The Black Halos — Alive Without Control

Vancouver's Black Halos may have a new guitarist and bassist, but they've maintained the gritty old-school punk sound that's kept them popular. This time around, there are some sweet backup harmonies to compliment Billy Hopeless's tortured yelps (especially on "Three Sheets To The Wind") and drummer Rob Zgaljic's tightly frenetic rhythms. Even when they slow things down a notch on "Mirrorman," the result isn't some pussy power ballad — it's a dark, sludgy tune well-suited to both fist-pumping and lighter-waving. All the poseurs better watch out — the Halos are back and ready to take their rightful place as Canada's eyeliner-smeared kings of punk rock.