Everything We Left Behind – Our Ears Are Bleeding

Self-released, 2011

Following up the promising Pull Back And Go EP – though this record contains a few songs taken from that release – Our Ears Are Bleeding rips through eleven tracks of melodic pop-punk in impressively polished fashion, especially for a band without a label. The Bristolians keep things highly energetic throughout, with more of a mature and aggressive bite to their sound this time out, aided by the throaty vocals. Grab it from the band’s merch site.

Nothington – Borrowed Time

Red Scare, 2011

It’s hard for me not to gush about Nothington, but in this case it’s warranted. Perhaps the best band ever to do the bouncy, melodic, raspy hardcore mix, the band penned one of the perfect records in punk history with 2009′s Roads, Bridges & Ruins. This outing stays true to their timeless formula, chocked full of quick paced, instantly memorable and raw, emotive rhythms. The Americana, almost twang tint that was sometimes present on their earlier work is abandoned here, this time opting for charged harmonies from beginning to end. Essential.

Tin Horn Prayer – Get Busy Dying

Bermuda Mohawk Productions, 2011

Ramshackle Americana-folk-punk, think Lawrence Arms covering Murder By Death songs. Cue whiskey-rough vocals, raucous sing-alongs, banjos galore, the odd jubilant harmonica solo, and a decent debut record climbing out of the wreckage.

The Holy Mess – Benefit Sesh 7”

Evil Weevil, 2010

Two tracks of gritty, raw-throated, impassioned punk rock from the Philadelphia quartet – think Lawrence Arms, The Menzingers, et al. Those who grab the vinyl also get access to a third download track, which continues the trend of aggressive, (probably) alcohol-fuelled catchiness.

Banner Pilot – Collapser

Fat Wreck, 2009

Throaty, gritty, catchy pop-punk from Minneapolis. It’s not redefining any genres by a long margin, but what it does it does well.