Richard's Top Ten Albums of 2020

It’s hard not to put 2020 into any sort of context without it touching on COVID in some way. I’d typically suggest that these lists are hard to produce due to the amount of material we listen to and in many ways 2020 is no different; and certainly I’ve got to acknowledge releases by bands such as Strike Anywhere and Silverstein as being unfortunate to miss out on this actual top ten despite them being exceptional. What I think has been different this year, and if you’ve heard us talking on the podcasts, is that many of our general listening habits have gone back to older material and bands we’ve grown up on; and this retrospection I think has translated across to musicians in some ways. Having reworked Silverstein classic in Redux II and semi-acoustic revisions of Bouncing Souls classics has been a real treat as has the From Exile collection delivered by The Menzingers. The COVID experience has in many ways given us the time to appreciate what we have and where we have come from and, whilst I’ve not included any of these reworked releases in my top ten, they should be highlighted as demonstrating what an effect the pandemic has had on us. Hope you enjoy the list; as always feel free to let us know what you think in the comments and stay safe!

10. Melee by Dogleg

The Michigan four piece’s debut is in many ways as if the twenty year bastardisation of “emo” didn’t happen. Certainly less pop ala My Chemical Romance and more post hardcore brilliance akin to Full Collapse era Thursday (or to be more accurate the wonderful but relatively unknown Prevent Falls), Melee by Dogleg is visceral, personal, angry and raw in every sense. Its complex arrangements off set by Alex Stoitsiadis’ painful yelps, turned raging howls. Whilst full of strong tracks,the imperious “Kawasaki Backflip” will be simply iconic in years to come; whilst last track “Ender” is every part the epic album closer… It’s a fantastic album full of surprises, and one that absolutely deserves its plaudits and acknowledgements.

9. Paradise by Red City Radio

It took a while for me to get Red City Radio; whilst I’ve enjoyed lots of songs, I’ve found them very much a one trick pony (although what a trick when you are throwing out songs like “Show Me On The Doll” or “Rest Easy”). Consequently I instantly got Paradise… it’s a much more nuanced album than they’ve produced previously. Sure it is not as brash as say Titles, and not as relentless as their self-titled, but Paradise has enough big hooks, gravel vocals and massive sing alongs to sit perfectly alongside their back catalogue, with “100,000 Candles” and “Gutterland” very much the equal to what are already considered essential songs. I’m confident in saying this is easily their most diverse and accessible release and the way their sound has expanded I’m sure it will broaden their appeal to the more heartland rock end of the punk rock spectrum.

8. Monuments by Fire In The Radio

There must be something in the Philadelphia water that keeps it churning out excellent bands. The third album from Fire In The Radio is stacked with huge songs that veer from a classic Menzingers inspired rock (“Rewind” / “Ex-SF”) to a more 80s UK indie vibe you’d associate with The Cure or The Smiths at their most catchy (“This Is My Document”). It’s one of those albums that really gets under your skin, driven by the excellent guitar work of vocalists Richard Carbone and Johnathan Miller and a rhythm section that is super tight, punchy and crisp (Adam Caldwell and Ed Olsen) there is plenty to love on Monuments. Personally this is one of those albums that came out of nowhere and blew me away immediately and it has only got more brilliant with repeated listens.

7. The Distance Between by Arms & Hearts

Steve Millar aka Arms & Hearts (taken from the Hold Steady B-Side of the same name) is in a league of his own. His heartfelt anthems invoke bleak Saddleworth moorland on windswept nights looking down on the bright warm lights of Manchester. Finally releasing a full length, which is a near perfect collection of acoustic fist in the air bangers. The Distance Between is stacked with excellent song-writing; endearing lyrics and a sharp attention to detail you associate with the acts namesake lyricist (Craig Finn). The album concludes with an excellent rendition of the previously released “Fortitude”, a song that is deserving of a massive audience belting out every word. Steve has delivered on the promise shown of the early EPs in abundance… an absolutely essential purchase from the Lancashire Springsteen.

6. Hide the Knives by Shellycoat

German skate-lite pop punkers Shellycoat dropped their third LP this year and it’s one that really deserves to take them to a wider audience. It’s a mature and confident album that plays with typical pop-punk tropes through a Euro-pop lens. Sure, it has some amazing straight up rock songs (“Antidote” and “Reverberation” the two stand outs), but leans into a really nice No Doubt pop territory on songs such as “Neonsomnia pt2”, or the magical “Harbour Scene”. Finally in Karen they have a vocalist with an explosive range. The first time I heard her voice I could sense the best bits of Tilt’s Cinder Block blasting from the stereo; it’s equal parts gruff and angelic. She packs so much character into the vocals that it’s easy to lose track of how talented the band are as unit. I really can’t wait to see where they go next!

