Marcus' Top Ten Albums of 2020

2020. What a time to barely be alive. It’s okay to say that this year sucked, while also recognizing that some good things still happened. Trump’s on his way out of the White House, I’ve managed to teach a classroom of six-year-olds (and a few online kids) to become better readers, and, against all odds, some great humans put out some kick ass records.

Before getting into some of my favorites of the year, I want to shout out Bandcamp who have worked better than most large platforms to support independent artists. Showing off your Spotify Wrapped is a cool way to hype your favorite bands (I posted mine on Twitter as well), but if the music is good, pay the artist. In a year when touring came to a screeching halt, supporting the artists you love should be a priority if you have the means.

Alright, let’s get to ’em.

10. Envier les vivants by Intenable 

(May 29th, Guerilla Asso)

I used to be one of those people who had to “know what the lyrics were” to be able to enjoy a song. My mind has since become enlightened, and though I may have ranked it higher if it was in English or Spanish, the indie-punk greatness of Envier les vivants by Intenable is obvious to me. I haven’t looked up any of the translations for their song titles, so in my head, I’m usually like “oh, this is that loud crashing song” or “this is that fists in the air banger” or “this is that fast song with the great riff”. Antho’s résumé (the guy who drums on the record, but is a multi-instrumentalist) is impressive, having played in Guerilla Poubelle, Quitters, Mauvise Pioche, and even Arms Aloft when they’ve toured Europe. Très bien if you ask me.

Tracks to check out: “Nuéesardentes”, “L’aube des vaincus”, and “Votre couleur, le noir.”

9. You or Someone You Know by Worriers

(March 6th, 6131 Records) 

After previewing the summery, power pop sound of “Big Feelings”, I knew I had to add this release to my watchlist. However, what stands out on You or Someone You Know aren’t just the occasional driving-with-the-windows-down vibes, but Lauren Denitzio’s introspective and personal lyrics, ranging from climate change to toxic relationships to LGBT issues. They’re not all happy sounds, however, as Worriers definitely live up to their name. The “worrying” expressed on the record isn’t the paralyzing, helpless kind, but the kind that recognizes the issues and fights like hell to fix them. It’s a blend of hope and worry that would be hard for any band to balance on one record, but they pull it off. The catchiest, most accessible songs on the record are the first three, although repeat listens have shown me that the back half of the record is just as great.

Tracks to check out: “End Of The World”, “PWR CPLE”, and “What Comes Next?”

8. Eruptions by The Special Bombs

(March 20th, SBÄM Records) 

Do you like The Bouncing Souls? Well, The Special Bombs love the Souls. If someone told me that Eruptions was the product of a Back To The Future-style process wherein four guys from Lower Bavaria used a DeLorean to travel back in time to snatch a demo tape of songs from New Jersey and used them to make a record of their own to release in 2020, I might be convinced that time travel was in fact possible. There’d be some plot holes, of course; namely, WHY DID THEY CHOOSE TO COME BACK TO 2020? But the rest would be somewhat plausible.

Tracks to check out: “Still Dreaming”, “Nothing In The World”, and “United”

7. Majorly – Don’t Boldly Go

(July 24th, Broken Camera Records)

What subgenre of punk is Majorly? Man, hell if I know. Majorly is mostly one dude (Chris Kaya, who, according to the bandcamp page, did the guitars, bass, drum programming, pianos, synths, melodica, omnichord, digital horn, and trombone on the record) that makes a bunch of noise. The noise is good, usually melodic, but doesn’t stick specifically to one sound. If there is a common thread with most of the songs, it’s that they’re all self-deprecating and easy (for me) to relate to. If you’re okay with your punk getting a little weird (I workshopped the phrase “weird bedroom punk”, but it didn’t test well), it’s well worth it to stretch just a little outside your comfort zone.

