Scott: I just got The Trials Of Recession, the new album by Chicago punk band Ryan's Hope, in the mail yesterday and I've probably listened to it a dozen times in a row already. There's something about this batch of songs that just screams "total rock awesomeness." Their sound is that of classic Chicago punk ala 88 Fingers Louie mixed with vocals akin to The Honor System and metal riffing that brings up images of Thrice's Identity Crisis. Here's three tracks off The Trials Of Recession, out now on Double Zero Records:
Ryan's Hope - Fiction And Transcendence Ryan's Hope - The Plague And It's Mass Ryan's Hope - Condemning Race
For more info on Ryan's Hope, go to RyansHopeMusic.com.

Adam: Montreal's The Frenetics have very slowly ingrained themselves into my consciousness over the last year. While I enjoyed their 2001 record These Mistakes Took Years Of Practice [review], this year's addition to their catalogue, Grey Veins to the Parking Lot [review], is fast becoming one of my favorite records of the year. There's something very compelling and charming about the band's music that I've always had a hard time describing.
The Frenetics - Journalist The Frenetics - If You Are What You Want
I have it on good authority that the band will make a few Warped appearances this year on the Union stage, so check them out if you're in attendance.