Rise Against - The Black Market (2014)

The Black Market is an excellent punk-rock, melodic hardcore album that packs a punch but also offers a good amount of hooks and melodies with a more introspective angle than in the past.

Overall there's a lot of emphasis on melody. The songs are really catchy without ever falling into disposable pop-punk and the harder, faster side of the band in the past shining through at some points, like The Eco-Terrorist in Me. The Black Market is a really solid album from a well oiled, seasoned band with some stand out songs.

Highlights: The Great Die-Off, I Don't Want to Be Here, The Black Market, The Eco-Terrorist in Me and Awake Too Long.

Rating: Good Vibrations  

Belako - Eurie (2013)

Originating from the Basque Country, Belako is a new and very young band. The band successfully mixes a classic indie sound (think Sonic Youth or The Pixies) with punk rock sensibilities and some lo-fi electronic touches. 

Eurie is their debut album, it's self produced and packed with energy, fuzzy, crunchy guitars and great songs. Opening track Sea of Confusion, Haunted House (see the video below) and Zaldi Baltza are my particular highlights but there are no fillers here. 

I can't say that this is a classic, Belako still have room to grow but it's a very impressive debut for these youngsters.

You can buy the album directly from their Bandcamp here

Rating: Good Vibrations

Jello Biafra and the Guantanamo School of Medicine - White People and the Damage Done (2013)

Jello Biafra has always been one angry, political jester and he is back as sharp as ever.

White People and the Damage Done presents all the classic traits of Biafra's work. Biafra cannot contain his anger aided with bucketfuls of fun and sarcasm. The lyrics are current, sharp and witty.

The album is not just old school though. Biafra and the band experiment with the sound, using some country, swing and cabaret influences. In fact, the album seems to lean towards punk-cabaret, with a really riotous and theatrical fun tone all throughout.

The album ends with four remixes or alternative versions that explore new musical territories even further and are actually excellent.

Rating: Heavy Rotation