Dan Biggane's 6 of the best

By dbiggane

GALLOWS

ALBUM: Grey Britain

This remarkable second offering from Watford's hardcore punks really is a state of the nation address, packing one helluva punch.

Here Gallows hold a mirror up to modern Britain and demands we no longer ignore the ugly truth which blemishes Blighty: religion and politics spreads fear and loathing, fuelling brutal inner-city violence, urban alienation and racism ...

It's all here and it's far from easy-listening.

THE WILDHEARTS

ALBUM: Chutzpah!

The most underrated band in the country have yet again delivered the goods.

From the insanely catchy opener The Jackson Whites through to scorching closer Chutzpah! Ginger and co have created a joyous slab of infectious rock and roll that's stuffed full of unexpected twists and turns.

Perhaps poppier than previous releases you will still stick on repeat and relive the riff-packed rollercoaster ride over and over.

ALICE IN CHAINS

ALBUM: Black Gives Way To Blue

Replacing a frontman is one of the most perilous things a much-loved band could do. So when Layne Staley died in 2002 I, like many others, thought it was over for good.

However, such is the devotion for the sensational Seattle band's music the decision to return was met with delight rather than disdain ... and thank goodness they did.

A haunting listen which is simply sumptuous. A breath-taking return.

RIP Layne - long live AIC.

EVERY TIME I DIE

ALBUM: New Junk Aesthetic

This, the fifth studio album from the Buckley bros and co, is a natural progression from the metalcore quartet's previous two offerings.

Mixing the spirited spikiness of Gutter Phenomenon with the grungy groove of The Big Dirty, it sounds huge.

Take tracks such as The Marvelous Slut or Wanderlust or White Smoke or Host Disorder or The Sweet Life ... well the list goes on - just turn it up loud and enjoy!

RANCID

ALBUM: Let The Dominoes Fall

By album number seven you know what the Californian legends are going to deliver: a ska-fuelled spitball of streetwise punk poetry.

That the sound hasn't developed since 1995's classic ...And Out Come The Wolves is a criticism often held against Armstrong, Frederiksen and co. But for me it's like say Oasis, Slayer or AC/DC ... while you may have to concede they'll never top past glories you still welcome and embrace every new release like an old friend.

AFI

ALBUM: Crash Love

Who knows what kind of reaction you would get if you were able to go back to 1995 and played Crash Love to the hungry hardcore AFI just starting out. I admit it took a while for me to fall for it.

A natural progression from 2006's Decemberunderground, Crash Love takes both the delightful dark drama and familiar full-bodied anthems of previous releases and adds a polished sophistication with a splash of The Smiths and Cure thrown in for good measure.