Every Friday is new music release day. I dig through new release lists from sources like All Music, Metal Injection, Pitchfork, and Bandcamp to put together a queue of releases from bands and labels that might interest me. As I listen through the list, I add the stand out albums to a playlist for revisiting. This list is what I refer to as the First Pass. Some of the albums make it to my best of the month playlists. Others get tossed upon further review. Below is a list of albums from this week that made the first pass.
Face to Face
Live in a Dive
Punk Rock
I usually do not highlight live albums, but this has some great banter between songs and an excellent selection of material from the band.
Grayling
Low
Shoegaze, Emo
At only five songs, this album does not take up a lot of time. And from a first pass, the time it does take is worth it.
Jeff Rosenstock
Thanks, Sorry!
Punk Rock, Indie Rock
Another live album to make the list this week. Jeff Rosenstock is one of the best songwriters around right now, and this album highlights his genius in all its live, wild glory.
Dead Soft
Big Blue
Rock, Grunge
Soft, noisy moments countered by splashes of energy made this album catch my attention.
Mass Worship
Mass Worship
Metal, Hardcore
Solid riffs and energy. It hit the right notes for me.
Hovvdy
Heavy Lifter
Lo-Fi, Indie Rock
The feel of bedroom pop with strong songwriting chops.
Mover Shaker
Midwest Amnesiac Blues / Service Provider
Indie Rock, Grunge
A two song single that previews an upcoming album, but the two songs are good.
MERDA MUNDI
Hatred
Black Metal
A lot of albums in the black metal genre all start to run together. I am happy when albums stick out to me enough to want to revisit them.
McCafferty
The House With No Doorbell
Emo, Punk Rock
I do not remember how I originally stumbled upon this band, but I am glad I did. I have enjoyed everything that they put out. Smart songwriting all around.
Guerilla Toss
What Would the Odd Do?
Noise Rock, No Wave, Art Rock
This band is weird, noisy, and unpredictable. I am not always into their albums, but the latest has a lot to like.
Bruce Lee Band
Rental!! Eviction!!
Ska Punk
This album is only twelve minutes long, but it is fun and plays a lot with tempo from song to song.
White Reaper
You Deserve Love
Rock
At this point, rock music is pretty much dead, but there are a few bands that still do things right. White Reaper is one of them.