Feature / Music
2009: A Year In Review

Words: Mitchell • Posted pre-2010

Top Five Records To Look Forward To

ARTICLE JUMP

SPB Year In Review 20091. Dangers - Messy, Isn't It?

Dangers changed the game by bringing a bit more punk into their hardcore and presenting their beliefs in a no holds barred sort of way. While remaining somewhat controversial for their lyrics - even in the hardcore scene - they built a reputation on touring. With this their second full-length they hopefully expand their sound to a slight bit. This band truly excels at being more brutal and simple rather than technical. With nineteen tracks there's no doubt that Dangers will be destroying stages and narrow-minded kids pseudo PC ideas for awhile to come.

2. Sick Of It All - TBA

Sick of it All returns for more in the new year. With no definite label announcements and a determination that bands half their age still can't touch, this band has yet to put out a record that doesn't encapsulate the rage of a hardcore lifer. After a deal with Abacus going bust and a few more years in the game, there's no sign that they will change. So in short, look forward to a new hardcore classic in 2010.

3. Broken Bells - Broken Bells

What happens when the singer of one of the most well recognized indie rock bands of the last ten years ditches the rest of his band? Well apparently the answer is that he gets together with producer extraordinaire Dangermouse. What one can gather is that after the collaboration with Mark Linkous and David Lynch, it has become clear that more than ever Dangermouse can do whatever genre with equal proficiency. Meanwhile James Mercer has always carried a special gift for writing catchy songs with strong lyrical content. You add these two musicians in with a seemingly limitless amount of studio time and you just may have the standout album of the year.

4. The Next 5 Nadja LPs

Call me a cheater, but Nadja seems hell-bent on making their fans go in debt with more releases than I can think of in just the past few months, including collaborations with Black Boned Angel and Pyramids. This is not to include the side projects as well but I'm sure there will be at least a couple of those too. With the consistency of their songwriting there is only so many reasons to not be excited for what's to come.

5. Integrity - The Blackest Curse

The long threatened LP from Integrity has been getting hinted at more than ever with both Dwid and Jacob Bannon's Deathwish Inc. threatening its soon release. The consistency of the Integrity albums over the years can cause a bit of concern. On the other hand, you have a strong history and since To Die For the few releases have become stronger than ever. Here's to the darkness to come.

(Jon)

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