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F T F - L N, L L

This thing is fucking good. Maybe I'm biased because this was one of my favourite bands throughout high-school (and beyond) but this is definitely their best LP since the Self Titled album. Chad Yaro is even back in the band after an eleven year absence. To me this sounds like Reactionary mixed with Big Choice and every track is a total banger.

M I D D L E S T A T E S

TAC - Middle States

New EP from one of my all time favourite bands. These dudes can do no wrong and this EP is no exception. Four tracks in twenty-eight minutes and it definitely leaves you wanting more. Middle States is some of their most experimental stuff, and in that regard it reminds of Low Level Owl more than anything else. Epic fucking shit. Now I want another full-length.

Lifeguards - Waving At The Astronauts

Lifeguards - Waving At Astronauts

Robert Pollard and Doug Gillard doing what they do best together, writing catchy hook-filled fucking rock and roll. This has a real 80's sort of Wire sound to it. Spiky indie rock from some rad Ohio cats.

TGUK - There Are Rules

TGUK - There Are Rules

If you are a fan of The Get Up Kids than you'll no doubt already be in love with this release. If for some reason you never cared for them, give this new one a spin because it doesn't really sound like any other Get Up Kids album. As always the secret weapon is their rhythm section, the Pope brothers, who make even the most dull song sound incredible. This album has it all, angular buzz-saw guitars, Peter Hook basslines, 80's synths and melodies for days. If you like Bloc Party or Les Savy Fav then I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by this album. The last song on There Are Rules, "Rememorable", is a total banger (I've been spinning it on repeat for days now).

OFF! - First Four EPs

OFF! - First Four EPs

This is one of the best hardcore releases I've heard in a long time. You should already know who these cats are, that being said, It's great to hear Keith Morris fronting a band again. This sound like classic L.A. hardcore circa 1980: fast, fun and short. Sixteen tracks in seventeen minutes and each song absolutely shreds (most of the songs for this project came from an aborted Circle Jerks album). Totally fucking rad jams here.

Superchunk - Majesty Shredding

Superchunk - Majesty Shredding

Their new album, and first since 2001's Here's To Shutting Up. This definitely sounds like classic early 90's Superchunk and I couldn't be happier. This is the most punk sounding album the band has released since Here's Where The Strings Come In 15 years ago. If this doesn't bring a smile to your face you're fucking hopeless and I don't want to know you.

OFF! - First EP

OFF! - First EP

OFF! is Keith Morris (Circle Jerks, Black Flag), Dimitri Coats (Burning Brides), Steve McDonald (Red Kross) and Mario Rubalcaba (Earthless, Hot Snakes, Rocket From The Crypt) playing old-school hardcore. The four songs on here all clock in at under one minute and all totally slay. This is just the first of four planned 7" singles that will be compiled into a box set later this month. This EP is fucking awesome. Keith's old buddy Raymond Pettibon (Black Flag, SST records) even does the artwork.