The Brutalist Bricks is the strongest batch of songs that Ted Leo has ever assembled. There are straight up hits on this album, from “One Polaroid A Day” to “Bottled In Cork” To “Even Heroes Have To Die”. As for the Pharmacists, Chris Wilson's drumming has never sounded better, Marty Key holds down the thud stick, and James Canty is Mr. Everything, taking the songs to another level with his whipsmart guitar and keyboarding. Ted is the anchor, but the Pharmacists are the reason the whole thing crushes like it does.

• Official Artist's Site: www.tedleo.com