Category Archives: Alt Rock

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BHP BEST OF 2025

18 December, 2025 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Every year I say I am going to do more on the blog and get pulled away from it with other things. Let’s face it, life is crazy and I just do not find myself on this site as much as I used to be. I still listen to a TON of music and that is never going to change.

With that said, I still am committed to at least doing a best of post annually. I am sure I missed a few, but here is a list of bands in no particular order that I adored this year.

Enjoy.

BHP BEST OF 2025 LIST

Dead Pioneers – PO$T AMERICAN

Such an important album to me. A stick it to you, punch in the face to everyone who thinks everything is ok.

Faulty Cognitions – They Promised Us Heaven

I was lucky enough to befriend Chris Mason years ago when I was a recluse mess in Las Cruces, NM. Dude is amazing and I am not shocked he put out one of my fav albums this year. Perfect blend of Replacements and Husker Dü sounds completely won me over and over.

Deafheaven – Lonely People With Power

Love that these dudes went back to their heavy approach without dropping the shoegaze completely. One of my more repeated albums of the year start to finish.

Model Martel – A Thousand Couple Times

Name a more perfect debut album by a bunch of your gracefully aging punk pals… In all seriousness, this album is really, really good. I was overly impressed when I finally got my hands on this emo, post-punk release. These guys carry years of experience from a bunch of Cleveland bands and their styles fell into a perfect place together. Don’t sit on this one.

Hotline TNT – Raspberry Moon

Will Anderson has something good going on here with this release. There are so many nods to early 00s styles of bands like Radiohead and Arcade Fire but also dips back even further with a grudge effect. I admit, never heard of Anderson or Hotline TNT prior to this release, but that changed instantly.

Militarie Gun – God Save the Gun

“Thought You Were Waving” has been stuck in my head for months. This band continues to impress me with their almost aligning personal lyricism.

Deftones – private music

My first listen, I was not impressed. I picked at the drumming, nodded with the riffs, felt it just was lazy. My 400th listen, I am just sucked in, obsessed, and realize I was the lazy one for a lack in interest when it should have been there the entire time.

Kid Cudi – Free

I always argued Cudi’s best album was Speedin’ Bullet 2 Heaven, but that changed this year. Yeah, totally not his known hip-hop and certainly more of a border-lined pop-punk which begged to be played over and over.

Turnstile – Never Enough

I over-played the shit out of this album this year. It’s perfect. That’s all I have to say about that.

Heart Attack Man – Joyride the Pale Horse

This album was just so much fun to listen to. The boys in Hammy continue to mature and are taking tongue-in-cheek situations and expressing them in catchy songs. Knowing how many shows they’ve played this year proves the success these guys deserve.

Greet Death – Die In Love

Shoegaze city with this one. So freaking good. Shocked I did not snag this on vinyl yet.

Bob Mould – Here We Go Crazy

Bob Mould gets better and better with his releases. Case and point, this album is just full of incredible jams. I feel like I am repeating myself, but whatever. Mould rules, I adore him, and if Sugar drops a new album next year I am going to lose my mind.

Coheed & Cambria – The Father of Make Believe

It’s been a minute since I have geeked out so hard on a Coheed album. I keep missing them live these days, but adore them so much and love that I was sucked back into their world.

Sam Russo – Hold You Hard

Sam Russo is easily one of my fav musicians on this shitty little planet of ours. Usually he is know at that brit-punk solo artist, but for this release he enlisted his touring band to record with him and it’s probably some of the greatest songs he’s ever done.

Raging Nathans – Room for One More

Dayton, OH punk rock dudes drop insanely good album. This is the band’s sixth most memorable release thanks to them leaning into pop-punk a little hard. Caught these guys at No Class earlier this year and they just rip.

The Dirty Nil – The Lash

This is the best current three-piece band out there today. This album is better than good, it is goddamn fantastic.

Of course I missed some after getting some feedback. Here are a couple more I adored this year:

Matt Berry – Heard Noises

Matt Berry slays me. Such a funny human, but his taste in music is immaculate. I hate to admit this, but it was not until this year that I found out he writes and plays how own music. This genre is usually not my go to, but this jazz fusion hit me in all the good ways.

Ways Away – I’m Not You

I love me some gruff punk tunes. Add constant hooks and pull in a dude from Hot Water Music and it’s a no brainer I would love this.

