Gig Review: Hamburg Booze Cruise 2022 Day 2 25/6/22

Day one of Hamburg Booze Cruise had been a brilliant day. Day two was now ahead of us and was scheduled to be our busiest day of the weekend and we were excited to get started.

After some delicious pizza at Überquell, we made our way down to the docks to board the MS Tonne. Something quite unique about Booze Cruise is that they takeover a boat and have bands playing as they do a lap of the docks. As we approached the boat, there was already a big crowd gathered and I became a little worried about getting on before capacity was hit. Thankfully it seemed as if everyone got on and were ready to see some great bands.

The first band of the day aboard the MS Tonne was Second Youth. If you have read our day one review (if you haven’t, go do so and then come back to this page), you will know that we also had the pleasure of watching them the night before at Hafenklang. On the boat, Second Youth only had a twenty minute set and the band wasted little time as they tore through their set. The good thing about seeing a band multiple times in quick succession is that you quickly become more aware of their songs. This meant I enjoyed the set even more than the evening before and even had myself a little sing-along. In a moment that really tickled me, once again the guitarist went to introduce a song and it turned out that again he skipped the song Morons. This was a great way to start the day.

Following very quickly on from Second Youth were Snareset. I was really impressed with how prompt the changeover times managed to be on the boat, given that it’s not your traditional gig setting and they were on a tight schedule. This was my first time seeing Snareset and, if I’m being completely honest, I hadn’t listened to them a whole lot before either. I should have however, as they were great. Playing a melodic and emotional form of gruff punk rock, the band had me hooked from the very start of their set. The lead singer’s vocal was phenomenal and I really loved watching their drummer as it seemed like he was having the time of his life. At one point, something went wrong with the drums and the band impressively managed to continue on with the song and pick things back up as soon as it got sorted. Sadly the boat sets were only twenty minutes long today and I would’ve loved to see more of Snareset.

After the boat returned to the dock, we raced up to Überquell to see our favourites Captain Asshole play an acoustic set. We arrived back at the venue as Manu and Basti were just getting started with their set. I’d seen Manu play an acoustic set online during the lockdown and I was really excited to see it live. The duo played through some songs from both of Captain Asshole’s albums. Between the songs, they joked about being unpractised with the set but I don’t think anyone would have noticed if they hadn’t said anything. This was a really fun and unique experience for us and it was fun to have a quieter sing-along with the band in preparation for their full band set later in the day.

After Captain Asshole finished we headed back to Molotow Club for an afternoon celebrating fifteen years of Gunner Records. By the time we reached the venue it was already in full swing with Jeff Rowe, Kirsty & Cory Call and The Carolyn already having played earlier. Learning from the heat in the venue from the day before, we made sure to get drinks quickly and we ended up getting two Fritz Colas (the best cola) and a pint of water between each band just to keep us going. We were full of sugar, refreshed and set for an evening of great punk rock. Chartreux were the first band we saw during the Gunner Records party. I first became aware of Chartreux thanks to my friend Chris (vinyl.systems on Instagram). He recommended them to me and I quickly became a fan. There’s a bit of the Hot Water Music’s about them with their two main vocalists, though their bass player also joined in with the gang vocals as well. I was really impressed with their stage presence. They felt like a band you couldn’t take your eyes off for a second and sounded every bit as good as they do on record. Chartruex are one of many bands who played Booze Cruise that more people need to be aware of!

After catching up with some friends in the Molotow backyard and picking myself up a Chartreux LP, it was time to head back inside for Little Teeth. I first saw Little Teeth back at the 2019 edition of Booze Cruise. This wasn’t the plan, they had been kind enough to fill in for another band. I enjoyed them and went on to enjoy their album Redefining Home as well. Since then, Little Teeth has gone through some line-up changes and are now a three-piece. For this gig they had the bass player of Dankeschatz filling in for them. Little Teeth were perhaps one of my biggest surprises of the festival. I really loved their set. Lead singer Cory Call has such a great vocal. If you haven’t ever heard him sing I seriously suggest you go out and do so – it’s just magic. I believe the band only played songs from Redefining Home during the set and as I was so familiar with them, from my review of the album, it really added to my enjoyment of the set. Little Teeth were superb.

Our first band in the Molotow backyard were Zurich’s The High Times. The High Times are Zurich punk heroes Überyou’s sister band. They formed just before the lockdown and this was our first opportunity to see them live. I can remember Überyou filming a live set during lockdown for Booze Cruise and during that set The High Times performed some songs and they were fantastic. They then released a superb debut named Heat. I was pumped to see them. We made sure we got ourselves a good spot down the front of the stage to watch their set. As they began their first song, the thing that struck me was how much less polished they were than on record. I don’t mean that in a bad way either, Dom’s vocals have a bit more of a raw style to them live and I really enjoyed that. The highlights came when Dom and Marc shared vocal duties and created this huge sound. The band have this great chemistry on stage and this pours out into the audience. I think there were a lot of people saying “wow” at the end of their performance.

