Editors' Picks: Pastepunk

In a fit of insanity, no doubt induced by all of that curling that recently went on, I've been handed the reins of the Mp3 of the Week section here at Punknews.org. And what better way to do something than to not do it? I've always loved delegating, so instead of spending the time to hunt down songs and bands, I ask other people to do it for me!
The first in what I hope to be a weekly series of guests is the ever-beautiful staff of Pastepunk. Led by Jordan A. Baker, esq, they've picked an assortment of bands and songs that demand your attention, at least for sampling's sake.
Curious as to what they've picked for you, our viewing public? Read More! and find out.

Jordan: Cohesion - "From Butterfly to a Chrysalis"
Italy's Cohesion may just be one of hardcore's best kept European
secrets. With a sound that owes much influence to older Stretch Armstrong (think "Revolution Transmission") and Rise Against, these guys know how to deliver an exciting bruiser of a tune. The band recently released an EP on Engineer Records titled Lovely Hate.

Alex: Rakias - "Pirates"

Like Jordan, I am sticking to the Mediterranean region and choosing a fine artist from my homeland. Rakias hails from Greece and brings with him the summery, island feel that you associate with this sun-drenched land. Combining acoustic pop with urban themes, Rakias delivers an incredibly unique sound that both thrills and soothes the listener on his Run Devil Run debut Street Parade. Most Greek artists that you hear about outside the country are usually the tepid pop-house fare that mixes some Greek folk samples with a beat, but I believe Rakias has what it takes to introduce a new kind of Greek music to the world.
Editor's Note - Rakias was featured in our International Spotlight near the end of last year as well.

Chad: Envy - "Left Hand"; "Distress of Ignorance"; "Color of Fetters"
Following the international theme, my selection of the week comes from the Japanese metal group Envy. With a screamo style similar to that of
American counterparts Taken and Breather Resist, they bring a unique veracity to an overexposed metal genre. Envy has played anywhere from
houses to the esteemed indie fest All Tomorrows Parties in the UK with such diverse acts as Isis, Mogwai and Yaphet Kotto. After nearly fifteen
years, the band recently announced their signing to American label Temporary Residence and plans to release their new album late in the
summer and is in the planning process of a subsequent American tour. This will be the third time for the band in the states so be sure to catch
them when you have the chance!
Matt: Sinking Ships
It's been quite a while since I have been floored by a new hardcore band, but these guys totally get my juices flowing! Their tunes are full of speedy goodness, and rocking guitar riffs, and their live performance more than lives up to the recording! This band is fun as hell, and in just a few months, the entire hardcore community is going to be rocking along to their tunes. Kids with a healthy Comeback Kid obsession beware; you're in for a real treat!