Today we continue the annual countdown of the Top Releases Of 2012 as we saw it. Yesterday we kicked things off by announcing #17 through to #40 and today we detail #13 – #16. You may agree with the list, you may not, all a bit of fun. Hopefully if there is something listed that you haven’t checked out, or may have skipped over, you have the time to give it a listen on the links provided and see what you think. Expand this post for the reveal of #13 – #16 as well as the rest of the list if you haven’t been following along. Check back tomorrow afternoon for #9-#12. Stay tuned later in the week too for a special competition involving the countdown.
#13
LOCAL RESIDENT FAILURE – A Breath Of Stale Air – [Pee Records]
Released = Friday June 15th, 2012.
[Facebook]
A very long time in the works, these Newcastle guys finally got their debut album released. Still flying the flag of the fast snotty 90’s punk rock, you could say it has been worth the wait. They jump between serious and silly, while keeping it all fun and interesting from start to finish. They obviously take their lead from the likes of Frenzal Rhomb and NOFX but don’t fall into rip off territory. All up you get a party crammed into 15 tracks, you’ll be doing well if you haven’t split your beer by the end. A good fun album.
Favourite Four = ‘Amazing Disgrace‘, ‘(Still) Kickin’ On‘, ‘Nowhere To Be Scene‘ and ‘Fuck White Pride‘.
[Buy on CD] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen to the album on Spotify]
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#14
LINCOLN LE FEVRE – Resonation – [Poison City Records]
Released = Friday October 12th, 2012.
[Website] [Facebook]
Tasmanian Lincoln Le Fevre served up his second album this year, for many it was their introduction to his music, and the punters have embraced it with open arms. A story to be told in every song, really well written lyrics you can follow along and easily relate to, one reason this album has been so well received. It is one of those albums you should whack on when you are kicked back in your favourite chair with your drink of choice at arms reach. After a few listens you’ll be joining in each time a chorus rolls around. I’d imagine a busy 2013 is in store for Lincoln in the touring department.
Favourite Four = ‘The Boatshed‘, ‘On And On‘, ‘Get Drunk, See Bands‘ and ‘Driftwood‘.
[Buy on CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen to the album on Bandcamp]
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#15
THE AMITY AFFLICTION- Chasing Ghosts – [Roadrunner Records]
Released = Friday September 7th, 2012.
[Website] [Facebook]
The Amity Affliction continued their rise throughout 2012, ‘Chasing Ghosts’ was their most anticipated effort to date, and it didn’t disappoint. Their songwriting gets more solid as they gain more experience and evolve. You can’t help but feel they are yet to really peak, and it may just come with their next album. It’ll be the one to watch. The platform has certainly been laid. To my ears, this one is their strongest release yet, their most diverse and one that has definitely been keeping them busy touring. While I’m definitely more a fan of the tracks where the singing is more dominant than the screaming, across the board it is a very solid effort.
Favourite Four = ‘Chasing Ghosts‘, ‘Open Letter‘, ‘Flowerbomb‘ and ‘Life Underground‘.
[Buy on CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen to the album on Spotify]
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#16
GOOD OLD WAR – Come Back As Rain – [Sargent House Records]
Released = Tuesday March 6th, 2012.
[Website] [Facebook]
Unfortunately this one didn’t get an Australian release, but thanks to the wonders of the internet, picking it up was only a few clicks away. These guys play indie-pop/rock to perfection and this album is their finest effort to date. I’m very surprised they haven’t been picked up by any labels out here, or for touring, it’ll happen though. ‘Come Back As Rain’ is loaded with catchy tracks with a bright summer feel that makes for very easy listening. For the most part it is a very upbeat album that you just can’t help but smile when listening to. The track ‘Amazing Eyes’ is bound to find a place one day in a hit lovey dovey movie. Get on the wagon and make it your summer album.
Favourite Four = ‘Calling Me Names‘, ‘Over And Over‘, ‘Amazing Eyes‘ and ‘It Hurts Every Time‘.
[Buy on CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen to the album on Spotify]
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FROM EARLIER…
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#17
TOY BOATS – Diamond Teeth – [Resist Records]
Released = Friday April 13th, 2012.
[Facebook]
Hugo Costin-Neilson delivered this six track EP under the Toy Boats moniker, and for a debut it oozed promise. A little different to the majority of the solo material going around in the scene at present, you won’t find the gravel throat vocals or well tamed beard here, but you’ll find equally as well written songs. It wasn’t one of those EP’s that hits you right away, but you know it has something, and with each listen something new manages to jump out at you. When you are in the right mood for this style is when it goes down a treat, songs that could very well pass as being written by veterans of the music world. Another local making their mark.
Favourite Four = ‘The Colours Went With You‘, ‘Bouquets (Died In My Living Room)‘, ‘Diamond Teeth‘ and ‘Rent‘.
[Buy on CD] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen to the EP on Spotify]
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#18
ANCHORS – Lost At The Bottom Of The World – [Independent]
Released = Friday August 3rd, 2012.
[Website] [Facebook]
These Melbourne guys really stepped things up more than a few notches with this album. 2010’s ‘Bad Juju’ was a solid effort, but to my ears got a little lost in the sea of similar bands. With a bit more experience under their belts, they’ve nailed it this time around. Now they don’t just sound like an imitation of the bigger names in the fast melodic punk stakes, they are hot on their heels. As good as anything coming out of the US at the moment, great to see the band heading out on some international touring this year on the back of this one. I’m sure they showed more than a few how it’s done too. 12 belters on this album.
Favourite Four = ‘Tour Dogs‘, ‘High And Low‘, ‘Break Classic‘ and ‘Grimes‘.
[Buy on CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen to the album on Spotify]
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#19
DEFTONES – Koi No Yokan – [Reprise Records / Warner Music Australia]
Released = Friday November 9th, 2012.