Back inside Molotow for Arterials was next on the agenda. Arterials were my find of Booze Cruise 2019 – I was blown away by their intense take on 90s melodic punk rock. Lead singer Flo has an incredible stage presence making them a hugely watchable band, as well as excellent songwriters. Since then the Hamburg four-piece have released the excellent The Spaces In Between and I was so excited to see some songs from it live for the first time ever. It was nice to enter Molotow and see that a big crowd had gathered to see the band. They started with a bang and were every bit as amazing as I remembered. Much like in 2019, I was captivated by what I was watching on stage. Even in the Molotow Club heat the band were giving it everything, playing a mixture of songs from Spaces In Between and previous album Constructive Summer. There was little banter between songs as the band continued to tear through their set, this only added to the band’s intensity and it was absolutely great. The set sadly flew by far too quickly for my liking – I would have happily stared open mouthed at the stage for much longer – but unfortunately all things must come to an end. The set ended in quite confusing way (especially for a non-German speaker) as partway through the final song (The Spaces In Between, I think) the guitarist chucked their guitar at their amp and that was that. Despite this abrupt end, Arterials played one of my favourite sets of the entire festival.

We then ventured outside to the backyard to watch a bit of Lagwagon before moving on to our next venue. I can’t admit to being the biggest Lagwagon fan but I do always enjoy them when I see them live. I was also very intrigued to see what it would be like to see Lagwagon in a venue setting such as Molotow’s backyard. It was a packed crowd to see the Californians play their set. We only hung around for three songs (After You My Friends, Falling Apart, Violins) before heading off and letting some of the folk waiting outside the venue in. It was so packed that a one in one out system was happening.

Next we headed to Nochwache to see Hell’s Ditch. The band had been one of my highlights from Bristol Booze Cruise a week earlier and I was keen to see them again. I was especially keen after speaking to bass player Christian earlier in the day and learning of Nick and Jonny’s travel woes. Their flight had been cancelled and the pair had chosen to drive 600 miles to get to the festival instead. That’s some dedication to playing their first show on the mainland! If you read the first part of our Hamburg review you will know about my dislike of the Nochwache long thin stage with the drummer in the corner. It’s weird. It looked even stranger when a band has six members like Hell’s Ditch do. Unfortunately there were some sound issues in the venue that plagued not just Hell’s Ditch but Captain Asshole after them as well. This didn’t prevent Hell’s Ditch playing a stunning set however, having seen them the week before and at MPF in April there weren’t any new surprises in the set for me – except when Nick got on someone in the crowd’s shoulders to sing during the set, that was new. It was a super fun set with bangers such as Vacant Hearts, Hope Is Hope and The Likes Of Us sounding great despite the sound issues. Hell’s Ditch are playing gigs here, there and everywhere and I seriously suggest that you go see them, they are the real deal.

Next were the band I was most excited for over the entire weekend/month/year of music, Munich’s Captain Asshole. Gosh, I love this band. I had already christened the day Captain Asshole day as soon as I’d woken up that day and everything was leading up to this next thirty minutes. I positioned myself at the front of the stage, right in front of singers Manu and Max and I was giddy. This is what I expect that people who care about Christmas feel the morning of the big event. Sadly there were some issues getting the sound right, especially with the lead guitar, but that didn’t stop the band playing an excellent set and me having the time of my life. As soon as they began set opener Dave Lizewski, I sang as loudly as I could and my fist was constantly found punching the air above me. This was my first opportunity to see the band since they released their brand new album of the year contender, Successfully Not Giving Up, and all the songs they played from it fit the set list perfectly. Even with the lack of lead guitar, they sounded great. It was during this set that the ska kid in me came out and I sang the guitar solos like I would a horn line in a ska song. This might be too much of being a fanboy nerd but I was having the best time so didn’t really care. Of course, they also played plenty of bangers from What An Awful Life, the album that started my love for the band as well as being a big influence into my exploration into the brilliance of European punk rock. Captain Asshole played a set that lived up to all my build up, even with the guitar problems, and I’m so excited to see them again this year at Punk Rock Holiday in Slovenia and The Fest in Gainesville. I look forward to the next Captain Asshole day!

After Captain Asshole’s set we made the trek to Hafenklang/Goldener Salon for Career Suicide and 100 Kilo Herz. When we arrived, Career Suicide were well under way playing to a super packed room in Goldener Salon so we went and found somewhere to sit and wait for 100 Kilo Herz. Enjoying a delicious Fritz Cola, I noticed that all of the band’s flight cases were still on the floor and it was about fifteen minutes before they were due on. They eventually got the cases cleared and began to soundcheck just before they were due to start playing. Then there seemed to be some difficultly with the monitors and it was getting well into their scheduled set time. By the time they seemed to be ready it was time for us to leave to go to Überquell for The Sewer Rats and The Jukebox Romantics. I was quite disappointed with what happened with 100 Kilo Herz but these things happen so I just hope I’ll get the chance to see them again.

We arrived at Überquell for the final two bands of our day and it was safe to say we were quite exhausted. I can’t think of two better bands to give you that last dose of energy to get you through the night than The Sewer Rats and The Jukebox Romantics. The Sewer Rats were the first to take to the stage. The band had become a firm favourite of mine since the last Booze Cruise and I was pleased for the opportunity to see them once again. Since I last got to see them, they have released the excellent Magic Summer album. If memory serves correctly, they opened the set with the album’s lead single Rejuvenate which was the perfect choice. It’s a song about recapturing your youth and forgetting about your day-to-day struggles. That’s what Booze Cruise and all festivals are really, a chance of escapism that everyone needs from time to time. The Sewer Rats are one of the most fun bands to watch. They write catchy songs with great sing-alongs and are played in such a fun loving spirit that makes it hard not to smile when seeing the band. I enjoyed The Sewer Rats set so much that I made plans to catch them again on the MS Tonne the next day.

