Welcome to our annual end of year wrap up, as we celebrate 2014, the year that was. Hard to believe another year has slipped by so fast. 2014 was a busy year in the realms of local and international punk/hardcore. A lot of established bands put out new releases while a lot of new bands turned some heads by putting out some awesome debuts and demo releases.
Below is what we thought we're the most impressive releases of 2014. You may or may not agree with our selections or those of the other people featured, but by all means do yourself a favour and click play on anything you've never heard before, as variety is the spice of life. You might just find your new favourite band while you're at it...
Without any further ado...
Top 10 Australian Hardcore Releases of 2014
1. OUTRIGHT – Avalanche LP (Reason and Rage Records)
What felt like a long time coming, has definitely been so damn well worth the wait. Melbourne's Outright follow up their awesome debut 7" with 11 new crushing songs that mix the best of the mid 90s metal influenced hardcore movement with that modern day crossover vibe, that is as varied, as it is technically brilliant, kind of like Strife meets Indecision. Jelena's delivery has definitely found it's own voice, topped off by a very intelligent lyrical approach that is as challenging as it is confronting. This is so far from the norm of by the numbers dumbcore that has become so commonplace in hardcore. This is a collection of thought provoking, inspirational anthems that are catchy, moving and so damn moshable. Brilliant from start to finish. Hats off to Outright, this will take some topping!
2. SHACKLES – Forced To Regress LP (Resist Records)
3. HURTxUNIT – Wired Wrong 7” (Arrest Records)
4. RIGHT MIND – The Paradox Of Our Age CD (Life Lair Regret Records)
5. BORN FREE – Evil Hands 7” (Shaman Records)
6. CURSED EARTH – Vae Mortis Tape (Life Lair Regret Records)
7. IRON MIND – S/T LP (Resist Records)
8. STAUNCH – Hurt To Learn EP (Hombre Records)
9. LEGIONS – Apparition Songs 7” (Broken Hive Recordings)
10. CHOKE – War Of The Suburbs 7” (Splitting Headache Records)
Honorable Mentions:
SICK PEOPLE – In My Nightmare 7” (Urbn Rage Records)
THE WEIGHT – Suffer Eternal 10” (Lethal Dose Records)
INTERNAL ROT / MANHUNT Split 7” (Lethal Dose Records)
SUMERU – Holy Lands LP (Arrest Records)
CONTROLLED – Self Suffice 7” (Shaman Records)
TOP 10 Australian Not So hardcore Releases Of 2014
1. THE GIFTHORSE - Give My Body To This Town (Poison City Records)
After a few years on hiatus and a couple of new bands forming out of the ashes of the initial breakup, Brisbane's melodic punk rockers return with an absolute masterpiece of an album. Instantly likeable from the first haunting and harrowing guitar lead combined with the infectious vocals of Shane Collins, one soon realises just how fucking good the Gifthorse really are and just how much they have been missed, as the momentum doesn't let up for the next eight songs that follow. Songwriting really doesn't get any better than this and yet this is a band that is still gowing in stride and stature. Praise whatever mythical creature of your choice and rejoice in the return of the Gifthorse, just don't go looking them in the mouth.
2. TROPHY EYES - Mend, Move On. (UNFD)
3. LUCA BRASI - By A Thread (Poison City Records)
4. SOUNDS LIKE SUNSET - We Could Leave Tonight LP (Tyms Records)
5. SUNDIAL / Ringfinger Split 7" (Lacklustre Records)
6. HARBOURER - S/T 7" (Broken Hive)
7. INITIALS - Leave Expired (Arrest Records)
8. TOY BOATS - Wedding Town (Resist Records)
9. POSTBLUE - I Hope They're Praying For Me (Poison City Records)
10. CERES - I Don't Want To Be Anywhere But Here LP (Hobbledehoy Records)
Top 5 Australian Demos
1. REGRETS - 2014 Demo
Could easily have been released as a new A Death In The Family EP and no one would have been any wiser. Sadly they have broken up.
2. WORLD VIEW – Face It
Jungle Fever sounding revivial out of Adelaide.
3. RUNNING THIN - Demo 2014
Sydney heads return to their roots of the old school variety.
4. REBIRTH - The Rebirth Demo
Melbourne revives the mid 90s, ala Morning Again and Unbroken.
5. TIME CRISIS - Demo 2014
Brisbane drops one of the most promising demos ever heard from the QLD area. Hard, heavy, riff-laden and polished.
Honourable Mentions
BOUNTY HUNTER
Perth brings the riffs.
ILL NATURED
Newcastle delivers the hard and heavy.
Top 10 International Not So Hardcore
1. JOYCE MANOR – Never Hungover Again (Epitaph)
Joyce Manor return with their third LP, their most catchiest and accessbile yet, which delivers 10 songs in just under 20 minutes. Playing a mix of well crafted upbeat pop punk songs, ala Jawbreaker fused together with the influence of The Get Up Kids and even The Smiths, Joyce Manor somehow manage to find that middle ground that makes them appealing to both fans of indie and punk. Not only has the songwriting improved, but so has the production and though one might not imagine Joyce Manor to sound more appealing with a polished sound, they certainly do. This is a really great feelgood album that will have any listener transported back to the days of their carefree youth.
