The Lawrence Arms Apathy and Exhaustion

Every once in awhile a record comes out that makes me feel lucky to have explored punk rock. A record that makes me no longer trivialise the unwashed Britney Spears-loving masses, but pity them. This is such a record. Picture this, my cynical friend: thick, loud guitars, mid-tempo rhythms, alternating gruff and soft spoken vocals, and lyrics that’ll make you laugh and cry. I know Fat has been touting this band as the "best indie release of the year,” but they may just be right. (Fat Wreck)