A perverse complaint lately has been too much Aesop Rock. It's all great, but arguably a little...diluted. Lice is a collab with Homebody Sandman, who almost steals the show on this one. All the right kinds of weird hip-hop. Abstract, spacerock beats with humblebrags and armchair philosophy. On paper, none of that works. On vinyl, it's magic. 

If you've followed this site and my writing you've noticed I love all of Todd Congelliere's bands. Okay, you haven't because they release material so sporadically. This "return to action" record showcases how TTK always sounds the same while still growing in surprising new directions. It's comfort food in all the best ways. Melodic punk rock with quirky movements, multiple songwriters, and just the right kinds of surprises.

This album was something like 15 years in the making. That can sound bloated, but Payload nails it with The Arrivals' unique take on punk that's equally inspired by mod and Motown. It's rare that punk rock isn't predictable but no two Arrivals songs throughout their discography sound alike. It's thoughtful, heart-on-sleeve blue collar rock 'n' roll played by punk rockers.

A young band that keeps growing and changing -- in great ways. burnout was silly fun. Hellhound is angry. The band didn't grow complacent with (modest) success. They learned not to trust others. The real life experiences suck for them, but it led to some killer angry punk that pulls from the best Riot Grrl without feeling derivative either.

I didn't know it was possible to get heavier and angrier than Paint It Black, but Bitter Branches play post-hardcore that permeates through you. It oozes and drips pure anger. It's pure -- this isn't some cathartic singalong -- and it's so dense and thick you can feel it in your bones. There are elements of hardcore, noise-rock and a lot more -- but while it draws from many influences, it's always focused, cohesive, and authentic.