Our final band of the day was New York’s Jukebox Romantics. It seems I only ever see the band in Hamburg and I’m fine with that because they are absolutely loved and pull such a good crowd. Starting the set with Buried With Children, which included frontman Mike Terry running through the crowd during the extended intro to get the crowd pumped up (not that they really needed it), from then on it was one big party. The band’s passionate style of punk rock is made to shout along with and that’s exactly what the crowd at Überquell did. It was great to hear older songs such as the aforementioned Buried With Children and Breaking Rad alongside newer songs like Hey Nora. The Jukebox Romantics also love to throw in a cover or two during their set as well, on this occasion it was True Believers by The Boucning Souls and Blink-182’s Go, they smashed both songs. JBR are one of those bands that seem to unite a room which, I guess, is a big reason why they get so much love. They come across as genuine fans of the festival and are so pleased to be able to travel and play Booze Cruise. It seems like Hamburg is just as much a home for them as New York is and it’s a wonderful thing to witness. This was a party and the best way to end the Saturday.

Captain Asshole day was a wonderful day!

This review was written by Colin Clark. Photos by Emma Prew.

Emma’s Top Ten Albums of 2020

2020 has been overwhelming rubbish, hasn’t it? It’s been a weird ol’ year for new music although there hasn’t exactly been a lack of it. I started the year – pre-COVID but also through the beginning of lockdown and working from home (when I could listen to whatever I wanted as I worked) – being excited to discover new artists. According to my ‘Spotify Wrapped’ this year, I discovered over 600 new artists which is pretty good going, especially without going to gigs. Of course, I was also looking forward to hearing new albums from many of my existing favourite artists this year.

Unfortunately, it got to a point over the summer and beyond where I just wasn’t that enthused about listening to music in general – new or otherwise. (I listened to a lot of podcasts instead.) I also went through a period of not really feeling inspired to write reviews, even if I was enjoying an album, so I hope to rectify that somewhat with my end of year list (and honourable mentions). It’s worth pointing out that I still have albums that came out this year on my metaphorical ‘need to listen to properly list’ but I guess there’s always going to be more albums to listen to in a year and I will check them out when I can.

I’m afraid I haven’t been organised enough this year to put together a top ten EPs list as I have done in previous years. I do, however, want to give a little shout out to some of my favourites:

Ghosts, Guilt & Grandparents by Toodles & The Hectic Pity
Lobotany by Cheerbleederz
Whichever, Whatever by Expert Timing
The Bin Collection by Mitch, Please
Proper Confessions by Brightview

There are also some great albums that didn’t quite make my top ten but are certainly worth a mention here:

5 Years Behind by THICK
Cause A Stir by Charmpit
Punisher by Phoebe Bridgers
Jump Rope Gazers by The Beths
Dream Nails by Dream Nails

Now onto the really good stuff… without further ado, here are my top ten albums of 2020:

10. The Spaces In Between by Arterials

Perhaps it’s due to my increasing frustration at the state of the world, from people’s selfish panic buying to littering of single-use face masks and my overwhelming climate anxiety, but I’ve really enjoyed listening to somewhat heavier and angrier music this year than I previously would have. It’s a real good stress reliever. The Spaces In Between by Hamburg, Germany’s Arterials is certainly on the more singalong fists-in-the-air side of melodic hardcore but, whatever you want to label it, it sure packs a punch. With subject matter ranging from friendship, politics and climate change, there’s a lot of food for thought on The Space In Between and I think, particularly in 2020, having songs that really make you think and feel something are important now more than ever. I’m also gutted to have not been able to hear these songs played live at Booze Cruise Festival in the summer, maybe next year…

Favourite song: Pump The Brakes

9. Me, Myself And Something Else by Call Me Malcolm

Despite the ongoing pandemic, this year has been a big one for Kent DIY ska punks Call Me Malcolm. They returned with their third album, Me, Myself And Something Else in May – the follow-up to 2018’s CPRW favourite I Was Broken When You Got Here. It was self-released here in UK but was also released in the US through the amazing Wiretap Records. Understandably, they’ve been getting increasingly popular across the pond and I’m sure they’d have a tour booked and announced for 2021 (perhaps with Kill Lincoln) had this year gone a little differently. As for the album itself, it picks off where Broken left off with deep, hard-hitting lyrics tackling anxiety and depression that are accompanied by some of the catchiest horn lines and riffs in ska punk. I want nothing more than to dance like crazy and sing along to these new songs at our beloved New Cross Inn as Malcolm are a band best served live. Like many things, I’ll just have to wait and settle for bopping around my living room.

Favourite song: Also, Spiders

8. Untenable by Bad Moves

Bad Moves, from Washington, D.C., were a new discovery for me this year. I was intrigued to check out Untenable, which was released on Don Giovanni Records in June, when I saw several people raving about it on Twitter. The folks at Specialist Subject Records also talked about it on their podcast, Flick Through, and Erica’s love for the band was more than enough encouragement for me to give the album a listen. Untenable is twelve infectiously catchy, upbeat and feel-good – for the most part – tunes that I guess could be best described as indie punk or power pop. The vocals come from all four members of the band throughout the album and bring so much energy and enthusiasm to the table. It truly feels like a bunch of best friends just having the most fun making music together and all while managing to deliver a slick and intricate piece of musicianship.

