Hardcore punk, in its highest form, is a live music genre. Records aren’t always representative of what a band does onstage. But Thirdface nailed it on their debut LP, Do It With a Smile. The foursome managed to capture all of their raw intensity, twisted thrash and melodic sensibility on this 22-minute ripper. The chaotic slab of noise, which has earned high marks from DIY rags nationwide, is one of the recent records putting Nashville hardcore back on the map. The serrated, venomous voice of singer Kathryn Edwards makes for a blistering expression of the rage of the exploited working class. You can feel the band smiling, but if you listen carefully, you can also hear the blood dripping from their teeth.
Best Hardcore Punk Album
