1. The Raging Nathans – Waste My Heart
I had the joy of seeing The Raging Nathans rip up the stage at Nightshop in Bloomington Illinois in support of this record. Stephen Egerton (Descendents) engineered the record and I feel like he squeezed a little more pop out of the Nathans than they exuded on their 2020 release Oppositional Defiance. The harmonies perfectly meld with the bright melodies behind each tune. And if harmonies are your thing, don’t miss “I Could Never Fall in Love With You,” which I personally guarantee will stick in your head for months and years to come (and you won’t mind). Other standout tracks: “Waste My Heart.” “Out of Touch.” “Overworked.”
2. Deafheaven – Infinite Granite
I’m glad Deafheaven had the guts to answer everyone’s most burning question about the band. What would they sound like if lead singer George Clarke didn’t scream every song like a banshee on speed. Well with their 2021 release Infinite Granite, we get our answer. Lush soundscapes and subdued Bryan Ferry-inspired vocals emanate infinitely from this chunk of granite and Deafheaven has easily created the most listenable album of 2021. The shoegazey dream-textured trance the album elicits is a welcome respite from a Covid-weary world.
3. Twenty One Pilots – Scaled and Icy
TOP have a special place in my heart. I took my daughter to see them when she was a teenager; they blew me away with their 80s-esque grooves and hip hop vocals. I’m a sucker for Blurryface, it’s my guilty pleasure. Trenchtook a while, but eventually it grew on me. Scaled and Icy has the potential to do the same. It reminds me of Beck’s Midnite Vultures. They channel that 70s funk vibe and throw in some 80s synth’s and random computer blips that really take you back. I commend them for moving forward into new ground and not just regurgitating their past.
4. Amyl and the Sniffers – Comfort to Me
If Bikini Kill hailed from Australia, they’d be Amyl and the Sniffers, but younger. These guys and gal, bring pure energy, on every song. I challenge you to keep yourself still when this record is on. If you are looking for a soundtrack to your New Year’s Resolution, look no further. Standout Tracks: “Security,” “Guided by Angels,” and “Choices.”
5. Turnstile – Glow On
I’m not alone on this one. Turnstile was on a lot of lists this year. For good reason. Their Jane’s Addictionmashed up with Red Hot Chili Peppers and Helmet concoction of tasty tuneage should win a lot of folks over. These guys stole the show at Riot Fest a couple of years back. I can’t wait to see them again. Their heavy riffage lends itself to live viewing. Standout Tracks: “Holiday,” “Underwater Boi,” and “Endless.”
6. The Bronx – VI
The Bronx oddly enough hail from Los Angeles CA and they bring a raspy guitar-driven classic punk onslaught to your brainstem. If you’ve been following them over the years, then maybe you’ve been at a crazy show in a mosh pit when suddenly you bump into a guy holding a microphone. That would be Matt Caughthran, the lead singer, who likes to deliver his verbiage with hundreds of bodies flying at him. You don’t see too many frontmen that like to get down and dirty like that. For their 2021 release, VI, Matt and The Bronx bring their wall of sound back for another attack. This record has the usual hooks and gravelly vocals you would expect from the Bronx with maybe a pinch of clarity and brightness in the mix. Standout tracks: “Superbloom,” “Jack of all Trades,” and “Participation Trophy.”
7. Teenage Bottlerocket – Sick Sesh
With all the change in world, it’s nice to see that one thing remains constant, Teenage Bottlerocket’s ability to pump out Ramones-esque bangers that are super catchy and lyrically clever. Sick Sesh is no exception. The ghosts return in “Ghost Story,” “Strung Out on Stress” pretty much encapsulates 90% of the population’s current emotional state, and “Spend the Night” provides cozy respite from life’s tribulations.
8. Sincere Engineer – Bless my Psyche
If you like Chicago Punk, you have to love Sincere Engineer. Deanna Belos, frontperson of SE (and primary songwriter), reared on the Chicago greats like The Lawrence Arms and Alkaline Trio, knows how to channel the angst of the city streets into relatable pop punk treats. I see the low-fi approach of previous efforts has been jettisoned for glossier production. It works! “Trust Me” opens the record with the power and fury to shake you out of your doldrums. “Out of Reach” adds some funky 60s style keys to the mix. “Coming in Last” puts it all together with a great tune, solid production, and the usual Deanna self-deprecation that hits home with most Chicagoans.
Honorable mentions:
Descendents – 9th and Walnut
Copyrights – Alone in a Dome
