Best of 2015 - Adam Eisenberg's picks (Cover Artwork)
Staff Pick

Best of 2015

Adam Eisenberg's picks (2015)

staff picks


Another year, another list of records I listened to and enjoyed. I'll start with the usual disclaimer, that this is simply a list of things I listened to and enjoyed in 2015. It's in no way objective, and the rankings are how I feel now, but not necessarily how I'll feel a week, a month or a year from now. Also keep in mind that I haven't had a chance to listen to everything that came out this year. For example, I hear Tenement's double LP is wonderful, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet. The fact that it doesn't appear on this list is something you should hold against me, not against Tenement.

You see, much of the time formerly dedicated to listening to records is now dedicated to child care. In fact, in the last year I've spent more time watching the various Shrek films than I have listening to new albums. There's "Shrek," "Shrek 2," "Shrek The Third" and "Shrek Ever After." More recently, we've also spent a lot of time with the seasonally relevant TV spinoff, "Shrek The Halls." I hate Shrek. I've always hated Shrek, since long before I was subjected to him over and over again. That said, having watched hundreds of hours of Shrek this year, I've realized something. I don't hate Shrek because he's crude and represents the decline of children's entertainment. I hate Shrek because he reminds me of myself. He's an unassuming, unremarkable ogre who wants little more than peace, quiet and solitude. Yet he always ends up stumbling into some adventure that takes him far from home, always promising that the solitude he so desires awaits at the end, yet never quite delivering. You see, ladies, gentlemen and non-binaries, Shrek is us. We are Shrek.

Long Things



20. Leftover Crack: Constructs of the State

Fat Wreck Chords



I'm still holding my breath for Choking Victim's triumphant return. Unfortunately, I'm starting to turn quite blue, so maybe I should just get over it and appreciate Leftover Crack a little bit more. The band's first record in a long, long time is a pretty solid return, and it's always nice to hear high profile bands focus more on politics and less on partying.



19. Sleater-Kinney: No Cities to Love

Sub Pop Records



I've always respected Sleater-Kinney's contributions, though I've never been a big fan of the band. I hadn't even listened to this record until Punknewser Mark Little twisted my arm behind my back and refused to let go until I gave it a spin. I'm glad I did, and while I still won't listen to this regularly, the level of polish and competence is clear, and it's nice to see the women of Sleater-Kinney returning to show the kids how it's done.



18. Public Image Limited: What the World Needs Now

PIL Official



I'll forgive you if you didn't pick up This Is PIL a few years back because you assumed it was a passionless cash grab, but by now you're probably aware that it was anything but, and you have no excuse for not checking out PIL's latest release. It picks up where the last one left off and proves that guys pushing 60 can still churn out some surprisingly strong post-rock.



17. Nervosas: Nervosas

Dirtnap Records



I wasn't quite as high on this record as others, but I'm a big fan of this band's earlier work, and the album has certainly grown on me. Straight ahead melodic punk with a subtle dash of goth angst that differentiates it from the rest of the pack. If you enjoyed this record I highly recommend you start working back through Nervosas' catalog.



16. Pool Party: Number One

It's Alive Records/Mooster Records



Remember when there were countless pop-punk bands with names like The Something- tons, and they all played the same kind of sophmoric but lovable music? Those days may be gone, but Miami's Pool Party is still carrying the torch, and they balance their worship of the classics with their own sun-baked personality. In a lot of ways, they're like the poor man's Mean Jeans with a pinch of The Queers from back before they started to suck.



15. toyGuitar: In This Mess

Fat Wreck Chords



This record is just plain fun. It's the kind of thing I'd spin while sitting on the beach or riding down the highway with the top down, if I ever did either of those things. Like a lot of the projects Jack Dalrymple is involved in, it's hard to find too many flaws with ToyGuitar's debut LP.



14. Screaming Females: Rose Mountain

Don Giovanni Records



We've always known Marissa Paternoster could shred, but unlike previous Screaming Females LPs, Rose Mountain is about a lot more than just killer riffs. The songwriting is more mature and ambitious, and while the riffage is toned down a tad, it's in service of a more cohesive sound in which the whole band stands out.



13. The Mountain Goats: Beat the Champ

Merge Records



The Mountains Goats have always written great songs, but they've never really been my thing. When I heard their new record was about a topic near and dear to my heart, the gritty old days of territorial pro wrestling, I decided I'd give it a shot. I came away with two observations: 1. The Mountain Goats are still not really my thing. 2. This record is fantastic.



12. Wet Nurse: So It Goes

Recess Records



I don't understand why this band isn't much, much bigger. On their second LP, Wet Nurse churns out another batch of catchy and compact pop-punk songs that are smart rather than silly. Even better, they're fun to sing along to, but you'll never be able to match the sublime vocal harmonies that are peppered throughout this LP.



