Mock Media- Rat Bastard

On Rat Bastard, the Vernon, British Columbia quartet Mock Media raids the biggest gestures of '80s rock—The Clash's restless momentum, Rick Springfield's radio instincts, The Police's taut bounce—and strips away the self-importance, leaving behind songs that feel wiry, explosive, and absurdly airtight. Released by Mac DeMarco's label, the record finds new ways to turn arena-sized melodies into lean and unpredictable hooks, proving those old ambitions still have firepower when they're played with this much swagger.