The best music releases of 2020 so far

The first half of 2020, and many people didn’t expect it to wind up like this on New Year’s Day. Despite the change in landscape, music has been a great way for many to relive their stress. Through these times, artists have continued to unveil music for the world to hear. In no particular order, these are 10 of the best releases to arrive in the first six months of 2020.

The Krueggers - Hysterical Cold Side and Dark Memories - Eclipse Records

Hailing from Brazil, The Krueggers simply came to rock with their debut studio album Hysterical Cold Side and Dark Memories. Upon the first listen of opening track "Lying Machine," the band proudly show off their influences. With a strong nod to late '90s post-grunge, The Krueggers aren't trying to reinvent anything. They're just out to deliver some righteous tunes.

Hum - Inlet - Earth Analog Records

Beloved alternative rockers Hum surprised everyone with the release of their fifth studio album Inlet. While the group mentioned a possible new album four years ago, many fans didn't think it would happen. From the cosmic opening track "Waves," Inlet sounds like a record recorded in 2000 and simply forgotten about until a few weeks ago. Despite a long time between albums, Hum never sounded better.

Enter Shikari - Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible - Ambush Reality

When it comes to Enter Shikari's body of work, fans have been split. Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible was proclaimed to be Enter Shikari's most definite album in their career. Following the album's celestial finale, "Waltzing Off the Face of the Earth (II. Piangevole)," even the most distant Enter Shikari fans will find themselves in awe at the 15-track album. From the opener "The Great Unknown" to the wondrous two-part track "Marionettes," Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible is the record to unite both new and old fans of the English group.

Code Orange - Underneath - Roadrunner Records

To say Pittsburgh metalcore group Code Orange had some pressure with making the follow up to their acclaimed 2017 studio album Forever is an understatement. The record catapulted the group to new heights, including a Grammy nomination for Best Metal Performance. The band took things to the next level with their 14-track release Underneath, which finds them merging their love for industrial music with their metalcore offering.

Midwife - Forever - The Flenser

Multi-instrumentalist Madeline Johnston b.k.a. Midwife delivered one of 2020's most somber releases with Forever. The six-track album revolves around the death of Johnston's close friend Colin Ward, whom she met at Denver DIY venue Rhinoceropolis. Through 34 minutes, Midwife bares her soul with her unique brand of experimental pop she labels "Heaven Metal."

Es - Less Of Everything - Upset The Rhythm

Since the release of their 2016 debut EP Object Relations, London synthpunk outfit Es emerged onto the scene with noticeable performances with Thurston Moore Group. With Lindsay Corstorphine (Sauna Youth, Cold Pumas) at their side, Es' debut album Less Of Everything is oozing with enough ferocity to keep the mosh pit going. Album standouts include the glacial opening "Chemical" and the punk af banger "Off The Rails."

Barrels - self-titled EP - Arctic Rodeo Recordings

Nearly four years after the release of their debut album Invisible, German post-hardcore act Barrels came out swinging with their self-titled EP. Unlike Invisible, this five-song EP is a lot meatier in terms of song length. While their debut album had a few five-minute bangers, this EP features four songs clocking in over five minutes, including their immense seven-minute closer "Lights Off." The group managed to have a bit more polish on the release thanks to hardcore punk icon J. Robbins at the mixing board.

Ani Glass - Mirores - Recordiau Neb

While working alongside indie pop group The Pipettes, Ani Glass decided to make moves on her own solo career. After the release of some singles, the Welsh pop artist made her grand entrance with her debut album Mirores. Written and produced by the artist, Mirores serves the listener with some of the most sensational pop tunes heard this year. The title track alone can easily be a contender for pop song of the year.

Riki - self-titled album - Dais Records

In 2017, Los Angeles synthpop act Riki made a splash with her debut EP Hot City. With the perfect home in Dais Records, the act unveiled their debut album on Valentine's Day. Much like the holiday for lovers, the self-titled record goes though varying aspects of romance. The eight-song release will have the listener begging for more following the shimmering finale "Monumental."

Yves Tumor - Heaven to a Tortured Mind - Warp

With a slew of acclaimed releases under their belt, Yves Tumor unveiled another classic album with Heaven to a Tortured Mind. For 36 minutes, the album perfectly melds psychedelic soul with pop music together with tracks such as "Super Stars" and "Kerosene!" standing out. It's safe to say this record will work its way onto a plethora of "Best of 2020" lists in December (or September, for certain people).

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