Music

Top 5 Punk Releases: September

by Sam Sutherland

Each month, tons of new music from many taste-spanning genres is released into a fast-consuming, unforgiving market; it can be tough to get a handle on what’s new before it’s on to the next. In an attempt to highlight the standout releases, at the end of each month, AUX staff re-cap the month in Punk, Metal, Indie/Pop/Rock, Hip Hop, Electronic, and Pop with the top five releases in each. Consider it your cheat sheet for year-end lists.

Top 5 Punk Releases:
September

 

Propagandhi – Failed States

The best Canadian punk band returns. Not shockingly, Failed States is Propagandhi’s finest outing to date, dropping much of the pop pretence of their last two albums and replacing it with so much shredding you’ll feel your guts shake. Less finger-pointing anger than a simmering, poetic rage, Failed States is not as immediately satisfying as Supporting Caste, but will reveal its heavy, dirgy charms after a few spins. (Epitaph)

Gallows – Gallows

Following the promise of a caustic debut single and EP, the new Gallows makes their full-length debut with this self-titled third album, their first with new vocalist Wade MacNeil, known around these parts as a founding member of Alexisonfire. More direct than the sprawling epic of Grey Britain and even sharper than Orchestra of Wolves, Gallows is sure to satisfy even the most nervous of Gallows of fans. MacNeil isn’t just doing an impression of former vocalist Frank Carter – he is leaving his own distinct mark on the band’s churning riff-based sound, while the band continues to forge ahead on the heavy sonic path they have spent the last half decade traveling down. (Bridge Nine)

Green Day – ¡Uno!
	WHAT THE HELL THIS IS AMAZING EXCEPT FOR THOSE THREE TRULY HORRIBLE SONGS BUT SERIOUSLY YOU WILL LOVE IT. (Reprise)

Bob Mould – Silver Age
	Somehow getting better with age, this album continues the power-pop roll that the Hüsker Dü legend has been on since 2008’s return to form, District Line. Continuing in the same vein as his storied back catalogue, Silver Age is another top to bottom solid and inventive collection of heavy, catchy pop music, straight from the brain of one of the hardcore’s best songwriters. (Merge)

Turbo Fruits – Butter
	It’s really good garage rock. Save it for next May and rip it at your first barbeque and you’ll understand. (Serpents and Snakes)

Out in October: New records from METZ, Luther, Hostage Calm, and more.