It’s the end of the month which saw us venture to wet fields in Donnington and take on the legendary Warped Tour, all the while listening to some excellent music blasting out of a shedload of speakers. To mark the end of the month, our staff have compiled a list of the tracks that have soundtracked the last thirty days. These are all absolute crackers!
Gnarwolves – ‘Melody Has Big Plans’
It’s no secret that we’re massive fans of the Gnarwolves boys here at Punktastic, and their latest EP ‘Funemployed’ carries on their fine tradition of being fucking great. ‘Melody Has Big Plans’ is the opener of the record, showing off a darker side to the band’s skate punk sound and a gigantic chorus. [TA]
The JCQ – ‘Love’s No Good’
Following up on promising debut ‘That Was Then, This Is Now’, The JCQ (formerly The James Cleaver Quintet) released second record ‘Mechanical Young’ this month, and it’s an absolute monster. Comparisons to the likes of Faith No More and Head Automatica can be made, but this is one of the most shining original examples of British post-hardcore we’ve seen in a very long time. [OC]
Metz – ‘Can’t Understand’
Metz unveiled their first track since the release of their seminal self-titled debut in late June. Retaining the dirty distortion that characterised their record, ‘Can’t Understand’ turns things up a notch with even noisier riffs and more menacing vocals. Less melody and more sonic assault, Metz are still the most barefaced new punk band on the market. [BT]
Itch ft. Adam Lazzara – ‘Homeless Romantic’
Itch is back, and this time he’s doing it on his own (with the help of Taking Back Sunday’s Adam Lazzara). This song is outrageously catchy and an undeniable banger. Itch is going to take over the world. [LMW]
Have Mercy – ‘Level Head’
Have Mercy are the latest in a long line of Topshelf Records signings to create a phenomenal record. ‘The Earth Pushed Back’ espouses the same sort of stadium-ready emotive indie rock purveyed by the likes of Manchester Orchestra and Balance & Composure – if you’re into the aforementioned, get ready to meet your new favourite band. [OC]
Close Talker – ‘Mop Water’
We are doing the annual ‘listen to bands I don’t know on the Fest lineup’ and love Close Talker. If you were losing your mind at the Dowsing/Annabel tour that just went through the UK or like a bit of old Weezer you’ll probably love them too. Punk Emo at its best! [MH]
Larry and His Flask – ‘Pandemonium’
Hailing from America’s mid-west, this motley crew manage to effortlessly blend genres creating something entirely unique. A little bit jazz, a little bit punk, a whole lotta fun. [CC]
Jimmy Eat World – ‘Please Say No’
Jimmy Eat World made their return this month with their new album ‘Damage’ which as a whole is an incredible return to form. ‘Please Say No’ is the type of track Jimmy Eat World do fantastically well, think along the lines of ‘Drugs Or Me’ and ’23’ and you’re there. A lovely listen. [CM]
The Maine – ‘Blood Red’
After a tumultuous few years The Maine have returned with their best record yet. Solid songwriting and catchy tunes a-plenty, A slick affair but one that you can’t help but indulge in. [CC]
Escape the Fate – ‘One for the Money’
This one is taken off Escape the Fate’s new album ‘Ungrateful’ and all we want to do is listen to it on repeat. “Are you ready motherfuckers? Are you ready? Let’s go” hasn’t left our head since the first time we heard it. Too good! [LMW]
Elway – ‘There Is a Line’
We have a weakness for punk rock with a slight country edge, and I reckon the singer of Elway sounds a bit country. ‘There Is a Line’ is a strong song with a big chorus and is perfect for summer (we’re getting that soon right?).We can already see the sing-alongs that will happen if this gets played in October. [MH]
Samuel Little – ‘Bones’
It’s been a while since we heard anything from Sam Little. In the three years he’s been away and experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows. Sam has translated all of that emotion into a four track EP titled ‘Don’t Leave This Ship’ of which standout track ‘Bones’ is an incredibly honest portrayal of loss, paving the way for Sam Little to take another bite of the apple. [CM]
Dinosaur Pile-Up – ‘White T-Shirt and Jeans’
‘Nature Nurture’ – the sophomore album from one man grunge machine Dinosaur Pile-Up – shook the foundations of ‘Growing Pains’ by creating a crisper and cleaner sound; none more so than the excellently gritty yet effortlessly simple ‘White T-Shirt and Jeans’. Those opening riffs are enough to get any rock fan shaking at the knees. [BT]
Listener – ‘There Are Wrecking Balls Inside Us’
Listener’s incredible ‘Time Is A Machine’ ranks very high in all the albums released in 2013 so far, and ‘There Are Wrecking Balls Inside Us’ is one of the finest cuts of the album’s 10. The distinctive, semi-spoken word vocals snake over some fantastic instrumental work here and it’s well worth a listen for any rock fan. [TA]