Perennial tears it up. In the Midnight Hour is the threesome’s first album, and I’m reminded of the excitement of listening to Refused’s Shape of Punk to Come. Granted, that’s a high bar, and Perennial can’t claim that level of originality, but damn it’s a strong album. Tag-team vocals from Chelsea Hahn and Chad Jewett bash over heavy-riff guitars with synth breakdowns. Perhaps it’s dance-punk? No need to pigeon hole: it’s pure energy and it’s excellent.