It’s become increasingly clear that if you are a fan of alternative rock, 2012 will become your go to year of the decade. Big talk? Damn right it is. These bands have dug deep and revived a dwindling genre to the point where releases from top tier artists can’t even begin to hold a candle to what these guys have done. It’s likely this list will increase, and adding in the already strong early releases of Dead Sara and The Tallest Man on Earth, it’s shaping up to be a colossal pile of rock that previous years couldn't touch.
First is a mainstay of the alt rock scene for the past 10 years, a Springsteen-esque journey into truly “American” rock. The Gaslight Anthem released Handwritten this year, and it’s another excellent entry into an already brilliant discography. Here’s the title track.
Following the same vein, Scranton’s The Menzingers have released their newest LP entitled On the Impossible Past. They’ve toned down the aggression a bit, seemingly for the better. “Gates” has quite possibly the best chorus of the year.
Next we have Abel, a relative no-name from New York. Similar in vein to Brand New and Manchester Orchestra, Abel present us with an emotional slab of rock ready to tear down you down. “Daughter” gorgeous post-chorus is just a small taste of what to expect from these up-and-comers.
Finally, we have The Classic Crime. The band that came out of nowhere with their jumpstarted LP Phoenix that truly proves to be a rebirth of the band’s sound. We might be looking at song of the year with “Heaven and Hell”, and possibly album of the year for the entire thing. If there is one album you try from my recommendation this year, it has to be this one.
Thanks for reading guys and gals, and I hope you found something you enjoy here. Let me know if I’m missing out on an outstanding alt rock LP, or any LP for that matter, from the year, and I’ll be sure to check it.
-Caleb, he who sleeps on the most uncomfortable futon in history.