Favourite song: Working For Free

7. The Distance Between by Arms & Hearts

This is probably the album that was most fresh in my mind when it came to deciding on this list. Arms & Hearts has been a firm favourite of mine for a number of years and their debut album was at least one thing I was looking forward to in 2020. Released in November, I knew that The Distance Between by the Manchester-based acoustic punk troubadour was certain to make an appearance here from the first time I listened to it – it was just that good. It is clearly a leap forward from their previous releases – which were by no means bad – and for a band that was essentially a solo project, the album has very full sound. At times, it feels like a melodic punk band rather than one man and an acoustic guitar. The Distance Between has some pretty dark and emotional subject matter but it’s a hugely cathartic listening experience from start to finish.

Favourite song: Kerouac On A Minimum Wage

6. Get Your Retaliation In First by 3dBs Down

What a surprise gem of an album this was! Colin and I know 3dBs Down as being Paul BeSharp’s favourite band of all time and we’ve had the pleasure of seeing them live a few times in recent years, despite not knowing them ‘back in the day’. Get Your Retaliation In First is the band’s first new music for 15 years (!) and I don’t doubt for a second that it was well worth the wait for long-time fans. I first heard this album when Colin was listening to an advanced copy in preparation for writing his review of it and I remember turning to him after just a couple of tracks and saying ‘This is really good’. It’s so distinctly unlike anything else that I’m not even sure how I would describe this album. There’s a bit of ska in there but this is not really a ska punk album, there are some super catchy melodies, singalong moments and incredibly earwormy harmonies threaded throughout but it’s not quite pop punk. I suppose it’s just a brilliant album and needs no further defining.

Favourite song: Idiot Ignorant Evil

5. Seamless by Pardon Us

Congratulations to Pardon Us for being the first band to appear on my end of year albums list for two years running! 2019’s Wait, which was also the band’s debut full-length, was a really great album and I think they may have surpassed it with the follow-up, Seamless, which was released in August this year on the always excellent Everything Sucks Music. The Liverpudlian three-piece play blisteringly fast paced pop punk music – there are twelve songs on Seamless and all of them are under three minutes long – with a strong political and humanitarian message. To paraphrase from my full review of the album, Seamless is a top notch album packed with catchy melodies and intelligent, thoughtful lyrical content that is hugely relevant to the world we live in. Basically, it has something for everyone.

Favourite song: Still Needs Singing

4. Show Me The Blueprints. by Days N Daze

I’ve always been a fan of punk music of the folk variety and one of my very favourite ‘folk punk’ albums of 2020 comes from Houston, Texas’ long-running band Days N Daze. Show Me The Blueprints. was released in May and it is the band’s eighth full-length as well as their debut release with the legendary Fat Wreck Chords. I’m not sure if it’s the label’s influence specifically but I would say that this album is perhaps more accessible to punk fans that are not necessarily likely to listen to a band with instruments such as a banjo in their ensemble. It’s still got the raw heart and soul of their previous material but is perhaps a little more well-crafted. Both Jesse Sendejas and Whitney Flynn’s vocals are brilliant throughout – often providing backing harmonies for one another – as they each sing of their own experiences dealing with addiction and their struggles with mental health. Of course, the melodies and instrumentation throughout the album are excellent but it’s the lyrics that really pulled me into this album and earned it this spot high up in my list.

Favourite song: Saboteurs

3. You Or Someone You Know by Worriers

When You Or Someone You Know by Worriers was released at the beginning of March, I didn’t know that my two (or was it three?) opportunities to see them live for the first time would soon be washed away when 2020’s hopes and dreams went down the drain. I also didn’t know that this album would come to be about so much more than just, ahem, the end of the world – or at least the climate changing, political meltdown end of the world as opposed to the global health crisis end of the world that 2020 has become. This is not a heavy, or even the most typically punk sounding, album but it has such a huge sound with hooky guitar melodies, dreamy keys and just the most incredible vocals and lyrics. Lauren Denitzio has one of my favourite voices in punk rock and their delivery is always so powerful regardless of the volume in which they are projecting. The album is on the one hand melancholic and on the other optimistic, either way it gives me a warm fuzzy feeling to listen to again and again.

Favourite song: What Comes Next?

2. Brave Faces Everyone by Spanish Love Songs

It would be a pretty fair observation to describe my adoration of emotional punk rockers Spanish Love Songs over the past few years as something close to an obsession. I was obviously excited for Brave Faces Everyone, which was released way back in February, although I was also fairly apprehensive. It couldn’t possibly live up to 2018’s Schmaltz. Could it? Well, now having listening to it an awful lot this year, I can honestly say that I think this is even better than Schmaltz. Similar to You Or Someone You Know by Worriers, this is an album that has taken on a new meaning as this year progressed – ‘“It won’t be this bleak forever.” Yeah right. “It won’t be this bleak forever.” I hope you’re right.’ Brave Faces Everyone has undoubtedly made the seemingly never ending dystopia of 2020 that bit more bearable. It’s heart-wrenchingly emotive from start to finish, not least because it’s relatable for any twenty or thirty something with a conscience, but also makes you want to throw your fist in the air and scream your lungs out. It’s an album to be listened to front to back and then all over again. And if that doesn’t make for a great album then I don’t know what does.

