Looking back at August, it’s hard to believe that we are still standing. Starting the month with our Comeback Kid and The Menzingers shows in London, things have been hurtling along at high speeds. Home Advantage took to our stage later in the month, before we ran around like lunatics at the immensely enjoyable Reading Festival. In amongst all that, some top bands have continued to release excellent new tracks. Here are the songs that kept us going throughout August.
Direct Hit! – ‘Buried Alive’
The new Direct Hit! offering is a concept album about the end of the world, if you don’t see how this is going to be the best album of the year then I just don’t want to know you. This is the first track to be released from the album and is a fantastic, poppy song that is about serial killers and the apocalypse. Nothing is better than upbeat songs about Stockholm syndrome right? We dare you to keep your feet still for this, it’s a cracker of a track to dance around to. Direct Hit! are touring in Oct, we’ll see you in the pit. [Maryam Hassan]
CB6 – ‘Perfect’
‘Perfect’ is the opening track to CB6’s debut album ‘Succession’, and a perfect sample of the raucous thrash/punk rock crossover that they’re offering up as an alternative to ball-less modern rock. Heavy. [Tom Aylott]
Tonight Alive – ‘Lonely Girl’
Aussie pop punkers Tonight Alive have really gone and made a banger of an album with ‘The Other Side’, and ‘Lonely Girl’ is arguably the best track on there. Jenna McDougall’s voice sounds bloody brilliant, and it’s wildly catchy. All together now: “Looks like the damage is done and forever is a long time to miss me”. Oh yeah! [Lais MW]
Lyra – ‘What’s Confidence?’
I’m choosing this because I haven’t really had this 6 song demo, ‘Family Ties’ by Lyra, off my phone since I found out it had been circulated a couple of weeks ago. It’s members of The Effort (a straight edge band who split up a couple of years ago that are a very heavy influence on me) and Weak Teeth. It’s got some old school screamo/skramz influences in it. And the demo is free. This is the lead track. Go get. [Mike Scott]
Dog Party – ‘How Are You Doing?’
Close your eyes, and imagine you’re sat at the pool, with your drink whilst on holiday. Dog Party is the soundtrack to that. It’s a great nod to old Ramones style pop punk, but also fresh enough to stand out. [Mark Gadong]
Modern Life Is War – ‘Media Cunt’
Returning after a six year hiatus and releasing a blinder of an album is almost unheard of. Unlike many reformed artists, Modern Life Is War haven’t simply released an album filled with the same style of song that previously characterised them, but instead blended their sound with contemporary hardcore. ‘Media Cunt’ – pardon the expletive – demonstrates their Comeback Kid meets La Dispute sound perfectly. [Ben Tipple]
MINE – ‘Penknife’
Following on from last year’s self-titled effort, London psychedelic hardcore (psychcore?) and firm Caps Lock fans MINE are gearing up to release their second EP “Disappear”. It’s a fantastic record; raw emotion atop swirling, dischordant riffs, and this cut gives you a glimpse of the sort of quality to expect. If you’re into the likes of Vales, Goodtime Boys and The Saddest Landscape, get ready to meet your new favourite band. [Ollie Connors]
Max Raptor – ‘England Breathes’
‘England Breathes’ from Max Raptor’s upcoming album ‘mothers ruin’ pretty much sums up everything punk rock should be. A track that you can’t help jump around to, be it in a packed out show or just alone in your room. [David Burd]
Into It. Over It. – ‘The Shaking of Leaves’
The new album Intersections isn’t out till September but this song from it has my anticipation for running wild. Having found a way to progress from acoustic only to full band pretty much perfectly this song is swirling guitars and pretty, floaty melodies that come together beautifully. It’s a wonderful track for late summer/autumn. [Maryam Hassan]
Roll on September…