Tracks to check out: “Fairgrounds”, “The Midnight Sitcoms”, and “Mary Banilow”

6. Teenage Halloween by Teenage Halloween

(September 18th, Don Giovanni Records)

It came out in September, but I didn’t really give it a chance until it got closer to Halloween, which I blame on my subconscious not allowing me to recognize anything Halloween-related until the middle of October. Anyways, what Teenage Halloween do so well is 1) showcase lead singer Luke Henderiks’ vocals (not gravelly by any stretch, but more like a fine sandpaper), b) keep every song interesting, changing up tempos and instruments so that nothing sounds too samey, and thirdly, have lyrics that mix angst with awkwardness. And really, doesn’t that sound like a teenage Halloween? Despite being decades removed from my teenage years and months past Halloween, I’ve still spent a ton of time jamming to Teenage Halloween.

Tracks to check out: “Holes”, “Clarity”, “Racehorse”

5. Colapso Tropical by Mondo Beta

(March 13th, self-released)

I am a huge fan of everything that John Reis has ever been involved in (Rocket from the Crypt, Hot Snakes, The Night Marchers, etc.), and Mondo Beta are on record saying that their goal is to sound as much like Hot Snakes as possible. While I’m all for bands putting their own personal signature on a genre, I can also appreciate Mondo Beta’s hero worship here, because it just rips, and if you’re gonna blatantly rip off a band, I think they chose wisely. Hot Snakes were supposed to release a record in 2020, but it seems that plans changed due to COVID. These eleven tracks of post-hardcore enespañol are more than enough to hold me over until then.

Tracks to check out: “No me caes bien”, “Que alguien me pare”, and “Colapso tropical”

4. I was almost an astronaut once by Dabblin’

(March 7th, Bus Stop Press) 

The Internet has failed me. If there was any justice in the world I’d know way more about Dabblin’, this amazing French band that I randomly found on a Bandcamp comp. But they’re not on Spotify, Apple Music, or any of the social media platforms. Whoever these mystery men and women are, they put out a great record of folky, poppy punk that just feels like it needs to be experienced live (sigh). I was able to order the cassette from Bus Stop Press, well worth the postage from across the Atlantic. Anyways, I know not all of the bands on this list are geared towards the CPRW demographic per se, but I think y’all would really like Dabblin’.

Tracks to check out: “All of the small things (Not a Blink 182 cover)”, “Two truths and a lie”, and “Building furniture from the boards protecting the windows of banks”

3. In Transit by Quaker Wedding

(June 19th, Salinas Records)

One of the songs I listened to the most this summer was “Jilted Lover”, the lead single off of In Transit. You know how sometimes you listen to a song too much and get burnt out on it? Well, it never happened with that song, because it is just so damn good. Like most bands on this list, Quaker Wedding dropped a banger of a debut in 2020, and In Transit is great start to finish. A mix of Jawbreaker and Face to Face, Quaker Wedding know what it’s like to fuck things up and feel like shit about it. I’m not sure what drives a listener (like myself) to listen to music that expresses those ideas, but I guess it’s cheaper than therapy?

Tracks to check out: “Jilted Lover”, “Sinking Ship”, and “Aching”

2. Made To Rust by Dumb Luck

(October 14th, Secret Pennies Records) 

This was a late-ish entry to the running list that I kept during the year, and it feels weird to place it this high, when most of the others I’ve been able to sit with for a lot longer. But man, Made to Rust is really good. The production quality makes it seem a bit like a live recording, which is of lesser fidelity, but… I don’t know, like a good live recording? I feel like Dumb Luck have got a few songs that could’ve been from Sink Or Swim-era The Gaslight Anthem, but nobody is singing about girls named Maria. Probably less references to the radio as well. Anyways, they’re from Corvalis, Oregon, but there’s definitely some Midwest punk influences in Made To Rust.

Tracks to check out: “Over It”, “Lazarus”, and “Salinas”

1. Skeleton Coast by The Lawrence Arms

(July 17th, Epitaph Chords)

As referenced earlier, the majority of the records on this list were debut albums (seven out of the ten, to be precise). However, the number one spot belongs to a band that was formed in 1999, a few years before I even graduated from high school. The Lawrence Arms just do what they do, and I love it. After more than two decades, they churned out 14 songs that are right up there with Oh! Calcutta! as their best stuff. Dueling vocals, soaring choruses, gritty howls, etc. Shoot it all into my veins, this record was my comfort food this year.