11. La Misma: Kanizadi

La Vida Es Un Mus Discos



The words "creativity" and "hardcore" don't always go together, and that's unfortunate. La Misma, though, are an exception to that rule, taking an innovative approach to their brand of hardcore punk, especially when it comes to the guitar work. While the fact that the lyrics are in Portuguese may be a turn off to some, the band was kind enough to include an English lyrics sheet in the sleeve, so there's really no excuse to avoid this.



10. Night Witch: Night Witch

Negativity Records



There are a lot of albums that rip, but this one RIPS. Brutal hardcore with riffs that have been stuck in my head for months and breakdowns that might actually convince me to enter a circle pit. There are plenty of hardcore bands out there, but few are as competent as Night Witch. Bonus points for smart, in-your-face lyrics that don't shy away from addressing tough topics both outside and inside the punk scene.



9. The Stops: Nameless Faces

Dirt Cult Records



The first time I heard this record, I thought "this band must be from Portland," and I was right. They play that brand of dark, melancholy punk that other bands from the Pacific Northwest, like Red Dons and Criminal Code are famous for, and they do it really, really well. This one flew under my radar for a while, but I'm glad I took the time to give it a listen, as it's what I'm listening to most right about now.



8. Ceremony: The L- Shaped Man

Matador Records



Certainly one of the most polarizing records of the year, Ceremony went full Joy Division on The L-Shaped Man, accelerating the progression from their previous full-length, Zoo. It's slow, plodding and painful, but isn't that exactly what a break-up record should be?



7. Flowers of Evil: Flowers of Evil

Deranged Records



This record is so cool. It's like a classic UK punk band went looking for a singer and pulled someone out of a SoCal skate punk band circa the early '80s. If The Damned and JFA met in a bar, had a few drinks and then went back to The Damned's place for some consensual action, Flowers of Evil is what would be born nine months later.



6. Institute: Catharsis

Sacred Bones



I've described this record to people as punk rock in slow motion, and while I think tha's apt, I'm not sure it fully does the record justice. In fact, I'm not sure any description could do a record like this justice. Musically, the tempos are slow and the tunes are pretty straightforward, but Moses Brown's pained, detached vocals add an artsy, post-punk vibe that sets Institute apart from their contemporaries.



5. Worriers: Imaginary Life

Don Giovanni Records



Lauren Denitzio's songwriting has always been personal, and here it all comes together with an excellent group of musicians, resulting in package that's strong from top to bottom and covers a range of emotions in the process. "Yes All Cops" might be the political anthem of the year, too.



4. Red Dons: The Dead Hand of Tradition

Taken By Surprise/Deranged



It took a couple of listens for this album to grow on me, but grow it has. It's always impressive when a band that generally puts out shorter releases can crank out a full-length that captures the same momentum over a longer running time. Red Dons have done just that, and I'm already looking forward to what comes next.



3. War On Women: War On Women

Bridge Nine Records



Biting, in-your-face lyrics set to a heavy punk rock soundtrack, War on Women's first full-length captures the band at their confrontational best. I don't know which band member came up with the idea of setting YouTube comments to music, but well done, War on Women, well done.



2. Night Birds: Mutiny at Muscle Beach

Fat Wreck Chords



Night Birds made the jump to Fat for their third LP, but they haven't exactly gone all Hollywood on us. Mutiny at Muscle Beach offers the same searing hardcore punk we're used to from the band, and if anything, they actually kick the intensity up a notch.



1. Downtown Boys: Full Communism

Don Giovanni Records



There were a few records that rocked my socks off this year, but none were as important as Downtown Boys' debut LP. Just when you thought punk had nothing left to say, along comes a bilingual blast that's equal parts "make you think" and "make you dance."



Short Things



20. Ausencia: Ausencia

Discos MMM



Fun, classic-sounding punk rock from the LA area that you can't help but sing along to, regardless of whether you can understand the lyrics. Gruff but catchy, and definitely highly recommended.



19. Western Addiction: I'm Not The Man That I Thought I'd Be

Fat Wreck Chords



I love this band, and I'm so happy they're putting out music again. This 7- inch isn't necessarily their very best output, but it's all relative. I'm looking quite forward to the LP that should hopefully be coming soon.



18. Mommy: Mommy

Toxic State



Certainly one the most interesting releases that came to my attention late in the year, Mommy's eponymous 7-inch is an art-heavy hardcore release with lyrics that are focused on a life spent dealing with the mental health system. The music buzzes and drives, the vocals are anguished and the clips during and in between songs, not a technique I always enjoy, just work.



17. Skinny Genes: Ugh

It's Alive Records



A second appearance from Ace, formerly of The Steinways and House Boat. Skinny Genes is his solo project, and if you're a fan of his contributions to the aforementioned bands, there's no reason you won't love this. I am a fan of his contributions to the aforementioned bands and I love this.



