Masked Intruder - Heart Shaped Guitar

Masked Intruder are one of those bands that people either love or hate, with few on the fence about whether or not they like them. I happen to be one of the people who love them, even if gimmicks aren’t usually my thing.

From Wisconsin, if you know of them then you'll know exactly what to expect here. Gimmick bands are not something that is usually successful in the world of punk rock and although there are plenty of bands that don’t take themselves at all seriously it is usually people being themselves playing music they love. This pop punk four piece claim to be four convicts who met in prison and always wear ski masks to protect their identity. Their songs are all about their criminal past and of course, like all the great pop punk bands – girls. What’s great about Masked Intruder is that the songs are so good they don’t need the gimmick to get the fans onside, it just adds to the fun. They are one of the most popular bands going having put out releases on Red Scare Industries and then Fat Wreck Chords.

The song I am sharing is from their debut self-titled album and features Mixtapes' Maura Weaver as the goaded voice of Blue's affections, with the two melding vocally to create a dynamic back-and-forth. It is a great catchy pop punk song and a band that are guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Goodbye Blue Monday - Misery-Punk Ruined My Life

Goodbye Blue Monday are a four piece from Scotland who have released a couple of EP's and singles but are yet to release a full length album. A common theme in Goodbye Blue Monday's songs is the topic of mental health and reminds me of Off With Their Heads from that point of view whilst musically they play melodic shout-a-long punk rock similar to that of Iron Chic and The Flatliners. Their music has everything I want in my punk rock: it makes me smile, it's catchy enough for me to sing along to quickly, it has interesting melodies and it's about a relatable and really important subject that can never be spoken about enough. It is for those reasons that Goodbye Blue Monday seem to be a band that everyone needs to know about.

The track I have gone with is the title track from their 2nd EP Misery-Punk Ruined My Life as I feel this is a good introduction to what they are all about. It's a relentless punk rock track about only being able to write songs about feeling miserable. The song has an unbelievable energy throughout its entire duration that really gets you pumped up. Despite the fast pace, it's a real fists-in-the-air shout-along as well with a really infectious and catchy chorus. The video is great as well.

PEARS - Green Star

PEARS is an American hardcore punk band formed in 2014 in New Orleans, Louisiana. They've been building up a reputation as being one of the most exciting new bands around and I can vouch for this after catching them a couple of times at Rebellion Festival.

They have two albums out, Go To Prison and Green Star which are both great. I am sharing the title track from the second album as it is one of my favourites to hear. They manage to combine the hardcore moments with their catchy and melodic parts effortlessly and is a refreshing change from what I would normally listen to.