Spiritual Cramp – RUDE

These dudes are so much fun. Anything they drop is gold to my ears likely because they have no problem mixing punk and dub along with other musical styles. This was the album I tossed on this year when I needed an instant cheer up.

I’m going to try and park it here now and not list any more. I mean it this time…

I feel the need to tell you all that on my list above, I bought 14 of their releases on vinyl. Some at their shows, some on their websites, and one through a pal who made it to the show that I could not. I plan to get the rest in due time as I know in this day and age, buying physical albums and merch is what really keeps these bands going. I am not saying you need to do the same, but if you have the means, help the bands.

Sure, some of them will be fine with their generous major label (and well-deserved) record signings, but there’s so many more out there who give it their all while sacrificing so much just to make their tour happen.

Support those bands you love. Hit a show on a Tuesday night on the other side of town knowing Wednesday morning is going to suck. Buy the t-shirt at the merch booth that you keep eyeing up. Who knows how much longer we have until end of days. Be happy you have this music you love surround you. I know I do. I don’t take this for granted, ever.

Be well and happy holidays y’all. Much love if you made it this far.

Alt Rock, Country, Electronic, Emo, Experimental, Hardcore, Hip Hop, Indie, Metal, Music, Outlaw Country, Pop, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Rap, Rock, Ska

BHP Best of 2023

30 December, 2023 Brian Mc Leave a comment

This year absolutely flew by and here I am scrambling to toss something together to validate myself for poorly running my blog.

Clearly other objectives in life got in the way of how I wish I could maintain the site and keep it current, but here we are, so I guess I just do what I can, when I can.

I will say this past year has been a wild ride and I was able to really to enjoy it with friends and family, but something tells me that next year is going to be even better.

The absolute highlight of 2023 was covering the Punk in Drublic fest (thanks Vanessa!!!!) in Columbus, OH. If you missed that you can check it out HERE. To see so many of my favorite bands with some close pals of mine was just perfect.

I may not have reviewed a lot of bands this year, hell, I think I only did one looking back…but I did listen to tons of music and wanted to share a few that really caught my attention in 2023.

Enjoy.

BHP BEST OF 2023 LIST

Codefendants – This is Crime Wave

Easily one of the best releases this year. When I heard Fat Mike got The D.O.C. to drop some lines on one track I knew this was going to be something special.

Lucero – Should’ve Learned by Now

I love Lucero and everything they stand for and have to admit this took me a couple of listens to truly get into and I am glad I did because there are some gems on this one.

Heart Attack Man – Freak of Nature

I love this album. I really do not know what else to say here other than if you have not checked it out yet, you really should change that.

koyo – Would You Miss It?

This band won me over this year in the best way. Melodic emo hardcore. Does it get any better than this?

Militarie Gun – Life Under the Gun

Catchy as hell sums up this release. This has been a weekly listen since it dropped.

Sincere Engineer – Cheap Grills

File this one under “Deanna Belos makes me cry again with her poignant lyrics.” Dammit.

Bollweevils – Essential

Dr. Daryl Wilson is back with the gang and completely blew me away with this release. It sounded even better live at a local dive bar. That was a true treat.

Blink 182 – One More Time

I grew up in the 90s. Did you seriously not think this was going to land here at some point? Old punks are still cool, we just go to bed at a reasonable time.

Spanish Love Songs – No Joy

This band always stabs me in the feelings. This album was no exception.

Svalbard – The Weight of the Mask

I found this band a few years back as a suggestion to Holy Fawn and have loved them since. I was so stoked to see a new album drop by them this year and it simply rules.

Hot Mulligan – Why Would I Watch

Pop punk fun. Honestly, I did not think I was going to enjoy this one as much as I did.

Chayla Hope – Damn, Feelings

True Cleveland talent here. I will not be shocked when she grabs the attention of the world. Chayla can do no wrong.

Joey Valence & Brae – Punk Tactics

Just got into these guys a few weeks ago and adore their style that really reached back to the 90s. This release is pure fun and begs to be listened to on repeat.

Lil Yachty – Let’s Start Here.

This was one of those releases I read a review on and knew I needed to stop what I was doing and check it out. It is wild.

Incendiary – Change the Way You Think About Pain

Meanest album of the year. I adore it and listen to it on my worst days.

