SWMRS/The Frights/Sweepyheads/DJ Hot Trash

Out of the ashes of pop-punk band Emily’s Army comes SWMRS. After years of sitting in Green Day’s shadow (drummer Joey Armstrong is Billie Joe Armstrong’s song), the band felt compelled to rebrand. Drive North, their formal debut, is chant-a-long party rock with electronic embellishment, a reflection of the band’s interest in hip-hop. “Harry Dean” and “Drive North” evoke the Horrors, while “Brb” and “D’You Have a Car?” veer in the direction of Cloud Nothings. If you hear some FIDLAR in the mix, it’s because the album was produced by Zac Carper. (Kaufman)