LIVING WEAPON - DEATH IN THE FAMILY (Closed Casket Activities)
The Massachusetts metallic hardcore unit left no doubt on their debut full length, Death In the Family. The project, fronted by Vein.FM's Jonathan Lhaubouet and produced by Jeremy Martin, features the likes of Anthony DiDio and Josian Soto-Ramos of Fleshwater. Dark, dominant and sonically devastating, the magnitude of the album suggests Living Weapon is much more than a passion project. The collective of established musicians assert a creative focus that is evident on every walloping track.
RACETRAITOR - NOBODY, SON OF NOBODY (Another City Records)
Following the expansive, wildly ambitious Creation and the Timeless Order of Things from 2023, politically conscious punk collective Racetraitor narrow their focus on their latest EP. No less sonically consuming or scathing with social commentary, the presentation ropes in punk, grind, sludge and ambient in a way that keeps you guessing, yet always feels especially cohesive. A daring mesh of power and poignance, Racetraitor add to their sterling reputation of integrity both as creatives and activists through art. All proceeds from the release will be donated to the Middle East Children's Alliance to aide humanitarian relief efforts in Gaza.
CHICO - CHICO (New Mortality Zine)
Considering the strength of the band's debut album, Chico are clearly destined for big things considering they have just scratched the surface creatively. A self-assured collection of punk songs with hardcore backbone, the introductory outing is anchored by scrappy songs that feel durable and dynamic. Without having to rely on dramatic breakdowns or added flair, the ten-track showing stays the course with a collection of songs that shows songwriting maturity that isn't typical of a debut album.
VARIOUS ARTISTS - SENDING HEARTS TO ALL MY DEARIES (Sumerian Records)
With submissions from Tame Impala, Carpenter Brut, Between the Buried and Me, Alice Glass, Palaye Royale and many more, the various interpretations of Smashing Pumpkins' classics makes this a very special compilation. Billy Corgan's prowess as an evergreen songwriter is evident in the range of artists that add their own spin to his catalog. From the soaring take on "Tonight Tonight" from Starbenders to the stylish swagger of "Ava Adore" from Urban Heat, the Pumpkins' essentials get a new shot of life while underscoring the generational reach of the iconic alt rock pioneers.
DEAD TIRED - HORNETS OF FALL (New Damage Records)
Likely your favorite band's favorite band, Dead Tired is the creative outlet and punk rock dinner club for some of Canada's most respected loud music specialists. The band's latest endeavor is one that was clearly crafted out of want rather than necessity, thus making the quality of the tracks difficult to dissect. George Pettit remains one of the best frontmen in the game and with guest spots from longtime friends like Andrew Neufeld of Comeback Kid, Liam Cormier of Cancer Bats and Chris Cresswell of The Flatliners, the caliber songwriting on Hornets of Fall is of the highest quality.
