Mike Hansen: So many incredible bands put out new music this year - it's hard to maintain a simple list. But I thought that I might use this list as a platform to express how some of the bands we're fortunate enough to be friends with have put out music that has completely blown me away. Click the Read More… link to view the list.
 Heartwell - Certainty Of Change (Kat Kat Records)This record - from front to back - is perfect in my mind. It seems like this band reached into my soul and then regurgitated the music that is flawlessly aligned with what I want music to sound like at all times. Regardless of our close friendship - their musicianship and moreover - their song-writing ability is something that I have endless amounts of praise for. Please listen to this band forever. There's something so special about the music they make, and it deserves as much attention as possible. |
 I Can See Mountains - Hope You Never Get It EP (Panic Records)Our brothers from home, I Can See Mountains put together an EP that bridges the gap between what every band wishes they could do, and most bands never do: Providing an experience on record that mirrors the intensity and passion of a live performance. And likewise, providing an experience live that's on point enough with the recorded version of your songs. The only time I've ever gotten that "shivers down my spine" feeling when listening to the recording/seeing the band live was back in the glory days of Against Me! ICSM brings something so special to the table that I'm not even going to bother with the amount of adjectives it'd take to describe how much I love their band. |
 Ages - Sleep On It (Life & Death Records)Sleep On It actually debuted in 2011, but didn't get the vinyl treatment until this year - so it totally counts. Ages is a group of dudes who are contributing to Punk and Hardcore at an extremely young age. I have no doubt in my mind that if they continue to push and realize what their potential is - they'll be huge. My favorite thing about Ages above most bands I know who have more screaming than singing in their songs is that live - these guys get pissed completely and go for it. Every word is rejected from their mouths with the same intensity that you'd hope to hear in a live setting- rather than a bunch of bullshit, out-of-breath talking style vocals where there should be screaming. |
 The Traditional - You Can't Rebuild Forever EPAnother Buffalo native band, these dudes made my list not because of our shared home-town, but because of the raw talent that is showcased on this debut release. Rising from ashes of many fallen Buffalo bands, The Traditional is doing it right. Every time I listen to their EP, I get the sense that they mean what they say, and that's tough to come by in today's world of music. I can't stress enough that this is not a bias based on our proximity to each other or friendship - but The Traditional worked their way into my list of this year's best releases because simply put, it's one of this year's best releases. The guitar work is tasteful and interesting, the vocals are well placed and catchy, and the lyrics would be enough to rope anyone in for listen after listen. |
 The Swellers - Running Out Of Places To Go EP (Snowbird Songs)The Swellers are a band that I can't say enough about. I got into them at a young age, and they continue to influence me to this day. Having the chance to tour with them was a dream-come-true, and that's an understatement. This EP takes all the greatest parts of The Swellers and enhances them to a perfect shine on Running Out Of Places To Go. Each song is interesting in its own way, and their pop sensibility on these songs makes them impossible to get out of your head. |