Favourite song: Optimism (As A Radical Life Choice)

1. Life, Death And Everything In Between by Stöj Snak

No surprises here! If you happened to read my essay of a review of Life, Death And Everything In Between by Danish folk punks Stöj Snak just a few months ago then I’m sure you saw this coming, such was my outpouring of passion for these twelve songs. Earlier this year I thought it was going to be tough for anything to top Spanish Love Songs but then Stöj Snak returned in October. Life, Death And Everything In Between is the band’s second full-length album that I’ve been waiting four long years for – to be honest, I wasn’t really sure it would actually be released this year. From the acapella opening track Reasons To Smile, through to raucous yet melodic fast-paced numbers such as Trees, This Condition and and Fire and not one, not two, but three tracks of epic proportions – Bliss Point, Songs About Beliefs and album closer and title track, Life, Death And Everything In Between – this album delivers on so many levels. Niels Højgaard Sørensen’s lyricism is so captivating that I find listening to his songs as enticing as a really, really good book. There are so many intricate touches interwoven throughout this album, it’s clear that the process of writing and recording it was not at all rushed. Everything has been considered and, I said it in my original review and I’ll say it again here, I consider this album to be a masterpiece. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Please, if you haven’t already, go away and listen to Life, Death And Everything In Between. If you have listened to it before, just listen to it again!

Favourite song: Songs About Beliefs

Thank you to all the bands mentioned above for making this year a hell of a lot more enjoyable. 2021 should hopefully be better than 2020 in many ways but it’s still going to be tough to beat some of the very best albums that this year has brought us.

This top ten was written by Emma Prew.

Colin's Top Ten Albums and EPs of 2020

I think it’s fair to say that 2020 hasn’t been a year with much to look back on too fondly. The Coronavirus has brought the world to a halt, people have died, people have lost jobs and businesses, and the world seems more divided than ever at a time when we should be coming together. The world of music has been hit as hard as any other industry due to bands not being able to play gigs or, in a lot of cases, even be able to meet up to practice. For a lot of bands, plans to get back into a studio to record new music has either been severely delayed or just cancelled all together.

I think it’s also fair to say that, because of what’s happened in 2020, it’s been difficult for a lot people to have the enthusiasm to check out new music. It’s been a mentally tough year for everyone and people have preferred to go back to old favourites that they find comfort in rather than going out of their way to find new bands. Personally, when I’m struggling I find a comfort and excitement in going online and discovering lots of new bands from the world of punk rock. I think 2020 has been a mega year for new music. Frankly, I’m surprised I’ve managed to find so many great new bands considering the restrictions in recording and playing shows. When we first started to think about our end of year lists there was a lot of worry about being able to pick ten new releases that you think are worthy of a top ten list. I ended up with a shortlist of about twenty five albums and twenty EPs. I also had to cut out a few splits as the decisions would have been far too difficult to make. As with every year, I’ve put far more thought into this than is probably necessary but I do have a big passion for promoting music I love and wish for more people to check out bands I think are amazing.

Before getting to the top tens here are some honourable mentions: Toodles & The Hectic Pity, Swayze, Out Of Love, The Chinkees, Beat The Smart Kids, Maladroit, Jerks!, Hangtime, Got Trash, Aerial Salad, American Television, Apathy Cycle, Bashful, Broadway Calls, Custody, Foreign Bier, Goldfinger, Jet8, Kid You Not, Less Than Jake, Millie Manders & The Shut Up, Panic Problem, The Raging Nathans, Red City Radio, The Special Bombs, Wolf-Face and The Yum Yums.

Lastly, before revealing my lists, I wish to point out this isn’t a list of what I think the best releases are. Music isn’t a competition and you can’t have a “best” album or EP because it is all subjective. This is a list of releases that I have had the most fun listening to, have excited me or have touched me emotionally.

Imagine reading almost five hundred words of an end of year list before finding out which bands are on the list, probably a bit of overkill really. Right, on with the lists.

Top Ten EPs of 2020

10. Dead Inside by CF98

One of the bands I was most disappointed not to see at the cancelled MPF this year was Poland’s CF98. In the spring they released this fantastic skate punk EP full of interesting, uplifting and powerful songs. In the past few years it’s been wonderful to see more and more bands that aren’t just men having impacts on the skate punk scene and Dead Inside shows exactly why CF98 are so highly thought of. When gigs are allowed again, CF98 are high on my list of must see bands.

9. Proper Confessions by Brightview

Brightview are one of a number of bands in this article that I discovered this year via Bandcamp. They are a three piece band from Germany who play emotional punk rock. When I first listened to their EP Proper Confessions I was instantly reminded of Against Me! and The Gaslight Anthem. At times the band has this raw, folky style and at times there’s a hint of Americana storytelling involved. I’m not sure why more people haven’t been talking about these guys as, to me, they are one of the most exciting new bands I’ve heard in recent times. If Stefan and the Booze Cruise team happen to be reading this, please could you find a spot on next year’s festival for Brightview – thank you!