2. ONLY CRIME – Pursuance (Rise Records)
3. WHIRR – Sway (Graveface Records)
4. BOB MOULD – Beauty & Ruin (Merge Records)
5. MASKED INTRUDER – M.I. (Fat Wreck Chords)
6. LAGWAGON – Hang (Fat Wreck Chords)
7. THE COPYRIGHTS – Report (Fat Wreck Chords)
8. RANCID – Honor Is All We Know (Epitaph)
9. AGAINST ME! - Transgender Dysphoria Blues (Resist Records)
10. GAMEFACE – Now Is What Matters Most (Equal Vision)
Top 10 International Hardcore
1. BANE – Don't Wait Up (Equal Vision Records)
Final farewell album from the always reliable and always amazing, Bane. These ten new songs will appease those with an appetitie for insightful meldoic hardcore, but will disappoint you once the end track "Final Backwards Glance" is over and you then suddenly realise that this was the last new Bane song you'll ever hear. Ever. Fuck. But at the same time, what a way to go out. Amazing record. Having had a ticket on the Bane train since the first stop of "Holding This Moment", they've steadily improved and surprised with each new release. The songwriting always offers a slight variation on past releases and they certainly aren't afraid to tread new ground and forge their own path. I've always set big expectations for each Bane release and they always deliver.
2. PRAISE – Lights Went Out (React Records)
3. SWEET JESUS – Box (Triple B Records)
4. IRON REAGAN – The Tyranny Of Will (Relapse Records)
5. ANGEL DUST – A.D. (React Records)
6. OFF! – Wasted Years (Vice Records)
7. 7 SECONDS – Leave A Light On (Rise Records)
8. GIVE – Electric Flower Circus (Moonflower Records)
9. MIZERY - Survive The Vibe 7" (Lion's Share Records)
10. BOSTON STRANGLER - Fire (Fun With Smack Records)
Top 5 Reissues
1. BL'AST – The Expression Of Power (Southern Lord) LP
Now this is how you do a reissue justice. Southern Lord did an amazing job with the reissue of "Blood" in 2013 by legendary So Cal hardcore band BLA'ST that you just knew, this one would be just as amazing. A triple LP packaged with a 28 page booklet that features three different recording sessions of the same album.
2. MINDSNARE – The Death (Resist Records) LP
3. 411 – The Side You Cannot See (Workshed Records) LP
4. THE BOMB – Indecision / Extras (No Idea) LP
5. 100 DEMONS – In The Eyes Of The Lord (A389 Recordings) LP
Top 5 International Demos
INSIST - Demo (FFO The First Step)
MODERN PROBLEMS - Demo 2014 (FFO Ignite)
DISCREPENCY - Where The Strength Lies Demo (FFO Hardstance & Insted)
COMING DOWN - Demo 2014 (FFO Swiz & Dag Nasty)
WESTPOINT - Demo 2014 (FFO Joyce Manor)
Top 3 Shows / Tours
1. POISON IDEA / AVO - Bald Faced Stag Hotel, Sydney
2. PROPAGANDHI / CRISIS ALERT - Manning Bar, Sydney
3. HARD ONS (30th Anniversary) / COSMIC PSYCHOS - Manning Bar, Sydney
TOP TEN LISTS
So enough of what we thought were the highlights of 2014, below is a collection of what a bunch of people from around the country, from all walks of life made of 2014...
Thanks again to everyone who participated.
Tom – MOOD SWING
Top 10 LP's
Nothing - Guilty Of Everything
Toy Boats - Wedding Town
Postblue - I Hope They're Praying For Me
Code Orange - I Am King
Self Defense Family - Try Me
The Flex - Wild Stabs In The Dark
Whirr - Sway
Give - Electric Flower Circus
Tigers Jaw - Charmer
Pianos Become The Teeth - Keep You
Top 10 7"s
Criminal Instinct - Fever
Controlled - Self Suffice
Headroom - Carry Me Away
Forced Order - Eternal War
Legions - Apparition Songs
Fury - Kingdom Come
Downside - All My Love Returns To Me
Nai Harvest - Hold Open My Head
Step Forward - Step Forward
Shrapnel - Frenzied State
Top 10 Demos
Fury - Demo 2014
Primitive Blast - The Demo
Forced Order - Demo '14
Shrapnel - Demo 2014
Red Death - Demo 2014
World War 4 - Demo 2
Insist - Demo 2014
Snail's Pace - Demo 2014
Unified Right - Demo #2
Discrepancy - Where The Strength Lies Demo
Favourite reissue ?
I'm not sure if I've even purchased a reissue this year to be honest with you. I should probably pick up a copy of the Buried Alive LP. Or does the vinyl pressing of No Warning "Suffer Survive" count? I got one of those and it's pretty good.
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
The three sets I think I've enjoyed the most this year were:
The Menzingers at The Small Ballroom in Newcastle
The Others at Break The Ice in Melbourne
Basement at The Bald Faced Stag in Sydney
Biggest Disappointment?
Not seeing Violent Soho every time they've played in Newcastle or Sydney. Something has made me miss them every single time and I still have never seen them. Maybe 2015 will be my year.
