Record Reviews: More Cheers For Your Ears

Alpha Hopper – Aloha Hopper LP (Swimming Faith/Radical Empathy)

Buffalo’s Alpha Hopper channels their noise punk heroes on their second LP, Aloha Hopper. Alpha Hopper is a four piece made of two guitars, vocals and drums. Alpha Hopper pulls from Jesus Lizard, Drive Like Jehu, ‘90’s heavy alternative and Am Rep bands. Alpha Hopper penchant for noisy, edgy, rough raw guitar rock is on full display on Aloha. – Ed Stuart

Antagonizers ATL/CRIM/NOi!SE, Rude Pride – 4 Way Split EP (Pirates Press)

Pirates Press has put out this sampler of four newer bands from different parts of the globe in the street punk scene. Antagonizers ATL and CRIM are side A. Both bands play a melodic street punk in the same vein as The Briggs. NOi!SE is a raw fast punk that has more of a melodic hardcore sound. Rude Pride plays a melodic mid tempo that might be most the anthemic of the bunch and could fall into Briggs category as well too.  – Ed Stuart

The Aggrolites – Reggae Now LP (Pirates Press)

Rock, what? Rocksteady or as The Aggrolites call it “dirty reggae.” The Aggrolites are back with their sixth LP, Reggae Now. Los Angeles’s Jamaican heir apparent contender took some time before writing and recording. The Aggrolites mix of rocksteady, Motown and ‘70’s funk is all on display on here. For a band that had been on hiatus for eight years, they haven’t lost a step.  – Ed Stuart

Bauwaves – U R Everything LP (Salinas)

Wipers meets Fall in this noisy, rough edged, off kilter art damaged world. Bauwaves features members of The Fall and Wild America. U R Everything is the debut LP for this Austin band that mixes art-punk, ‘80’s/’90’s noisy alternative and with pieces of early Dinosaur Jr. and Sonic Youth. – Ed Stuart

The Beatpunkers – Those Years Songs LP (Kool Kat)

The Beatpunkers are a trio from Spain. Those Years Songs sounds like a mix of clean ‘60’s pop with Paul Collins influence, some jangle guitars on a Merseyside street. The songs are pretty straight ahead pop that doesn’t stray from its three chord core.  – Ed Stuart

Bracket – Too Old To Die Young LP (Fat Wreck)

Bracket’s ninth LP, Too Old To Die Young isn’t taking any chances and that’s good for Bracket fans. Bracket is still at their old tricks of playing ‘90’s So Cal pop-punk with outsider lyrics. Yes, Bracket was part of that ‘90’s pop-punk scene and on Too Old they don’t stray from that sound. Instead, they have given their pop-punk a bit of Beach Boys and sharpened some of the edges. – Ed Stuart

Brat Curse – Brat Curse II LP (Anyway)

Brat Curse is made up of members of DANA, Sega Genocide, Good Shade and WV White. Brat Curse II is made up of punked up art rock with angular riffs, driving bass lines that stretch from Sonic Youth to New Bomb Turks. Brat Curse, from Ohio, do cover a lot of ground on this LP. There are odes to ‘90’s indie and alternative through this LP without being hero worship. – Ed Stuart

Brave The Sea – The Kraken LP (Self-Release)

Brave the Sea is a Celtic punk rock band that pulls from the same Irish influences that Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly do. The Kraken is full of numbers that are in the vein of a punked Dubliners, Dropkick Murphys and Flogging Molly. I these guys from Newark, OH don’t really care about the close proximity of influences. Brave The Sea seems to be having fun and enjoying themselves in their songs that I don’t think they care. If you’re a fan of punk and Irish with a touch of pirate, you should check out Brave The Sea.  – Ed Stuart

Charger – S/T LP, EP or 7” (Pirates Press)

Rancid and Guantanamo Baywatch come together as Charger. Tim and Lars have side projects so I guess it makes room for Matt to try his hand at one too. Charger wasn’t what I was expecting. In Charger, Matt has positioned in a Lemmy role and the other members help form his Motorhead. Charger S/T is a mix of early Motorhead, NWOBHM and heavy riffs, riffs and more riffs. I wasn’t sure what to expect from Charger, but when I heard “Crackdown”, the opener, I was a little surprised the conviction and commitment to the Motorhead mantel. Listen to “All Kings Must Die” and it feels a new Motorhead is reborn as Charger.  – Ed Stuart