Tracks to check out: “Pigeons And Spies”, “Don’t Look At Me”, and “Under Paris”

If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading and checking out CPRW. In the words of the immortal Joe Strummer, “Without people, you’re nothing.” I’ve loved writing, podcasting, and messaging with this great group of humans this year, and I’m looking forward to better times, great tunes, and the return of live music in 2021.

This top ten was written by Marcus Pond.

Exclusive Stream: Harijan by Harijan

Today we're proud to bring you an exclusive stream of the debut album from Manchester ska punk legends Harijan which is being released by TNSRecords on the 18th of December. TNS have this to say about the album:

"If any band epitomises the early years of TNS it is perhaps Harijan. In the mid-2000s Harijan became an iconic band in the growing Manchester scene with their distinctive mix of skacore, reggae, punk and Mike's distinctive vocal delivery. The band regularly tore up gigs for Manchester promoters such as TNS, Bomb Ibiza and Pumpkin, proving to be a band with huge crossover appeal for a variety of audiences.

Whilst they may be a new name to many, their influence on the UK ska punk scene is huge. Harijan deserve to be heard once again and are a band which ska music deserves. On this, their first full length album, Harijan create a brooding and contemplative music, music which harmonises perfectly with these bleak times. Their music is a logical evolution of the sound of early 1980’s Coventry, infused with the acerbic bite of 30 or so intervening years of underground punk rock. It is ska music which completely bypasses sun-drenched goofy Californian takes on the ska sound and provides an honest representation of contemporary urban Britain from the perspective of these much-loved scene veterans."

You can buy Harijan from the TNS webstore here: https://www.tnsrecords.co.uk/shop/harijan-s-t/

Thanks to TNS for asking us to do this stream. It's a cracking album and we were touched to be asked.

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.

Album Review: The Distance Between by Arms & Hearts (by Emma Prew)

We all know that 2020 has been difficult and strange year for a lot of reasons. It’s been an odd year for new music although there has been plenty of it, all things considered. Personally, despite starting the year being excited to discover new artists and hear new albums from my existing favourite artists, it got to a point over the summer and into autumn where I just wasn’t that enthused about listening to music in general – new or otherwise. There have however been some exceptions to that, including the album I’m going to be talking about today!

The Distance Between is the much-anticipated debut full-length from Manchester-based Arms & Hearts that was released on 13th November. We’ve been fans of solo songwriter Steve Millar, aka Arms & Hearts, and his heartfelt acoustic punk for almost as long as this blog has been around. I know fellow CPRW contributor Richard was very impressed by this album so hopefully I can do it some kind of justice in my review. Read on and see what you think…

The Distance Between opens with the somewhat bleakly titled Epitaphs. After a few seconds of an almost eerie sounding fade in, the track begins with some firm strummed acoustic guitar chords. The first lines of the song – ‘I didn’t come here to talk about dying, but lately it’s all that I’ve been thinking about’ – are indeed pretty bleak but it also feels honest and genuine. The song is about dealing with feelings of existential dread that unfortunately goes hand in hand with suffering from depression. There’s a sense of building throughout Epitaphs that feels very appropriate for an opening track and it leads us nicely into track number two. Kerouac On A Minimum Wage is up next and the pace is immediately ramped up for this melodic and catchy tune. There’s a lot more going on instrument-wise here compared to Epitaphs with steady drums, great layered guitar parts, subtle baking vocals (which I believe are courtesy of Sam Moloney of Mixtape Saints) and a decent dose of harmonica – have I mentioned that I love a bit of harmonica? The song is about working in a soul destroying minimum wage job in our unavoidably capitalist society and struggling to make ends meet – ‘This is how we live when we ain't really living, this is how it feels when the wheels ain't spinning, cursing Christmas lights as we welcome another year, another year of just scraping by’. It’s definitely one of my favourites on the album, maybe even one of my favourite songs of 2020. Track number three, Forever The Pessimist, opens with a wonderful melodic electric guitar part that is backed up by acoustic strumming. One of the things that immediately struck me about this album, particularly compared to some of Arms & Hearts’ previous releases, is just how much fuller their sound is. A full band Arms & Hearts live performance is certainly something I’d love to see one day. Forever The Pessimist is about Steve’s journey to sobriety and coming to terms with the fact that alcohol isn’t a suitable coping mechanism when you’re already struggling. It’s hopefully a song that some listeners will be able to relate to and find comfort in.