MSPAINT – Post-American

Music-genre bending at its best. I certainly cannot tell you their style other than “all of the above.”

Flying Racoon Suit – Moonflower

Oh hi, this band takes almost all the sounds of music I adore, tosses it in a blender, purees it, and pours out one hell of a release. Do not let the band’s name fool you.

Kerosene Heights – Southeast of Somewhere

2023 was a pretty emo year for me and this band helped fuel that.

I want to thank all my friends out there for keeping me going. New and old, life rules when you are all around.

More importantly, shoutout to my amazing kids who continue to give me purpose in life and let me continue to be my goofy-ass self with zero apologies. I hope one day you come across this and are reminded of the joy you both bring me.

Happy New Year and thanks for reading. Let’s see if I can kickstart the blog in 2024. I think I am up for it.

Alt Rock, Grunge, Indie, Music, New Release, Punk, Review

Album Review: Big Nothing – Dog Hours

4 March, 2022 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Bands like Big Nothing are hard to come by. I first learned of them back in 2019 and have been a fan since. Their style then was something that was just so enticing to my ears. Said release became one of my favorites and to this day is still in regular rotation.

Featuring Liz Parsons (bass/vocals), Matt Quinn (guitar/vocals), Pat Graham (guitar/vocals), and Chris Jordan (drums), Big Nothing has this distinctive charisma all in thanks to how they share vocal duties that coincides with the music they create. Their overall style, which clearly shows strong appreciation for various genres of music, results in an unique sound that teeters between indie punk and alt-country without missing a beat.

“Always On My Mind” opened up this 10-track album with an impactful yet chill song about inhibitions around courtship. I loved their regressed sound that the band managed to produce outside of traditional studio sessions all in thanks to stupid Covid.

I loved everything about “A Lot of Finding Out.” With so many proper Westerberg similarities, this track sucked me in immediately. It was personal and wholesome and catered directly to the listener.

“Still Sorta Healing,” all in thanks to Parsons, reminded me of early Juliana Hatfield in the best way. This track brought me back to the days when I shook off the grunge and started expanding on my musical tastes

The damper “Curiosity” was an alt-country stumble that truly hit at somber feelings. I’m almost afraid to know what this one was about. Truly a personal battle with the loss of great impact.

I feel the band came together the most in “Dog Hours.” This track was just great in every way. Without being overly complex, it carried a good sound throughout.

“Make Believe” had Parsons taking over lead vocals once again changing the dynamic of the album without distraction. I honestly look forward to this shift as it showcases the true talent of this band.

“Accents” just ruled. The hook on this track was so memorable it had me singing along at first listen. This track is going to get this band a lot of attention I feel. Seriously, scroll down and listen to this one.

In true alt-country form, “What I Wanna Say” closed down the album with a good story backed by harmony and twang. I loved the laughing and someone saying “done” at the end, but it just left me wanting more.

Dog Hours continued where Chris left off for listeners like myself who just simply wanted more jams from their debut. There was a clear in change in tempo and style for the benefit of the band. With a more intimate, pure sound, I feel more connected to this band. As much as I adore their debut, Dog Years is equally as impressive.

Call me corny, but they really should have called themselves Big Everything. Dog Hours without a doubt is one of my fav releases of the year.

Big Nothing links:
Bandcamp / Twitter / Instagram / Facebook / Lame-O Records

Acoustic, Alt Rock, Hardcore, Metal, Music, New Wave, Post-Hardcore, Punk, Rap, Rock, Ska, Solo

BHP Best Of 2021 List

21 December, 2021 Brian Mc Leave a comment

Oh look, the year is about up already. Guess that means it is time to drop my fav releases of yet another messed up year.

The good news about 2021 is that I went to exactly one show, but it was a great show with amazing humans all around.

Anyways, I am busy as shit with the paying gig and that dad life, so I am going to try and keep things short and sweet this year. With any luck, I will add to this some content on why these hit me the most. To be continued I suppose.

Check out the albums in no particular order that caught my attention throughout the year:

BHP BEST OF 2021 LIST

Turnstyle – Glow On

Heart Attack Man – Thoughtz & Prayerz

Lars Fredericksen – To Victory

One Step Closer – This Place You know

Johnny Dynamite and the Bloodsuckers – Sleeveless

Kali Masi – [Laughs]

Haunt – Beautiful Distraction

Neighborhood Brats – Confines of Life

Shitty Neighbors – People I Know

Heart & Lung – Twistin’ The Knife Away

Joystick – I Can’t Take It Anymore

Descendents – 9th & Walnut

Jeff Rosenstock – SKA DREAM

Lucero – When You Found Me

Jonathan Richman – Want To Visit My Inner House?