CJ Ramone – The Holy Spell LP (Fat Wreck)

CJ Ramone is not afraid of still being influenced by his Ramones heritage. Yes, he was a Ramone for about seven years and it still informs his songwriting today. The Holy Spell, CJ’s fifth LP, is a better-produced and more modern sounding Ramones LP with an acoustic, some country influence and a punked version of “Crawling From The Wreckage.” CJ doesn’t feel the need to play punk-pop like a 20 year old would. Instead, he pulls from his heroes and stays true to his core musical belief.  – Ed Stuart

Corner Boys – Waiting For 2020 LP (Drunken Sailor)

Hot on the heels of two amazing singles comes this amazing LP. Corner Boys are like the Undertones dirty cousins who have been dabbling in Simpletones LP’s. Waiting For 2020 is a mix of Northern Ireland and snotty So Cal. This band never takes themselves seriously as you can hear with songs like “Norman” and the current arguable classic, “Joke Of The Neighbourhood.” If you are fan of Undertones, Pointed Sticks, Rudi, Good Vibrations and Simpletones, buy this LP now. Vancouver’s Corner Boys have the fix you need.  – Ed Stuart

The Cowboy – S/T 7” (Drunken Sailor)

The Fall didn’t care and neither do The Cowboy. Both bands were fine with the audience peeking behind the curtain. What do I mean? While listening to S/T, I feel like I’m at a practice session or listening to a very rough demo, but this is the finished product. Now, don’t confuse The Cowboy with The Cowboys because they are two different bands. “What you talking about Willis?” The Cowboys are part of the Lumpys. Cowboy is part Pleasure Leftists and Homostupids. The Cowboy play a loose art punk that goes for The Fall with parts Minutemen. – Ed Stuart

Dark Thoughts – Must Be Nice LP (Stupid Bag/Drunken Sailor)

Philadelphia’s Dark Thoughts are back for round three with more of their brand of Ramones meets early Thermals meets lo-fi garage. Dark Thoughts keeps it simple in songwriting and in production, which is a good thing. Sometimes band overproduce for no reason and the songs don’t justify it, but not Dark Thoughts. Must Be Nice is full of one Ramones ripper after another. In many Dark Thoughts songs, the vocals serve as the main melody line that lays overtop those buzzsaw guitars propelling the songs along. Third verse, same as the first aren’t just lyrics, but a credo that Dark Thoughts gladly adheres too.   – Ed Stuart

Death Lottery/Hardship Anchors – Split 7” (Freetime Boys)

Florida and California together on one spilt. The two states with the most beachfront property battle it out, well not really. Death Lottery (Florida) and Hardship Anchors (California) are friends and the got the opportunity to do a split. Death Lottery plays a sloppy, garage that is raw and fast and loose. Hardship Anchors play a sped up ‘80’s So Cal think Agent Orange/Social Distortion. – Ed Stuart

DFactor Pop – Anthems For The Active Set LP (Self-Release)

DFactor is a one man machine. Anthems For The Active Set is his latest and again DFactor plays all the instruments. DFactor also plays in the Action Jets. He might be solely responsible for the Phoenix power pop scene. If you haven’t listened to DFactor pop, he pulls from The Jam, Replacements, Guided by Voices and others in that pop range. Anthems is pure pop where DFactor doesn’t hold back his love of the genre.  – Ed Stuart

The Exbats – I’m A Witch 7” (Jarama)

The Exbats play ‘50’s/60’s garage punk stomp on this three song single. “I’m A Witch” is the ‘50’s/60’s garage influenced lead track. “2027” is more punked up Sonics and “Doorman” is more garage-y punk. This is pretty stripped down that’s more in tuned with the Burger crowd than the Rip Off crowd.  – Ed Stuart

Heterofobia – Queremos Ver El Mundo Arder LP (Drunken Sailor)

Heterofobia, whose name gives you a window into their politics, is a dark goth-punk band from Mexico. Queremos Ver El Mundo Arder, sung primarily in Spanish, is the brand new LP from Heterofobia. Based of an interview with the band, Monterrey is a politically oppressive town especially for a band that supports gay rights. In some ways, this band is like The Horrors or Bauhaus with a punk rhythm section.   – Ed Stuart

Hound of Love – Comin Thru 7” (Drunk Dial)

