West Springfield, Mass punks Restraining Order returned this year with their anticipated sophomore album Locked In Time, and it’s been cracking some year-end lists, including by members of Racetraitor and Taking Meds. Now, the band have made us a list of their favorite albums of the year, including Fucked Up, Fiddlehead, Pain of Truth, Home Front, and more, with commentary on each pick. Read on for what they had to say.
Also pick up our exclusive splatter vinyl variant of the new Restraining Order LP.
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Restraining Order’s 10 Favorite Albums of 2023 (alphabetical order)
Alienator – World of Hate
This record is like that meme of the lab scientist holding up a test tube. ‘At last…Hardcore.’ This record was genetically engineered in a lab to my specific tastes. Hardcore record of the year. – Will
Castillo – Pleasure And Pain
We finally get an LP from one of the best current Oi bands in the game right now. Fast, catchy, raw and full of tasteful riffs and melody; all the ingredients I want in a great punk record. – Keith
Fiddlehead – Death Is Nothing To Us
These dudes rock, so of course they drop an amazing record once again. Great tunes and Pat’s lyrics are top notch. Always a pleasure playing with them. New England! – Pat/RO group pick
Fucked Up – One Day
Another catchy, very well written record by probably my current favorite band in music. They can do no wrong. – Keith
It’s no secret Fucked Up has inspired us since jump and getting to play a few shows on the tour for this record was a full circle moment for us as fans. This record has tracks as good as any from their impressive two decade run. “Cicada”? Incredible song. – Will/RO Group Pick
The Hell – The Hell
Band from Cleveland, Ohio. Fast, chaotic, Midwest Hardcore Punk. Reminds me of Necros. – Dylan
Home Front – Games of Power
Love this record. To Be honest I didn’t know much about this band til this came out, but I’m happy that I do now. Really fun listen and I’m excited to see what they do next. – Pat
Pain of Truth – Not Through Blood
Pain of Truth LP could be to today’s hardcore kid what Perseverance or One With The Underdogs was for our generation. Featuring a murderers row of guest spots acting as a modern day thanks list of bands kids may or may not know but should know. Also the record whoops ass. Well done Pain of Truth. – Will/RO Group Pick
People’s Temple – I’m With The People’s Temple
Band from Brooklyn, New York, this band sounds like they’re from the ’80s. Reminds me of Poison Idea. Nasty sounding punk music. – Dylan
Stigmatism – Ignorance In Power
13 songs of blazing tastefully written early NYHC songs in 11 minutes. What more can I ask for? – Keith
TV Star – Hallucinate Me
Guitar music is back. I love the nods to BJM on “In-Between.” The song “Leaving You” sounds like it could’ve been on “All Things Must Pass”. I think this TV Star band is onto something. – Will
