Alt Summer Playlist

It’s time to crank up your stereo and jam out. From road trips to an afternoon chilling at home here are 15 alt, synth, and rock songs that can stand up to the blistering summer sun.

1) Thought Contagion by Muse

From the 2018 album Simulation Theory, Thought Contagion focuses on the spread of beliefs; more specifically, their ability to transfer to others like a virus. With Muse’s punchy pop-rock style and Matt Bellamy’s notorious vocals, there is no lack of energy in this song. With a driving beat, a catchy chorus, and a strong well-layered backing, it screams summer road trip. Crank up the stereo, roll the windows down and watch as this song holds up to the zapping summer sun.

2) Army of Me by Bjork

This Icelandic singer/songwriter is known for her eclectic, somewhat strange style. With her unique voice and a dark heavy beat behind her, Army of Me never fails to catches my attention. From the strong use of bass and synthesizers this song packs a punch. She passes the message to stand up and fight for you. Motivational, in a tough love way, it has a habit of sneaking onto my playlists. From my morning jogs to writing, it always sets the perfect scene.

3) Night Drive Loneliness - Garbage

From the rock band Garbage, it is not a surprise Night Drive Loneliness is one of my favorites on this list. The scene is set with an atmospheric mix of rain and tires on wet pavement. A simple yet hypnotic drumline balances Shirley Manson’s distinct sultry voice. I find myself often lost in this song. The moment the music drops to a rumble behind her, Manson’s vocals become all-consuming. With a dark, almost romantic atmosphere it can drag you into the car alongside her. By the end, you can almost feel the fresh evening breeze on your face.

4) U.R.A Fever by The Kills

By the Indie Rock duo Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince, it is no surprise that U.R.A Fever is as unique as it is fun. Full of seemingly random lyrics and backed with a heavy off-kilter electronic beat, the pair set the stage with a playful give or take relationship. The lyrics hint at a romance between the two and highlight them for their quirky unique natures.

This song has always held a special place in my heart. I would constantly (to my parent’s detriment) be blasting it throughout our little trailer. As a bit of a wild child, it was always refreshing to hear people praise one another for being born different. This short, fun, and lively song will be sure to light up any day.

5) Freak (feat. REI AMI) by Sub Urban

By the rising artist Daniel Maisonneuve, professionally known as Sub Urban, Freak is a dark, fun, and sexy track off the 2020 album Thrill Seeker. Containing a pulsing electronic beat, and the perfect match between the voice of Maisonneuve and his featured artist, this song hits hard. Between the husky, almost whisper-like quality the singer has adopted and the dark sexy lyrics, this song is hotter than the pavement on a sunny day. All the while he emphasizes the beauty in being imperfect, or in other words a freak.

My favorite verse is:

You’re wasting, you’re wasting all

Of your time finding a cure when there’s no disease

You’re wasting, you’re wasting all

Of your talent on an audience who sees a freak

I would definitely suggest checking this one out with its powerful and positive message. This talented young singer/songwriter is definitely worth the time.

6) History in Black by Priest

From the Swedish synth band Priest, History in Black is full of catchy synth backings, complemented by smooth vocals and dark melodies. The blur between human and machine is nearly seamless as the singer takes on a less than human tinge to their voice. With captivating lyrics and a strong guiding beat, this song is constantly getting caught in my head. I’d go check this one out for sure.

7) The Darker The Weather//The Better The Man by MISSIO

Performed by the American electronic duo MISSIO, The Darker The Weather//The Better The Man is full of complex catchy beats and the smooth vocals of Matthew Brue. Its heavy-hitting lyrics will stick with you, carrying the message that no one can take away who you are. Combined with the laid-back instrumentals, this makes for a unique, wonderful song that I can’t stop looping.

8) Hunting Grounds by In This Moment (Feat. Joe Cotela of Ded)

Hunting Grounds is one of my favorite tracks from American metal band In This Moment’s 2020 album Mother. Driving drum beats, iconic metal guitar and Maria Brink’s gorgeous voice come together in the perfect storm. This duet is powerful, dark and has wormed its way into all my 2020 playlists. I couldn’t imagine anyone making a better featured artist than Joe Cotela who works perfectly to balance Brink's range. Any metal fans or hard rock fans this is definitely worth trying.