Hound of Love better known as Andrew from Mean Jeans is back with another helping of his ode to ‘80’s radio pop. If you’re not familiar with Drunk Dial, when the label releases your songs, there are a few rules. First, you must cover a classic and write one original. The second, you must be drunk while recording the songs. “Comin Thru” is an homage to bands like Flock of Seagulls, Human League and other ‘80’s band that unashamedly went for radio hits. The cover is Rancid’s “Journey To The End.” The Hound plays this, I’m guessing as straight faced as possible, as a synth pop rendition which fits all things considered. – Ed Stuart

Joey Cape – Let Me Know When You Give Up LP (Fat Wreck)

Lagwagon and Bad Astronaut’s front man has just released his fourth and most recent effort, Let Me Know When You Give Up. Lagwagon were one of the original Fat bands, but Cape solo is nothing like those ‘90’s skate/punk/metal mainstays. Cape channels his melancholy and observations as a seasoned musician over a mix of pop, alt-country and Americana.   – Ed Stuart

Lagwagon – Railer LP (Fat Wreck)

On Trashed and Duh, Lagwagon wrote a musical template what would help dictate and define ‘90’s skate/punk/metal. Over thirty years, Lagwagon has wavered slightly from this sonic sound print, but Railer is a return to form with bit of Hoss thrown in. Sure there are some acoustic guitars in part to expand the sound, but this a Lagwagon that isn’t afraid of their past and still enjoys playing this style even it’s not the flavor of the month.  – Ed Stuart

Locate Your Lips – For Kenny CD (Happy Growl)

This is a real labor love project. Locate Your Lips started over 30 years ago in Milwaukee. During the initial recording of this LP, the band had split up and went their separate ways. In 2015, Kenny, who the LP is named for, passed way, which spurred ex-Shivvers guitarist Jim Eanneli to release these never heard before songs. Locate Your Lips is mid ‘80’s melodic pop that when you listen to has a myriad of the decade’s influences. – Ed Stuart

Make War – Get It Together LP (Fat Wreck)

I’m late to the Make War party. Get It Together is the bands third LP, but the debut on Fat. Make War, from Brooklyn, was found/discovered by Brendan from Lawrence Arms after a superb acoustic set by the singer/guitarist Jose. Make War, on Get It Together, play a very slick anthemic melodic punk with socially charged heart on their sleeve lyrics that puts them right in line with Face To Face, Menzingers, Gaslight Anthem and Against Me.  – Ed Stuart

Mean Jeans – Gigantic Sike LP (Fat Wreck)

After living high on the hog after the Jingles Collection and supposedly “trying too hard” on Tight New Dimension, Mean Jeans gets back to basics with Gigantic Sike. Mean Jeans the self-proclaimed dumb band writes some pretty catchy Ramones/Queers influenced punk-pop. Yes, there are a zillion Ramones influenced bands, but I think Mean Jeans has something special about them with their catchy hooks and their quest for the essentials of punk-pop. They pull from all over the Ramones catalog to keep the party going, but on Gigantic Sike the party has a little darker side with tracks like “Party Line” and “I Fell Into A Bog.” There is only so much Mountain Dew one band can drink and maybe Mean Jeans reached their fill or stopped to write and recorded this LP.  – Ed Stuart

More Kicks – More Kicks LP (Wanda, Adrenalin Fix, Dirt Cult, Snap, Beluga)

Sulli from Suspect Parts has enlisted members of Los Pepes to help round this London power trio that deals in pop. In Suspect Parts, Sulli is a member of an international pop brotherhood, but with More Kicks is the lead man in charge. More Kicks mixes ‘60’s pop, ’70 punk with garage flair and attention to melody. In some ways, More Kicks is a little garage-y punked up Kinks that doesn’t shy away from the pure pop. Instead, they run right toward it. – Ed Stuart

Omnigone – No Faith LP (Bad Time)

Members of Link 80 and Rx Bandits are back with their new band Omnigone. Hailing from East Bay, Omnigone is picking up the mantle of ska/punk/hardcore again. This isn’t a retread, Omnigone mix up the songs quite a bit through punk, reggae, ska and fast punk/hardcore. Sure there are songs that will lead to skankin’ (yes, I threw it in there), but instead of being a tribute band or a Johnny One Note, Omnigone is trying to keep it as fresh as possible.   – Ed Stuart

