1. Coliseum - Last Wave/ True Quiet (Deathwish Inc.)
There is absolutely no explanation why this single completely renewed my interest in Coliseum. Maybe the format of only two songs leaves me anxiously wanting more, but it does not matter. "Last Wave" and "True Quiet" are both great Coliseum songs that contain the vitriol with dashes of melody that the band writes so well.
2. End of a Year - End of a Year (Deathwish Inc.)
End of a Year's first offering for Deathwish proves to be one of my favorite releases that they have so far. The three songs definitely showcase their D.C. inspired sound and show the band at the top of their game. It is a criminal event if people do not check this release out because it is just a fun record to hear.
3. GREYMACHINE - Vultures Descend (Hydra Head)
This single is a clincher of a record for me because the title-track that was released online several months back hinted at what GREYMACHINE might sound like or be able to accomplish while the b-side to the record absolutely did it for me. Now, I cannot wait to hear the full-length and actually anticipate its release a great deal. I think it proves that singles are an absolutely necessary format for music.
4. Nadja - Clinging to the Edge of the Sky (Adagio 830 / Vendetta)
The only aspect of this record that is disappointing is that it is just one song. The concept of this record is great though, a quick peak at the new mindset of a band in a new location almost halfway around the world.
5. Torche - Healer/ Across the Shields (Hydra Head)
Two of my favorite songs off of their full length Meanderthal, "Healer" and "Across the Shields" make for quite the double a-side pair. The two b-sides are both nice to have and tie off this era of the band nicely but do not blow listeners away all that much. The DVD contains the videos for both a-sides and is worth seeing for the costumes that the band wears.
(Bob)
1. The Loved Ones - Distractions (Fat Wreck Chords)
It's basically a collection of unreleased songs and two new songs, but the new songs definitely show a lot of promise for The Loved Ones' future. They may reach the success that The Gaslight Anthem has if they are used correctly.
2. The Menzingers - Hold On, Dodge (Red Scare)
The four best songs this band has written so far. They've improved a lot from their debut album and are experimenting with better production and a few other new ideas to continue progressing as a band. Granted there are only four tracks, but every single one of them is gold.
3. Anchor Down - Steel To Dust (Solidarity)
I wish they had released enough songs for this to be a full-length because if it were, then it would have the potential to crack the top five of my favorite albums of 2009. This EP alone shows a ton of potential for this young band.
4. Paint it Black - Amnesia (Bridge Nine)
Dan Yemin just keeps getting better as a songwriter. EP or not, Paint it Black continue to get better and better with each release.
5. We're All Broken - Blacktop Cry (Devildance)
The drastic change of sound was good for We're All Broken as they are moving in the right direction and can possibly be something great after they work out a few kinks.
(Corey)