9) Nightcall by Kavinsky

Combine the beauty of 80s synth-pop with dark vocals and lyrics and you get this 2010 masterpiece. By the French musician Vincent Belorgey, professionally known as Kavinsky, Nightcall is full to the brim with an immersive dark synth, that I just can’t resist. Beginning with a deep, gravely male voice, it sets a sinister tone. As if he is inviting the listener to the dark side, only to garner the reply of the featured artist Lovefoxxx. Who against gossip and scary nature of this man shows no fear and is accepting. Maybe I’m just a sucker for synth but I absolutely love this one. 

10) Cruel Melody by Black Light Burns

Fronted by Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit, Black Light Burns brings everything I love about 2000s rock. Cruel Melody is filled with light yet punchy guitar riffs and complex emotional lyrics. The sorrowful words clash against a carefree tone as they build to an explosive climax. The speaker begs to be taken away before fading into an eerie silence. Not only does this provide an excellent listening experience but acts to tell a story in the meantime.

11) Stockholm Syndrome- Nostalighia

From the self-taught singer-songwriter, Ciscandra Nostalghia Stockholm Syndrome is a perfect mix of beautiful and bizarre. With dark heavy instrumentals and an eerie vocal style only comparable to Bjork, this song is nothing shy of unique. The lyrics take a less romanticized view on Stockholm Syndrome than often shown in fiction. With horrific and even potentially graphic imagery, there is a stark contrast between the calming eclectic voice and relaxed tempo. This haunting tune is definitely worth a try.

12) Change (In the House of Flies) by Deftones

Track 11 of the alt-metal band Deftones album White Pony opens with a catchy and extremely recognizable guitar riff. That slowly builds from the eerie opening to the heavy-hitting chorus and the iconic voice of Chino Moreno hits just right every time.

Change is one of those songs that have followed me through my childhood. Featured in one of my favorite (and most-watched movies) Queen of the Damned, and on just about every one of my mom’s CDs, it has melted its way into my younger years. When I think of a summer car ride, I think of this.

13) Cry Little Sister by Vomitron and Anneke Van Giersbergen

Cry Little Sister is far from new on the scene. Written for the 1987 movie The Lost Boys, this song has more than a dozen covers. If I had to rank them, Vomitron’s rendition takes first place every time. Building upon the powerful climaxes and atmospheric feel, featured artist Anneke Van Giersbergen holds nothing back as she belts out the iconic chorus. The metal backing only serves to bring the extra power and helps boost all the emotion behind the singer, while never straying from the recognizable eerie feel and 80s style. Without a doubt, I think it’d do the legendary movie justice. 

14) Dear God by Lawless (feat. Sydney Wayser)

The skillful and beautiful voice of Sydney Wayser from the 2016 Lawless Ep, Dear God is stunning. Symphonic in nature there is a focus on the pain faced in society these days and the question, can there be a god if this is how we live? With powerful lyrics such as

“We all need a big reduction in the amount of tears

And all the people that you made in your image.

See them fighting in the street

‘cause they can’t make opinions meet about God,

I can’t believe in you”

This song is so beautifully executed and relatable. It really leaves you thinking.

15) Bottle of Pain-Mass Edit by Combichrist

Bottle of Pain shows a more vulnerable emotional side rather than Combichrist’s aggressive style. By tamping down on the symphonic backing and adding heavy twangy strings this edit perfectly complements lead vocalist Andy LaPlegua. The mix of gentleness, staccato beats, and his gruff voice only serve to bolster these strong lyrics. I can’t recommend enough to get Bottle of Pain blasting on your car stereo on your next outing.

Note from Author:

There we have it folks, 15 songs off my Alt Summer Playlist. Feel free to check it out and add a few of these songs to your own playlists. Oh, and drop by my Twitter @Emilia_the_Bat and leave me a few songs of your own. I know everyone has at least that one nostalgic summer song. Anyway, enjoy the heat and stay safe.

Sincerely,

Emilia