5. Ways Away by Ways Away

Comprising alumni of some of punk / hardcore / emo’s most brilliant bands (just check the list: Samiam, Boysetsfire, Racquet Club, Knapsack, Paint it Black!), you’d expect the debut from Ways Away to stand out... and stand out it does. Full of anthemic, driving riffs, huge melodies and stacked with singalongs, this is a real tour de force that showcases the talent behind the band. From the opening “Die On The Vine” you’re treated to brilliant interpretation of modern punk-rock with a real emotional edge. Highlights have to include the raucous “Collarbone” or the ballad “Savannah”. Obviously if you are a fan of any of the aforementioned bands you’ll find something to love here; alternatively if you are desperate to find your new favourite band then you should definitely check out Ways Away.

4. Working Title by Nathan Gray

The second solo full length by Boysetsfire’s frontman is almost the complete opposite of his debut (the equally excellent) Feral Hymns. Where previously there was an all-encompassing darkness that permeated his work there is now a drive and positivity that shows Nathan Gray at his most forward looking and resilient. In fact I’d argue this is his most uplifting collection of songs to date and seeing him take such a personal and philosophical approach to life is just brilliant. This is absolutely one of the albums 2020 needed.

3. Skeleton Coast by The Lawrence Arms

I find that the Larry Arms only release songs when they have something meaningful to say, and as such it’s probably why their output has always been consistently (personally I’d go even further and say ridiculously) high. Skeleton Coast is no exception. From the franticness of “Planes, Trains And Automobiles” to the whimsy of “Last Last Words” (my personal favourite off the album), everything is executed with a meticulous precision and the heart and soul that only Neil, Brendan and Chris can deliver. Six years without new material may feel like a long time but if this is what they produce I’d happily, wait for six more!

2. Brave Faces Everyone by Spanish Love Songs

We’ve spoken at length at CPRW Towers about the fact that we can’t believe this album was released this year – such is the way the world has changed since this dropped in February. I can’t think of an album I’ve listened to as much and that has become as ingrained in me as this, the third long player by the Los Angeles misberalists. Brave Faces Everyone is almost like a forewarning for how crap 2020 would be, from its stoic title emphasising how we’ve all had to deal with the year alongside references to overzealous and out of touch policing of minority groups (“Losers 2”). Spanish Love Songs are fast becoming the time travelling Simpsons theory of the punk rock world, with their sharp social commentary which one would typically associate with exceptional hindsight. Brave Faces Everyone may not have the urgency or even the immediacy of the now iconic album that is Schmaltz but what it does have is an amazing personal resonance which rewards repeat listens with a more fervent appreciation for how great the album is, alongside demonstrating how a couple of years of intense touring have honed them into exceptional songwriters and musicians. I think we can now safely recognise Spanish Love Songs as our latest bona fide punk rock superstars.

1. The Weight And The Cost by Be Well

Brian McTernan’s return to the front of the stage is long overdue. The Battery vocalist turned producer extraordinaire has assembled a who’s who of punk and hardcore to deliver the most emotional and impassioned collection of songs this year; an album that touches all forms of mental health, especially depression, alongside the importance of family. It is an album that epically builds towards its conclusion which in this case is the single best song of the year “Confessional”. Be Well’s debut is a perfect snapshot of McTernan’s career with some excellent traditional hardcore moments, the kind of which Bane would be proud of, punctuated by gorgeous melody, pounding beats and proper pop punk moments that you’d associate with bands such as The Movielife. The Weight And The Cost is a masterpiece in every sense and news they are working on LP2 is incentive enough to get on board now before they blow up big time!

This top ten was written by Richard Mair.

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.

Album Review: Ways Away by Ways Away

I forget how I found out about Ways Away but I always enjoyed them when they popped up on my massive review playlist I have on shuffle when I’m at work. They always reminded me of Hot Water Music and I’m a big fan of that band so whenever Ways Away came on my ears pricked. It turns out that Ways Away are a bit of a super group and feature members of bands such as Stick To Your Guns, Wish You Were Here, Samiam, Knapsack, Racquet Club, Boysetsfire and The Hope Conspiracy. In July they released their self titled debut album and I’m finally getting round to reviewing it. It seems apt that I’m reviewing it on a day that I should’ve been flying out to The Fest in Gainesville as they sound like the perfect band to appear at the festival.

