By Joshua Gutierrez

The modern American cultural and political experience hinges tightly on this drudging regression of progressive values and laws. Dictated by a nationalistic Christian hierarchy, affronts to many marginalized groups dictate a power structure which enters 2025 with control of many state legislatures and courts, federal control of Congress, White House and the Supreme Court.

But more than just control from government entities, an effective right-wing thought machine has focused its ire on women. The control, subjugation and regression of women’s rights and independent values seems both menacing and painfully expected.

To me, “I Got Heaven” is a blunt force retaliation against this attempted subjugation. While not explicitly political, Mannequin Pussy’s ability to express the struggle, perspective and castigation of women allows this work to become so unfortunately relevant and equally, poignant.

Combined with the wailing aggressive vocals of Marisa Dabice and a sound ripped straight from punk rock’s most aggressive catalogs, “I Got Heaven” is a masterpiece and commands a presence few albums could achieve this year.

As for the rest of the field, a late string of Below Radar albums in the second half of 2024 has allowed this category to fill out. Additionally, it must be emphasized how GREAT these albums are. Not only for this category, but many of these albums could stand toe-to-toe with albums from the likes of Billie Eilish, Ariana Grande or Kendrick Lamar.

Whether it was “This Could Be Texas” by English Teacher, “Manning Fireworks” by MJ Lenderman or Mannequin Pussy’s “I Got Heaven,” these albums are not just great within this category, these works are simply great.

Bye!

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