WHO: King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard WHAT: KG / LW WHY: I don’t know if these are meant to be consumed as separate albums, but considering how productive King Gizzard and the Wizard Lizard is, I’m pretty sure this is one album. KG / LW is the best release this band has had in years, combining everything that they do well (psychedelic rock, metal, and prog) into shorter songs following a overarching theme. KG / LW rocks and pulsates...
WHO: Mannequin Pussy WHAT: Perfect WHY: Mannequin Pussy is one of the most exciting punk bands around at the moment. They’re just one of those bands where every element of their music comes together and elevates the songs: they probably have the best drummer in punk rock, and this is a wonderful complement to the bass playing which sounds big and tight. Singer Marisa Dabise’s vocals are powerful and passionate. Perfect, the follow-up EP to their massive hit album, is...
WHO: The Bronx WHAT: The Bronx VI WHY: The Bronx don’t have a single bad album. Not many bands can claim that. Fewer punk bands still. Bronx VI brings with it everything good that you’d expect from an album. It’s riff heavy, it pounds mercilessly, it simmers and builds, it’s filled with great musicianship on every level, and it knows not to take itself seriously. That threatening aura is still there, but this time, you can sing along to it....
WHO: Vicious Dreams WHAT: Selftitled WHY: We try to stick to the newest releases on the Spotlight column, but this album is just too good to pass up. Vicious Dream’s Selftitled sounds like the Rezillos but louder, snottier, faster, and tighter. Vicious Dreams tread’s the thin line between threatening and fun, like a rollercoaster ride. Except this one goes on for 30 minutes and will leave you wanting more. Hear it on...
WHO: Death From Above 1979 WHAT: Is 4 Lovers WHY: DFA1979 is one of those bands that’s both hard to define and instantly familiar when you hear them: giving off an aggressive, threatening aura that’s also easy to dance to. It’s also just two Canadian dudes making all this noise. “Bursting onto the scene” in 2004 with their debut album, then taking a decade-long break, this band has stayed the course with each consecutive release, bringing juicy riffs and heavy...
WHO: Nick Cave & Warren Ellis WHAT: Carnage WHY: Nick Cave has the distinct pleasure of getting better with age. Immense tragedy is hit his life over the years and, though it all, the man (with the assistance of his collaborator Warren Ellis) has produced some of the most introspective, heartbreaking, and powerful music of his career. Their latest effort Carnage fits in perfectly with that trend. It’s haunting, profound, honest, and simmers to a boil. It’s a record that...
WHO: Czarface & MF DOOM WHAT: Super What? WHY: I don’ think there’s a supergroup quite like Czarface and MF DOOM. Maybe the greatest and most underrated MC of all time unfortunately passed away last year (or did he?) and the only good that can come of it is that people would start appreciating his work more. His last collab with Czarface, released posthumously, is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it’s some of the most interesting...
WHO: Sleaford Mods WHAT: Spare Ribs WHY: Sleaford Mods are perplexingly difficult to describe, especially considering their music is incredibly simple. Is it working-class speaking over simple electronic drum and bass beats? Sure. It’s also angry, honest, and kind of punk rock. It’s also sounds like rapping and is surprisingly catchy. In short, there’s nothing out there like it. You see where I’m going with this? Their latest Spare Ribs has been called their best work and I might just...
WHO: Jon Snodgrass WHAT: Tace WHY: Yes, there’s a lot of overlap between Jon Snodgrass and the ALL/Descendents universe, but what makes Tace such an important album is that it’s the strongest material Snodgrass has put out in quite a while. Tace is a straight up rock/punk album with a wide range of guests, and punk rock who’s who, contributing instrumental help. It sounds exactly as one would imagine with Snodgrass’ experience: like ALL/Descendents with a south drawl. The only...
WHO: Brook Pridemore WHAT: Metal is My Only Friend WHY: Brook Pridemore has been at it for quite a while, honing his craft. And just when I think he’s outdone himself, he does it again. Metal is My Only Friend has been out for a couple years now but, as I take calm walks enjoying the Fall weather, its brilliance has finally hit me. This is most definitely an underdog of an album that exceeds all expectations. It’s beautifully crafted,...