10 Essential albums by bands who broke up this year

Although these bands have come to the end of their respective roads, still, we can’t let go. That’s why we’re dedicating a few more inches of column space to send off some of our favorite outfits who didn’t make it through the calendar year. Bright side: Expect reunion shows from at least six of these bands by 2017.
This list originally ran in our December issue, AP 305.

A ROCKET TO THE MOON – On Your Side

We’ve been fans of A Rocket To The Moon’s slightly countrified pop ever since we fell in love with “Dakota” and placed them on the 2008 AP Tour. Their debut full-length, On Your Side, was so warmly received, it kept ’em on the road for about three years straight, through Nick Santino’s many hairstyles. (Fueled By Ramen, 2009)

AFICIONADO – Aficionado

Sometimes, bands are just too good to exist past a record or two. Groups like Bear Vs. Shark and the Felix Culpa come to mind, and now, so do Aficionado, who left behind a pretty decent EP as well as an absolutely killer self-titled full-length. Passionate lyrics delivered through Tim Kasher-ish vocals atop Piebald-esque rock jams allowed for one awesome record that we’ll sadly never see a follow up. (No Sleep, 2011)

ATTACK! ATTACK! U.K. – The Latest Fashion

No, we don’t mean Ohio crabcore progenitors Attack Attack! (though they also called it quits this year); this Attack! Attack! came from the U.K. and played some tasty riff-rock reminiscent of Foo Fighters’ meatier cuts. The Latest Fashion is our favorite of their three records, but really, all three are solid (and each CD is currently available for £1—autographed!—in their online merch store). (Rock Ridge, 2011)

BLEEDING THROUGH – This Is Love, This Is Murderous

There was a time when Orange County, California, was the hottest place in the world for metalcore, and Bleeding Through were at the forefront of that scene with their blastbeat-laden goth-metal that inspired a legion of copycats. This Is Love, This Is Murderous is without a doubt their finest moment, and is worth checking out. (Trustkill, 2003)

THE CHARIOT – Long Live

This was a tough year on our editor in chief, Jason Pettigrew. He’s long praised the chaoticore of the Chariot to anyone who would listen, so when they gracefully announced their breakup earlier this year, we could hear him audibly moaning through the walls. Pick up a copy of his favorite Chariot release, Long Live, and crank it as loud as you can in his—and their—honor. (Good Fight, 2010) >>>

COMADRE – A Wolf Ticket

California scream-team Comadre were spastic, wild and sometimes just plain confusing (their Weezer and At The Drive-In cover sets at the Fest are the stuff of legend). We’ll definitely miss their unique take on the traditional screamo revival mixed with a healthy dose of hardcore punk. (Paper + Plastick, 2010)

HUSBAND&WIFE – Dark Dark Woods

You might not know this Indiana-based indie-rock band, but they were featured in AP&R way back in 2006 and have been a personal favorite of this writer ever since. Their third album, Dark Dark Woods, is a delightful batch of introspective indie pop (“Haven’t Got A Friend”) with diverse instrumentation (“Saddest Horns”) and just a hint of Midwestern twang (“I Got Fat”). (Crossroads Of America, 2009)

THE MARS VOLTA – Frances The Mute

How ridiculous is it that one of the biggest (and most self-indulgent) prog-rock bands of the modern era broke up via Twitter? Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. And while the Mars Volta may’ve lost the plot a number of times throughout their career, their high points—like 2005’s sophomore album Frances The Mute, for which they made it on AP’s cover—are fucking phenomenal. (Universal/Strummer/GSL, 2005)

MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE – Three Cheers For Sweet Revenge

Nothing we can write here can accurately sum up the importance of My Chemical Romance to the continued existence of Alternative Press. Our deepest thanks go out to Gerard, Frank, Ray, Mikey, Otter, Bob and anyone else associated with one of the greatest, most creative rock bands of our generation. So long and good night, fellas. (Reprise, 2004)

SHARKS – The Joys Of Living 2008-2010
This one stung more than most: U.K. punk rivalists Sharks were huge AP office favorites, so much so that we begged and pleaded to add them to the 2011 AP Fall Tour without them even having a proper full-length out. What sold us on Sharks at the time was this compilation of early material, especially “Trains.” What a jam! (Velvet Scene/Rise, 2011)