We’ve been pretty busy throughout May – starting at Groezrock, where we were lucky enough to record a host of live performances from the Etnies Back to Basics Stage. From then it’s been nothing short of awesome, with Slam Dunk weekend living up to its reputation as the UK’s annual pop-punk extravaganza, and Camden Rocks dragging a wealth of exciting up-and-comers to England’s capital. As ever, we’ve had a handful of tracks on repeat over the 31 days, and here’s our selection of songs that have kept our spirits high, our energy up, and our excitement at its peak.
Aaron West & The Roaring Twenties – ‘You Ain’t A Saint’
All too often things can go a bit wrong with a concept album but Aaron West and the Roaring Twenties, side project from Dan Campbell of The Wonder Years, is off to an incredibly promising start with ‘You Ain’t A Saint.’ Campbell is a master of delivering vocals packed with emotion and this is no exception – complimented by a well put together backing track featuring some pretty awesome saxophone in the chorus. Keep an eye out for this. [Chris Marshman]
Masked Intruder – ‘The Most Beautiful Girl’
Summer is basically upon us, and that means it’s the perfect time of year for cookouts and pop punk! On recent tours, Masked Intruder has covered ‘Your Love’ by The Outfield, and that super fun 80s jam influence has seemed to have stuck on their most recent outing, ‘M.I.’. It blends perfectly with their familiar lovelorn, campy pop that has already stolen our hearts and wallets last time around. [Nicole Carter]
7 Seconds – ‘Your Hate Mentality’
Hardcore done best – Kevin Seconds continues to share his positive mentality to everyone, a mere 30 odd years after 7 Second’s debut album. This is hardcore; fast paced and full of positivity. [Mark Gadong]
Mad Caddies – ‘Love Myself’
Track 2 on Mad Caddies’ new album ‘Dirty Rice’, ‘Love Myself’ comes bolting out of the blue; a refreshing blast of old-school punk rock among a collection of songs which wouldn’t sound out of place on the Bugsy Malone soundtrack and one on which the band’s trademark ska sound augments rather than dominates. ‘Dirty Rice’ won’t be making many Best of 2014 lists but ‘Love Myself’ is a legitimate pre-Summer banger. [Rob Barbour]
Twin Atlantic – ‘Heart and Soul’
Scotland’s finest alt-rockers are back with this foot stomping arena ready anthem, their first new material for over three years. The Glaswegians are currently gearing up for the release of their second album, ‘The Great Divide’, which is due out in August. [Tom Beck]
Ghost Town – ‘You’re So Creepy’
Ghost Town are Fueled By Ramen’s newest addition, and their new album ‘The After Party’ comes out next month. ‘You’re So Creepy’ is taken from that album, and it’s an awful lot of fun. It sounds a tiny little bit like Panic! At The Disco with a cheesy electronic edge, which is obviously brilliant. YES. [Lais MW]
Every Time I Die – ‘Thirst’
Every Time I Die just come roaring back with ‘Thirst’, their first single from the upcoming album, ‘From Parts Unknown’. Its short, straight to the point, and showcases everything about a band that doesn’t take themselves too seriously, but is deadly serious about what they do. If for some reason, fans of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs listen to ETID, they should keep their ears open for some familiar lyrics. I really like what Every Time I Die has done with Epitaph and I’m hoping ‘From Parts Unknown’ carries on in that fashion. [Mat Stokes]
Mongol Horde – ‘Make Way’
Before Frank Turner was Frank Turner, he was one of the kings of the UK underground hardcore scene – leading his troupe of apparent misfits in Million Dead through an aural assault of quirky, DIY, and unmistakably British hardcore. On ‘Make Way’, the opening track on Turner’s new hardcore outfit Mongol Horde’s debut LP, they build upon this heritage by taking everything that worked, amping up the screams and the riffs, and running a fuck load of funk through the middle. More intricate than your straightforward hardcore, it still packs a hefty punch. [Ben Tipple]
The Walking Targets – ‘Chasing The Dream’
The Walking Targets are set to release their new album in June and this is more fast paced, melodic punk rock. Forgive the album art though, as this is such a great sign of things to come. It’s frantic, with a tinge of emo and I can’t wait for their LP. [Sam Kanal]
Samoans – ‘Dancing On The Sealion’
This delightfully off-kilter offering from the Cardiff four piece is the first recorded glimpse at upcoming debut full length ‘Rescue’, striding into more anthemic territory whilst retaining the experimental edge of their math-rock past. [Tom Connick]
Dowsing – ‘World’s Finest Chocolate’
I think Dowsing are my favourite Midwest Emo band, probably because they take being sad and make it sound poppy and upbeat. If there’s something Dowsing aren’t lacking in, it’s all of the emotions. This is a great new track taken from their split with my other favourite Midwest Emo band Annabel, and I’m a bit in love with the raw, shout along vocals. [Maryam Hassan]
Expire – ‘Pretty Low’
Title track from their upcoming second album – and I think probably the best new(ish) live band on the planet right now. Tighter than the average pair of jeggins on Made In Chelsea. [Mike Scott]
Old Gray – ‘Clip Your Own Wings’
The split EP with Tiny Moving Parts came as a welcome surprise just as I remembered how much I enjoy the intensity of Old Gray. This track offers up an awesome contrast of stark, screaming rawness and minimal, gentle guitar. Simple and contemplative. [Georgina Langford]
Brave Bird – ‘T-Minus Grand Gesture’
Another exciting release on Count Your Lucky Stars. Yeah, they might sound disgustingly like Brand New at times but the new record from Michigan’s Brave Bird does actually have more to offer than simple sound-a-likes. Since previous second guitarist Matt Terrigan is back on board, the band have lifted themselves to create music better than anything they’ve done before, and on ‘T-Minus Grand Gesture’ you’ll find shining melodic brilliance by the bucket-load. [James Fox]
Trash Boat – ‘Boneless’
Taken from the upcoming ‘Look Alive’ EP, ‘Boneless’ was premiered on Punktastic at the end of last month but I’m sure no one will complain about it being on the May playlist. The St Albans based Trash Boat are almost a throwback to the heavier side of pop-punk like Sum 41 which we saw in the early 2000’s. [David Burd]