As we dived head-first into the summer months, May presented its fair share of musical gems. The month also saw us celebrate ten years of Holy Roar Records, traipse around Brighton for the new music extravaganza of The Great Escape, and hit the alternative party hard at Slam Dunk Festival. It’s a month that also saw the release of records by loads of heavy hitters, not least The Hotelier, Modern Baseball and PUP. Here’s a selection of some of the best tracks from those 31 days, as selected by Punktastic contributors and staff. Remember to regularly check out POV too for a curated insight into the best music from emerging artists.
Plow United – ‘Everything’
Plow United’s new record, ‘Three’, shows that the band hasn’t lost their fire but have matured in both sound and songwriting. ‘Everything’ is about looking back on one’s life and is as energetic as it is relatable. In fact, many of the songs on ‘Three’ have these qualities. This song, and record, prove that, hiatus be damned, Plow United are back and are a force to be reckoned with. [Daniella Heminghaus]
Dinosaur Jr. – ‘Tiny’
After more than 30 years, Dinosaur Jr. are once again showing the alternative rock world that while they are often imitated, they can never be topped. Returning with ‘Tiny’, the first track taken from their forthcoming album ‘Give a Glimpse of What Yer Not’, it is redolent of their vintage “ear-bleedin’ country” sound. Carried by the charming, lackadaisical vocal of J.Mascis, ‘Tiny’ cruises through fuzz-driven riffs into screeching solos and is propped up by the storming rhythm section of Lou Barlow and Murph. It is a beautiful racket from the legendary trio, and proves that nobody does it better. [Glen Bushell]
Permanent Record – ‘Bucket Chair’
Heartwarming and honest, ‘Bucket Chair’ paints a picture of loss, that moment you’re told of a passing and you vividly remember the smallest details you had with that person. Drawn from his own personal experience, we get a glimpse into what was felt that fateful night. It’s been a while since we last saw Dave House’s solo project surface, and we’ve simply missed him loads. A change of moniker later and we have Permanent Record. The current is still strong in Kingston. Welcome back, Dave. [Mark Gadong]
Thrice – ‘Death From Above’
That comeback album ‘To Be Everywhere is to be Nowhere’ is the best thing Thrice have produced in over a decade is almost consensus at this point. While the album expands on the band’s more mellow and melodic post-‘Alchemy Index’ sound, nowhere are their twin qualities of beauty and brutality better contrasted than on ‘Death From Above’, on which restrained guitars surf a rhythmically nervous, urgent edge before a majestic explosion driven by a filthy Teppei Teranishi riff and Dustin Kensrue’s inimitably gravelly fury. [Rob Barbour]
Modern Rituals – ‘Scrump’
Featuring former members of The Long Haul and On Histories of Rosenberg, Modern Rituals excel in gnarly sounding post-punk as displayed on debut EP ‘Stranger Culture’. Opener ‘Scrump’ sets the tone for the record, with its pulsating bass, gloomy edges and thudding poppy nature. It is a promising example for a new band who are aiming for anthemic yet beastly ambitions. This trio are ones to look out for. [Aaron Lohan]
Hesitation Wounds – ‘Streamlined’
Hesitation Wounds, although considered Jeremy Bolm from Touche Amoré’s “side project”, are definitely much more than just that. This is Touche Amoré on steroids, bulkier, heavier, angrier and political in temperament. ‘Streamlined’ is the final song on their newly released album, ‘Awake For Everything’, a critical look on modern American politics in the form of raspy screams. It epitomises this with beautiful guitar tones layered over hardcore-type drums and fiery lyrics. [Alex Hall]
Seattle’s New Gods – ‘How’s It Going To End?’
