New York Dolls’ ‘Too Much Too Soon’ Lived Up to Its Title (More or Less)
The New York Dolls didn’t just play rock and roll. They swung, achieving a groove that set them apart from other rockers at the time and since.
punk rock
METZ Embrace Melody ‘Up on Gravity Hill’
Canadian noise punks go widescreen on their latest to thrilling effect. METZ embrace melody but still bring the noise Up on Gravity Hill.
Green Day Rock Out for Climate Justice and Human Rights
It’s downright heartwarming to see Green Day back in action, calling out the powers that be in 2024 and urging climate action. Long live rock!
Hardcore’s Gouge Away Grow on ‘Deep Sage’
Gouge Away’s Deep Sage delivers heavy hooks that recall 1990s alternative greats without losing that hardcore fury that put them on the map.
Punk Rockers CNTS Offer ‘Thoughts & Prayers’ to the Hypocrites
Punk rockers CNTS have created a tight album that brings the hothouse vibe of a crammed club: bare concrete walls, bodies slamming in from all angles, and crowd surfers.
Pissed Jeans Laugh at the Absurdity of Life on ‘Half Divorced’
On their first album in seven years, Allentown, PA’s Pissed Jeans return with a short, savage, scathing and often hilarious takedown of the modern world.
Mannequin Pussy Assert Their Versatility on ‘I Got Heaven’
Mannequin Pussy continue to explore a spectrum of intensities, pinballing between two extremes and finding the group in their most mature and polished form.
Rid of Me’s ‘Access to the Lonely’ Is More Than Hardcore
Rid of Me’s Access to the Lonely is one of the essential hardcore records of the past few months, but it cannot be contained by one genre.
Mannequin Pussy Level Up Again on ‘I Got Heaven’
Mannequin Pussy have reached another peak, delivering a complex, inquisitive album inspired by the threats from the outside world and from inside the house.
The Hotelier’s ‘Home, Like Noplace Is There’ Is Peak Emo Revival
The Hotelier’s harrowing Home, Like Noplace Is There is a defining record of the emo revival. It can make us feel less alone in our darkest moments.
Laura Jane Grace Brings Great Songs to ‘Hole in My Head’
Hole in My Head is full of good songs, and Laura Jane Grace is an excellent songwriter with intriguing lyrical turns of phrase and an ear for catchy melodies.
Sprints’ ‘Letter to Self’ Is a Powerful Reflection
Sprints’ lyrics are sharp and direct and their musicianship provides tension and release across all 11 songs, which have a hooky rawness that is addictive.