THE OFFSPRING – RISE AND FALL, RAGE AND GRACE

Being that The Offspring were my all time favorite band in high school, I will always hold a place in my heart for this So-Cal punk band. And since this was their first release since 2003’s Splinter, I was more than happy to check this out. Good to know that the boys don’t disappoint. Every track on Rise and Fall, Rage and Grace is full of that raw, powerful punk rock energy that The Offspring is known for. This album takes me back to the days when I listened to all their albums on repeat.
Hammerhead
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AGAINST GRACE – MONROE

Against Grace has been on the Richmond music scene for the last few years, but with the release of their latest album Monroe, the guys have stepped it up a notch and cemented themselves as proficient musicians. That talent comes through on this album, which is a non-stop ride in alternative rock (do people still use that word? Alternative rock?). I was very surprised with how much I enjoyed this album, from the energetic frenzy of “Fear of Falling” to the somber “So Long.”
Monroe
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THE GRADUATE – ANHEDONIA

Anhedonia is a high intensity rollercoaster of catchy melodic pop punk that throws you up and down and doesn’t let you go until the album is finished.
Anhedonia
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GREG LASWELL – THREE FLIGHTS FROM ALTO NIDO

I only discovered Greg Laswell this past year at an in-store performance and bought two of his albums right there on the spot. That’s how great he was. And Three Flights From Alto Nido is no exception. There’s so much heartfelt honesty in Laswell’s music, you just want to take it all in.
How The Day Sounds
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And coming in at Number 1…

FAREWELL FLIGHT – SOUND. COLOR. MOTION.

I fell in love with this album the minute i put it on. It’s sad, melodic, upbeat, heartwrenching and takes you over the entire spectrum of emotions. I saw Farewell Flight open for another band I was seeing and ended up liking them a whole lot more than the headliner. Sound. Color. Motion. is a hidden gem in this year’s album releases.
Begin Again
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