New Year's Resolution?
Play guitar more. Start another new band. Go back to Perth more than once. Be better at whatever I do.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Ill Natured releasing a 7", Mood Swing writing, recording and releasing an LP. Both bands playing a good amount of shows once they have dropped. New records from Title Fight, Blacklisted, Superheaven, Freedom, Cloakroom, Stick Together, Clear, Miles Away, Break Even, No Tolerance, Self Defense Family and whatever else will be released. Hearing new bands that haven't even started yet.
Prediction for 2015?
Title Fight and Blacklisted will put out two of the best LP's of the year. Nai Harvest will gain some real heat when they drop their new record. Newcastle will still be mad.
Choppaz – Old School Cartel / RUST PROOF
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
Bodycount - Manslaughter
Madball - Hardcore Lives
Throwdown - Intolerance
Earth Crisis - Salvation of innocents
Confession - Life and death
Southpaw - That's how we roll
Slapshot - self titled
Sheer Terror - Standing up for falling down
Machine Head - Bloodstone & Diamonds
Exodus - Blood in blood out
Favourite reissue ?
Mindsnare - The Death (one of my favourite records of all time)
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Poison Idea (Aus Tour)
Slapshot ( Everything wants to kill you Aus tour)
Blood Duster set at the Evelyn with the Dwarves (Fuck the dude who sings in the Dwarves, total wanker)
Biggest Disappointment?
Testament side wave show. (Worst mixer of all time. You don't watch Testament to not hear Alex Skolnick)
New Year's Resolution?
Don't make them because I never keep them.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Watching King Parrot take over the world
Prediction for 2015?
Crowned Kings will be in everyone's top 10 of 2015 with new album Forked Road
Mitchell – REACTIONS
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
Postblue - I Hope They're Praying For Me
Basement - Further Sky
Suburban Scum / Xibalba - Split
Imprisoned - The Other Side of Hell
Twitching Tongues - World War Live
Full of Hell and Merzbow
Legions - Apparition Songs
Cursed Earth - Vae Mortis
Raccoon City Police Department - Nightlife
World View - Face It Demo
Fave Reissue?
Incendiary / Suburban Scum Split
Top Shows/Tours
Basement w/ Toy Boats and Apart From This
Twitching Tongues w/ I Exist
Backtrack w/ Iron Mind and The Others
Biggest Disappointment
2014 has been pretty sick to be honest. The only thing that kind of sucks is how long the Reactions record has taken to record and press, considering we finished writing it in April.
New Years Resolution
Become SSB4 world champ.
Looking Forward to in 2015
What I'm really looking forward to in 2015 is releasing the Reactions LP. We've been working non-stop on it since the start of the year and it's killing me that it's been such a slow process. Over the past year it feels like we've really discovered who we are as band, so it'll be sick to show people what we've come up with.
Prediction for 2015
I think 2015 will be an awesome year, especially for hardcore. I've already heard rumours of numerous tours being organized including the recently announced Harms Way tour and that's sick. The new year also being kicked off with the new Imprisoned album promises cool things from the word go and I'm sure there will be plenty more around the corner.
Joel – RUNNING THIN / PUNK ROCK HILLBILLY
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
Youth Decay - Older Fatter Drunker
Vices - We'll make it through this
Outright - Avalanche
The Gaslight Anthem – Get Hurt
Comeback Kid – Die Knowing
Rancid - Honor Is All We Know
Lagwagon - Hang
Mariachi El Bronx - III
Black English - No
Fucked Up - Glass Boys
Notable Mention
Boneless's new album (I'll call that a 2015 release, even though I have the MP3's from the pre-order)
Descendents - Filmage (doco... but it was THAT good - it needed to be mentioned)
Favourite reissue?
Nofx - The Decline (15 year anniversary)
Fugazi '88 Demo
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year? (I'm making it 5)
Hits and Pits - Sydney Uni
Comeback Kid/Rotting Out - The Wall
Nofx/Frenzal Rhomb - Enmore Theatre
The National- Sydney Opera House
Propagandhi/Crisis Alert - The Manning Bar
Biggest Disappointment(s)?
Rodrigo leaving Atlas Losing Grip - hopefully this means he's going to revive Satanic Surfers.
Last Nerve are STILL broken up
Stu Harvey leaving Short Fast Loud... I'm sure the new guy will be fantastic, but it's still a bummer
The continuing shit fight that was the Hits & Pits Festival... I was lucky enough to play two shows, and be joined on stage by Trever Keith for two songs, and it will probably be one of my personal highlights of 2014 - but the ongoing shit fight with bands being owed cash, TM's having to pull money out to cover costs (and not be reimbursed) - and then to top it all off, the con that seemed to be 'Hits & Pits - The Expansion' - where nearly $10k (non-refundable) was crowd sourced - for a future festivals that will never happen.
That sucked for everyone involved.
New Year's Resolution?
Try and discover new music - I'll always go buy whatever NOFX release, but I need to take a chance on music outside my comfort zone.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Backstage Passport 2
Hazards Full Length
Atlas Losing Grip Full Length
Awakening the Dragon Dog Mullet
The 90's coming back
Prediction for 2015?
