Genres are worthless, convenient, and make for some of the most enjoyable gin-and-tonic-fueled debates. When I suggested an act for best pop band, a colleague countered that they were a punk band. And when I recently ran into Unnatural Helpers frontman Dean Whitmore, he made reference to his band being a pop band. UH is the city’s best punk band. Yes, they’re plenty shiny, and pack plenty of pop. But they’re also a hot mess onstage, and put together some of the catchiest screams on record. Now take that, punk! CHRIS KORNELIS myspace.com/unnaturalhelpers