punk

The 10 Best Punk and Hardcore Albums of 2024

The 10 Best Punk and Hardcore Albums of 2024

Thematically, much of this year’s best punk and hardcore music addressed mental health and working through the past while striving for a more peaceful present.

Punk Is a Virus That’s Infected Everything

Punk Is a Virus That’s Infected Everything

Tracing punk’s mutations, Iain Ellis’ Punk Beyond the Music is a robust and kaleidoscopic survey of this once-outsider subculture’s continuing, pervasive influence.

Meryl Streek Is Still Angry in ‘Songs for the Deceased’

Meryl Streek Is Still Angry in ‘Songs for the Deceased’

In Songs for the Deceased Irish avant-garde punk’s Meryl Streek rages against the landlord class, which perpetuates the violent system of precarity.

The Linda Lindas Are Earnestly Edgy on ‘No Obligation’

The Linda Lindas Are Earnestly Edgy on ‘No Obligation’

The Linda Lindas voice the trials inherent to growing up in a society that devalues perspectives of the young, the feminine, and the ‘different’.

Drug Church Critique Hypocrisy and Retain Their Edge on ‘PRUDE’

Drug Church Critique Hypocrisy and Retain Their Edge on ‘PRUDE’

Drug Church’s PRUDE takes its place alongside Gouge Away’s Deep Sage as a highlight of the year in hardcore that could reach outside the flock.

Jawbox Discuss ‘For Your Own Special Sweetheart’ at 30

Jawbox Discuss ‘For Your Own Special Sweetheart’ at 30

Jawbox’s major label debut is their most beloved album, a perfect marriage of songwriting and production that sounds as thrilling today as it did 30 years ago.

Fucked Up Create Anthems in Minutes on ‘Another Day’

Fucked Up Create Anthems in Minutes on ‘Another Day’

Canadian hardcore legends Fucked Up channel 1970s riffage and wear a hard-won optimism well on Another Day. It’s among their best albums.

GEL’s Restlessness Is Thrilling on ‘Persona’

GEL’s Restlessness Is Thrilling on ‘Persona’

Hardcore punk band GEL’s ability to weave new influences into their sound while remaining instantly identifiable sets them apart. They’re a breath of fresh air.

Emo’s Ogbert the Nerd Deliver ‘What You Want’ on New LP

Emo’s Ogbert the Nerd Deliver ‘What You Want’ on New LP

Ogbert the Nerd sound exuberant. There is a beating heart and pathos under the hooks, and they have much to offer listeners outside of emo’s ardent fans.

Bad Brains Reissue the Timeless ‘I Against I’

Bad Brains Reissue the Timeless ‘I Against I’

Canonical DC hardcore act Bad Brains remain as vital as ever. Almost 40 years after I Against I’s initial release, it’s remarkable how timeless it sounds.

Tim O’Brien of Blood Is a Multi-Dimensional Man

Tim O’Brien of Blood Is a Multi-Dimensional Man

It’s raucous, it’s queer, and it’s uncompromising. Blood’s Tim O’Brien is sticking to his guns. “I won’t change the [band] name for the sake of search engines.”

Detroit’s Big Life Channel Punk’s Revolution Summer

Detroit’s Big Life Channel Punk’s Revolution Summer

For those who like their hardcore punk with hooks and intelligent, witty lyrics, Big Life deliver big time on two EPs. They are music lovers first and foremost.