This Week In Music: Jan. 27, 2017

Influenced in part by the gritty industrialization of Van Nuys, Calif., The Knitts have finally got around to producing a full length debut that digs deeper than their previous Brit Pop musings. The new record, Retreat, pushes past previous outings by capturing the energy of performances.

Nowhere is this more apparent than their single "Sorry Sonny," currently representing Retreat on Soundcloud.  The track makes a bold impression, an easy harmonic groove and catchy refrain.  Look for it on digital formats March 3 via Knitting Factory Records. In the interim, enjoy some their grittier works from Simple Folk EP. LHRS: 3.2

On Apple: The Knitts - Simple Folk EP
On Soundcloud: The Knitts - Sorry Sonny Single

Los Angeles post-hardcore veterans Senses Fail are releasing their new acoustic EP, In Your Absence on March 3. Two of the five tracks are already making the rounds with "Jets To Peru" especially promising. "Lost and Found is a much quieter classic, sad and sappy vocals that will make you long for the original.

Overall, what really works is that the band has come full circle, putting out songs that are throwback to their older style. Somehow they manage to connect with mostly the same weight as the original cuts, especially "Jets To Peru," a perfectly cast post punk acoustic ballad. LHRS: 3.2

On Apple: Senses Fail - In Your Absence
On Amazon: Senses Fail - In Your Absence

Since their formation in 2012, Dangerkids has dished out a dynamite blend of rock, post-hardcore and rap. Five years later, the band has come an even longer way from their roots in Dayton, Ohio to produce some catchy alt-metal tracks that are sometimes reminiscent of the stuff other bands put out a decade ago.

Blacklist_ is enjoyable — especially for fans who waited too long for a followup — and maddening — in that they don't always feel original. The opening track "Kill Everything," "Things Could Be Different," and "blacklist–" are the best. Check out "Summoner's Rift" too. LHRS: 3.2

On Apple: Dangerkids - blacklist_ - Dangerkids
On Amazon: Dangerkids - Blacklist_

Japandroids released something steadier and more mature anthem-heavy album, but not so much that they can't carry on their reputation for being in tune and accessible. The more punk-commited mixes are missed, but these eight crushing stadium-sized tracks will complete their shows in ways their older material never did.

Many people will tell you to start with the opening track "Near To The Wild Heart Of Life" because of the party-anthem chorus, but its "No Known Drink Or Drug" that earned our admiration. Even so, every track works well enough, start to finish. LHRS: 3.2

On Apple: Japandriods - Near To The Wild Heart Of Life
On Amazon - Japandroids - Near To The Wild Heart Of Life

These make up four our frontrunners, but there is plenty of more music out there this week. Honorable mentions with links: Lady in Blue by Color You, Things Are Right with You by Cloud Nothings, The Trigger Complex by - T.S.O.L., and Modern Ruin by Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes. All on iTunes.