Released in 2007, this was Comeback Kid's third album and first with guitarist Andrew Neufeld taking over on vocal duties. Hardcore 'purists' will probably tell you that this album is too 'metal', and that it's not 'Wake The Dead', but some hardcore purists are among the most stubborn, tunnel-visioned people you will ever meet. Yes, there is more of a 'metal' edge here than on previous releases, but there is also a great deal of progression from your standard 4-beat hardcore. Musicianship is tighter, the breakdowns are heavier and the songwriting is more accomplished. Hardcore purists be warned, 'Broadcasting' is Comeback Kid's finest album.
Listen to : 'Hailing On Me', 'The Blackstone', 'Industry Standards'
24. Russian Circles - 'Station'
'Station' saw the arrival of new bassist Brian Cook (he of Botch and These Arms Are Snakes fame) and resulting from this a much tighter, more focused approach. The six tracks here constantly evolve, seamlessly flowing together in and out of blissful atmospherics and crushing metal riffs. Unlike some other post-rock/post-metal/post-whatever bands, Russian Circles seem to know when to change gears and as a result delivered in my opinion the finest instrumental album of the past ten years.
Listen to : 'Youngblood', 'Verses'
23. Red Animal War - 'Black Phantom Crusades'
I'll hazard a guess that not many people have ever heard of this band. I certainly hadn't until this arrived as a 'freebie' a few years ago. Released in 2002 on Deep Elm records, this album is an angular post-hardcore triumph. Reminiscent of Jawbox (particularly where vocals are concerned) and other taut and disciplined DC hardcore, but also adding elements of jazz and shoegazing it's definitely worth tracking down.
Listen to : 'Still', 'The Day After Yesterday', 'When I Get The Feelin' (Back In My Hands)'
22. These Arms Are Snakes - 'Easter'
Not since discovering Cave In way back in 2002 has a band knocked me out so immediately. 'Easter' is the second full-length album from Seattle's TAAS and in my opinion their best. Picking up from where 'Oxeneers' left off , this record adds more discordant melody and off-kilter rhythm with a more 'proggy' direction. It's not a comfortable listen and probably not recommended for dinner parties/social gatherings, but listen to it by yourself from start to finish and it will make sense. It also contains one of the finest closing sequences on any album I have ever heard.
Listen to : 'Subtle Body', 'Lady North', 'Crazy Woman, Dirty Train'
21. Primal Scream - 'XTRMNTR'
Nearly ten years on, this still remains the best album Primal Scream have ever made. It's filthy, nasty, and seethes with anger and at times seems as though it could fall apart any second. Released at the beginning of the millennium, 'XTRMNTR' is a punk/techno/rock and roll fuckfest. As ever with this being a Primal Scream album the influences are quite easy to spot, but at no point does it seem like a pastiche in the same vein as 'Give Out But Don't Give Up' did of the Stones in 1972.
Listen to : 'Kill All Hippies', 'Accelerator', 'Exterminator', 'Shoot Speed/Kill Light'
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