16. Super Unison: Super Unison

Self-Released



The new project from Meghan O'Neill, formerly of Punch, takes a different direction than her previous project. It's still heavy, but some of Punch's brutal edge is replaced by a more thoughtful approach to the music and a slightly toned down vocal delivery. Super Unision is a good example of what happens when hardcore kids grow up.



15. Frau: Mira

Self-Released



Frau's first 7-inch was a sparse, tense slab of anarcho-punk that I really, really enjoyed, so much so that it ranked seventh on this very list last year. The band's follow-up tightens things up and leaves some of the sparseness behind. It's just as tense, if not more so, but this time around there's a bit more going on than before.



14. No Problem: Kid Killer

Deranged Records



Canada's contribution to the small handful of worthy bands who are playing hardcore punk inspired by '80s stalwarts like Agent Orange, No Problem followed up 2014's Already Dead with this excellent 7-inch slab. If you're into Night Birds, you're probably already listening to this band. If not, get with the program.



13. Sheer Mag: II

Self-Released



Who knew that bands still made rock n' roll just for rock n' roll's sake? Well, Sheer Mag is that band, and this is rock n' roll at its finest. If there was any justice, this would qualify as classic rock someday instead of the fucking Eagles.



12. Blank Spell: Blank Spell

World Gone Mad



Eerie Philadelphia hardcore that would not sound out of place soundtracking your next Halloween party. The guitar never stops buzzing, the drums never stop pounding and the vocals, well, they're all over the place in the best way. I can only imagine that Blank Spell puts on a hell of a live show, too.



11. Rata Negra: Corasones

Discos MMM



Rata Negra plays melodic punk with a hint of darkness, and the band is fronted by Juanita from Juanita y Los Feos. This is perhaps Spain's best recent export other than that fancy ham that my foodie friends talk about.



10. Ajax: Ajax

Beach Impediment



Ajax's formula hasn't changed much from release to release, but there's something to be said for consistency. In Ajax's case, that means a regular dose of heavy, meat and potatoes riffs and vocals that sound more like they're coming from a pack of wolves than a human being.



9. World's Scariest Police Chases: Adolf Hipster

A-F Records



After breaking up and subsequently reuniting a few months later, World's Scariest Police Chases return with another unapologetic slab of un-PC punk rock. This band has always seemed like they're in the wrong era and would have been huge if they were around 15 or 20 years ago. That said, I'm happy to have them now.



8. Top Bunk: Top Bunk

Bloated Kat



Grath and Ace from The Steinways and House Boat are behind another excellent pop- punk project. The biggest difference here is the production, which is more lo-fi garage rock than shiny pop-punk. Otherwise, it's more of the same musically and lyrically, and that's a good thing.



7. Earth Girls: Someone I'd Like To Know

Dirt Cult Records



Earth Girls' second 7-inch picks up where the first left off, with more impossibly sugary bubblegum garage rock/pop-punk. Yes, there are a ton of bands trying to perfect this sound, but it appears this one's already done just that.



6. Crown Court: The English Disease

Rebellion Records



Crown Court released two 7-inches in 2015, and The English Disease is the superior of the two. The songs are of the more melodic sort, reminscent of bands like Cock Sparrer and the early work of the Swingin' Utters. This beats out the band's earlier release, Ruck N Roll simply by virtue of better production, which brings the vocals up in the mix, and makes the band sound better for it.



5. Patsy: Tuley Tide High

Total Punk



No bullshit punk rock featuring members of Mystic Inane. Patsy certainly isn't as out there as that band, instead focusing on a more classic sound. I hear a bit of the much beloved Neighborhood Brats in there, so this is filling much needed hole for me.



4. Pure Disgust: Chained

Katorga Works / Quality Control



Pure Disgust is a good reminder that DC hardcore still exists, and is still pretty damn great. Musically speaking, this 7-inch has a healthy dose of punk melody to it, and that melody is juxtaposed with smart, angry lyrics of a decidedly sociopolitical bent. This is must-listen stuff.



3. Rixe: Coups et Blessures

La Vida Es Un Mus



So it may surprise you to know there are oi bands out there that aren't just squeezing into ill-fitting costumes and rehashing tired tropes. Rixe is one of them, and they're among the very best. These four tracks are tough but melodic, which is exactly what good oi should be. This is a French band you don't want to fuck with.



2. Mystic Inane: Ode to Joy

Negative Jazz



In only eight minutes, Mystic Inane stumbles through three tracks that run the gamut from methodical weirdness to straight up aggro punk, all the while sounding like they could collapse into chaos at any moment. This release sounds like it was literally made for me, but I don't think they planned it that way.



1. G.L.O.S.S.: Demo

Self Released



Long before the jerks in Whirr inadvertently brought G.L.O.S.S. to greater prominence, this release was rocking my stereo. Even though it came out way back in January, it's been in regular rotation all year long, and that's a rare accomplishment. The songs obviously rock, but the band's greatest strength is how obvious it is that they mean what they say. It's always refreshing when a band doesn't sound like they're just going through the motions.