1/12 Tunes

By Jackie Cular

Just in case the world ends this year, there are tons of bands that are releasing new music in order to hit the New Year running. January is filled with bands releasing new material.

Black Taxi—(We Don’t Know Any Better) This NY-bred band is as versatile as it is interesting, and so it their new album. The band’s second track, “We Don’t Know Any Better” features smart word-play with a funk twist, while the following track, “Hand,” pops like a well-crafted 80s tune. The video for this track is quite clever with the constant hand imagery. “Do What You Gotta Do” is a well-crafted mix of instruments and catchy lyrics. Later on the disk, “Holding Onto Nothing” sizzles with like an old Country tune, peppered with synthesizers. “Tell Me What You Need” is another strong track that fills the ears and stays for days. This band is known for its charismatic live performances and can often be found at venues in the northeast. Follow them on Twitter.

Little Barrie—(King of the Waves) This UK trio made waves in Japan and well on its way to conquering American audiences with this new release. The opening track “Surf Hell” bubbles with guitar riffs reminiscent of 60’s surfer rock.  The third track “Does the Halo Rust?” tingles with angst and crackles like classic rock tune. “Now We’re Nowhere” ignites with the help of Barrie Cadogan’s intricate guitar work and Virgil Howe’s drums. Later “Tip it Over” glides in with seductive lyrics that flow over Lewis Wharton’s baseline. After giving this disc one full spin, listeners will be hooked on this refreshing sound. Follow the band on Twitter.

Anthony Raneri—(Cathedrals) The lead singer of Bayside is releasing a solo EP and is supporting it on the Where’s The Band Tour where several other frontmen are setting out on their own. Raneri’s EP is not completely unlike Bayside, but it has a definite voice. With only five tracks, it will leave fans wanting more. The first track “Sandra Partial” clearly proves that this is not another Bayside track, with the help of Country influences, which can be heard via guitar and piano, and lyrics which deviate from the band’s last album. “The Ballad of Bill the Saint” is the clear, standout track and is an almost straightforward Country tune—listeners that don’t like Country will fall in love with this song, which is a clear testament to Raneri’s talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician. “Please Don’t Leave” concludes the disc with an upbeat mood, which is a contrast from Bayside’s last release, which was quite angst ridden. Follow Raneri on Twitter.

Anthony Green—(Beautiful Things) The lead singer of Circa Survive is releasing his second solo disc. “If I Don’t Sing” ignites the disc with a distorted guitar and Green’s epic vocal range. “Get Yours While You Can” is not only catchy, but a true showcase of Green’s abilities as a singer. “James’ Song,” for Green’s own son, is a touching lullaby. Chino Moreno of the Deftones provides guest vocals on “Right Outside,” which is a stellar duet. Follow Green on Twitter.

Silverstein—(Short Songs) Silverstein has created concept albums before, but this disc is filled with covers of some of the greatest punk songs with an equal amount of original songs, each under ninety seconds. “Sick As Your Secrets” is the opening track, one of eleven originals, and it sets the tone for the fast-paced, in your face album. “Brookfield” feels very much like a genuine Silverstein song, with Shane Told’s expert screams and melody vocals interwoven throughout. From track twelve onward, the covers ignite. “Good Intentions” originally by Gorilla Biscuits, is one of many stand-out covers. The Promise Ring’s “Scenes From Parisian Life” is given new life, though it is markedly slower than the other tracks, it’s to Silverstein’s credit that it doesn’t skew listeners. Green Day’s “The Ballad of Wilhelm Fink” is tune where Told’s voice picks up on the original vocalist’s (Billie Joe) angst. This album is a gem in an over-saturated hardcore scene. Follow the band on Twitter.



Enter Shikari—(A Flash Flood of Colour) “System…” stuns in a spoken word-heavy song that pairs expertly with the second track; “…Meltdown,” which is riddled with an array of well-chosen beats, samples, and synthesizers. The third track, the album’s first single, “Sssnakepit,” takes the best of the first two songs, rolls them together, then spits them back out at the listener. “Stalemate” slows things down, with a song about the state of the world, backed with a marching beat. “Constellations” rounds out the album with haunting vocals and spoken word lyrics on an uplifting note of togetherness. Follow the band on Twitter.

Attack Attack!—(This Means War) This Ohio-based quartet is back and swinging with this new release; it’s begins with “The Revolution”—a tune that expertly shifts from screams to melodic vocals. “The Wretched,” the band’s first single—check out the video. It’s not the average hardcore song. “The Family” is yet another song that showcases Caleb Shomo’s range. The disc ends with “The Eradication,” probably the heaviest hitting song on a brutal album. Follow the band on Twitter.

Beat that February!