Lungs - The Two Chief World Systems (2010)

Fast and thrashy melodic hardcore from Sydney band Lungs. These guys have supported pretty much every major international punk band in the past few years, so I'm surprised they haven't gotten a larger international following by now. Check it out.

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Unfun - Pain Prescription (2010)

With an overt Jawbreaker reference in their name, I was clearly excited when I first read about this Canadian punk band. Standing on the building blocks of what's essentially three decades of this kind of melodic, yet gruff brand of punk (think Husker Du, Jawbreaker, Hot Water Music), Unfun prove that one does not need to reinvent the wheel to put out a fantastic release. This is one band to keep an eye on.

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Screaming Females - Castle Talk (2010)

After being recommended this album by a friend I had little idea of what to expect from this New Jersey band I had never heard of. The name and knowledge of a female vocalist instantly evoked thoughts of a Soviettes style Screeching Weasel knock off band, but I was definitely off the mark. What the album does entail is a blend of indie rock, punk and fantastic guitar work and vocals (courtesy of frontwoman Marissa Paternoster). Excellent raw and lo-fi (but not obnoxiously so) production and excellent performances from all three members both go hand in hand to make this one of my favourite albums of 2010.

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