The album starts out with Die On The Vine. Beginning with some guitar and vocals, it’s a soft opening to the album. It feels welcoming and also introduces you to what you can expect from Ways Away. It’s a mid-tempo sound with warm guitar tones and heavy drums. Lead singer Jesse Barnett’s vocals captivate from the very start of the track and will continue to do so right through the entire album. Ways Away step things up considerably on the next track, No Means, No Ends. The jump in tempo is immediately striking and it really got me excited. The entire song has an urgent feel that I love and Jesse’s vocals become more intense and powerful on the track. It’s about trying to sever ties with a friend and that proving to be difficult and ultimately frustrating. The contrasting melodies of the verse and chorus are fantastic. The verse is packed with hooks before the chorus hits you full force. Roam With A Ghost is up next and takes things to a more sombre level. The band slows things back down for a song about spending time with someone who often causes chaos and needing to step away from that person. It seems to me as if Jesse is wanting to grow up and worries that their friend is holding them back.

The fourth track is Halfway Open. I can remember first hearing the song and getting a bit of a Alkaline Trio vibe. Always keen for that! This is a haunting pop punk song packed with more hooks than a fisherman’s pocket. The chorus is one that you will quickly find yourself singing along to as passionately as you possibly can. This is one of those songs that has so many little things hidden in it that you’ll find something new to love every time you listen. Everyone I Know (The Optimist) brings us to the halfway point of the album. The track is about seeing all these people with big plans for the future having them blow up in their face and it feeling great because those people have always looked down on you. This is one of the band’s slower and softer songs. The melody really hooks you in though and you’ll find yourself tapping your toes and listening intently. As the song finishes there is an added intensity and the final lines of “but I can’t lie it feels great, I feel great” being shouted is a great touch to finish the song with.

Savannah starts the second half of the album off with the question “will I ever learn, to wait my fucking turn?” Here we find Ways Away in retrospective territory. Jesse sings about looking back on past mistakes and trying to learn from them. There are some subtle harmonies sprinkled throughout the song which adds to the emotion in the song and the higher pitched tones of the guitars add some nice atmosphere. The seventh song is Drop Line Sink. This is another atmospheric song that, after a soft start, I really expected to explode into life. Surprisingly it never did but that didn’t stop me really enjoying the track. The vocals on the track feel a bit muted in the production, this really allows Jared Shavelson’s drum to shine through. The drums feel like the driving force throughout the entire song, controlling the tempo and the mood. Up next is Gila. Gila was another stand out song when it came on during shuffle. The opening drum beat and then guitar riff really captured my imagination and the first set of vocals sound huge. It sounds as if there is an echo effect used on those opening vocals that give them a different sound to what we’ve heard so far on the album. That aforementioned guitar riff makes me think of something from an early Against Me! album whilst the vocals have a grungey quality to them which makes Gila stand out from anything else on the album.

The penultimate song is titled Collarbone. This song starts with some wailing guitars that really amp the energy back up. For me this was really needed as it gives the album a shot of adrenaline to keep the album going. There’s a forcefulness in the way that the vocals are delivered that helps add even more energy and also adds the song’s hooks. The song is about coming out of a relationship and feeling like you can escape from that person. You can really feel the emotion in Jesse’s voice and that really added to my enjoyment of the song. The album is completed with What Are We Gonna Do About Matthew? This song is about reaching out to someone who has been going through a tough time while you’ve not been around. The track feels extremely personal to Jesse but also could be extremely relatable to anyone who’s going through a similar thing. I’m sure at some point we all feel like we could have been a better friend or family member to someone who’s going through tough times. This song finishes the album on a sad note but also leaves a lasting impression that you probably won’t forget in a hurry.

Given the collection of musicians in Ways Away, there was no doubt that this was going to be a great album. Surprisingly, I haven’t noticed many people really hyping this album up as it’s a really solid album. If you’re a fan of bands that play The Fest then Ways Away will be right up your street.

Stream Ways Away on Spotify and buy physical copies of the album here.

Like Ways Away on Facebook here.

This review was written by Colin Clark.