Fight the Good Fight, the Interrupters

Fight the Good Fight, the Interrupters, 2018, :32

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

This punk band is Rancid reborn, with a talented female singer but all the same rockabilly-ska-punk licks, catchy sing-along choruses, confident positive energy in the lyrics, and Tim Armstrong's influence looming large throughout (the entire band features on one track).  Indeed, some of the lyrics, in their sentiment and even their turns of phrase, seem to indicate Armstrong's hand in the writing, but I can't find any songwriting credits to verify.  Anyway, I love this album; nothing wrong with taking a winning formula and repackaging it with a new youthful verve.  Favorite tracks: 'She's Kerosene," "Title Holder," "Gave You Everything," "Room With a View."

Semicircle, The Go! Team

Currently doing one album for each year, 1960-2020. Today: 2018.

Semicircle, The Go! Team, 2018, :40

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Since I first heard these guys way back on (looks it up) August 27, I found out that the band is an ever-changing organism, led by one Ian Parton.  Their technique is to blend everything into an aural hurricane of shouty fun: obscure samples, funk, hip-hop, dance, indie pop, double-Dutch chants, horns, steel drums, and basically any sound that might make the song a banger.  Apparently on this album there are guest vocals from various choirs and high schoolers and a lot of other singers.  The result is a great deal of eclecticism, but all swagger and sunshine pop.  If you don't like it, you're still too old.  Favorite tracks: "Chain Link Fence," "The Answer's No - Now What's the Question?," "Semicircle Song."

Dirty Pictures (Part 2), Low Cut Connie

Dirty Pictures (Part 2), 2018, Low Cut Connie, :30

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

I was somewhat familiar with this band, and liked their work, but had never heard this album.  It blew me away!  This is a full set of blistering, but thoughtful and meaningful, old-school rock.  Great work from a very talented band.  Best tracks: "Beverly," "Oh Suzanne."