No matter the mood; heartbroken, politically angry or in need of some motivation, the 2024 punk rock scene offers a fulfilling fix of well written and rampageously executed albums. Here’s my top 5:
5. Letter to Self by Sprints
2024 saw the release of garage punk four-piece Sprints’ debut LP “Letter to Self”. Like many of the most poignant albums, “Letter to Self” wrestles with politics, mental health, acceptance of self and love. There’s a gothic and frustrated atmosphere amongst many of the tracks, perhaps most prominent in the slightly twisted and freaky single “Feast”.
The accompanying music video uses scattergun imagery of queer and religious symbolism making for a slightly creepy yet slyly sexual atmosphere. The choice to blend religious iconography with queer images reflects Sprints’ Catholic upbringing in Dublin and their desire to unshackle themselves from religious morality around sexual identity.
The stand out track of the album is “Literary Mind”. It’s a bright and exuberant queer love song reflecting the joys and intensities of falling in love for LGBTQ individuals who hitherto have been forced to silence their true self.
4. Cartoon Darkness by Amyl and The Sniffers
After three years of touring their acclaimed 2nd album “Comfort to Me”, Amyl and The Sniffers dropped their latest triumph “Cartoon Darkness”. It is by far their most diverse record in terms of stylistic approach and lyrical content.
For a seasoned Aussie rock star like Amy Taylor, producing fast paced mosh pit inducing tracks could be an easy way forward. Almost all their releases are rapid in pace and a little shouty, but Cartoon Darkness, at moments, steps away from the chaos that fans are used to.
“Bailing On Me” brings the tempo down for a heart crushing despair-ridden love song.
“Damn, here I go again. I’m heartbroken. I know that you’re bailing on me”.
Its simple rhyming lyrics are poignantly reflective, the conviction of which is elevated further by the slower pace emphasising the stinging sadness of the track. But that’s not to say Cartoon Darkness has strayed too far from the band’s punk rock roots.
“Doing In Me Head” offers a return to crowd chanting lyrics and gnarly guitar riffs pushed forward by driving drum beats.
3. Undefeated by Frank Turner and The Sleeping Souls
In early May 2024, Frank Turner leapt back into the punk scene with his 10th studio album “Undefeated”, and what a return it was. Frank has an elegant and melodic way with words. Some may even be surprised he labels himself as a punk artist when most of his work is sweetly melodic and even radio-friendly.
I am particularly drawn to “Ceasefire”. It’s a reflective letter to Frank Turner’s fifteen year old self. Throughout the track he battles with self-judgement and accepts the need for a forgiving ceasefire to soothe his inner turmoil. He is his own greatest critic and confronts the pain dealt to him by expectations set by his younger self.
“I’m haunted by a ghost
Who hides inside my body,
Raging, rattling chains:
Fifteen year old me.”
2. Dark Rainbow by Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes
There is something about Frank Carter and The Rattlesnakes that gifts them a glittering performance and an equally shimmering collection of studio albums.
From the fierce wall of sound that is “Blossom” to the thoughtful rock of “Dark Rainbow”, The Rattlesnakes have done it all.
“Dark Rainbow” is no exception to their brilliance and, to the delight of fans, steered away from the perhaps less popular previous album “Sticky”.
The album is centred around romanticism and self-reflection, making it a deep and thoughtful listen. Within the glossy and glamourous single, “Man of The Hour”, frontman Frank Carter delves into the consequences of being a rockstar for his personal identity and the trap of losing himself amongst fame and glory.
“Sun Bright Golden Happening” is perhaps the most delicate track of the album. Its lyrics plead for love and acceptance intertwined with nature themed motifs, amounting to a mystical and slightly heart wrenching atmosphere.
“Dark Rainbow” is a hopeful album that incites self-acceptance and kindness. Following the announcement of The Rattlesnakes’ indefinite hiatus, with Frank joining the reformed and Rottenless Sex Pistols, it appears this is their last album as a group, making it all the more special.
1. There Goes The Neighbourhood by Kid Kapichi
The title of my greatest punk rock album of 2024 has to go to Sussex’s own Kid Kapichi. The Hastings 4 piece returned to the indie limelight with their third album “There Goes The Neighbourhood”, which surpassed in excellence their already impressive back catalogue.
Frontman Jack Wilson gives a unique performance that balances untainted political anger with humour and up beat rhymes about the terrors of approaching the age of thirty.
“There Goes The Neighbourhood” is full of passion and well placed political anger. “Zombie Nation” and “Can EU Hear Me?” are uniquely formulated songs of rebellion against political apathy and the degradation of society. Unlike many of today’s political punk bands, Kid Kapichi bring a stunning level of cheer and joy to their revolutionary anthems. They’ve managed to create a tuneful and jubilant anti-Brexit track, pleading for an escape from the reality of a nationalist British hell.
Punk comes in all sounds and sizes; somewhere across the genre there’s something for everyone. If you’re wondering what’s next for the British punk scene in 2025, keep an eye on the SBL website for the latest album, gig and punk rock news. Let Sussex Bylines know your favourite albums of 2024, whatever the genre!
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