Loren's Top 5 Of 2023 So Far
1
Screaming Females - Desire Pathway
Don Giovanni Records
I saw this band years and years ago and they stayed on my radar from afar. Then, more recently, I caught them at The Fest at it opened my eyes in a new way. Maybe they grew with time; maybe I did. Anyway, this is a firm mix of DIY meets ‘70s rock. It’s dynamic and powerful, yet concise and approachable. Real music by real people.
2
The Brokedowns - Maximum Khaki
Red Scare Industries
The Brokedowns really haven’t changed up their sound, but each record keeps getting better and better. Harsh punk vibes, but with some rollicking r ‘n’ r and social commentary too.
3
Truth Cult
Pop Wig Records
A new find in 2023, Truth Cult hit that organ grinder of subgenres, coming out with a clearly defined sound that’s also hard to pigeonhole. Think post-hardcore meets Dischord meets melody. It’s both angry and soothing, often at the same time.
4
Rancid - Tomorrow Never Comes
Epitaph Records
Get on the nostalgia train. I may disagree with this later, as a few songs on Tomorrow Never Comes feature the same vague, lifeless tones as their other 21st century releases, but the main tone of the band’s tenth LP mostly captures the spirit of their youth in the best ways.
5
Atmosphere - So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously
Rhymesayers
Speaking of nostalgia, here’s another band that inspired me in the past, but dropped off my radar for a while. The newest Atmosphere has some perfect production that mixes chill vibes with just enough experimentation. It’s self-aware as ever, but looks outward just as much as inward.
- Loren
