Leatherface

Leatherface is one of the most terminally underappreciated groups in all of punk rock, at least in terms of record sales. The English-bred band has spent the past 20 years perfecting its hooky, visceral basement rock, which has a strong emotional undercurrent but doesn't quite fit the mold of the dreaded e-word. This year’s The Stormy Petrel—its ninth studio album and first for No Idea—is a nostalgic throwback to youthful days and summer nights, an impassioned release that finds the seasoned band sounding more alive than it has in years. 

Updated 05/06/2010