Staff Picks 2012: Brandon’s Top 5 MI Releases

Posted December 17, 2012 by Brandon Barber in Columns

Staff Picks: Top 5 is where we tell you our top 5 releases of 2012. It’s totally subjective and really just a list of our favorites, but these are discs we really think you need to check out.

Brandon’s Top 5 MI Releases

#5 - The Swellers – “Running Out Of Places To Go”

Released: October 2012
Length: EP
City: Flint/Fenton
Where can you get it? : Bandcamp

Thoughts:

The Swellers are living proof that Michigan is a melting pot of great musicians with infinite potential. “Running Out of Places to Go” is a self-produced, independently released EP with 5 tracks that perfectly personify not only the pop punk genre, but also the love and care these guys have for their music. This is a non-stop, up-tempo release that has me thrashing around in my car and singing along at the top of my lungs, completely oblivious to others around me, passengers included.

Listen Now:

#4 - Fine Fine Titans – “Arms”

Released: October 2012
Length: EP
City: Grand Rapids
Where can you get it? : Bandcamp

Thoughts:

What do you get when you take Every Time I Die and change out the vocalist for a female with more gusto then most male singers? You get Fine Fine Titans. “Arms” is lyrically introspective while unleashing a non-stop assault on your speakers. You can read the full review we did earlier this year here.

Listen Now:

#3 - Jowls – “Cursed”

Released: November 2012
Length: EP
City: Grand Rapids
Where can you get it? : Bandcamp

Thoughts:

Jowls has released a quick and brutal EP with “Cursed”. Comprised of ex-Victor Fix the Sun members, this post-punk/hardcore ensemble steers away from lengthy songs almost entirely, in preference for short and vicious jaunts that are equally melodic and uproarious. Jowls takes no prisoners, and “Cursed” is not a release for everyone. This is an EP for the adventurous.

Listen Now:

#2 - Tiger! Tiger! - “I Salsa Your Face/ Hayford”

Released: October 2012
Length: 7″
City: Muskegon/Grand Rapids/Lansing
Where can you get it? : Bandcamp

Thoughts:

Tiger! Tiger! is a band that is hard at work to get into your heart. In a year flooded with not only one, but three releases from this band, they can almost be dubbed “the hardest working band you aren’t listening to”. Lyrically, this release is deeply personal for the one who wrote them down, as well as to the fans of this band. Musically, this release shapes a hopeful future for a band that has been pressing to the grindstone in attempts to find comfort with themselves and in the sound they hope to press forward with. With only 2 songs, some would reject this from “Best of 2012” lists. Personally I feel more emotions are tied in to this 7-inch than most other releases. See what else we had to say about this release earlier this year here.

Listen Now:

#1 - Adversary – “Visuals”

Released: September 2012
Length: EP
City: Grand Haven/Holland
Where can you get it? : Bandcamp

Thoughts:

In a year’s span, Adversary has made huge steps into the music scene. Playing shows with national acts like Such Gold and Joyce Manor, they have quickly gained a supportive and dedicated fan base, and with good reason. Blending music genres, much like Michigan natives La Dispute, Adversary is blazing a trail as young and enthusiastic musicians with hearts bigger than the venues they play in. Melodic guitar work accompanied by frantic vocals and hooks that cling to your brain stem and haunt you for days afterwards adorn every track on this release. There is even a cameo from Scott Nelson of Tiger! Tiger! on this EP. This is the sound of a generation.

Listen Now: