Charmer's Favorite Music of 2020
Del Paxton - September, Bedtime, Ontario
Del Paxton continues to be Upstate New York’s best kept secret with their latest EP. Each song is composed brilliantly making this release a perfect addition to their already consistent and unique discography. - David Daignault
Dogleg - Melee
Not that this release needs anymore praise after the attention it got this year but it happened to be one of my favorites. Each song drives into the next full of melodies that will be stuck in your head for days. The best way I can describe this album is “The Pillows” on steroids. - David Daignault
Undeath - Lesions Of A Different Kind"
Top to bottom one of the best death metal albums to come out in sometime. Between the riffs and production I haven’t enjoyed a metal album this much since Spawn of Possession’s “Incurso.” - David Daignault
We Should Be Laughing - Beginner 4 Life
This record covers all the facets of power pop. It’s chock full of catchy hits that I think would appeal to a large audience. I’ve been revisiting this album almost weekly since it’s release in March and I’m still not sick of it. - Zack Alworden
Vundabar - Either Light
Vundabar’s catalog rules straight through. I’ve always been impressed with their unique approach and signature indie, pop-rock sound. I’ve been a fan of them for quite some time but I really grew to appreciate the overall light hearted feel of this release. - Zack Alworden
Powerplant - A Spine / Evidence
“People in the Sun” was my favorite record of 2019, so I was excited to hear something new from these guys. This EP rips front to back, and the full band format suits them well even though I personally miss the drum machine. - Nick Erickson
New Primals - Horse Girl Energy
I can’t think of a better noise rock release that came out this year. New Primals’ total freak energy is very welcome in a scene that is constantly rehashing the same Unsane/Jesus Lizard tropes. Excited to see where they go from here. - Nick Erickson
Oranssi Pazuzu - Mestarin kynsi
One of the only current heavy bands that can do psychedelia effectively and unironically. This album is totally immersive and transcendent, not for light listening. Also the release show livestream was the best I’ve seen in the pandemic so far. - Nick Erickson
The Black Dahlia Murder - Verminous
What can I say, a metal band that has stayed true to the art of being brutal, Verminous is pummeling. For somebody with bradycardia this shit will make you feel alive. - Neil Berg
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Browse our Best of 2020 tag for more year-end lists.