Radioactivity – Erased 7” (Wild Honey)

Two brand new songs! Well, sort of. Both songs were written years ago, but took a while before seeing the light of day. Sure these songs have been aged like a fine wine before being released to the general public, but don’t let that distract you. “Erased” is a punchy, catchy upbeat song that you come to expect from Radioactivity. “Fear,” the B-side, is where Burke and company really shine. This song is a like a dark, melodic Buzzcocks that drips in bittersweet emotion with a hook riff that not only hooks you, but digs in. – Ed Stuart

Ramoms – Problem Child EP (Pirates Press)

The life of a busy working mom is one of the busiest schedules on the planet. Yet, the Ramoms have made their lives busiest and more fun at the same time. The Ramoms, four working moms from Philadelphia, decided to start a Ramones tribute band, but changed the words to more child friendly topics. On this three song EP, “Rockaway Beach” is the only true cover with the original lyrics intact. The other two songs are reworked Ramones classics about Gritty, the Flyers mascot and Boogers. – Ed Stuart

Screaming Targets – Carbon Copies LP (Recess/This Is Pop)

Edmonton’s Screaming Targets don’t do much screaming, but seem to be targeting late ‘80’s/early 90’s college rock mixed with punk pop. For some reason Carbon Copies makes me think of Sludgeworth if they were a Merge records band. Screaming Targets features members of Real Sickies, Slates and Blame-Its and is full of fuzzy punk pop with single note melodies that cut through and drive an earworm into your head.  – Ed Stuart

Sleave – Don’t Expect Anything LP (Engineer)

Two of the members of this band met at a party and basically formed Sleave soon after. That’s a little amazing since the “Hey, let’s a start a band” party conversation never amounts to anything. Sleave hails from Richmond, VA and mixes pop-punk’s muted chugging guitars, ‘90’s alternative melody and pieces of hardcore. Don’t Expect Anything reminds me of some of the Long Island bands in the way they mix emotionally draining hoarse vocals with a consistent single melody that runs underneath.  – Ed Stuart

Snuff – There’s A Lot Of It About LP (Fat Wreck)

It’s been a long time since Demussabebonk, but the Snuff sound marches on. On There’s A Lot Of It About, Snuff keeps plying their trademark punk-pop mixed with horns and shouty vocals. Duncan, also in Guns N’ Wankers, is still leading the charge. Snuff never reached the heights of the pop-punk like I would have figured. I don’t know if it’s because they don’t stick to a singular sound. Each song is a little bit of a different style and different tempo, which in the pop-punk world can hurt. I think Snuff does some of their best work when the horns and/or keys do the main talking like on “A Smile Gets A Smile” or “Dippy Egg.” If you’re down with listening to a band that’s still delivering, then listen to Snuff.  – Ed Stuart

Sore Points – Not Alright EP (Slovenly)

Sore Points don’t fuck around or waste time. Not Alright goes straight for the jugular. Sore Points fresh off their 2018 S/T debut LP, amps up their KBD meets early Kids and Saints sound. This Canadian power trio powers through this brand new EP with fast chainsaw guitars and rhythm section that’s on time like a train and pummeling down the tracks. By the time, you wonder what happened, it’s time to play this record again. Not Alright is an ode to first wave punk and something fresh again.  – Ed Stuart

Strung Out – Songs Of Armor and Devotion LP (Fat Wreck)

Strung Out has been together for 30 years now and show no signs of slowing down. Strung Out was part of the wave of punk bands that weren’t afraid to show their playing chops and metal influences. Both of these traits show on Songs of Armor and Devotion. Strung Out mixes ‘90’s – ‘00’s punk with metal riffs and melodic hardcore parts with confidence that has kept fans loyal for over three decades.  – Ed Stuart

Subhumans – Crisis Point LP (Pirates Press)

In an age of political upheaval and divisive party lines, Subhumans release their first LP in twelve years, Crisis Point. Years ago, SUB HUM ANS released The Day The Country Died and EP-LP in the mid-80’s and cemented themselves as a crucial fixture in the anarcho-punk movement. Subhumans certainly haven’t changed much in the last thirty years and maybe that’s a good sign. Crisis Point sounds reminiscent of their ‘80’s output, which was politically and socially charged over simple effective riffs with lyrics that were half spoken and half sung.  – Ed Stuart

  

The Whiffs – Another Whiff LP (Dig!)