On their new 7″, Seattle’s New Gods want to know what comes next. This song is about trying to work it out over two and a half minutes of feedback, heavy distortion, and riffs that are dangerously close to bringing the whole thing down before they can find the answer. It chugs and winds around, circling back again and again and before they can answer, it’s over. It doesn’t matter how it’s going to end, you’ll throw this one on repeat and sing along to ask the question just as often. [Jay Papandreas]
Modern Baseball – ‘Just Another Face’
‘Just Another Face’ provides a cathartic climax on ‘Holy Ghost’, this month’s brilliant Modern Baseball full-length. In a record filled with anguish, pain and loss, the closing track is one of self-empowerment. It’s both an acknowledgement of negative feelings and a means to surpass them. A defiant cry for liberation. “I’m not just another face,” vocalist Brendan Lukens sings, seemingly having his moment of realisation as the song unfolds. Through it, this arena-ready emo-rock behemoth – somewhat removed from the usual Modern Baseball affair – is a genuine ode to hope. [Ben Tipple]
Dentist – ‘Meet You There (In Delaware)’
As the weather warms up and our minds drift towards road trips to the beach and hitting the pool with our friends, we definitely want the soundtrack to match those sunny vibes. Look no further than the Asbury Park, New Jersey band Dentist, who are poised to release their second full-length, ‘Ceilings’, on June 24th on Little Dickman Records. The band’s unique sound blends elements of guitar-driven indie rock with the brightness of surf rock and even some throwback sounds to the 60s for good measure. Additionally, Dentist’s singer Emily Bornemann has a voice that is just as sunny as a warm June day at your favorite beach. This tune is definitely a must add to your summer road trip playlist. [Jeff Takacs]
Frameworks – ‘Purge’
No others manage to blend heavy-hitting hardcore with heartbreaking emotion quite like Frameworks. On ‘Purge’, an anti-ode to human leeching, the band manage to perfectly capture the title’s implied cleansing. It’s as if Frameworks are screaming away the negative influences, their sound flooded with an equally unsettling and liberating honesty. [Ben Tipple]
Real Friends – ‘Colder Quicker’
Real Friends have always taken a consistent approach to song writing and whilst this has often resulted in reliably excellent pop-punk, its also produced a few less than exciting tracks as well. Thankfully, their latest album ‘The Home Inside My Head’ pretty much steers clear of any such frustrating dips in quality, and ‘Colder Quicker’ is Real Friends heading towards the top of their game. Neat guitar hooks are accompanied by heart on sleeve lyrics resulting in an anthemic, sing-along chorus that begs to be heard live on their upcoming tour dates. [Chris Hilson]
The Hotelier – ‘Soft Animal’
‘Goodness’ sees The Hotelier reach new heights, exploring parts of themselves that slowly emerged when dealing with the raw pain and emotion of ‘Home, Like Noplace Is There’. ‘Soft Animal’ is beautiful and ethereal, Christian Holden’s vocals wonderfully accompanied by the choral group shouts. “Make me feel alive, make me believe that all my selves align”. Damn, man. Blast this one loud, sit in the sun and feel at peace for a few minutes. [Conor Mackie]
Tiny Moving Parts – ‘Birdhouse’
It’s really easy to forget that there are only three people in Tiny Moving Parts. With each album, their sound grows and grows, and ‘Celebrate’ is no exception. ‘Birdhouse’ is an emotionally powerful number that would give Taking Back Sunday a run for their money and is one of our favorite songs from the new record. The alternating guitar riffs/chords, ridiculous tempo changes, and visceral vocal deliveries one would expect from Tiny Moving Parts are huge and the logical step up from ‘Pleasant Living’. However, it’s the end bridge that sets this diddy apart from their previous work. We have a hard time holding back tears as Dylan goes from quiet delivery to screaming, “You were drenched down to the bone/I was so cold yet so warm.” [Mat Stokes]
Hail The Sun – ‘Words Of Gratitude’
Hail The Sun’s debut album ‘Wake’ was a spectacular helping of dynamic, erratic post-hardcore, led by the dual talents of drummer/vocalist Donovan Melero. Taken from the upcoming follow-up ‘Culture Scars’, ‘Words of Gratitude’ sees the band exploring their softer, more melodic side with stunning effects. The calmer instrumentals allow Melero’s vocals to take centre stage and they positively shine, oozing with melody and providing an ambient atmosphere that builds plenty of excitement ahead of the new record. [Mark Johnson]
Seafoal – ‘Chess’
This musician did a very sharp U-turn recently. Having released an EP of folk/acoustic music a couple of years ago, Seafoal has started releasing some dark electronic tracks instead. Latest single ‘Chess’, which is reminiscent of the likes of Halsey and CHVRCHES, contains sugary sweet vocals singing incredibly venomous lyrics – but they’re lyrics which are incredibly emotional and personal. Haunting synths make this “fuck you” track truly atmospheric. [Jess Tagliani]
PUP – ‘If This Tour Doesn’t Kill You, I Will
Despite appearing earlier in the year, PUP’s ‘If This Tour Doesn’t Kill You, I Will’ found itself as the explosive opener to their eagerly awaited ‘The Dream Is Over’ LP in May. A fitting start to a record built around rebellion, it’s an immediate yet subtle nod to PUP’s recent medical woes. Tour did nearly kill vocalist Babcock’s vocal chords, but that isn’t going to stop them. It’s a middle finger to frustration and exhaustion. [Ben Tipple]