[Website] [Facebook]
Never one to be to into these guys since the ‘White Pony’ days, ‘Koi No Yokan’ made an instant impression on me unlike their last few efforts. From the very first listen I was hooked and it has had plenty of air time around here in the month and a bit since release. I generally get bored pretty easily with this style of music, and for the past few years the genre has been screaming out for an album like this one. Music that takes you on a journey, with no stops in tacky town. There’s no gimmick with these guys, they do what they do, and they do it especially well this time around. Given how fast their 2013 shows have been selling out, I’m guessing that I am not the only one impressed by this album. Definitely their best since ‘White Pony’.
Favourite Four = ‘Poltergeist‘, ‘Romantic Dreams‘, ‘Gauze‘ and ‘Graphic Nature‘.
[Buy on CD] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen to the album on Spotify]
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#20
BURNING LOVE – Rotten Thing To Say – [Resist Records / Southern Lord Recordings]
Released = Friday June 22nd, 2012.
[Website] [Facebook]
Not only did we get an album from these Canadian outfit, we also got an Australian tour in August. Recorded with Kurt Ballou (Converge) this second full length from Burning Love is one to reach for when you want something hard-hitting that doesn’t sound the same as a heap of other bands doing a similar thing. These guys mix it up to make an entertaining album from start to finish. With a hard rock footing, they throw in hardcore / punk and metal to spew out a ridiculously energetic and powerful record.
Favourite Four = ‘Superstitious Friend‘, ‘No Love‘, ‘Made Out Of Apes‘ and ‘Hateful Comforts‘.
[Buy on CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen to the album on Spotify]
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TOP RELEASES OF 2012 – #21 to #40
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#21 – Propagandhi – Failed States [Epitaph Records]
[Buy on CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
Was expecting a little more after their fantastic ‘Supporting Caste’ album. But still, it’s Propagandhi, nothing they do is bad. Still one mighty album.
#22 – The Mark Of Cain – Songs Of The Third And Fifth [Feel]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
A solid return from this long running outfit who have not lost a beat in their time off. Still only fresh, it’ll get better with age.
#23 – NOFX – Self-Entitled [Fat Wreck Chords]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
Probably the pick of the last few NOFX records, not much changes, but it doesn’t need to, more than a few highlights on this one.
#24 – House Vs Hurricane – Crooked Teeth [UNFD]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
Plenty of changes for these guys in the lead up to this one, and the results show plenty of promise for the years ahead. Best is yet to come from these guys.
#25 – Tim Barry – 40 Miler [Resist]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
This one takes a little to get right into, but if you stick with it, things happen. Knows how to write a song this guy & we all know his live talent.
#26 – Sharks – No Gods [Rise Records]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
These British guys are bound for glory, this one really grows on you. Plenty of memorable choruses and fun tracks. Can’t wait for more.
#27 – Basement – Colourmeinkindness [Run For Cover]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
Save the best for last, sadly they were over before this one came out, but thankfully they took the time to release it. The jewel in their crown.
#28 – Converge – All We Love We Leave Behind [Epitaph]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
Continuing to raise the heavy music bar, another strong effort from the leaders of their genre. These songs will be ones to look forward to live.
#29 – Your Demise – Brothers In Arms [Independent]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Bandcamp]
Flying the Tassie flag, this one is an all-round solid package of punk rock goodness. Great art, great tunes. Hopefully a big 2013 ahead.
#30 – Cheap Girls – Giant Orange [Rise Records]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
A very underrated album that I thought more people would’ve jumped on this year. Just a record full of fun rock tracks for fans of all the usual ‘Fest’ type bands.
#31 – OFF! – OFF! [Vice]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
It’s short, it’s fast and it’s loud. Punk rock done the way it should be, by those who’ve done it all their lives. They do it good. An even stronger force live.
#32 – Teenage Bottlerocket – Freak Out! [Fat Wreck Chords]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
Another step up from this pop-punk band, good time tunes you can sing along to and throw a fist in the air at. A 30 minute party.
#33 – Jimmy Cliff – Rebirth [Trojan]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
The master delivers once more, teaming up with Rancid’s Tim Armstrong to put this album together, even dropping a ‘Ruby Soho’ cover. Chilled.
#34 – Antagonist A.D – Nothing From No One [Mediaskare]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
Powerful hardcore from across the ditch, as good as anything coming out of Europe and the US. Play it loud.
#35 – These Hands – These Hands [Independent]
[Buy On CD] [Listen / Buy Digitally on Bandcamp]
Easy listening, well constructed instrumental music out of Melbourne. So much going on that you’ll hardly notice the lack of vocals. Great playing.
#36 – Japandroids – Celebration Rock [Inertia]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
One of the noisiest duo’s around. They impressed many with this album of fuzzy punk rock, it’ll top a few lists I’m sure.
#37 – In Hearts Wake – Divination [UNFD]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
A great debut from this Byron Bay ooutfit still finding their feet, they offer plenty of variety and have given notice that they are one to keep an eye on.
#38 – Boy In A Box – On My Mind [Four | Four]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
Clash inspired rock, done better than most around at the moment. Instantly memorable choruses and plenty of energy. Bring on a full length. 2013 should be a busy one.
#39 – EMPRA – Empra [Independent]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
Plenty of hard work paid off for this Melbourne rock outfit. One mighty debut album and loads of touring which will only add to their experience. One to watch.
#40 – Hot Water Music – Exister [Rise Records]
[Buy On CD] [Buy on Vinyl] [Buy on iTunes] [Listen on Spotify]
I’m one of the few who never really ‘got’ these guys, but this album was a pleasant surprise, perhaps I’m starting to see the light. Some really good tracks on offer.
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