There is something so satisfying about listening to a band that is a notch above the others. The Whiffs were already top of their game on their EP, 2017’s Take A Whiff. Another Whiff shows The Whiffs are no fluke. The Whiffs took their time, didn’t rush the debut LP and even added Joey from The Rubs for good measure. The Whiffs are writing power pop gems that range from ‘60’s, ‘70’s American power-pop, Big Star, Replacements, Exploding Hearts and Flamin Groovies. This Kansas City power pop powerhouse is on fire and hopefully no one puts them out.   – Ed Stuart

Wyldlife – Neon Nightmare 7” (Wicked Cool)

New York’s rock n’ roll party boys are back with another smoker. Wyldlife is easily one of the best bands right now and they are only getting better. “Neon Nightmare” is a 70’s inspired rock n’ roller that woulda, coulda, shoulda been a hit, but it’s not. I know, I know, I’ll leave it at that. Wyldlife is at the top of their game with this A-side that has a big meaty hook riff, catchy chorus and a verse that never drags. “I’m Just Losing That Girl” is Wyldlife’s faithful rendition of the Dogs punk/rockabilly original. Wyldlife does have a penchant for finding more obscure songs to cover like how they did with The Brats a couple of singles ago.  – Ed Stuart

Wyldlife – Another NY Christmas (Piss The Season) 7” (Wicked Cool)

Two Wyldlife singles in two months! Happy holidays to me! If you want to read what I think of Wyldlife, read the Neon Nightmare review. This time around, Wyldlife tackles the Christmas song for their entry into the seasonal catalog. “Another NY Christmas” is a power pop gem detailing a lonely Christmas spent in New York City. “Peppermint Schnapps,” the more melodic of the two is a good counterpoint. What makes Wyldlife different than your typical raucous punk rock n' roll band is their attention to melody, which they don’t shy away from in their songs.  – Ed Stuart

The Yolks – Get Back 7” (Randy)

Primitive garage stomper on one side and an Everly Brothers influenced song for the flip side. Get Back from Chicago’s Yolks showcases the band’s Jekyll and Hyde. “Get Back” is primitive rudimentary punk that is Ramones meets The Spits. “Vampire” sounds like a ‘50’s inspired melodic throwback that is played straight without a hint of irony. – Ed Stuart

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Music To Purge the (Post) Summer Blues

Autogramm – Bad Day b/w Quiero Estar Sedado (Jarama 45RPM)

WOW, if you haven’t heard this band yet this is a really good place to start.  This Vancouver trio plays really catchy, synth steered power pop.  The first song “Bad Day” (which I assume is an original) possesses a pandemic level of catchiness.  Yeah its keyboard heavy but it’s not cold or distant.  You can still feel the tune’s warmth and pounding pulse.  The B-Side is a Spanish version of The Ramones “I Wanna Be Sedated” and it’s brilliant AND by no means a “throwaway.”  Not a lot of bands can cover a Ramones song and A) do something different with it and B) still retain the songs essence.  Autogramm manage to do both!  Bravo boys! - JC

Baby Shakes – Cause a Scene LP (Lil Chewy)

This is the New York quartet’s 4^th LP and I’m happy to report the band hasn’t lost a spark since their last full length, 2017’s outstanding Turn It Up LP.  In case you are unfamiliar with this band, Baby Shakes play a high octane, high kick to the throat style of 60’s girl group structured songs mixed with Ramones machine gun tempos.  The songs pop out of your speakers like short fused firecrackers and hijack your brain, causing involuntary dancing.  Baby Shakes have a knack for writing short, fun, timeless and extremely catchy rock n roll songs.  The way you wish more bands would write these days. They fit well on the shelf right next to bands like Nikki and The Corvettes, Supersnazz, and Pale Lips.  - JC

Brandy – Clown Pain 7” (Total Punk)

Two more planet smashers coming at you with fists flying fast and furious form the Total Punk camp.  This time from New York’s Brandy. While these two songs have the Total Punk mark of grime, grit and brawn, the thing that separates Brandy from the bunch is these two songs have killer guitar grooves. So instead of you getting bludgeoned to death, it’s more like a smooth fixed blade knife being driven through your ear canal over and over. So there’s still about the same amount of blood to clean up afterward, just no skull pieces to put back together. This is my first time hearing this band and apparently there’s a 12” out there the band released last year.  I’m on the hunt!  - JC