Obviously, by this point of The Distance Between, we know that this isn’t exactly a cheery, sunshine and rainbows album – but let’s face it, that’s not really my cup of tea. Things do however take a seemingly darker turn with Static. At the start of the song, the guitar playing is muted and Steve’s vocal feel bitter as he begins to sing of struggles with his mental health, focussing on the unpleasantness of having a panic attack. A real highlight of the track is towards the end when Steve’s vocals are complimented with backing harmonies – ‘because all I wanted was to feel something now all I feel is nothing, all I feel is empty’. It’s something that I know would/will sound incredible live. The fifth song, Community, features Jared Hart from New Jersey punk bands The Scandals and Mercy Union. The song is about life on the road as a touring musician and the sacrifices you have to make – both physically and mentally – in order to be able to do so, something that both Steve and Jared both know a thing or two about. Often the life of a touring musician can be glorified as a life of partying and seeing the world but the reality, at least for DIY punk musicians, is not so black and white. I’ve said it a few times already but this is going to be another great tune to sing along to in a live setting – it’s even got some classic punk rock whoa-oh-ohs. Up next is Out For Blood which, if I remember rightly, was the first single released from The Distance Between earlier this year – check out the excellent video by Fish Outta Water Films. This is definitely one of the more upbeat songs on the album and I mean that both in terms of melody and subject matter. Out For Blood is about eliminating toxic people from your life and the track is pure catharsis to listen to. You also can’t complain about the infectious nature of the chorus, even if it does have the potential to get stuck in your head for days. ‘If you're out for blood then come and get some, If you're out for blood then come and get some, If this year's taught me anything it’s how evil people can be, If you're out for blood then come and get some, If you're out for blood then come and get some, if you bring the lighter fluid I'll bring something to make a spark, and we'll burn it down.’

The seventh track on The Distance Between is titled Worry In The Walls. It’s a slower paced and more stripped back song than some of the others on the album but that simply allows the listener to fully focus on the emotion in Steve’s voice – ‘Will we ever find the money, to live half a life?, all this work to live to work beats it out of me’. It could perhaps be said that there’s a bit of a New Jersey influence throughout Arms & Hearts’ music – often compared, understandably, to Brian Fallon – and on Worry In The Walls I am definitely getting Bruce Springsteen vibes. The haunting harmonica playing that breaks up the song and the horns towards the end further support this. The penultimate song on the album is its title track, The Distance Between. Starting slowly with a muted guitar part and hushed vocals, The Distance Between gradually builds into something with such a huge, dare I say epic, sound. It’s unlike anything else on the album before it – very much a full band affair with layer upon layer of dreamlike guitar parts. The song reaches its final crescendo with thirty seconds to go before fading out in a distorted fuzz. The album could have ended there and it probably would have made perfect sense… It doesn’t and that’s okay because what comes next is the icing on the cake for me. Fortitude is not a new Arms & Hearts song, having originally been recorded in 2017 and featuring as a live set closer for many years, but I was so happy to hear it as The Distance Between’s closing track. I’m sure I’m not the only one who would consider Fortitude to be my favourite Arms & Hearts song and this new version is just even more wonderful. It’s an acoustic track that somehow manages to have such a big sound and instantly begs you to sing along with Steve. There are some flawless group backing vocals on the track that really give it a similar feeling to hearing the song live. I love it and it’s honestly just awesome to finish listening to the album with a big smile on my face.

I was always going to like whatever Arms & Hearts released next but The Distance Between has surpassed my debut album expectations. Yes, it’s got some quite dark and, at times, miserable subject matter but there’s also a real catharsis to it all and there’s no denying that it ends on a more hopeful note. An excellent album in a not so excellent year.

Stream, download and [pre]order the vinyl on Bandcamp now and like Arms & Hearts on Facebook.