The 90's will come back. In the song 'Move the Car' - by Lagwagon on the 1995 'Hoss' album - Joey Cape sings "I might as well go for it, the nineties won't be back again, til I'm forty-eight years old"
Joey Cape turned 48 in November 2014.
Joe – POSTBLUE
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
Postblue - I Hope They're Praying For Me
Warpaint - Warpaint
The Preatures - Blue Planet Eyes
Mac Demarco - Salad Days
FKA Twigs - LP 1
The Creases - Gradient
The Horrors - Luminous
Whirr - Sway
Roku Music - Collider
Lanie Lane - Nightshade
Favourite reissue ?
Smashing Pumpkins - Adore
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Pity Sex
Veruca Salt - The Zoo
Poison City Weekender
Biggest Disappointment?
The new Smashing Pumpkins record
New Year's Resolution?
Record heaps of bands
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Touring heaps, writing and recording a new Postblue record
Prediction for 2015?
Failure will finally tour Australia
Jarrod - CHOKE
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
No particular order but here goes:
Shackles - Forced To Regress
Born Free - Evil Hands
Downside - All My Love Returns to Me
Rort - Warpath
Imprisoned - The Other Side Of Hell
Toy Boats - Wedding Town
Legions - Apparition Songs
Sundial/Ringfinger - Split 7"
Cold World - How The Gods Chill
Brain Freeze - Demo
Favourite reissue ?
Mindsnare - The Death
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Ill Brigade w/ Relentless, Vigilante, Upperground & Deadly Visions @ Hermann's in January.
Born Free/Controlled w/ Time Crisis, Sundial, Guilt Trip & Ill Natured @ The Small Ballroom in July.
Ringworm w/ Against, Internal Rot, Caged Grave & Party Vibes @ The Bendigo - Break The Ice pre-show.
Honorable mentions to the BTI weekend, the Slapshot tour and the NOFX tour.
Biggest Disappointment?
A bunch of friend's bands breaking up, RIP The Takehold, Guilt Trip, Brain Freeze...
New Year's Resolution?
Spend more time appreciating the positives around me.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Real life stuff - starting my Primary Teaching degree.
Hardcore stuff - A bunch of fresh sounding Australian bands touring and putting out new quality records.
Prediction for 2015?
A NAILS tour (I'm desperately hoping ha-ha).
A stronger focus on slam dancing in Sydney.
Downside's 10" selling out with in a week of being in press.
Luke – HAZARDS
Top 10 Releases of 2014
Give "Electric Flower Circus" LP- Long haired youth crew dudes (?) with flower logos and body paint (?) playing some of the most powerful & original sounding jams this side of the Swiz discography.
Fugazi "First Demo" LP- You'll never hear another demo this fucking good. Ever.
411 "The Side You Cannot See- Complete Discography" LP- Dan O Mahoney's best band, hands down. Memorable skate rock influenced melodic hardcore, if you're old enough to know what that means.
Ringworm "Hammer Of The Witch" LP- A ferocious return to form from Clevo's finest thrash metal / crossover hardcore kings. Contains legit westie riffs.
Bob Mould "Beauty And Ruin" LP- Legendary Husker Du frontman doing what he does best... belting out bullshit good tunes.
Outright "Avalanche" LP- 'Riff heavy HC' generally bores me shitless in 2014 but these Melbournians stand out well above the pack with unbridled passion, intelligence, and Jelena's incredible vocal delivery.
7 Seconds "Leave A Light On" LP- Old Kevbo and the gang with their best record by far since they quit hardcore and tried to be U2 in the late 80's.
Shellac "Dude Incredible" LP- Steve Albini is a dead set lord. What makes this different to any other Shellac album? Nothing. That's why it would make my top 10 any year they decide to grace us with an album.
Manlifting Banner "Red Fury" LP- Whilst your favourite long running HC band is busy wearing their own merch and congratulating themselves for staying loyal to da scene MLB are busy playing unapologetically political raging fast hardcore punk.
OFF! "Wasted Years" LP- If it ain't broke don't fix it. Keith Morris is an American Hardcore treasure.
Favourite reissue:
Brotherhood "Till Death" LP + 7"- Often overlooked first wave youth crew band (from Seattle not NY) gets the deluxe Southern Lord treatment. Tough as shit hardcore, heavy on the SSD influence featuring old mate from the Foo Fighters (not Dave Grohl or Pat Smear, the other guy).
Top 3 shows / tours of the year:
Lemuria & Hazards @ The Hammo Station.
Slapshot & Straight To A Tomb @ Hermans Bar
Ringworm @ The Small Ballroom
Biggest disappointment:
Liverpool almost won the Premier League, but fucking didn't.
New Years Resolution:
Pretty sure I said this last year, but by hell or high water the Hazards LP will finally see the light of day in 2015.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015:
Turning 40 ha-ha
Prediction for 2015:
The Manhunt LP will be the album of the year.
Brandon – MOOD SWING
Top 10 Releases of 2014
Code Orange – I Am King
Isaiah Rashad – Civilia Demo
Angel Du$t – A.D.