8. You Belong Here by Shinjoku Riot

When I first listened to You Belong Here by Mexican pop punks Shinjoku Riot it almost felt like they wrote the EP with me in mind. All four songs have this wonderful sing-along quality, with Rafael’s vocals really seeming to have improved since their last release, All We Have Is Now. You Belong here starts out in an urgent manor and finishes with what I think is the best song they’ve written so far in Face First To The Ground. This is one of those releases that I imagine will be even better performed live than it is recorded.

7. Alright by The Hype Pathetics

The Hype Pathetics are a band that I covered quite recently and I had so much fun reviewing them that I had to include them in this list. The three piece from Denver, Colorado, play fast and fun power pop punk music. This EP is so much fun. It’s the type that will you have you at the very least tapping your toes but you’re more than likely to find yourself having a full on dance party wherever you are listening to it. Every time I’ve listened to it I’ve found myself shaking my thang and having the most fun in the world. Something that has been desperately needed in 2020.

6. Pretend It’s Not Over by Resuscitators

I was in two minds about whether or not to include Pretend It’s Not Over by Resuscitators on this list due to their connection with CPRW Records but then I listened to the EP again and decided I had to as it’s really, really good. I have a memory of the band’s drummer Kyle coming up to me outside New Cross not long after the EP had been recorded and playing me some songs on his phone. Obviously, being played on a phone outside of a busy gig, it wasn’t easy to hear the songs so clearly but what I did hear was superb and it got me excited for the release. In my opinion the EP is such a big step up from the band’s previous material and has hopefully showcased them to a whole new group of fans. If you enjoy fast, melodic, gruff punk rock then Resuscitators should be on your radar.

5. Grower by Burnt Tapes

I’m not sure there are many bands in the UK DIY scene that work harder than the Burnt Tapes. Never a band that stands still for long, the band released Grower this year. Featuring three brand new tracks alongside an acoustic version of the fan favourite Yuzi, this yet again shows some more growth in the band’s songwriting. With each release the band seem to find their sound more and more, along with gaining new fans with each release. The Tapes were supposed to make two trips to America this year and I’m sure that they would have received incredible receptions wherever they played.

4. Tales From A Red Flag Galaxy by Stubborn Hearts

Stubborn Hearts are another band I found on Bandcamp and had a really fun time reviewing. They are a two piece from New York who play urgent melodic punk rock. Tales From A Red Flag Galaxy blew me away the first time I listened to it. It’s a bit of a throwback to the 90s punk sound but also feels fresh. Lead singer Jenn Lombari’s vocals are captivating whether they’re singing in a fast paced tempo or a slower more angst-fuelled style. The songs are brilliantly catchy but also contain a lot of substance and, for a two piece, they manage to make a lot of noise. The EP also finishes with a wonderful cover of Outer Space by The Muffs, so check it out for that reason alone.

3. Someday, One Day by Modern Shakes

When I first heard Someday, One Day by Modern Shakes I fully expected the band to do the double for my favourite EP of the year, having previously topped 2019’s list with Murmur. It says alot about just how good I think numbers one and two in my list are that Someday, One Day is number three. I feel that the band are one of London’s best kept secrets and if 2020 hadn’t gone the way that it has then these guys would have played gigs all around the UK by now on the back of this EP. If you’re not aware of Modern Shakes yet, they are front by former Janowski frontman Ian Crooks, who in my opinion has one of the best voices in punk rock at the moment and they play melodic pop punk music that would fit perfectly on a The Fest line up. They write songs about life as you approach your thirties and the problems that you face. I’m looking forward to 2021 and hopefully seeing these guys absolutely smash it.

2. Straight To VHS by Abandon The Midwest

Straight To VHS has everything I love about punk rock on it – catchy songs that I can relate to, dual and gang vocals and a raw and urgent energy to it. From the first moment I listened to it I was absolutely hooked. It’s been out about six months now and I still find myself getting so excited whenever I listen to it. I really love the contrasting vocals the band have. BJ’s cleaner pop vocals and Matt’s raspy, gruff vocals give the band their own recognisable sound. When you hear a song come on you’ll know it’s Abandon The Midwest. The Orlando based band have also released my song of the year in Mistreat Yourself. It’s a mid-tempo sing-along, fist in the air riot that I am aching to see live. Hey Tony and The Fest team, if you happen to be reading this, could you put Abandon The Midwest on the line up next year please? Thank you.

1. My Name Is by ALLDEEPENDS

I don’t think I had a more anticipated release for 2020 than My Name Is by ALLDEEPENDS. After seeing one of their first gigs at Book Yer Ane Fest at the end of 2019 I was itching to hear some recorded material from the band. My Name Is was eventually released by the legends that are Make-That-A-Take Records in the summer and I was blown away. Combining folk, hardcore and rap – three genres that aren’t usually bed buddies – and creating one of the most unique and exciting sounds I’ve heard in forever. I can’t say enough good things about this band. They are the band that I’ve recommended whenever someone has asked for something new to listen to this year. The EP is full of this raw energy that explodes from the speakers and seeps into your body. I always find myself getting so pumped up whenever I listen to My Name Is. This EP reminds me of what I first loved about punk rock in the first place – it makes me feel things, it makes me think, it makes me sing and most of all it makes me smile. I really can’t think of a better debut EP I’ve heard in a very long time. I’ve been listening to it relentlessly for six months now and that excitement I had when I first heard the EP is as high now as it was back then.