This review was written by Emma Prew.

Album Review: Hymns For Wizard's Castle by The Ativans

I first came across The Ativans on one of my Bandcamp Discovery adventures. I feel like I was probably searching specifically within Canada as it’s a conveyor belt for amazing punk bands. The artwork for the seven track EP Hymns For Wizard’s Castle caught my eye with its cityscape imagery and straight clean lines. The band are a four piece from Calgary and Hymns For Wizard’s Castle is their second release after 2015’s Landlocked.

The EP begins with Don’t Know. This is a short and sweet song that really wets your appetite for the rest of the EP. It begins with a high tempo and has a garage punk feel to it with its buzzing guitars and distorted vocals. If you’re new to The Ativans this is a great taster of what to expect from the band. This is followed up by Without You. The guitars continue to buzz on the track but it has a cleaner production, making it fit nicely into the realm of pop punk. It also sounds as if there is more melody in the song. This is probably down to the slightly slower tempo of the song. Without You is about the aftermath of a relationship and seeing how well your ex-partner is doing by themselves. The third song, Means A Lot, is an instantly infectious track that will have you nodding your head and tapping your toes in no time at all. The track feels like an introspective one where the band’s lead singer looks deep down inside themselves and thinks about things they could have done better. The track also features some nice guitar solos that allow the band to show off their musical ability as well as giving an extra element to their sound.

Carmaggedon Chameleon is the track on Hymns For Wizard’s Castle that stands out the most. The song has a longer build that the previous three songs and when the vocals do come in they grab you immediately. There’s an added gruffness to the delivery that I adored, it gives the track an added bit of intensity which I think had been missing from the EP. The track is about the damage that cars are doing to the planet and how we’re all to blame for this. One thing I wish the song did have is more gang vocals on the chorus – it would have been so good. Next is Gavin’s Dad Is On Acid. I found myself singing along to the chorus of this one pretty quickly. Obviously, it’s about Gavin’s dad’s drug habits although hopefully it’s all fictional, rather than a true story. Regardless of whether the story is true or not, it’s a fun sing-along and does put a smile on my face.

The penultimate song is titled Garrison Cres.. The Ativans slow things back down slightly for this track, giving the EP a bit more variety. The song feels quite sombre overall but the band do manage to add catharsis to the chorus. The lead singer sings “it’s all that I’ve got left to give” as if they can finally admit it and it feels like a release. There is a fairly extended instrumental that leads towards the song’s final chorus that fills the song out nicely – I particularly enjoyed the bassline in that section of the song. Last up is the brilliantly titled Back To The Start. There’s a positivity oozing out of the track that I loved – I really enjoy when an EP or album finishes on a bright and positive note and Hymns For Wizard’s Castle certainly does that. It’s about learning from your mistakes and endeavouring to make yourself better, something we should all aim to do. 

I’m not sure why there was such a long time between Ativans releases but I’m sure this EP is more than worth the wait for long time listeners of the band. And if you’re new to the band, like me, then this is a great introduction to them and I’ll definitely be spending some time listening to the band’s previous release. Another great band from Canada!

Stream and download Hymns For Wizard’s Castle on Bandcamp here.

Like The Ativans on Facebook here.

This review was written by Colin Clark.

Album Review: Revolving Doors by …Whatever That Means

We first featured …Whatever That Means back in 2016 after they released a fantastic split with Burn Burn Burn. Now, after four long years, the band have released their third full length album – Revolving Doors. The Seoul, South Korea based three piece play melodic pop punk music and are one of the hardest working bands in Asia. Over the years they’ve played shows with Strike Anywhere, FCFive, The One Thought Moment and NoOpinion. When I saw that Revolving Doors had been released, I was super keen to revisit a band I enjoyed so much four years ago.

