in the moment. Slow paced acoustic tracks blend well with upbeat punky songs, creating a fun 40 minute rollercoaster that you’ll want to ride over and over again.

Minus the Bear – Fair Enough
Portland’s Minus the Bear is finishing up their career with this month’s Fair Enough EP. The songs are reminiscent of everything the band has built over the past 17 years. The EP is a short collection of indie alt-rock tunes about past lovers and the emotions they stir up in us. Beats are fast paced and looped with melodic guitar solos and catchy choruses running over them. Minus the Bear isn’t pushing any boundaries with this release, but they’re good songs and they are a great way to end the band’s impressive career. We can’t wait to hear “Viaduct” for the first and last time on their farewell tour through the country this December.