Criminal Instinct – Fever
Pallbearer – Foundations of Burden
Whirr – Sway
Toy Boats – Wedding Town
SZA – Z
Pyramid Vritra – Palace
Nothing – Guilty of Everything
Special Mentions - Freddie Gibbs & Madlib – Piñata, Postblue – I Hope They're Praying For Me, Downside – All My Love Returns To Me, Jhene Aiko – Souled Out, Colossus – Unholy, Whirr/Nothing – Split, The Others – Rain Dance, Pianos Become The Teeth – Keep You.
Favourite Reissue
Saw that a 100 Demons LP got re-issued... better get that ha-ha
Top 3 shows
Break The Ice
The Others, Mood Swing, Downside, Controlled, Primitive Blast @ Red Rattler, SYDNEY, NSW
Born Free, Controlled, Time Crisis, Mood Swing, Sundial, Upperground @ Valve Bar, SYD, NSW
Biggest disappointment
None
New Year's resolution
Be HECTIC
Looking forward to in 2015
Harms Way/Legions Tour. Writing more music. Hang out.
Prediction in 2015
Chameleon Sound aka Elliott continues to make engineer music that will sonically destroy you.
Matt – BOUNTY HUNTER
Top 10 International Releases of 2014?
Young and In the Way- When Life Comes to Death
Nothing- Guilty of Everything
Code Orange Kids- I am No King
Judas Priest - Redeemer of Souls
Trap Them- Blissfucker
Whirr- Sway
Tigers Jaw- Charmer
Every Time I Die- From Parts Unknown
Lana Del Ray- Ultraviolence
Schoolboy Q- Oxymoron
Top 5 National Releases
Colossvs- Unholy
Legions- Apparition Songs
Warbrain- The Pain of Rebirth
The Weight- Suffer Eternal
Downside- All My Love Returns to Me
Favourite reissue ?
Anything Metallica, Pantera, Black Sabbath or Megadeth
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Deafhaven
Russian Circles
Break the Ice-what a lineup, cant wait to see what those guys have instore for next year.
Biggest Disappointment?
Half of Megadeth leaving the band.
New Year's Resolution?
Write more riifs and hopefully make our way over east for some shows.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Miles Away new album.
The upcoming tours hitting out shores next year and the release of our new EP "Bones to Dust" on Death Grips.
Prediction for 2015?
Megadeth getting a new line-up and doing a world tour with Metallica, Black Sabbath and Iron Maiden.
Andy – POISON CITY RECORDS / FREAKWAVE
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
1. CHEAP GIRLS 'Famous Graves'
2. THE SMITH STREET BAND 'Throw Me In The River'
3. TAPE/ OFF 'Chipper'
4. HARMONY 'Carpetbombing'
5. LUCA BRASI 'By A Thread'
6. FUGAZI 'First Demo'
7. THE PEEP TEMPLE 'Tales'
8. BAD DREEMS 'Badlands'
9. BOB MOULD 'Beauty & Ruin'
10. THE ESTRANGED 'S/t'
Favourite reissue ?
SCREAMFEEDER 'Burn Out Your Name'
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
1. KNAPSACK - Reverence Hotel
2. SCREAMFEEDER - Yarra Boat Cruise
3. SEBODOH - Corner Hotel
Biggest Disappointment?
How fast this year went by!
New Year's Resolution?
Get fit, quit drinking - then forget all about it by February.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
The Bennies vs. Village People at Golden Plains Festival.
Prediction for 2015?
Midnight Oil reunion.
Matt, Chris, Andreas - SUMERU
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
Eyehategod - Eyehategod
Legions - Apparition Songs
Civil War - Alone.Crucified
Watchtower - Absinthism
Sumeru - Holy Lands
Down - IV Part 2
Shackles - Forced To Regress
Every Time I Die - From Parts Unknown
Mastodon - Once more Round The Sun
Favourite reissue?
Tama Bell Brass Snare (Andres)
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Alice In Chains / Down at The Enmore Theater 25/2/14
Neurosis at Manning Bar 9/9/14
Legions at The Hive Lair 17/8/14
Biggest Disappointment?
Civil War breaking up...
New Year's Resolution?
Sleep better, drink less, eat healthy, plant a tree and make music.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Finally getting our hands on the 'Holy Lands' vinyl.
Predictions for 2015?
ACID VAIN will rule, a Fall Of Troy reformation, Andres will break more gear and Chris wants a Hover Car.
Stephen – HURT x UNIT
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
1. Autistic Youth - Nonage.
2. Whirr / Nothing - Split.
3. No Problem - We're already dead.
4. Morrissey - World peace is none of your business.
5. Fugazi - First demo.
6. Neighborhood Brats - Recovery.
7. Only Crime - Pursuance
8. Pianos become the teeth - Keep you
9. OFF! - Wasted years
10. Moth - First second.
Honourable mentions:
The Flex - Wild stabs in the dark.
Nothing - Guilty of everything
Choke - War of the suburbs
Hysterese - Self titled
Favourite reissue ?
Rollins Band - Life Time. My favourite Rollins record brought to life with a respectful remaster.
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
1. Iron Mind - Any show they played. The undisputed lords of Australian hardcore,
Unmatched on every level live and gracious, humble people off of the stage. I can't think of a better band to be representing the nation on a global level.
