Some Punk To Rock Your Yule

American Steel- Destroy Their Future (www.fatwreck.com)

The deeper I get into Destroy Their Future, the more I'm hearing musical influences like Old 97's, Clash, Dropkick Murphys, and even some Springsteen. The absence of pretense ("Dead and Gone"), and the abundance of wit ("Razor Blades," "Love and Logic"), are equally matched with strong vocals and solid story telling imaginary.

Every song works, and the band spans a wide range of genre's with artistic vision. Full-throttle punk-dominated rock 'n' roll, mixed with new ways to sing and new things to sing about, vaults American Steel into new territories while stirring up the faintest memories of their influences.

"Hurtin" is a gentle acoustic lullaby with an alt./ country vibe. This album passes the acid test for what a really good band can accomplish given support and patience.

- Phil Rainone


King Django - Roots Tonic (www.jumpuprecords.com)

Some bands are just cool. No way around it, and no matter what your musical taste, you know it when you see it. One such band is King Django (pronounced: Jango). They're out of New Brunswick, and they've been turning heads and influencing bands for over a decade.

This reissue of Roots Tonic (2005) is a mixture of melodic reggae with a dose of old-school ska, inventive guitar work, and a rock steady rhythm section that's punctuated with articulate vocals.

At his best, King Django writes songs that have a depth to them that goes beyond the first listen. It's more like a quest to find more in the words and music. At the outset, and all through this disc, the lighter sounds and personal lyrics ("Too Many Things," "It's All Over"), fill the sunny grooves, but don't skirt the big issues ("In This Time," "Hard, Hard Thing"), also offer joyful celebration ("Rock and Come In," "Lyrics Architect"), and unity ("New York Neighbors").

"Wayfarer's Prayer" preaches an international message, and reflects King Django's growing stature. This is an album touches on many diverse elements with profoundly beautiful music, from the haunting instrumental "Zion Gates" to the irresistible surge of "Fistful of Riddim," which comes straight from Django's heart, and soul.

- Phil Rainone