New York hardcore heroes Cro-Mags and Ohio’s Foxy Shazam are just two groups with thrilling new music releases this week.
Life will probably never be the same as it was before the COVID pandemic took the world by storm. Mourning the loss of the world we knew is normal, but it’s important to recognize all the good that continues to exist. Each new week brings us music that has the potential to change countless lives, and this week’s batch of new releases is no exception. There are too many good records for us to mention, but here are four we believe everyone should experience. This is the best new music of the week.
Foxy Shazam – Burn (EEEOOOAH)
Ohio’s Foxy Shazam emerges from a half-decade long hiatus with Burn, an album as wild and unpredictable as its members. Lead by the singular voice of Eric Nally; the band expands on their signature blend of punk and classic rock to create a sprawling sonic landscape of endless possibilities. There are songs here that will reassure you the chaos of 2020 won’t last forever and others the delight in watching the world burn. It’s the kind of album that deserves to not only be heard but experienced, and we are cursing this awful year for robbing us of the opportunity to see the band perform. 2021 may be better, but even if it isn’t, at least Foxy Shazam is back and better than ever.
Cro-Mags – 2020
(Mission Two)
When former Victory Records’ head Tony Brummel launched Mission Two Entertainment, the Cro-Mags were the first band to join his roster. A longtime favorite band of Brummel, Cro-Mags lay the foundation for a rebellious future with 2020, their second release in this wretched year. The New York hardcore legends do what they do best on this release, taking down everyone and everything that stands between them and absolute freedom. The title track may be the most ferocious of the bunch, with thunderous drums and hypnotic riffs, but we’d wager it’s the aptly titled “Chaos In The Streets” that listeners will be returning to for years to come.
Less Than Jake –
Silver Linings (Pure Noise)
Another album that feels fitting of the year we’ve just endured, Silver Linings finds ska-punk legends Less Than Jake at the top of their game. The raucous opener, “The High Cost Of Low Living,” sets the stage for a record that urges the audience to find joy wherever they can. That energy continues throughout the release thanks to “Keep On Chasing,” “Dear Me,” and “Move,” all of which blends hopeful optimism with Less Than Jake’s knack for humorous self-deprecation. You may feel like there is nothing left to cheer for in the world, but the music contained in this release argues otherwise. We may always mess up, forget who we are, and lose our way, but Silver Linings reminds us that somedays, just being alive is worthy of celebration. Put this record on and forget everything else. Your problems won’t go away, but after spending an hour with Less Than Jake, your troubles might not seem so bad.
The Inferno Doll – Sacrifice
It can be hard to describe the forward-thinking metal of The Inferno Doll without using cliche phrases like wicked, witchy, or occult. Vocalist and songwriter Laura Vargas has crafted a darkly entertaining collection of material that channels the energy of a summoning ritual and offers it to listeners willing to submit to whatever ethereal beast may answer their cries for help. It’s a hypnotic voyage into the spiritual realm that is equal parts catchy and demonic but only in the best possible ways.