Control Freaks – She’s The Bomb LP (Slovenly)

Control Freaks is the latest in a string of bands singer/bass player/songwriter Greg Lowery has been behind. The first being the mighty Supercharger, then the fantastic Rip-Offs, then the so-so Zodiac Killers.  Greg’s MO has been fast, bouncy, lo-fi rock n roll and he sneaks in a healthy dose of scorn and hostility through the back.  The Control Freaks are a great band, the songs are tight and they hit their mark nearly every time. I’m digging this record quite a bit, I like it better than their first one. To make a long story short, Control Freaks – better than Zodiac Killers, not as good as The Rip-Offs.  But to be fair, few bands are.  And I’m not even going to compare it to Supercharger because those motherfuckers remain untouchable.   - JC

Curleys -  S/T 7” (Total Punk)

This is the debut 7” from these Gainesville ghouls.   Six songs of pure drunkin’ rage. Total Punk describes them as “wimpy era Queers on speed” and that’s a pretty fair assessment.  The guitars are set to frenzied levels, the bass and drums thunder away trying to keep up and the singer just ferociously swings and stumbles around at anything that moves, hoping to eventually make contact with your face. Curleys are fast, loud and mean – everything a real punk band is supposed to be.  It’s supposed to make you feel threatened, uneasy and pretty much invoke your “fight or flight” response when you hear it.  If you want to feel safe and included, go listen go reggae.  - JC

Dany Laj and The Looks - Everything New is New Again LP (Yeah Right!)

Just as a disclaimer, The Looks are one of my favorite bands. That being said I’m not by any means an apologist of my favorite stuff. When a band, writer, or filmmaker I like comes out with something new I almost hold it to a higher standard than if I wasn’t familiar with any of their previous work.  Everything New is New Again not only passed the test, they stomped a heel through it.  This record contains 8 songs of exquisite, hyper melodic, power pop rock n roll.  If you’re into bands like The dB’s, Buffalo Tom, The Plimsouls, and The Replacements, then you’re going to adore this band and particularly this record as much as I do.  The songs “Annie” and “My Head” are instant classics in the genre.  - JC

Dots – S/T LP (Dirt Cult)

We’ve had an influx of “dark post punk” here at the Audio Ammunition underwater volcano stronghold these past few months.  Among them are Dots, They’re from Oakland and boasts members of such stellar acts as Midnite Snaxxx and FM Knives.  What sets Dots apart from the rest of their ilk is their heavy use of psychedelic effects in their music, such as echo-y voice effects and wispy keys. This gives the songs here a haunting, disorienting feeling to them.  It’s like going on the “It’s a Small World” ride at Disneyland, feeling LSD effects while listening to Blatz or Jack Acid at high volume. You’ve been warned! - JC

Foster Care – El Abuso LP – (Total Punk)

This is the New York based outfit’s 3^rd LP I believe. They’ve been releasing long players every 3 to 4 years since 2012.  Foster Care plays primitive, rapid fire bazooka blasts of pure, uncut PUNK ROCK.  The tunes are shrouded in gloom, static and are recorded pretty bottom heavy. Giving you the sensation that you’re in a dimly lit cave, running for your life as its walls and ceiling are collapsing right at your heels.  Can you escape your impending doom? Are you fast enough to outrun Foster Care?  The answer is no you’re not. So give up, submit and let the darkness overtake you.  It only hurts at the beginning.  - JC

The Hussy - Looming LP (Dirtnap)

Dirtnap has switched gears since moving to WI.  Gone it seems are the days of putting out all the new wave-y punk bands like The Epoxies, The Briefs and the New Town Animals. Dirtnap has been putting out a lot of WI area bands lately, you’ve gotta respect them getting behind their local scene.  The Hussy has been around a long time. This being their 5th LP? (not counting live and splits).  This band is an explosive can of trick snakes on every song on this record.  Sometimes you get girl group garage stuff, sometime you get full throttle synth buzzing psyche-punk, but whatever it is you get rest assured it is played with a lot of gusto and charisma.  You can say a lot about The Hussy but boring isn’t EVER one of them.  Great record! - JC

Jordan Jones – S/T LP (Spaghetty Town/Beluga)

