The Frights - Self-Titled

San Diego surf-punk trio The Frights put out their self-titled debut LP this past Halloween, a fitting release date given that the band describes itself as the “house band for a 1950’s underwater Halloween party.” With its delightfully messy, reverb-drenched recording and “dirty” take on doo wop, The Frights is simply a rip-roaring good time through and through. Have a listen above and enjoy!

Thao & the Get Down Stay Down - "Holly Roller"

A pretty fun music video from Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, which involves a number of different, creative facial manipulations performed on a number of actors who are all lip-syncing to this incredibly catchy track from Thao's latest full-length album, We The Common. Enjoy!

Cancer Bats - Dead Set On Living

Toronto hardcore outfit Cancer Bats has released its 4th LP Dead Set On Living. The band has always had energetic and dirty sound, and it still stands out; however, this time the tracks have a more distinct personality, something they've struggled with in the past. They sound more mature in their arrangements and the vocals are sharper this time around. It's like daggers going straight into your ear canal, but in a good way.

With all these improvements that make the songs seem fuller, some of the lyrical inconsistencies do stand out. While sometimes they are effective at capturing the sloppy, grungy atmosphere their music does so well, it occasionally feels like they are trying too hard. What they lack in lyrical consistency they make up for sheer blood-pumping energy.

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