“Hearts of Hoodlums” tentatively named Best Punk Album of 2009

It may be premature to say, since it’s only May, but Whole Wheat Bread’s sophomore full-length Hearts of Hoodlums just might be the best punk album of 2009.

Hearts of Hoodlums streamlines all of the pop-punk of Whole Wheat Bread’s 2005 debut Minority Rules and the crunk-rock fusion of their 2006 EP, Punk Life, into a sleek, powerful sound.

Most importantly, in a genre where bands can often sound alike, Whole Wheat Bread have a sound all their own. The Jacksonville, Florida trio is in fine form as they blaze through straight ahead punk jams like “Catch 22” and “Bombs Away” before throwing in a little hip-hop on “Throw Your Sets Up” and “Stuck In Da Dark.”

Each track is well crafted and it all makes for a really enjoyable listen that flows well together without ever sounding the same. Another band might come along and make a better punk record than Hoodlums, but it’s not likely.

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