2. Quicksand - Somewhere in London. They never fail to deliver.
3. The Approach - Melbourne. I had never heard of them before they hit the stage but they left a lasting impression. It was chill inducing, raw and ridiculously powerful. If any members of the band happens to read this, please make a record.
Biggest Disappointment?
Missing most of the great tours that came through town.
New Year's Resolution?
To spend more time in the ocean, play more shows and to make it through one airport without having intimacy forced upon me by the security personnel.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Completing the HxU record and not being so terrible at yoga.
Prediction for 2015?
More local releases with personality and the return of Rick Ta Life.
Graham – RESIST RECORDS
Top 10 Releases of 2014? (no particular order)
Basement "Further Sky"
Pianos Become The Teeth "Keep You"
Bane "Don't Wait Up"
La Dispute "Rooms Of The House"
Against Me! "Transgender Dysphoria Blues"
Iron Mind "S/T"
Shackles "Forced To Regress"
Joyce Manor "Never Hungover Again"
Rancid "Honor Is All We Know"
Code Orange "I Am King"
Favourite reissue ?
100 Demons "In The Eyes Of The Lord" and Mindsnare "The Death"
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
La Dispute / Balance And Composure @ The Metro, Sydney
Crisis Alert @ Black Wire
Iron Mind @ Newtown Social club
Biggest Disappointment?
The Annandale Hotel no longer doing live music.
New Year's Resolution?
To be more active.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
To release all the new releases we have in the works and announce all the tours we have planned for 2015.
Prediction for 2015?
South Sydney to go back to back.
Nick – MILES AWAY
Top 10 Releases of 2014? (in no particular order)
Lagwagon "Hang"
Cold World "How The Gods Chill"
Interpol "El Pintor"
Bane "Don't Wait Up"
Nothing "Guilty of Everything"
Angel Dust "A.D."
Circa Survive "Descensus"
Backtrack "Lost In Life"
Pennywise "Yesterdays"
Cruel Hand "The Negatives"
Favourite reissue ?
Gorilla Biscuits 'Start Today' 25th Anniversary
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Down @ Soundwave
Ten Foot Pole @ Hits&Pits
Local shows in general
Biggest Disappointment?
Can't think of anything that bothered me that much.
New Year's Resolution?
"It is what it is..."
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Finally putting our new record out, getting married, spending time with my dog and another great winter of waves.
Prediction for 2015?
Bands will continue to put out all sorts of music, some people will like it, some people won't and it will be discussed thoroughly on the internet.
Taj Burrow will finally win a World Title.
Footy – CRISIS ALERT / CLARITY RECORDS / STOLEN YOUTH
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
LPs:
1. The War On Drugs – Lost in A Dream
2. Thurston Moore – The Best Day
3. Angel Dust – A.D.
4. Mogwai – Rave Tapes
5. Shackles – Forced To Regress
6. Mastodon – Once More 'Round The Sun
7. Failures – Decline And Fall
8. Joyce Manor – Never Hungover Again
9. Outright – Avalanche
10. Rancid – Honor Is All We Know
7"s:
1. Canidae – Nowhere Else But Here
2. Step Forward – Step Forward
3. No Action – Never Close
4. Controlled – Self Suffice
5. Hygiene – Void EP
Favourite reissue ?
The Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds LP reissues.
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Radio Birdman at The Gov
Propagandhi Australian Tour
Canidae 7" launch at The Metro
Biggest Disappointment?
Adelaide Crows not making the 8 and the absolute inconsistency displayed throughout the year. I was really looking forward to the new Boston Strangler LP and I thought it was a bit of a let down. Also a number of bands coming to Australia that I would have liked to have seen, but missing Adelaide.
New Year's Resolution?
Finally record the new Stolen Youth LP, do a couple other records with other bands, be the best Dad in the world.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Playing another season of Football for the Payneham Norwood Union Football Club and watching the Adelaide Crows under new coach Phil Walsh.
Prediction for 2015?
Adelaide Crows to make the 8
Adam – GUNBARU / CALL TO ARMS
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
1. BANE - Don't Wait Up
2. GOODTIME BOYS - Rain
3. BACKTRACK - Lost In Life
4. OUTRIGHT - Avalanche
5. ONLY CRIME - Pursuance
6. COMEBACK KID - Die Knowing
7. SICK OF IT ALL - Last Act Of Defiance
8. SOUTHPAW - That's How We Roll
9. PUNCH - They Don't Have To Believe
10. BONELESS - Gratitude
Favourite reissue ?
VISION OF DISORDER - Still (12")
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
1. SLAPSHOT @ The Bendigo Hotel 29/03/2014
2. OUTRIGHT ('Avalanche' Launch) @ The Bendigo Hotel 17/10/2014
3. WATAIN @ The Hi-Fi Bar 17/01/2014
Biggest Disappointment?
Having to change our band name from Declaration, a name that we had been playing under for 4 years. That being said, I'm very happy with the new name GANBARU.
New Year's Resolution?
To take the band on the road and play a show somewhere that we have never played before, be it interstate or across international waters.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Finally releasing the debut GANBARU album "Declaration." We've worked so hard on it for so long, and I can't wait to kick it out there for other people to (hopefully) enjoy.
