Bam! What a year, am I right? It certainly has been one for me. Let’s not get into it, but I’m just glad to be here, you know? Happy to be bringing you cutting edge content. Looking at those other sites’ best-of lists makes me realize there’s no accounting for good taste. Some of these recommendations look like they’ve been put together by AI. But not here, dear readers. We’re flesh and bone. We hurt and we bleed, and we...
WHO: The Damned WHAT: Darkadelic WHY: Look, there’s no reason why seasoned veterans would still be putting out quality music this long into their career, but Darkadelic is catchy, sounds fresh, and made by a band who’s been around the block. There is no way a song like Beware of the Clown would work with anyone else but David Vanian on vocals. All the elements come together for a package that includes great songs, a great crisp sound, and an...
WHO: Screaming Females WHAT: Desire Pathway WHY: There aren’t any lifers out there doing it better than the Screamales. Their latest album took some growing on me, but the tried-and-true formula of juicy riffs and scorching solos eventually won. I think it might be a hot take to say that the vocals have been the weakest link in Screaming Females songs, but here the vocals are finally elevating and complimenting the songs. It’s a testament to what this band can...
I first saw Chelsea O’Donnell perform as Stress Dolls at the Bug Jar in Rochester, NY in April of 2019. That night, she performed solo; a woman alone on stage with an electric guitar. One song, “Noise,” particularly caught my attention – it started mellow but built to her screaming, “sometimes I just want to make noise!” How could I not love that? I started following her on Bandcamp and quickly found much more to love, especially her harder rocking...
WHO: Sleaford Mods WHAT: UK GRIM WHY: Look, that CREEM profile on them this year made them look like real wankers, but I’m trying to find a reason to hate UK GRIM and I can’t do it. Maybe they’re faking it all for a big payout or maybe CREEM blew their coverage, but UK GRIM is still in a class of its own, with politically and socially charged lyrics, with topics focused on elevating the working class and bringing the...
WHO: OSEES WHAT: Intercepted message WHY: The OSEES are an unstoppable monster. Every year, we are almost certainly graced with a new OSEES album and multiple John Dwyer projects. Although OSEES albums are always interesting and a welcome addition to any musical rotation, they tend to become a bit repetitive, monotonous and difficult to engage with. Intercepted Message is a breath of fresh air into their discrography by bringing a more synth-pop flavor to the songs and offering an easier...
WHO: Snuff WHAT: Come And Have a Go If You Think You’re Rachmaninoff WHY: My love for the band Snuff knows no bounds. They’re one of those bands from my formative punk years that have remained relevant and continued on an interesting path. Speaking of interesting is this album. This time, Snuff have reimagined their old songs in an acoustic more ballady format. The arrangements are elegant and it helps conjure a new-found love for these songs. I’m glad I’m...
WHO: Die Spitz WHAT: Teeth WHY: Is this an EP or a short full length? Who knows! Those riffs, man. Those riffs! Every song on this album is absolutely brutal and full of hooks. It’s punk with a heavy lean on metal and rocks from top to bottom. There’s nothing revolutionary about what this band is doing, but they stick to what they know and they do it well. Teeth is one of the must-hear albums of the year. Those...
What a mild Summer we’ve been having in New England, but what a FIERCE Back to School Guide we have in store for you this time. Ho, ho, you didn’t think we’d forget about you, did you? This year’s guide follows a familiar format including products you’re probably familiar with. We work with these companies because our love is deep and true, but we also have some newcomers to the guide that we think will put a sparkle in your...
WHO: Frenzal Rhomb WHAT: The Cup of Pestilence WHY: Frenzal Rhomb seem to make a good album only every other time. It took a while to fully absorb, but for a fan like me, I am relieved that Cup of Pestilence is compiled of just better versions of what this band is known for: harmonies, riffs, and witty lyrics. It’s bizarre how punk rock that’s this fast can also sound so melodic. With 19 songs in just 32 minutes, this...