The Thermals

Since 2002, Portland pop-punk stalwarts The Thermals have evolved from lo-fi party band to political punk act. (Fun fact: They played that Bernie Sanders rally in Portland right before the bird landed on the podium.) I actually prefer the early stuff, but they’re touring now to promote their seventh album, which is garnering praise from critics. Singer Hutch Harris can go a little overboard with the irony quotes in his phrasing, but it’s great when he drops his guard and just starts yelling like a Muppet.