Let’s face it, recreational cycling is about as Punk™ as fairy bread. It’s essential to lather yourself in ample irony and self-awareness when an apparently irrevocable component of most cycling disciplines is attire that wouldn’t be out of place in a 70’s science-fiction TV series but then, sports are inherently absurd.

There is an exception to this otherwise inflexible principle, and it’s made by the indefinite, diverse throng that are bicycle commuters. Eschewing all but the most broad of definitions, bicycle commuters are gloriously immune to trends in fashion and the need to keep pace with the agitated advances in standards. Braving inhospitable weather and even less hospitable residents associations, bicycle commuters are often mere feet away from starring in their own David Cronenberg feature film because motorists #gottagofast.

So, as the first icy fingers of winter caress your face these coming mornings, bicycle commuter, I hope you may find fortitude in these distorted guitar songs.

Short Girls – Street Drinking

Gritty and sharp with the smallest pinch of pop punk sweetness, Street Drinking pours a healthy measure of emphatic guitars and mixes it with distinctly Wellington lyrical sentiments such as “Out in the rain we’ll be having fun (…) we don’t need no Californian sun.”

Desaparecidos – Golden Parachutes

Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes’ side project, Desaparecidos, sees his acerbic observations of socioeconomics matched with equally bracing instrumentation. Golden Parachutes highlights the strength of Oberst’s imagery when his strained voice yelps “It’s a frat house full of silver spoons, watching pornography of busts and booms.”

Wipers – Over The Edge

The title track of Wipers’ third album, Over The Edge is an anthem of self-sufficiency and general, indirect rebellion. Perfect when integrating with motor traffic.

Institute – Perpetual Ebb

When Institute’s Moses Brown’s sardonic drawl shifts suddenly to a higher pitched bark, it provides that subtle shade of surprise that is so common in good music, punk especially.

The Clash – Complete Control

Before it all fell apart, few bands could rival the songwriting prowess and live ferocity of Mick, Joe, Paul and Topper. Complete Control opens with heavy distortion from Strummer’s telecaster that is quickly joined by one of the most solo-esque solos you’ll ever get from Mick Jones.