Sincere Engineer – Bless My Psyche

Juice Newson – Suburban Soul

Needles//Pins – Self-Titled

Brain Cave – Log World

Section H8 – Welcome to the Nightmare

Fiddlehead – Between The Richness

Bands: Thanks for doing what you do.

Labels & Promoters: Thanks for helping out the bands to their thing and release their music be it physical or digital and for supporting them while trying to tour in these most uncertain times. Also, thanks for the consideration when pimping them out. I am a lucky guy for this opportunity.

Finally: Thanks to YOU (yes, you). If you are even looking at this. I struggle every year if I want to keep blogging, and honestly I figure if someone out there can take some time to log in and look, then I can at least try and do my thing.

Here’s to 2022. See y’all soon.

Alt Rock, Electronic, Folk, Garage, Grunge, Hardcore, Hip Hop, Indie, Music, Outlaw Country, Post-Hardcore, Punk, R&B, Rap, Reggae, Ska

BHP Best of 2020 List

29 December, 2020 Brian Mc Leave a comment

If there’s anything to say about 2020, it is this: I miss live shows. I miss seeing local bands play small bars and I miss cramming into over-priced corporately owned venues to see sold out shows.

I know I am not the only one who says this to themselves daily. This year has not the the greatest by any means given the current situation.

I’ve tried hard to do things on this blog when I had some free time and want to once again thank everyone who has offered up something for review or checked out any of the posts I tossed together usually afterhours while everyone in my household was fast asleep.

I cannot end this year without pushing out a Best Of List. I know I am cutting it close this time. I feel this was the year I really tried to listen to more artists I never heard of before and honestly, I was impressed with tons of releases. I started with 10 and said screw that as all these bands that dropped impressive releases need to be shared. As usual, I will probably add to it after this goes live.

Thanks for keeping me going y’all. I do appreciate it.

BEST OF 2020

(in no particular order)

The Avalanches: We Will Always Love You Album Review | Pitchfork

The Avalanches – We Will Always Love You

I have loved this band since they started 20 years back. They have a way with mixing samples appropriately. I especially grew fond of this one because it was more of a journey than a collaboration of sound.

Get Dead – Dancing with the Curse

This release is raw, unhinged, and perfect in every way possible. I can only imagine what these dudes sound like on stage… This was probably the most listened to album of the year by yours truly. I cannot get enough of it.

Shuffle and Bang – Island Pop

Island Pop was the surprise drop of 2020 that I needed to distract me from all the bad. This is a soulful delight that I’ve gotten lost in many times and literally found myself in a better mood because of it. If there was one band I would love to see play live currently, Shuffle and Bang are my top choice.

Run The Jewels – RTJ4

This duo does no bad. I am not shocked that this was one of my fav releases this year. They always entertain. I am bummed I missed seeing them play with Rage this past summer and only can hope the rescheduled date stands.

Broadway Calls – Sad in the City

This pop-punk release is going to be something I probably listen to for the rest of my life. No joke, this album started off as strong as it ended and became an instant favorite of mine.

The Lawrence Arms – Skeleton Coast

This album is damn near perfect and I know I am not the only who who thinks this. Why go on about these guys when everyone knows how much they rule.

HUM – Inlet

I have waited over 20 years for Hum to release new material and this did not disappoint one bit. After each listen I find a stronger appreciation for what they have created.

Maxwell Stern – Impossible Sum

An outstanding effort by someone who I’m lucky to call a pal. I have watched him mature over the past 10 years and expect things to get even better as he continues onward. Now hurry up and drop Signals Midwest LP4 already!

Be Well – The Weight and the Cost

Catchy as hell, melodic hardcore fun. With the roster in this lineup, it was not shocking how killer the entire album was and how things built up all the way to the end. This was one that made the blood flow as well as the feelings emerge.

SkyTigers – Eulorgy

A release by some Boston punks who’ve been at it for 10 years now. This debut clearly needed to drop during this shit year. It’s powerful, angry, and just insane. The opening track alone proves that.