Top Ten Albums of 2020

10. Walter Concrete by Dead In Four

Dead In Four nearly appeared twice on my lists as they also released a fantastic EP in the form of Media Shower in 2020. Another of my 2020 Bandcamp discoveries, Dead In Four is the project of Mark Oslord from Bedford, New Hampshire. Walter Concrete is the softer of the two releases but features ten songs of brilliant dreamy punk rock. Oslord’s voice reminds me of a mix of Em Foster of Nervus and Matt Skiba of Alkaline Trio and is just fantastic.

9. No Slow TempOs by Youth On Drugs

I think this year, more than any other, it’s been important to find the fun and silliness in music. Music, like a lot of art forms, is a type of escapism. No Slow TempOs offer one of the most fun releases of the year. This is catchy pop punk that doesn’t take itself too seriously, something that’s really been needed this year. Youth On Drugs have such an infectious sound and every time you listen to them you’ll find something new that you love. Is there a country that produces better pop punk bands than Canada?

8. Magic Summer by The Sewer Rats

I’ve been in love with The Sewer Rats since first seeing them at Hamburg Booze Cruise in 2019. In the summer of 2020 they released a new album titled Magic Summer, released in the UK by our friends at Disconnect Disconnect Records, and it ruled. The four piece combine Lookout Records style pop punk with a hint of skate punk to create a sound like no other. Thematically the band talk about growing up and falling in love alongside more serious topics such as veganism. Whatever they’re singing about, you’ll be singing along with them due to their incredible skill at writing catchy hooks.

7. Can’t Complain by Kill Lincoln

Can’t Complain by Kill Lincoln felt like the most anticipated ska punk album to be released in years before it came out in August. It did not disappoint. Squeezing eleven tracks into twenty-nine minutes, the album is a high octane thrill ride that barely pauses for breath. Can’t Complain sees the band at the very top of their game, not just with their playing skills but also with their songwriting. It feels like the popularity of ska punk is rapidly growing again in the United States and Kill Lincoln are at the forefront of the new movement.

6. 42 Losers by Melanie

Emo/pop punk isn’t a usual go to when I’m checking out new bands but I absolutely loved 42 Losers by New Zealand’s Melanie. What really grabbed me about this album is the raw emotion that comes from James Dentice’s vocals throughout 42 Losers. Whether it’s more of an uptempo song or a slower track, you just can’t ignore them. Given that Melanie are based in New Zealand, it feels unlikely that I’ll ever see them live and this makes me sad. Good thing that I now have 42 Losers to listen to when I am sad.

5. Revolution Summer by The Suicide Machines

This might be a controversial statement (feel free to disagree in the comments) but I think Revolution Summer by The Suicide Machines is the best thing Fat Wreck Chords have released in years. The long running ska punks from Detroit returned with their first new full length in fifteen years and they feel invigorated. Revolution Summer retains all of the social political commentary that the band have become known for but there’s also a feeling of positivity that really took the album to another level for me. This is an album that’s compulsory listening in 2020. I’ve listened to it a lot!

4. Slurring The Rhythms by Shut Up! Twist Again!

European punk rock has become a big part of my life in recent years and I’m always looking for new bands to discover. Without a doubt my favourite discovery of 2020 are French indie punks Shut Up! Twist Again!. The band released their second album Slurring The Rhythms on Guerilla Asso and Fond Of Life Records in August and I stumbled across it a month or so later and was hooked. The thing that first attracted me to the band was their ability to write songs that make me want to sing along. I like to feel involved in the music I’m listening to and that’s certainly the case for Slurring The Rhythms. Musically you can hear just how much thought has gone into every song on the album and the use of gang vocals are second to none. Hey, Stefan, if you’re booking Brightview for Booze Cruise Festival could you also find room for Shut Up! Twist Again! please? 

3. The Spaces In Between by Arterials

Another band I’ve been telling everyone to check out this year is Hamburg’s Arterials. I first fell in love with them whilst watching them play on a boat in Hamburg. The energy that they had live was brilliant and lead singer Flo has those wonderfully raspy vocals that I always enjoy. I was lucky enough to get an early listen of the band’s new album, The Spaces In Between, during the spring and I knew straight away that it would place highly in my end of year list. Each and every song on the album spoke to me in one way or another. I think it’s important for punk music to make you feel something, whether it’s feelings of catharsis, empowerment and influence or anything else. The Spaces In Between is great at this. Topics such as mental health, political and social injustices, friendship and climate change are all featured on the album. If you’ve not checked this out yet then make sure you do soon, it’s another important record for 2020.

2. Me, Myself And Something Else by Call Me Malcolm

I’m sure nobody reading this is surprised to find Call Me Malcolm on this list. It’s no secret how much I love this band. When the band released Me, Myself And Something Else (on Wiretap Records no less) my first thoughts were how would it compare to the awesome I Was Broken When You Got Here, which is by popular opinion a masterpiece. Well, in my opinion, they topped it. Musically the album feels heavier and you can clearly hear that following Random Hand for much of 2018 and 2019 has rubbed off on Malcolm. Of course, the album touches a lot on mental health issues and coming to terms with your struggles, and the band continue to show what fantastic songwriters they are. The big highlight for me on the album is the stepping up of sax player Mark Farthing as a co-lead vocalist. When he takes lead he shines and it’s added an additional dimension to an already amazing band. There’s every chance that Me, Myself And Something Else would have been top of this list if I’d had the chance to see any of these songs played live this year, I can’t wait to get the chance to!

