Punk and post-hardcore seem to lead the way this week. The punk vets Anti-Flag return to an independent and a couple of lesser-known post hardcore bands scream their way into our most anticipated albums.

Most Anticipated:
Anti-Flag - “People or the Gun”
AFI is back on an independent label. For an anarcho-punk bank like AFI this can only be a good thing. Hopefully this album will mark a return to form of their no-holds barred political punk rock.

The Blackout - “The Best in Town”
The Blackout proves that good post-hardcore comes from places outside of New Jersey. The Welsh band releases their new album in the US this week on Epitaph. Nice find Epitaph.

Dance Gavin Dance - “Happiness”
They’re not just another post-hardcore band. For one, they have found “Happiness” and it shows in the music. Well sort of. This is about as happy as math/post-hardcore gets. It’s an interesting mix.

Other Releases to Look Out For:
Kasabian - “The West Rider Pauper Lunatic Asylum”
The Autumn Offering - “Requiem”
Various Artists - “Warped Tour Compilation”
Mos Def - “The Ecstatic”
Sonic Youth - “The Eternal”
Dredg - “The Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion”
Placebo - “Battle for the Sun”
Bus Driver - “Jhelli Beam”
Coalesce - “OX”

Albums I Hate to Admit Might Be Good:
Black Eyed Peas - “The E.N.D. (Energy Never Dies)”
I have nothing witty to say about it. Nothing ironic. No puns either. I admit nothing, but it might be better than I am willing to put in writing.

Related posts:

1. Albums of the Week - Raine Maida. The Man