November has seen us gladly tied up by both the latter half of Fest in Florida’s Gainesville, and by the excellent Warped Tour back over on UK soil. In the midst of planning, we managed to wrap our ears around some hefty new music. These thirteen tracks should quieten anybody claiming that the year has started to wind down. This month we cover a wealth a styles… although we did stop Katy Perry from sneaking her way in.
NOFX – ‘The Shortest Pier’
A fast paced, punchy version of Tony Sly’s ‘The Shortest Pier’ is always what NOFX would deliver, making for an emotional tribute to the late No Use For A Name front-man. This is one of a few highlights from the 33 song tribute to Tony Sly, with Fat Mike’s snotty vocals giving a new spin on a tearjerker of a song. The rest of the album is definitely worth a listen, even if you’re not well-versed in the songs of the late Tony Sly. [Sam Kanal]
The Lawrence Arms – ‘You Are Here’
The Larry Arms are back and haven’t lost their touch. On ‘You Are Here’, they show a much more mature sensibility – yet still deliver in that way that everyone can still relate to. Look forward to them touring again in 2014. [Mark Gadong]
Mansions – ‘The Economist’
Mansions’ third full-length ‘Doom Loop’ took the band a little further away from their emo heritage, substituting those influences for a 90s grunge inspired direction. ‘The Economist’ is arguably the heaviest track on the record, but also the one that demonstrates how far Christopher Browder has come. It’s a perfect example of his dark and contemplative songwriting. [Ben Tipple]
ROAM – ‘Foresight’
This is the sound of five guys in their late teens growing up, musically as well as socially. Taken from the recently released ‘Head Rush’, this track is a great blend of melodic hooks and a driven pop-punk sound that, like the rest of their EP, has been on repeat these past few weeks. [James Fox]
Worlds Scariest Police Chases – ‘Punk Rock Ruined My Life’
Worlds Scariest Police Chases have burst onto the scene with an album full of tongue-in-cheek, quick punk songs, entitled ‘NOFX… and Out Come the Wolves Dookie’. People are split on whether these guys are trying too hard to be controversial or whether they’ve been successful in writing humourous, accessible punk rock which parodies certain mainstays of the genre. [Sam Kanal]
So Many Ways – ’11.22’
Shouty pop punk and massive riffs – think No Trigger or A Wilhelm Scream mixed with some Set Your Goals and you’ve got So Many Ways and they will be well up your street. ‘11.22’ is a massive tune that is made for stomping around to. I can’t wait to get to watch this live, a really late contender for best EP of the year right here. [Maryam Hassan]
Polar Bear Club – ‘WLWYCD’
Sure, the new Polar Bear Club album hasn’t quite had the same universal praise as the last one, but some of us love it (hiya) and there’s some real bangers on there. ‘WLWYCD’ is one of them.[Tom Aylott]
Dayshell – ‘Share With Me’
If you aren’t aware of them yet, Dayshell are ex-Of Mice & Men clean vocalist Shayley Bourget’s new project, and they sound absolutely glorious. ‘Share With Me’ is their new single, and it’s utterly brilliant. Melodic vocals mixed with some hefty riffs and great choruses: certified banger. [Lais MW]
New City Kings – ‘Swords & Cannonballs’
This is the first single the band have released since changing their name from The Suburbians, but there has been no change in the quality of music they’re producing. It’s catchy as hell and I can’t wait to hear more from them. [David Burd]
Coke Bust – ‘Neutralized’
‘Neutralized’ is beautiful hardcore/powerviolence with a nice injection of doom and drone to it. As usual it is only a minute long. The whole EP is ace. [Mike Scott]
Real Friends – ‘I Had A Heart’
Yeah, it’s taken from the recent ‘Punk Goes… Christmas’ compilation but fuck it, this isn’t a typical Christmas song, it’s been given the Real Friends treatment and is just a good song in its own right from what will probably be the next big band in pop punk. [Chris Marshman]
Jamie Lenman – ‘One Of My Eyes Is A Clock’
Taken from the ferociously heavy first part of Jamie Lenman’s recent double album, ‘One Of My Eyes Is A Clock’ channels the ominous tones of The Dillinger Escape Plan and turns the relentless setting up to the maximum. This is Lenman at his most brutal. [Ben Tipple]
Koji – ‘Matters of the Heart and Mind’
If you managed to catch Koji on the recent UK tour I am extremely jealous of you. Koji’s live shows are a life affirming, positive experience that has you feeling absolutely on top of the world. This EP is Koji back to basics and this song is pretty much beautiful. Quite possibly one of the best acoustic artists around at the moment. [Maryam Hassan]