Slug Fest – Animal

Cleveland surf punk rock may not be something you knew existed, but I assure you it rules. This album is full of jams and guarantees a good time. This is one band I can not wait to see in-person.

The House of Wills – “true crime’

This lo-fi release by Cleveland’s JV is everything to me. I fell in love with it upon first listen and love how they put their heart and soul into it. This is the one release that deserves all the attention. This falls somewhere between Fred Thomas and Daniel Johnston if I am being totally honest. Was JV going for that? Not sure, but it’s more real than most stuff that dropped this year.

Stolen Wheelchairs – The America

These guys are about as punk as they get. If their band name is shocking to you, wait until you listen to this straight up punk rock disaster. I loved every moment of it.

Bob Mould – Blue Hearts

This may very well be the best thing Mould has done in quite some time. I find comfort through Mould as he doesn’t back down as the years progress. Do not sit on this one.

Brain Cave – Stuck in the Mud

Brain Cave’s debut rules on so many levels. I have spoken highly about this release to many folk since it dropped because it’s that damn good. This was my go to when I just could not decide with to listen to at any given moment.

I Am The Avalanche – Dive

I’ve been a fan of these guys for a while now, but this album is probably my favorite to date. Punk rock at its finest.

Somerset Thrower – Paint My Memory

This release brought back the best 90s punk rock vibes. I honestly never got into these guys prior, but clearly that changed. Excellent throughout.

Spanish Love Songs – Brave Faces Everyone

This band can bum me out so much and I love them for it. Easily one of my fav acts out there and this release certainly showcases why.

The Dead Krazukies – Icarus

I do not expect a ton of folk to know who this act is yet, but I have a feeling they will in time. All I could say to myself the first time I heard them was, “holy shit.” This is power punk rock without over-exaggerating it. You can tell the band loves playing and there wasn’t a single lull in the release. I can not recommend them enough.

Don Yoder – Everything is Nothing

This release came out of nowhere from a guy from another Cleveland band who wanted to make a country album. The result is an incredible, non-gimmicky grouping of songs that, unless you knew who wrote them, you’d think a seasoned alt-country musician wrote them.

Rope – Crimson Youth

Tossing the Tiny God Inc. released cassette cover here as they are the reason I even got into these guys. This is the post-grunge, hardcore album I needed this year. Talk about a brutal release…

Red City Radio – Paradise

This band continues to get better with each release. This one in particular was a solid listen that I’m currently obsessed with.

20/20 Vision (Anti-Flag album) - Wikipedia

Anti-Flag – 20/20 Vision

Totally forgot to add this one to the list initially. This political, punk rock stand against the government is as impactful as it is catchy. This band might be getting up there in age, but my god, they have no intention of slowing down or steering away from their cause.

TRVSS – New Distances

Grungy, noisy post-punk rage- rippers are what this release is all about. This Pittsburgh act deserves some serious attention.

Guilty Pleasure of the Year:

Machine Gun Kelly – Tickets to My Downfall

I won’t lie, I played the ever-lasting hell out of this. It is a pop-punk, catchy release and I am probably too old to enjoy it as much as I have. I never was a MGK fan before he collaborated with Travis Barker, but stranger things have happened.

Best Covers Album of the Year:

NOFX / Frank Turner - West Coast vs. Wessex – Fat Wreck Chords

NOFX & Frank Turner – West Coast vs. Wessex

I can not tell you how stoked I was when I learned of this concept coming to life. Two of my favorite acts covering each other’s tunes in their own style. The finished product was far from some speedy effort. Both parties did an excellent job with their own renditions.

Just check out the video below for proof:

Like I said, I am sure I will be adding a few more here and there. 2020 really was full of good music by great artists. I think I am most impressed with the fact that even though everything had to shut down because of a global pandemic, musicians did everything possible to continue creating.

With that said, artists and bands are still struggling financially because of not being able to tour. I know they are not the only ones, but if you have the means to, support musicians by buying their physical or digital release and skip the popular streaming services. You know damn well they don’t make shit from streaming.

Hell, one up yourself and get some sweet swag while you are at it. If one of the bands I spoke about sounds interesting, check them out, and if you love it, buy it. Anything helps right now.

Thanks for reading and I sincerely hope that I enlightened you to 1 or 2 new bands that you will adore just like I did. Happy New Year y’all!

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