Holy smokes I’m floored!  I’m not sure how I can possible say anything about this record and do it justice.  Best I can bring myself to say once I catch my breath and regain my composure is that LA's Jordan Jones plays immaculate Power Pop with a sturdy rock n roll foundation.  Closest thing it reminds me of is the early Stiv Bators solo stuff, like when he covered “Baby It’s Cold Outside.” Much like ol’ Stiv, Jones has cherry picked all the right influences to make one Goliath of a record.  I can hear melodies from pretty much every decade of pop music like Zombies, Raspberries, Twilley etc. but they’re hard to pin point.  Jones has mixed it up enough and made his own unparalleled modern masterpiece.  EASILY one of my favorite records of the year!  - JC

Killer Hearts – S/T EP (Spaghetty Town Records)

These Houston maniacs play leather wrapped, beer soaked, smoke filled rock n roll.  It’s fast, mean, and dirty - just the way the rock n roll gods intended.  Just one listen to the four songs on this record and I’ll guarantee you’re going to drive faster, drink harder and fight meaner.  It’s simply science, you can’t argue with it!  Killer Hearts dive head first into the hot rock n roll shit pot and instantly start stirring it up.  They list Thin Lizzy, AC/DC, Electric Frankenstein and Candy Snatchers as influences.  And with song titles like “Midnight Lucifer” and “Killed by Volume” you know what you’re in for. So brace yourselves and hold on to something load bearing!   - JC

Knowso – Like a Buzz 7” (Total Punk)

This is the Cleveland band’s second release (not counting their Demo cassette) since 2017’s Look At The Chart EP.  The two songs on here are muddier and murkier but the band’s unique and uncomplicated approach to breaking your brittle bones remains.  It’s funny how you hear some bands do aggression with so much arduous song writing and technical instrumentation.  What for!?! Then a band comes along like Knowso and does so much more with less.  This band is as uncomplicated as a sledgehammer and does their job just as effectively.  - JC

Los Pepes – Positive Negative LP (Wanda / Adrenaline Fix)

This London punk band plays loud, unapologetic melodic punk with a stout rock n roll heart.  When I listen to this band I immediately think Ramones, DMZ, Real Kids, Saints type of stuff.  Yeah they’re that good, no exaggerations here believe me.  From the absolute earth scorching opening song “Still Belong To Me” until the stylus runs out of groove and cries out for more, this record is a lit bundle of dynamite.  I’ll be willing to wager Los Pepes put on a killer live show too, hopefully I’ll find out someday. The band is currently on tour supporting this LP but only in Europe.  Come to the states guys!  You will be welcomed with open arms.  - JC

Fleshies – Introducing The Fleshies LP (Dirt Cult)

Fleshies are a pretty cool contemporary sounding hardcore punk band from the East Bay.  Apparently they’ve been around for 20 some years now, so the album title is a bit of irony for those in the know. Which sadly I wasn’t I’m sorry to say, this is my first time hearing them.  From what I gather though this new LP of theirs is a “return to form” type of deal.  Not all the songs conform to the starched hardcore uniform.  Some like the tune “Hold Me Up” has a Dinosaur Jr. feel and the songs “Stone Mason” and “Like A Pillow” give me a Monsula or Crimpshrine type vibe. Good, scrappy melodic hardcore.  I’m glad there are bands still out there playing music like this.   - JC     

Negative Space – Cruelty LP (Drunken Sailor)

This UK band plays grim, hard hitting post punk.  The music gets echo-y and frantically desperate at times and at other times it slows down but still powerful enough to carve out massive amounts of flesh.  The bass lines really stand out to me on this record, they’re like a cold stone floor on which the weight of the rest of the instrumentation can rest soundly on. The drums pound relentlessly and provide a sort of pulsating beacon you can dimly see at the end of the dark tunnel.  Meanwhile the guitars and vocals fly right past your head like arrows being shot at you in the dark, sometimes ricocheting.  Tie a rope around your waist before listening to this one.  You may not find your way back on your own if you don’t. - JC

No Negative – The Last Offices LP (Drunken Sailor)

This is one heavy duty record, 7 songs of relentless, shadowy psyche-punk done right up to the edge of sanity.  No Negative sound like a punk rock fever dream.  The music is dense, dark and brooding.  The sounds emitting from this record give me the same feelings as what I picture goes through the mind of someone seriously plotting a revenge murder.  You can actually feel the air get heavier, the lights dimming, and hope fleeing the instant the record starts playing. This is the Canadian noise monger’s second LP. I may go seek their first one out if my fractured psyche can ever recover from this one.  - JC

