The summer months may be a slow period for major album releases, but there have still been notable new albums, in genres ranging from indie-rock to hip-hop. Hot Press takes a close look of the various albums you should be listening to this summer.

A Litany of Failures: Volume II - Various Artsits, out now.

This ambitious album features 18 different Irish indie-rock bands. Although not every song is exactly a rock anthem, a wide variety of musical styles and unique sounds are showcased.

Hot Press says: “‘Entertainment’ by Nervvs is a feast for those who adore head-cracking riffs and venomous post-hardcore.”

Everything Is Love - The Carters, out now.

Those old rumours of marital disputes and adultery (not to mention the apparent confessions contained on Lemonade) have been forgotten on Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s new collaborative record. There's lots of flaunting their social status and ruminations on the subject of love. But does it work?

Hot Press says: “‘Apeshit’ is a hard-hitting slice of hip-hop wherein Beyoncé deploys her rarely used rap skills.”

I’m All Ears - Let’s Eat Grandma, out now.

The Norwich duo stick to the same aesthetic as this debut EP, released a few years ago. While this new album features impressive songwriting, there's also some interesting experimental elements.

Hot Press says: “(There's times when) it’s hard to figure out where the verse ends and the chorus begins, making it a wild mixture of sounds, tones, and melodies.”

Palo Santo - Years & Years, out now.

Palo Santo's new record tackles themes of heart break and new love, referencing the seductive and destructive nature of both experiences. Fans will doubtless love it, but what about the rest of the world?

Hot Press says: “His explicit recognition that the love objects are male should ensure his status as a modern queer icon.”

Hope Downs - Rolling Blackouts Coastal Fever, out now.

The Blackouts' album takes inspiration from numerous alt-rock legends including The Strokes and The Go-Betweens, but offers new flavours too. It flexes the musicians impressive talents as songwriters and instrumentalists as it should!

Hot Press says: “Rolling Blackouts CF have delivered what may prove to be 2018’s most essential alternative records…”

Now read on! Pick up the latest issue of Hot Press to see all the new albums carefully dissected for your benefit!