We complete our 2017 year end countdown of our favorite records of the year that was. In this episode we cover numbers 5-1.

5

Mastodon – Emperor of Sand (Dude)
The seventh studio album from the Atlanta, GA progressive metal band that sees them returning to their concept record roots.

Downtown Boys – Cost of Living (Andy)
A raucous, post-punk rock record with lyrics focused on social and economic inequalities.

4

Pallbearer – Heartless (Dude)
The third full-length album by the American doom metal band that continues their strong songwriting and blend of 70s and modern metal sounds.

Pile – A Hairshirt of Purpose (Andy)
The sixth full length from the Boston, Massacheuttes underground indie-rock band featuring strange song structures and peculiar lyrics.

3

Foo Fighters – Concrete and Gold (Dude)
The ninth studio album from the larger than life rock band self-described as “hard rock extremes and pop sensibilities collide”.

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard – Flying Microtonal Banana (Andy)
Prolific Austrian psychedelic rock band perhaps most accessible album of their career is a study in microtonal tuning. 

2

Vant – Dumb Blood (Dude)
The debut (and perhaps final) record from British alternative rock group whose lyrics focus on equality, education and the environment.

Protomartyr – Relatives in Descent (Andy)
A heady post-rock record that can be unwrapped for multiple satisfying listens.

1

Colter Wall – Colter Wall (Dude)
An autobiographical and intimate soulful country record from the Canadian newcomer.

Billy Woods – Known Unknowns (Andy)
The 6th solo studio album from the left-field, Brookyln-based rapper that sees him adding more melodic song structures.

Join us next week as we kick off our Essential Funk and New Wave British Metal series for 2018.

Special thanks to John Riggs for the countdown vocal sample, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8R3if22A0L4

Happy Nerd Year!