1. Get Your Retaliation In First by 3dBs Down

Get Your Retaliation In First by 3dBs Down blew me away like no other in 2020. 3dBs Down are a band that I discovered in the past few years after befriending Paul Smith of Be Sharp Promotions (yup, that guy) and him telling me over and over again how they are the best band ever. Fast forward to this year, when this album landed in my inbox. After seeing them live a couple of times I was expecting something decent but I really wasn’t expecting an album that is this good. The band somehow manage to combine pop punk breakdowns and ska upstrokes into one cohesive sound and also have the very best harmonies in the UK punk scene – past, present and probably the future. Get Your Retaliation In First is the band’s first album in fifteen years and it became the soundtrack of my summer. It’s also the album I probably had the most fun reviewing all year. It’s so varied, not one song sounds the same and there are so many little intricacies that you hear for the first time with each listen. I’m sure there were a lot of new people to the UK punk and ska scene that discovered 3dBs Down for the first time this year and this album is a perfect way to welcome them to what the band do. The album touches on many social and political themes but also has some of the most uplifting songs I’ve heard all year. This album really has it all, it’s a lot of fun but it also makes you feel things. And did I mention the harmonies? Jeez, they’re so good. I’ve got my fingers crossed that 3dBs Down will play Get Your Retaliation In First in full at some point next year. Hey Paul, can you book that please? Thanks! Get Your Retaliation In First is my favourite album of 2020.

This top ten was written by Colin Clark.

Chris' Top Ten Albums of 2020

Like everyone, I've found it extremely hard to come up with my 10 favourite albums this year. Seriously good releases not to make my list came from Custody, The Sewer Rats, Giant Eagles and American Television; and some old favourites also put out some really great new music as well including Broadway Calls, Lawrence Arms and Get Dead. So, 2020… the worst ever year for live music, but a pretty damn great one for recorded releases.

10. Diaz Brothers by Diaz Brothers

I find it increasingly impossible to write anything for CPRW without somehow crowbarring a mention of Leatherface in there somewhere, so here's my reference in this article. The debut from Sunderland's Diaz Brothers featuring ex members from the region's punk scene, in particular Leatherface's forerunner's HDQ, but they are most certainly not a poorman's imitation – just fantastic, fast, melodic hardcore.

9. Ways Away by Ways Away

This is probably the album I was looking forward to the most this year. A semi-supergroup featuring members of Racquet Club, Stick To Your Guns and Samiam amongst others, drawing influences from all. This is Ways Away’s debut and it didn't let me down. A must see band once things get back to normal.

8. Seamless by Pardon Us

I wasn't expecting a new album from Pardon Us as their debut only came out last year. I'm guessing because it took a while for that debut they always had plenty of songs in the bank, which means the next album is a perfect follow up to Wait – nothing has been rushed out here, the standard is tremendously high.

7. Eruptions by The Special Bombs

There's loads of great German punk, and European punk in general, around at the moment and a whole load of them made my long, short list. Eruptions is the debut from The Special Bombs from Wittibreut and it is singalong, shout it out loud bangers from start to finish.

6. Thanks, I Hate It by Kid You Not

It's hard to believe this is already Kid You Not's third album and they just get better and better. Floridian, Fest stalwarts these songs were written to be played at full volume in a packed, sweaty venue, but I'll make do with blasting this at home for now.

5. 20/20 Vision by Anti-Flag

This album was out before COVID really hit and the band were here in the UK promoting it at the start of the year. Not only was it one of the few shows any of us have managed to see this year, but it was great to be one of a select few to see them play some of these new songs live. The album is their best for some time, which is saying something as Anti-Flag don't put out duffs. It's stacked with singalong anthems we love and expect, but with the twist that it's a full on assault on the Trump administration rather than the usual broader political and social commentary.

4. Still Golden by Wolf Face

2020 was the year I actually took notice of Wolf Face. I'd always been aware of them, but had never properly taken the time to listen. It turns out, 2020 was the perfect time to discover them as Still Golden is brilliant from start to finish. Don't be put off by gimmicky masks or pseudonyms because Wolf Face Still Golden is straight up, catchy, anthemic punk.

3. Oppositional Defiance by The Raging Nathans

The Raging Nathans get better and better. I've always been a fan, but the latest album is the best yet. Midwestern melodic punk at its core with elements of skate, street, pop and even hardcore in there. Rad Girlfriend put out a tonne of great records this year and this is the very best of the lot.

2. The Spaces In Between by Arterials

The second band from Germany on my list and this is also an absolute banger from the Hamburg band. Proper fist in the air, gritty, urgent punk complete with raspy vocals, their second album quite simply offers up everything I want from a record. Arterials are at the very top of my must see list at Booze Cruise Festival in their hometown next year.

1. Under Tension by The Drowns

This came out at the very start of the year, but even back then I knew it would be one of my favourites. Gruff street punk with a bit of gravelly oi thrown in. I love it. Every track is a banger. The Drowns were due in the UK for Rebellion this year. I'm not sure if they've confirmed for next year, but I have everything crossed they'll be back and will be putting together a wider tour.

This top ten was written by Chris Bishton.