Ramona – Deals Deals Deals LP (Red Scare)

This Philly three piece plays bouncy pop punk cut with indie rock sensibilities.  This is the band’s debut LP and is pretty solid.  I like that the band seems to have a sense of humor about themselves.  They’re lyrics are about not wanting to fall in love and generally just feeling inadequate, ill prepared and ill equipped for life. They’re currently on tour with Masked Intruder where bands like Direct Hit, The Bombpops and Young Rochelles are also playing various dates.  Ramona fit in well with that crowd.  If you’re into bands like that you’ll fall pretty hard for Ramona.  - JC

Sore Points – Not Alright EP (Slovenly)

Sore Points play exactly what I hear in my head when I hear the term “garage punk.”  That term has been thrown around to describe pretty much anything that has low production and any sort of decent tempo. But to me it has a distinct sound and Vancouver’s Sore Points have tapped it and are drinking bathing in the well.  This EP contains 4 quick, fuzz wrapped, high energy tunes that’ll make your knees buckle.  The band lists Cocksparrer, The Damned, Blitz, Motorhead and The Ramones as influences.  I can certainly hear all of that in here.  Sore Point’s sound is masterfully curated menagerie of punk rock.  I can’t believe I missed their LP they put out last year!  A mistake I intend to correct here shortly.  - JC

The Sweet Things – In Borrowed Shoes, On Borrowed Time LP (Spaghetty Town)

FINALLY an LP by NYC’s The Sweet Things and it’s everything I dreamed it would be.  These guys play loud, top shelf, blooze kissed rock n roll. These guys walk the walk, no posturing here.  This band has got the licks down like the back of their bruised hands.  The Sweet Things sound like The Jonses and Hanoi Rocks at their brightest moments.  The more you listen to this record, the more you realize each song is better than the previous one.  If you miss the heyday of the Sunset Strip and demand debauchery back in your rock n roll, then look no further, you’ve arrived. So sit back and kick your boots off.  I’ve waited patiently for a band like this to come around again and my patience has been rewarded handsomely.  - JC

TV Crime – Metal Town (Alien Snatch)

After two stunning EP’s Nottingham’s TV Crime release an absolutely volcanic debut LP.  This long player contains exactly the same explosive elements that made their last two 7”’s so great, only we get more of it.  Which is exactly what I wanted from TV Crime. These guys play an incomparable blend of power pop and hard hitting guitar pub rock.  To get an idea of what this band sounds like, think bands like Thin Lizzy, Rockpyle, Eddie and The Hot Rods with some early Elvis Costello peppered in at ultra high energy levels.  I could try and go through this record and pick out some song highlights to tell you about, but I’m not sure I can since every tune on here is a keeper.   I highly recommend this record, it’s one of my favorites of the year. - JC

Tandoori Knights - Temple of Boom EP (Slovenly)

This here little record contains two tracks of the most seductive sounds from South Asia you’ll ever want to hear. Tandoori Knights is King Kahn and Bloodshot Bill rollicking in Indian style hooks and blending these two songs with a garage stomp spice you never knew would taste so good.  This is the duo’s first record since 2011’s I Hear Someone Cry 7”.  Yeah the songs are kinda batty and campy but Kahn and Bill serve it up on a garage rock silver platter, giving them enough backbone to take it a bit more seriously than just a Martin and Lewis type bit.  Especially the B-Side called “Tandoori Dolly.”  Pretty fun and essential if you’re a fan of these guys - JC

Velveteen Rabbit – S/T LP (Hozac)

This LP is Velveteen Rabbit’s first full length and quite frankly I haven’t heard such an ambitious debut in a really long time.  The band kicks the doors open and struts in with maximum chutzpah right from the start.  The band describes themselves as “hypno-boogie” and that’s pretty spot on. These guys straddle the lines between bands like Roxy Music, T-Rex, Kinks, Lou Reed, and Bowie but effortlessly construct their own sound out of those solid building materials.  The songs here have so much heart and tenderness in the melodies you’d think it was a lost gem from that era.  But those melodies are laid on a sturdy groundwork of guitar hooks that allows them to launch and swirl around the atmosphere.   – JC 

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