Fucked Up is an experimental Hardcore group from Toronto. "While Canadian punk provocateurs Fucked Up play aggressive and incendiary music, that's hardly where their desire to stir up trouble begins and ends. The group strays far from the standard template of four-four punk stomp, incorporating extended instrumental workouts, unusual arrangements, and lengthy experimental passages along with the furious guitars and ranting vocals. While Fucked Up have paid homage on record to pioneering anarchist movements and creative and political troublemakers of all stripes, they've also flirted with fascist images and obscure mysticism in a bid to puzzle and confront their audiences." --AllMusic.com

Call it a surf rock revival, Wavves is a band that is not only riding the current wave, but perhaps leading the pack. With three albums in three years, Wavves have evolved from a grungy, distorted noise pop band, to a full fledged act with depth and style. On their most recent, King of the Beach, there are hard hitting singalongs such as “Post Acid,” mellow melodies like “When Will You Come,” and everything in between. In just 36.9 minutes the record plays out as a great BBQ soundtrack for the upcoming summer days.

CHAD MITCHELL