2013: Year End Review by Steven Farkas

So So Glos – Blowout – Shea Stadium Records

The 4th full length from these New York garage punks is the best showcase yet of their frenetic energy and musicianship. Son of an American and the title track are particular highlights.

If you only listen to one track from this album, make sure it’s Wrecking Ball.

The Loyalties – ‘Til the Death of Rock n Roll – Self Released

An unexpected gem from a London based punk’n roll band that was five years in the making. The follow up to their 2008 debut, So Much for Soho, ‘Til the Death of Rock n Roll  is full of dirty riffs, scratchy vocals and enough hooks to hang the Queen’s hat collection on.

If you only listen to one track from this album, make sure it’s Rock and Roll Over (and Die).

Gnarwolves – Funemployed –  Big Scary Monsters Records

Ok, so it’s only an EP but this debut from Brighton hardcore band deserves a place here, a mix of hardcore and metalcore but with insane pop sensibilities. A full length has been rumoured in the next year and if these guys come anywhere near your town in 2014, do everything you can to get a ticket.

If you only listen to one track from this EP, make sure it’s High on a Wire.

War Generation – Start Somewhere, Never Surrender – Rise Records

The latest project from former Senses Field singer Jon Bunch is a welcome addition to the scene – brilliantly melodic punk rock, not unlike what AFI and Rise Against used to do. Shout-y choruses aplenty and that’s enough for me.

If you only listen to one track from this album, make sure it’s Done and Gone.

Children of Bodom – Halo of Blood – Nuclear Blast Records

Ok, I know this isn’t strictly a punk record, but in my mind they are a thrash/metal crossover act and it was going to take some doing to keep their first album since 2011’s outstanding Relentless, Reckless, Forever off my list. It’s a slight throwback to their metal roots, but Bodom Blue Moon and the title track still show glimpses of their thrash past.

If you only listen to one track from this album, make sure it’s Halo of Blood.

Volbeat – Outlaw Gentlemen and Shady Ladies  – Vertigo Records

I will say up front that I seriously love this band – it’s like Social Distortion and Metallica had a musical baby – and that baby took singing lessons from Glenn Danzig. This album, their 5^th (and first including former Anthrax guitarist Rob Caggiano) is full of gems – Doc Holliday, Black Bart and The Hangmans Body Count  are all instant classics.

If you only listen to one track from this album, make sure it’s Dead But Rising.

Alkaline Trio – My Shame is True – Epitaph Records

I found the last two Alkaline Trio records slightly disappointing – they’ve never been the most innovative of bands, but to me, they felt a bit pedestrian. My Shame is True is a return to form, with two tracks; She Lied to the FBI and I Wanna Be a Warhol fit to grace any of their early albums. Well done boys, I look forward to seeing you in the UK in April.

If you only listen to one track from this album, make sure it’s She Lied to the FBI.

Dan Vapid & The Cheats – Two – Torture Chamber Records

Two is a simple, straight up punk rock album which I liked a lot more than I expected to. These guys are not trying to reinvent the wheel, but the songs are well written and catchy as hell – as you’d expect from a former member of Screeching Weasel and The Queers.

If you only listen to one track from this album, make sure it’s Cold and Rainy Days.

Michale Graves – The Lost Skeleton Returns – Hydraulic Enteratinment

The first return to the horrorpunk genre for former Misfits vocalist Michale Graves in many years had a lot of fans (including yours truly) very excited indeed. Although the record was filled mostly of re-recorded versions of his previous work, the quality of the new songs left us with hope that an album of all new material may be on its way in 2014.

If you only listen to one track from this album, make sure it’s Something Wicked.

Hey! Hello! – Self Titled – Round Records

A collaboration between Ginger Wildheart (Wildhearts, Silverginger5) and New York based singer Victoria Liedtke resulted in one of the surprises of the year. This album is over the top in every way – massive riffs, insane melodies, Ginger’s trademark irreverent lyrics and brilliant vocal harmonies, and it shouldn’t work. It really shouldn’t, but it does.

If you only listen to one track from this album, make sure it’s Swimwear.