Prediction for 2015?
If 2014 taught me anything, I predict that nothing will go as planned.
Jackson - MANHUNT
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
Shackles - Forced To Regress
Iron lung - Savagery
Legions - Apparition Songs
Roku Music - Collider
Silver Mt Zion - Fuck Off Get Free We Pour Light on Everything
Single mothers - Negative Qualities
Internal Rot - Mental Hygiene
Idylls - Prayer For Terrene
Against Me! - Transgender Dysphoria Blues
Hygiene - Void
Favourite reissue ?
Mindsnare - The Death
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Supporting Mindsnare when they came up and being reminded that all they need to do is come out of the dust a few times a year to show everyone that they're still the best in Australia.
Seeing AFI play two seperate 4 song encores in Mexico City.
Thee Nodes (and Shackles) set/s in Brisbane that more so resembled a riot. Nudity, unplugged guitars, flying milk crates, beer sprayed from the floor to the ceilings and people being socked with a half eaten pineapple.
Biggest Disappointment?
Tony Abbott
New Year's Resolution?
Kill Tony Abbott
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Our LP release tour with Internal Rot in February, playing drums/writing more music and seeing more of the world.
Prediction for 2015?
I noticed a lot more smaller DIY labels in Australia putting out loads of great records and putting together some phenomenal tours in 2014, definitely a highlight.
It's inspiring to see how much hard work, time and money these people are willing to pour into these things to keep the Australian scene moving. I hope this continues and grows.
Greg – AGAINST
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
1. Future Islands - Singles
2. Sheer Terror - Standing Up For Falling Down
3. Drive by Truckers - English Oceans
4. Propagandi - Failed States
5. The Hold Steady - Teeth Dreams
6. Chief Kamachi - Radio Raheem
7. Mark Lanegan Band - Phantom Radio
8. Luca Brasi - By a Thread
9. Night Birds - Monster Surf
10. Eyehategod - Eyehategod
Favourite reissue ?
411 - The Side You Cannot See
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Agnes Obel @ The Old Museum Brisbane
Merauder @ Crowbar Brisbane
Morbid Angel @ The Hi Fi Brisbane
Biggest Disappointment?
Paying for bad food
New Year's Resolution?
Ride my bike to work
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Writing new Against songs and going back to Perth for some shows, also new Mindsnare 7"
Prediction for 2015?
You're asking the wrong guy, but I'm hoping for wild and original new Aussie bands... fingers crossed
Brett - OUTRIGHT
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
History - The Union Pacific
They Don't Have to Believe - Punch
No Peace - Trash Talk
Don't Wait Up - Bane
When Life Comes to Death - Young And In the Way
Transgender Dysphoria Blues - Against Me!
World War Live - Twitching Tongues
I Am King - Code Orange
The Tyranny of Will - Iron Reagan
Void EP - Hygiene
Favourite reissue ?
The Death - Mindsnare
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Foundation – Break The Ice
Carcass - 170 Russell
The Weight - Pheonix Youth Centre
Torche - The Corner Hotel
Biggest Disappointment?
Didn't get a new band up and running in 2014 (again).
New Year's Resolution?
Not to commit to getting a new band up and running again this time next year (if it hasn't happened by then).
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Getting a new band up and running.
Prediction for 2015?
Will not get a new band up and running!
More importantly though, over the course of 2014 there was a lot more discussion and engagement on issues relating to entitlement, family/sexual violence and feminism in general, than I remember being in the mainstream dialogue in previous years (and even within the punk/hardcore scene).
Whilst I predict that the voice of change will (and must) continue to grow in 2015, unfortunately those voicing resistance against this will become more fervent, and more aggressive, which also increases the personal risk to those challenging the existing balance of power.
In 2015, it will be more important than ever that we each don't remain silent, and that we don't let any of our sisters, mothers, female friends, partners and their male allies stand alone or be left vulnerable.
Ed - CONTROLLED
Top 10 releases of 2014? (Sorry but I couldn’t get it down to ten so I had to do two lists!)
Australian
Sick People - In My Nightmare 7”
Shackles - Forced to Regress
Ill Natured Demo
Outright - Avalanche LP
Oily Boys - Majesty 7"
Primitive Blast Demo
Time Crisis Demo
Legions - Apparition Songs 7”
Watchtower - Absinthism
Hygiene - Void 7"
Worldwide
Death Wish - Tailgate LP
Hard Stripes - Hard Stripes 7”
Spine - Time Has Gone 7"
The Boston Strangler/Waste Management/Peacebreakers - The Stompilation Tape
Not Afraid - Locked Out LP
Shrapnel - Frenzied State 7"
Protester 7”
Mind Trap - Life Among Liars and Thieves 7”
Criminal Instinct - Fever 7”
Freedom - Pay The Price 7”
Favourite reissue?
Death Wish - Tailgate LP (It counts as both a new release and reissue to me haha!)
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
The Born Free and our 7” release tour
Total Attack 2014
Red Rattler show of the Outright record release tour
Biggest disappointment?
Oily Boys wrapping up things (for now…?)
New Years resolution?