The album begins with its title track, Revolving Doors. The song is just fifty three seconds long but is really memorable due to its catchy lyrics. The song is about feeling as if you’re stuck in a cycle and constantly having to start again. Perhaps this a nod to the length of time between releases. Next up is Prisoner 503 (The President). The track begins with a Korean language audio clip which features some guitar tone being faded in before the vocals come in. Whereas Revolving Doors was quite a poppy track, Prisoner 503 feels like a 90s skate punk favourite that’s been freshened up. The track is about two sides of the political landscape coming together when they know that things aren’t right and need a change. The gang vocals shouts of “who are you working for?!” work really well as a tool to combine a crowd and I imagine this is quite powerful in a live setting. Up next is Can’t Be Wrong. What I really enjoyed about this track is that this is the first time on the album that the band showcase their male and female lead vocals combined. Both singers take a verse each at the beginning before harmonising for one another on the chorus. Can’t Be Wrong is just over a minute long and is packed with energy. There’s a definite feel of early Bad Religion on the song and you can’t go wrong with that.

The fourth track is The Inside and again shows off the pop side of …Whatever That Means’ sound. This song starts out feeling like a great anthem for living life to the fullest and living it your own way but as it progresses it takes a bit of a darker turn, as the singer speaks about how hard it can be mentally trying to put on a front about how good your life seems. This song is probably relevant to so many people. We all want to seem as if we’re living our best lives but many of us to struggle to keep up the facade and we shouldn’t feel pressured to do so. I Need To Know is a Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers cover. It has a rock ’n’ roll edge to it that helps it stand apart from many of the other tracks on the album. ...Whatever That Means breathe new life into the song by upping the tempo of the track and giving it a bit more bite. The song is about the falling apart of a relationship, whether it’s professionally or in your private life, and feeling as if you’ve been left in a state of limbo, not knowing what is going on and where you stand. This is a horrible and frustrating feeling and is definitely another song I find relatable. The sixth song is 68, 22 and is an acoustic track. I was a little surprised to find an acoustic track at this stage of Revolving Doors but it really stands out because of its placement in the album. This is a campfire punk rock sing-along that’s an ode to the places that punks call a home, the places where we feel accepted and where we get our educations. This song really got me emotionally as we’re currently living in a time where I can’t go to my punk rock home. Beautiful song.

Next up is the song Red Flags which features JaeHyun of The Kitsches. Red Flags gives the album and injection of energy and aggression that is really quite striking. The song is about the stress that exams can put on young people and the mental anguish it can cause. This is without a doubt one of the hardest hitting songs on Revolving Doors and JaeHyun’s screams add so much intensity to the track. Save The Union keeps the energy high with another fresh take on the classic skate punk sound. This song again utilises the male and female vocalists that really helps ...Whatever That Means stand out amongst their contemporaries in the genre. I can’t think of any skate punk bands that feature male and female lead vocalists – if you know more please let me know. When the song began I instantly thought of Pennywise with the heavier side of skate punk, except Pennywise haven’t released anything this good for years. The vocals from the verses come out at breakneck speed leaving you amped for a massive sing-along chorus. The song itself is about coming to a crossroads in a relationship where things aren’t as good as they once were and trying to work out in what direction things should go. The penultimate track, So Much To Say, wastes no time in getting started with the vocals jumping right out of the gate. Once again, the band take inspiration from 90s skate punk for a track that I imagine would have appeared in loads of skateboard films if it was written twenty five years ago. The album is completed by I Can’t Take It (The Totally Bummed Out Drew Smith Version). For those unaware Drew Smith is a former member of Burn Burn Burn and the owner of the awesome Tiny Dragon Music. This is the second acoustic track on the album. Rather than being another uplifting song like 68, 22, this is a sadder track about being stuck in a rut, hating your life and struggling to get out of bed. There’s a sadness in the vocals but also a frustration and anger that really gives the song an interesting sound that will really rouse the listener. This is obviously something a lot of people will relate to so I imagine there will be a massive feeling of catharsis amongst the listeners of this song, especially if they get to hear it live.

What a fantastic album Revolving Doors is! I would assume that there aren’t many (if any) readers of CPRW who are checking out the South Korean punk rock scene. If all the bands are anywhere near as good as …Whatever That Means then we definitely should be.

Stream and download Revolving Doors on Bandcamp here.

Like …Whatever That Means on Facebook here.

This review was written by Colin Clark.