Italian punk rock veterans Los Fastidios are back with a new release celebrating thirty years in existence! For those that do not know this band yet, Los Fastidios play a mixture of street punk, more on a melodic side of things and ska punk, lyrics being in Italian and English. For my taste, better songs on this album are those done in a more street punk way, being quite little anthems like Torneremo Ancora or These Boots. Singer Enrico has a recognizable voice and his English improved a little over the years hehe. Guitar work is nice, nothing new or revolutionary but somehow celebrating life, positivity and vital energy that somehow gets lost in the rush of this modern world. But, also some songs bring a feeling of melancholy in me, like for example The Queen of the Dancefloor. Elisa brought new energy to the band with her voice like for example in Beverley. This band has always been known for promoting positivity, anti fascist and anti racist ideas, besides usual street punk topics, so go and have a listen to these veterans. You will not regret it.
United Defiance are hailing from East Bay area in California and this is their new release. I must admit that I have not listened to this band prior to this record but I am so glad that I discovered them now. What to expect here? Well, a jewel. This band offers something that I love since the nineties, being old school melodic hardcore punk, skatepunk, sounding more like having influence from the nineties than modern technical stuff. Of course, that does not mean these guys can´t play, quite the contrary. This whole album has kinda sad and melancholic vibe, at least it has such impact on me while listening. But, all those harmonies, those vocal lines and sing along parts, coupled with fast drums, great bass lines and guitar harmonies are sure to win you over and make you listening to this record over and over again, discovering your new favorite all the time. Lyrics are more into personal stuff, but I think most of us being into this music can relate to the songs. As a special treat, United Defiance covered We´re Not Gonna Take It featuring guest performance by none other than Jason DeVore of Authority Zero. My personal favorite are Running Out Of Time, Cool Kids Club, Empty Advice and Sing With Me. This is for sure one of the best melodic punk releases to come out this year. Can´t wait to witness this band live.
Miss Vincent released their debut album and it is a blast! This is pop punk/melodic punk rock par excellence. Many bands play this kind of music, but not many manage to write excellent songs and make an album without a filler. Well, Miss Vincent are, besides Hangtime from Canada my favorites in this genre. These bunch of songs contain perfect melodies, backing vocal harmonies, emotions that make your skin crawl with goosebumps and make you sing along and listen again. I love how doo wop influences are incorporated into some of the songs like Go It Alone and Vials. It is really hard to select songs that could stand out as my favorites because every song is that, but I will try: Melanie, My Iron Heart, Heresy. Go and discover this band you will not regret it.
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