To book more shows.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015
More and more new bands and new faces at shows.
Prediction for 2015?
Shows will get more and more welcoming and supportive. People will challenge the norms and experiment with different styles and sounds.
Nick - DEADLY VISIONS
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
1 Outright - Avalanche
2 Iron Reagan - Tyranny of Will
3 Cruel Hand - The Negatives
4 Iron Mind - Iron Mind
5 Ringworm - Hammer of the Witch
6 Boneless - Gratitude
7 Civil War - Alone.Crucified
8 Staunch - Hurt To Learn
9 Street War - Street War
10 Southpaw - Thats How We Roll
Still haven't had a chance to check out new Vices, Sumeru and Taken By Force but I'm sure they will be up there for best release of 2014.
Favourite reissue ?
Mindsnare - The Death
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Struggling to remember shows from earlier in the year but heres a few from not so long ago that come to mind-
1- Merauder, Against, Grim Reality, Crowned Kings and Straight to a Tomb @ Hermans Bar
2- Iron Mind, Vigilante and Upperground @ Red Rattler
3- Civil War, Boneless, Deadly Visions, Choke, Controlled and Ill Natured @ Valve Bar
Biggest Disappointment?
Civil War calling it a day.
New Year's Resolution?
Play shows, make music, surf waves.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
New Modest Mouse, Miles Away and Crowned Kings Albums.
Harms Way tour.
Hoping for Mindsnare tour.
New Deadly Visions release.
Robert - LIFE LAIR REGRET
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
10. Downside - All My Love Returns To Me (Death's Grip)
9. The Weight - Suffer Eternal (Lethal Dose/Death's Grip)
8. At The Gates - At War With Reality (Century Media)
7. Internal Rot - Mental Hygiene (625/crucificados)
6.Code Orange - I Am King (Deathwish inc)
5.Renounced - The Melancholy We Ache (Carry The Weight)
4. Shackles - Forced To Regress (Resist)
3.Rort - Warpath (RSR)
2.Iron Mind - Self Titled (Resist)
1.Outright - Avalanche (Rage And Reason)
Favourite reissue ?
This one is a no brainer. Life.Love.Regret. being repressed by Indecision Records and giving it the respect it deserves.
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Favourite shows would have to be seeing Foundation playing the Monday night show in Melbourne for the Hornetz Nest first show and Vicious Cycle record release show. Second would be Oliver at Broken Hive Records having us help out with Break The Ice showcasing some of the best bands in Australia and overseas. Finally Unbroken, Strife and Endzweck three times, twice in tiny venues and once at a fest show with Code Orange, Expire, Otis, Loyal To The Grave and others.
Biggest Disappointment?
Dropout sadly having to stop operating as a venue.
New Year's Resolution?
Buy more records, read more zines and travel more. Maybe 2015 will see the Lair band, maybe it won't.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Rebirth and the 90s coming back. Dont Need You to continue to put out amazing releases and Melbourne to pick up again.
Prediction for 2015?
Repentance and Rebirth to conquer all.
Moose - LETHAL DOSE RECORDS / STARVATION / THE WEIGHT
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
Shackles - Forced To Regress
Internal Rot - Mental Hygiene
Hygiene S/T 7"
Legions - Apparition Songs
Hydromedusa - S/T 7"
Stompilation Tape (for the Waste Management songs)
Step Forward - S/T 7"
Inmates - S/T LP
Outright LP
Favourite reissue ?
Didn't buy one
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Seeing North Melbourne win an Elimination Final at the MCG was better than every show I went to this year, put together. Especially because it was against Essendon.
Biggest Disappointment?
Hawthorn winning the premiership, again. Also flying to Sydney to watch the Kangas get smashed by Buddy Franklin in the Prelim was an expensive and soul crushing weekend.
New Year's Resolution?
To make a million dollars, and to get a new Starvation record out.
What you're most looking forward to in 2015?
Making a million dollars, North Melbourne winning the premiership.
Prediction for 2015?
That I will make a million dollars, and North Melbourne will win the premership. No thanks to Levi Greenwood you prick
Alix - MANUNT / LETHAL DOSE RECORDS
Top 10 Releases of 2014?
Internal Rot - Mental Hygiene LP
Legions - Apparition Songs 7"
Hygiene - Void 7"
Sick Machine - Muzzled 7"
Shackles - Forced to Regress LP
The Weight - Suffer Eternal 10"
Melchior - S/T Demo Cassette
Primitive Blast - Demo Cassette
Controlled - Self Suffice 7"
If Burning Season or Human Ruins released anything this year it would be here so I'll leave this last spot empty to make them feel bad for not releasing anything.
Favourite reissue ?
To be honest I didn't really pay attention but Mindsnare - The Death LP got repressed by Resist and that is an A+ record.
Top 3 favourite shows/tours of the year?
Seeing Foundation was a highlight for me. Playing with Mindshare earlier this year was insanely cool. Shackles LP/Crisis Alert LP launch in Brisbane was really fun.
Biggest Disappointment?
The attrition rate in people attending actual punk/hardcore shows, grouped with the inflation of people talking shit about each other on the internet.
New Year's Resolution?
I'm with Moose on this one, making a million dollars