Mable's Favourite Albums of 2017

So it is that time of year again, where the internet is a flurry of "The Best of" lists for the year. So, we are jumping on the band wagon to let you know what punk rock albums were released this year that we think deserve some major recognition. Also, we would also like to point out that this is not an easy thing for us to do, as it is well known that us two ladies dwell in the past. However, this was such a fucking incredible year for punk rock that it was impossible not to fall in love with these new releases. If you disagree, don't give us crap. Just make your own list.

So here it is, if any of you care, our top punk rock albums of 2017, in no particular order.

1. The Menzingers - After The Party

We aren't surprised. The Menzingers alway delivers stellar albums from start to finish. This is their 5th album and it is dialled. Every song on this album feels like some sort of anthem I can relate to, cry to, scream in my car to, and more than likely this will probably end up on my Spotify "most played" of 2017 list.

2. The Bombpops - Fear of Missing Out

Our girls! Signed to Fat Wreck Chords for their first full length album, and its so much fun. The girls have endured many line up changes over the years, before finally finding Neil Wayne and Josh Lewis, and now there is no stopping them. They have been playing shows and touring non stop, so make sure you go and see them. Be Sweet and Ca In July are two songs that perfectly give you the feels of being a teenager, driving in your car and lamenting over some sort of young heartache. Vocal melodies and catchy choruses that feel perfectly like California in July.

3. The Flatliners - Inviting Light

Our beloved Canadians The Flatliners. Inviting Light is a strong, heavy, weighted feeling album which is a little darker than what they have done in the past, but it works. Well. Chris Cresswell is such an amazing songwriter and this albums continues to prove it. Favourite song? Definitely Human Party Trick. It is one of those songs that makes you feel happy and sad all at once.

4. Bad Cop Bad Cop - Warriors

Well its no surprise these ladies made it on the top ten list... because as everyone knows we LOVE them. Warriors is a perfect follow up to 2015's Not Sorry. It's a hard-hitting, perfectly written album full of powerful melodies, and lyrics that will make you want to fight for every minority out there. If you need some motivation, this album will do it for you.These women are fucking bad ass, hard working, and talented. There is no better combo. The song Womanarchist is our favourite track, (and it's not just because we are in the video!) its because it is the perfect song to make you feel strong, empowered and like you are part of something bigger.

5. Propagandhi - Victory Lap

This band just gets better with age. Seriously, another strong release from Propagandhi. The title track open the album with insane guitar riffs that resemble more metal than anything else on our list. As always the lyrics make us think, make us pumped the fuck up, and want to get in the pit.

6. Less Than Jake - Sound The Alarm

It had been 4 years since LTJ released See The Light on Fat Wreck Chords, and fans were itching for new tunes. The 6 tracks on this EP, released on Pure Noise Records, are probably the best songs Less Than Jake have ever written. The first track, Call To Arms, starts out with a Roger bass riff that kills, and horns are like melodies on every song. If you like thoughtful lyrics with up-tempo punk rock and horns thrown in for fun, listen to this latest effort by this legendary ska-punk band.

7. Rebuilder - Sounds From The Massachusetts Turnpike

Ok, lets just say this album holds one of the coolest songs I have ever heard. Get Up is 4 minutes and 2 seconds full of quick changes, surprises, amazing riffs, a surprise piano bit and strong lyrics. Every time i listen to it I love it a little bit more. This album really has a defining sound for Rebuilder and makes us excited to see what will happen next. Rebuilder is one of the hardest working bands out there, who tour hard and play harder... and if you want a band with a sense of humour, these are your guys.

8. Authority Zero - Broadcasting To The Nations

Authority Zero never disappoints, and this album is probably the best one they have put out in years, perhaps because this is the strongest line-up of musicians AZ has had in years. It starts out with 4 fast, loud tracks that will have you pumped up and ready to rock, but mellows out around track 5. So whether you need a kick in the ass, or a chill tune to mellow you out, this album is it.

9. The Lillingtons - Stella Sapiente

This has got to be the biggest surprise of the year when we talk about new music releases. The Lillingtons first release in a decade, and its a heavy hitter. With some dark themes and a solid metal influence, this album takes you on a bit of a journey. Makes you feel something deep and gritty. Kody Templeton still has one of the strongest and best voices out there. Favourite song? We can't choose as each song on this album delivers something different. Play it start to finish, and play it loud.

10. Anti-Flag - American Fall

Anti Flag wraps up this years new releases with American Fall. I (Jessica) have to say this might be the favourite release of the year. Bringing topics to their songs like racism, PTSD, politics and consumerism... and doing it in an edgy but pop punk anthem style, its hard not to love these songs. This is the kind of album that you listen to before you go out with friends to get your fired up, or you stand in the crowd watching this band live and scream at the top of your lungs while hugging your friends. These guys are on tour now, and we suggest getting your best friend and doing just that.

Honourable Mentions:

- Lights Over Bridgeport - Good Grief

- Iron Chic - You Can't Stay Here

- Direct Hit - Human Movement