Somehow, we're halfway through the year again. Where did the time go, we ask ourselves, as life returns to something vaguely resembling pre-pandemic times, music festivals begin to emerge once more slumber, and secret music projects begin to see the light of day as artists rediscover themselves. Luckily for you, the Scene Point Blank team is on hand to highlight the best music of 2022 so far that you might have missed – strap in to hear our writers' favorite records of the year to this point, and find out what under the radar releases need to be added to your regular rotation. Let's go!
Aaron's Top 5 Of 2022 So Far
1
Orville Peck - Bronco
Columbia Records
On his sophomore full length, Orville Peck traded in his Pony for a full-grown bucking Bronco. Peck's new album has the artist growing and maturing his sound while maintaining what made him unique in the first place. Tracks like "Let Me Drown" showcase his talent as a vocalist, while the lead single, "C'mon, Baby Cry," flaunts his growth as a songwriter. It's an album that grabs you from the start and will keep you humming to yourself long after the record stops spinning. You can find more about the album in my review.
2
Cave In - Heavy Pendulum
Relapse Records
Holy shit, Cave In are back and better than ever! With the loss of long-time bassist, Caleb Scofield, I'm not sure anyone knew exactly what the world had in store for Cave In after 2019's, Final Transmission. The band recruited Converge's, Nate Newton, and it's clear how perfect a fit he is for the band and a suitable fill-in for Scofield. The band delivers their best album in years and arguably the best in their career. It's heavier and it's sludgier, but it doesn't shy away from throwing in those tasty melodic riffs. It's comforting to know that Scofield is still present on the album, having provided one of the riffs from "New Reality" as well as the lyrics for "Amaranthine."
3
Ghost - Impera
Loma Vista Recordings
Ghost continues to delve deeper into their camp on Impera and this time, it's in the form of 80's Glam Metal/Arena Rock and it works amazingly well. There's still the occasional heavier track, like "Call Me Little Sunshine," but if you're looking for something with more of a tinge of zany, then you get that too with "Twenties." In between, you'll find enough hooks, riffs, and anthems to satisfy your soul. You can find more about the album in the review from my colleague, Sarah Jane. Though we disagree on "Kaisarion," I think it's one of the best tracks on the album.
4
Gregor Barnett - Don't Go Throwing Roses in My Grave
Epitaph Records
Gregor Barnett of The Menzingers decides to take some time for himself with his solo album, "Don't Go Throwing Roses in My Grave." If you're a Menzingers fan, then this album is a must. Sometimes it sounds like b-sides that didn't make the cut for Hello Exile, but there are lots of gems in Barnett's repertoire to differentiate them. He's a little bit more country while Menzingers is a little bit more Rock 'n' Roll..
5
Sweat - Gotta Give It Up
Pirates Press Records
Sweat's Gotta Give it Up is just the spark you need to light the fire under your ass to get you pumped for some Hardcore-Punk. For a genre that has begun to grow a little stale for me, there is something about Sweat that pulls me back in where others have failed. There's a bit of melodica amongst all the anger and screaming, and it's not done in an overbearing way like say, White Lung (not a sleight). Sometimes a little subtlety is key. Read up more in Loren's review.
- Aaron H
