The Men, “Open Your Heart” (Sacred Bones, 2012)
This group represents (along with Ceremony) a first attempt at reconceptualizing the angular-yet-heavy US post-punk/HC sound of the late 80’s for our time, and they’re really good at it. Pummeling rhythm-section, thick, seething guitar power, and a solid command of dynamics and melody make for an exhilarating ride. These guys stand in relation to garage-punk now the way Hüsker Dü did to hardcore then, and if that intrigues you, check this out.
Try 2, 6, 9.
4/3/12