Top grooves that sent me out of this world – Jason Zero’s Best of 2025

Militarie Gun – God Save The Gun

Militarie Gun rose quickly on radar of modern bands to further investigate.   The single “Do It Faster” from their 2023 release Life Under The Gun had been stuck in my head since its release.  I finally got the chance to see the band live this year at Riot Fest.  The live show successfully delivered the energy of the recordings.  Early in the fall, the band released a handful of singles for their upcoming album God Save The Gun.  The single “BADIDEA” flooded playlists and my ear holes.  When the album finally dropped in October, it certainly did not disappoint.  Recommended songs are “Throw Me Away”, “Kick”, and “Thought You Were Waving” which is my favorite track on the album.   The band isn’t the easiest to pinpoint genre wise but if you like modern high-energy punk then it’s worth a listen.

Horror Section – Part III – Return To Rot

Fans of modern Ramonescore are no stranger to Horror Section who are one of the Midwest’s greatest gift to the genre.  This band creatively mixes horror movie inspired lyrics with infectious pop punk.  This release was a major surprise as the band’s status as an active band has been a mystery in recent years.   The new album Part III – Return To Rot borrows from classic Horror Section while covering new ground.  You can read my full review for further details.  “Together Forever” and “Where Are You” would be my top recommendations.  “Stars In The Sky” with its melancholy vibes breaks new ground for the band.  

Teenage Bottlerocket – Ready To Roll

I have to lead off with the true fact that Teenage Bottlerocket are one of my all-time favorite bands.  The band knows exactly what their fans want and never fail to deliver both on record and live.  Earlier this year the band dropped a handful of promising singles entitled “She’s The Shit” and “Post Mortem Depression”.  One major highlight of Ready To Roll would be the lead vocal debut of bassist Miguel Chen.  He lends lead vocals first on “Taquero” which is about his childhood selling Mexican food.  Next is the mid-paced ballad “True To You”.  TBR has proven once again that they can continue to grow without any loss of their core sound and lyrical content.  

NOFX – A to H

I fully expect the inclusion of this short 8 song release to ruffle some feathers! 2024 saw the ending of NOFX as a live and/or touring act. I guess it depends on what you choose to accept or believe.  The band has promised though to continue to release new music through various mediums.  First, it has been announced upcoming releases will include collections of songs in alphabetical order.  The first installment being this release.   Entitled A to H, this 8 song release consists of unreleased, demo and alternate versions.  Earlier this year, NOFX released “Barcelona” as a single from this release.  This is the latest new recording of NOFX following their run of farewell shows.   This song is a total banger lyrically and musically.  “Fleas” is a live version of the track originally on the fan favorite Punk In Drublic. Fans of the previous 7” of the Month series are treated to demo versions of tracks such as “Don’t Count On Me.”  As usual with NOFX, collectors and die hards will be pleased.  Naysayers will continue to complain.  Would the band have it any other way?

Zero Boys – Playback Is Hell

Zero Boys are easily in the top 10 most criminally underrated USA punk and hardcore bands.  Hear me out.  Like many of their peers (IE – Effigies, Naked Raygun, 7 Seconds, Dag Nasty) they experimented with their sound.  Many close minded punks will claim that Vicious Circle is the only ZB they need in their collection.  This release will hopefully change that perspective.  What we have here are remastered tracks from the band’s two often overlooked early 90’s albums.  Make It Stop was originally released in 1991.  Two years later saw the release of the even more experimental Heimlich Maneuver.  The tracks “Beach Blanket BoiOiOi” and “Trust Anyone” from the former album will please early fans.  For those with a more open pallet, be sure to spin “Birds” and “Green Army Jacket,” to name a few.  These albums hold a special place in my punk journey as these were new albums to me when first discovering this band.  I hope that this release will catch the attention of fans both old and new. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS:

Rise Against – Ricochet
Hot Mulligan – The Sound A Body Makes When It’s Still
Won’t Stay Dead – Vindication
Algernon Cadwallader – Trying Not to Have a Thought
Turnstile – Never Enough