by Jesse Morgan
It's not that I stopped going to record stores this year, or buying physical music. But I've stayed on top of what's new and "special" by futzing around a lot on Bandcamp this year. Here are ten recordings that came out this year that I fell in love with.
Garagey punk rock from Buenos Aires that reminds me of the first Hot Snakes record. I got turned onto these folks from the Terminal Escape blog, which in turn led me down the Bandcamp rabbit hole this year.
One of many bands to come to prominence since I split town. These two cuts have tided me over while I wait for a new record from this Baltimore punk quartet.
I started getting into more doom/sludge metal this year, and this rad recording from Baltimore's Ben Price is a big reason why. This pairs well with the eternal gloom of the Pacific Northwest.
I'm not certain how you'd categorize these punks from FLA. Post-hardcore? Indie? Emo? I've replayed this a lot since its release in late September. It's super sassy and mega energetic.
Another Terminal Escape recommendation. This LA-based garage pop duo wouldn't be out of place on Burger Records...except there's no kitschy visual hook. Just excellent punky jams that remind me of '60s girl groups AND early LA punk pop.
Fuck...I'm so glad these Portland crusties have a new record. I'm also in shock that it's been more than 15 years since I saw them live. When did I get so old?
Speaking of bands that I haven't seen in 15 years...this is probably my favorite Cursive record since "The Ugly Organ" came out in 2003. Just more of the cynical, aggressive, hardcore-influenced indie that this Omaha institution has been making for over 20 years.
Another one-man band from Baltimore, this time dropping skramz-influenced grind/math rock. This reminds me of bands that played first at Charm City Art Space that I'd never see play again; full of passion and anger and teenage emotion.
The second full-length from this French hardcore band hasn't left my iPod since I snagged a copy earlier this year. Super melodic...like a mix of Oi! and mid-80s Dischord HC. Also noteworthy for being one of the nicest cassette releases I've seen in years, courtesy of Malaysia's Pissed Off Records.
I've been kirking out over these grimy Nashville punks since their first demo came out last year. This new set of recordings came out the last day of November and MIGHT be the best thing I've snagged all year. Just angry, fuzzed out, lo-fi destructo jams.
Jesse Morgan lives in the PNW and misses carousing in the Baltimore of five years ago.
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