Spanning 22 tracks, Palberta’s Roach Goin’ Down, released on June 15, is a practice in invention and freedom. Ideas are crumpled up, unfolded, cut apart, and pasted somewhere else. With the anyone-can-do-it attitude of K Records and the inverted instrumentals of early post-punk Palberta makes songs that feel simultaneously whimsical, challenging, and distraught. There’s a lo-fi a cappella intro to “Momentous Space-Up,” chaotic dissonance on “I Have Found The Ego,” and almost ordinary twee-punk on “Sound of the Beat.” Palberta will play Mercury Lounge on June 22 for an album release show. – Cameron Carr

Since its beginnings in the late 60s, punk has evolved to encompass a wide variety of subgenres. However, that doesn’t mean a modern day punk band can’t make classic punk revival, CGBG-style! Such can be said about Planet Damn. Their music is fast and grating. The lead vocalist jumps into each song with the same vigor and energy, with zero hesitation - a conviction that is required for any good punk band. Planet Damn's lyrics are simple and catchy without ever falling into the traps of cliche'. With their aggressive and blunt guitar riffs, this a band refreshingly reminiscent of popular 70s acts like the Dead Boys and the Dictators - keep an ear on them! - Avril Carrillo

By Avril Carrillo, Photo by Corbin Corbiin