Mid Year Report

To coincide with Stu Harvey revealing the Short Fast Loud mid year report tonight I thought I would post my list of the best releases of 2009 so far.

If you haven't heard the band, check them out on myspace and see what you think.

Feel free to post your list or tell me why you think mine sucks.

Alexisonfire - Old Crows/Young Cardinals - Another great release from a great band. Haven't decided whether I rate it more than Crisis yet, but it is still a great album

All Time Low - Nothing Personal - You either love this band or absolutely hate them. I happen to be one of the people that love them. Another album from them that is catchy as swine flu at the moment.

Break Even - The Bright Side - This album is incredible. The album is so passionate and emotional. Plus the artwork is amazing. Definitely check this band out live on the Drunk & Disorderly Tour if you get the chance.

A Death In The Family - Small Town Stories - This album is probably the best Australian punk release of this year (you tell me otherwise). The band has just completed a US tour with The Gaslight Anthem and are set to tour with Samiam here later in the year. From what I have heard the band is great live so go and check them out.

Earth Crisis - To The Death - Vegan mosh metal legends are back. To The Death is a return to form for the band, nothing along the lines of Slither.

Fireworks - All I Have To Offer Is My Own Confusion - Detroit has to be one of the catchiest songs of 2009. If you love bands like New Found Glory and Set Your Goals, this band will be right down your alley.

Hopeless - Dear World - Debut album from Melbourne hardcore band featuring ex members of Bear Trap and Skan from porn. One of the strongest Australian hardcore releases of 2009. Go and see them on the Burning Up Winter tour with Mary Jane Kelly and Dropsaw.

Iron Mind - The Sun Has Set - My favourite Australian hardcore band at the moment. Everything about this EP rules. The riffs are hard, the vocals are great and the EP artwork is really good. I can’t wait to see this band at Hardcore 2009.

A Loss For Words - The Kid's Can't Lose - Another strong pop punk release of 2009. The band has released this album themselves and it rules. Stamp Of Approval is one of my most played tracks this year.

New Found Glory - Not Without A Fight - This album marks a return to form for New Found Glory. Although Coming Home wasn't a bad album, Not Without A Fight brings back the similar sound to the band's classic album Sticks And Stones which is a great thing.

Paint It Black - Amnesia - Dan Yemin rules! Amnesia is the first 7" released of a few to come later in the year. It picks up where New Lexicon left off and it is great. I am looking forward to hearing the next 7".

Purple Mercy - Self Titled - Ex members of Life Long Tragedy decided they wanted to smoke bongs instead of playing hardcore anymore. This album is the result of that.

Reign Supreme - Testing The Limits Of Infinite - I have been waiting for this album to come out since I heard the band's American Violence EP last year. The wait was worth it. This album is fantastic. Look out for an interview with them on here soon.

Shook Ones - The Unquotable A.M.H - Shook Ones have released another album of Lifetime and Kid Dynamite worship. You can't go wrong with that!

Title Fight - The Last Thing You Forget - This is would have to be my favourite release of 2009 so far. The Last Thing You Forget contains four new songs, the band's Kingston 7" and their split with The Erection Kids. I encourage you to download this release, because if you buy it from Run For Cover, you are more than likely to never see it.

Transit - Stay Home - This EP rules, not a bad track on it. For fans of older Crime In Stereo.

Now to some records that are still to be released this year that I am looking forward to hearing. If I have left any out that you are looking forward to, make sure you tell me!

Blkout! - Total Depravity
Dead Swans - Sleepwalkers
Every Time I Die - New Junk Aesthetic
Polar Bear Club - Chasing Hamburg
Rise And Fall - Our Circle Is Vicious
Ruiner - Hell Is Empty
Set Your Goals - This Will Be The Death Of Us
Trapped Under Ice - Secrets Of The World