An Albatross

Given that the average An Albatross track clocks in at a minute or less, "progressive" may seem like an odd tag for the band. But these short songs and vocal shrieks (reference points include the Locust or Daughters) still manage to have logical structure and memorable melodies. The keyboards shred just as much (if not more) than the guitars do — and in fact, the MC5-like riffs and Iron Butterfly-style organs make the Pennsylvania group sound like an early-era Yes song on fast-forward. And thankfully, there are no breakdowns or hardcore clichés, making An Albatross sound smarter than the average ADD-inspired weirdo hardcore band. Plus, it's always having fun: A food fight is as likely to break out as a mosh pit is at the band's unpredictable, hectic live shows.