New York punk rock group Unknown Sender spring into action with their debut, self-titled record, incorporating elements surfy, psychy, and thrashy into an ambitious first full length. From the beach-friendly fills in “On Trial,” to the death march drums of “No Use,” to the doom of standout “Engine Failure,” the band keeps their energy upbeat, consistently driving, and melodic throughout the album’s ten tracks. Perfect for fans of Minor Threat and the Menzingers, it’s worth its weight in the sweat and blood expected at their upcoming January 14th Union Pool show — listen below. 

This Friday Throwin’ Bo’s has a showcase of Bay Area bands that are sure to keep you energized and moving. Oakland’s Babewatch is surfy garage rock with just the right amount of punk. Stress Dreams isn’t as stressful as it sounds but they do describe themselves as “rat” music. Well said, we guess. Local dream catch Shutups are playing the bill, along with the quietest of the bunch, Andy Bender. Need some folk rock with more melodies and twists than you bargained for? Listen to Andy Bender! And come on down to Eli's Mile High Club. -Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

In 2018 -- which seems like an eternity ago -- Spanish Love Songs dropped their sophomore album Schmaltz, and proceeded to support the release with 30-plus weeks of rigorous touring. Now, in 2020, the band has taken inspiration from those long days and nights to form their upcoming third album, Brave Faces Everyone. The ten-track record contains more of the band's outstanding loud indie punk songs that seek to instill hope in those living in a soul-crushing world; the new single "Kick" stands as a good example with the lyric "Keep your head up if you’re not okay/But not okay is what’s expected." And because Spanish Love Songs contain infinite energy, they'll play the UK and Europe for three weeks this winter as openers for The Menzingers. Following that, they'll tour with The Wonder Years, Free Throw, and Pool Kids through the US. Keep an eye out for tour dates, and check out the music video for "Kick" below. - Will Sisskind

Those seeking a more minimalistic punk offering will find respite in the music of Quaker Wedding, whose 2019 Demo finds its strength in aggressive, electric guitar-driven songs and frothy vox. Recorded and released in February of last year, the immediacy in its release is instantaneously felt; tracks are concise, appropriately discordant, and without any unnecessary bells and whistles, perfect listening for fans of groups like Japandroids or Fucked Up. Give it a spin below, and see Quaker Wedding at the Windjammer on January 12th.

New York punk veterans Weeping Icon returned late last year to deliver their self-titled LP, an exciting venture into the worlds of noise and electronic, a disorienting effort that upends expectations at every corner. Alternating between guitar-driven rides and sound collage vignettes, Weeping Icon basks in the experimental, effortlessly switching between spoken-word dirges on tracks like “Natural Selection” to screaming hostile takeovers on songs like “Power Trip” and “Ripe for Consumption.” In incorporating facets both harsh and experimental, the band taps into uncharted sonic territory that is engrossing and terrifying; listen below, and catch Weeping Icon at DRTY SMMR on January 10th, alongside Faccia Brutta and SIGNAL.