ARTICLEJanuary 6, 2025

24 for 24, Jason's Top 24 releases in 2024

Jason Gordon

jason@releasewave.com

Best of 2024: 2024 had a lot of amazing releases and some surprise comeback releases as well. Narrowing my favorite releases down to a top 24 was a bit of a challenge considering I listened to over 250 albums in 2024. That said, the following is what I came up with and the order could easily be moved around on any given day depending on my mood. See below and click into the album art to get more information on each release, and be sure to check them out.

Shoegaze

Julie

my anti-aircraft friend

September 13, 2024

Julie set to release debut album "My Anti-Aircraft Friend" on September 13 via Atlantic Records. Their single "Clairbourne Practice" is out now, showcasing conflicting voices and strong contrasts. The band emerged in 2020 with the single "Flutter" and have evolved their sound for this upcoming release, with influences of shadowy and adventurous music.

Julie - My Anti-Aircraft Friend

Broken Head

The Morning Ends

May 31, 2024

Broken Head, a Massachusetts alternative rock band, is set to release their debut LP "Morning Ends" on May 31, 2024, via Sunday Drive Records. Drawing inspiration from '90s alternative rock acts like Catherine Wheel, Swervedriver, Ride, The Cure, and The Sundays, the band's new album showcases intricate production, dreamy lyrics, and captivating melodies. With singles "Bending Up," "Spoiled Milk," and "I Want Everything," Broken Head's evolution culminates in an album that embodies their unique blend of influences and distinctive sound.

Broken Head - The Morning Ends

Melodic Hardcore

Touche Amore

Spiral in a Straight Line

October 11, 2024

Touché Amoré from Burbank, CA is releasing a new album titled Spiral in a Straight Line on October 11th, their first in 4 years and first for Rise Records. The album, and follow up to the highly acclaimed 2020 release "Lament" was produced by Ross Robinson and features collaborations with Julien Baker and Lou Barlow, while exploring themes of forward movement amidst destabilization. The lead off track "Nobody's" which is now streaming, is a prime example of Touche Amore's knack for writing emotionally charged melodic hardcore with grit and passion that fans of bands like Have Heart, Title Fight, Drug Church, and Fiddlehead should find appealing.

Touche Amore - Spiral In A Straight Line

Milly

Your Own Becoming

June 28, 2024

MILLY's highly-anticipated second album, "Your Own Becoming," produced by Sonny DiPerri, is set for release on June 28, 2024 via Dangerbird Records. The album features 10 new tracks, with lead single "Drip From The Fountain" described as the standout track, showcasing the band's evolution and commitment to crafting powerful, straightforward music rooted in personal introspection and collaboration. The album reflects principal songwriter Brendan Dyer's journey of capturing and transforming dark thoughts into a galvanizing and productive musical experience, offering a raw, cathartic collection of songs that emphasize simplicity and explosive energy.

Milly - Your Own Becoming

All Under Heaven

What Lies Ahead of Me

June 7, 2024

All Under Heaven is releasing their debut LP "What Lies Ahead Of Me" on June 7, 2024 via Sunday Drive Records, showcasing a shift in their sound towards influences like The Cure, Pinback, and The Smiths, while incorporating new instruments and a focus on melodicism. The album explores themes of love, loss, and friendship with DeFabs' vocals taking a stronger forefront. Fans of Glare, Trauma Ray, and similar bands may appreciate their evolved alternative rock sound on this record.

All Under Heaven - What Lies Ahead of Me

90s Alt Rock

Squint

Big Hand

October 25, 2024

Squint, a St. Louis melodic hardcore/alt-rock band, released their LP "Big Hand" on October 25, 2024, exploring themes of time and emotions through their fuzzed out melodic hardcore / alt-rock sound. Influenced by punk, hardcore, and 90s alternative rock, the band's debut album showcases their unique sound, reminiscent of bands like Archers of Loaf, Seaweed, and Sugar, appealing to fans of Drug Church, Militarie Gun, and Public Opinion.

Squint - Big Hand

Hot Water Music

Vows

May 10, 2024

Hot Water Music, the influential punk veterans from Gainesville, Florida, are set to release their 10th studio album "Vows" on May 10, 2024, featuring guest appearances from Thrice, City and Colour, The Interrupters, and more. Led by powerful tracks like “Menace” and “Burn Forever,” the 12-song LP showcases the band's intense and musically daring sound. With a three-decade legacy in American punk, Hot Water Music's Vows marks a celebration of their history and future, produced by Brian McTernan who previously collaborated with the band on their classic albums in the early 2000s. Don't miss their 30th-anniversary tour this spring with Quicksand.

Hot Water Music - Vows

Hardcore

Stand Still

Steps Ascending

June 14, 2024

Stand Still from Long Island is preparing to release their debut full-length album, "Steps Ascending" on June 14th through DAZE. With emotionally driven melodic hardcore sound, the band's new single "In the Dying Light of a Setting Sun" showcases their heaviest material yet. Drawing inspiration from bands like The Movielife and Crime In Stereo, Stand Still has quickly made a name for themselves in the melodic hardcore scene, having already released two EPs and played alongside notable acts.

Stand Still - Steps Ascending

Emo

Common Sage

Closer To;

November 22, 2024

Common Sage, a post-hardcore band from Brooklyn, will release their new album "Closer To;" via Equal Vision Records on November 22. The album, produced by Brett Romnes, features the track "Vehicles" and showcases a modern take on post-hardcore with influences from the Long Island emo scene, akin to Quicksand and Title Fight. Common Sage's deliberate musical choices and industry recognition make them stand out in the genre, with upcoming U.S. tour dates and a unique approach to their artistry.

Common Sage - Closer; To

Indie Rock

Gleemer

End of the Nail

December 6, 2024

Gleemer, an alternative rock band from Ft. Collins, Colorado, is set to release their new LP "End of the Nail" on December 6, 2024 through Other People Records. The album features 11 tracks, with the lead single "Half Smile" already available for streaming, showcasing their unique blend of shoegaze, slowcore, emo and alternative rock with elements of bands like Balance and Composure and early Death Cab for Cutie. Recorded and produced independently by the band members themselves, the album promises to be a standout addition to Gleemer's already impressive discography.

Gleemer - End of the Nail

Emo

Balance and Composure

With You In Spirit

October 4, 2024

Balance and Composure are making a powerful return with their upcoming 4th LP, "With You In Spirit," set to release on October 4, 2024, produced by Will Yip and releasing on his label Memory Music. The album features 10 tracks of their dark emotionally charged and atmospheric rock, reflecting intense self-reflection in its lyrics and a dynamic musical evolution.Their trademark brooding and emotionally charged dynamic sound can be heard on lead off singles "Cross to Bear" and "Sorrow Machine." For fans of Sunny Day Real Estate, Title Fight, Me Without You, and Moving Mountains, this release promises to be a riveting blend of familiar and new elements from the band.

Balance & Composure - With You In Spirit

Hardcore

Speed

ONLY ONE MODE

July 12, 2024

Sydney hardcore band Speed is releasing their debut full-length LP "ONLY ONE MODE" on July 12, 2024 via Flatspot Records (USA) and Last Ride Records (AUS), showcasing their continued growth while still delivering their SPEED ethos through 10 new tracks. Their sound, characterized by tough vocals, jolting grooves, pummeling breakdowns and relentless energy, resonates with fans of bands like Kharma, Pain of Truth, Gridiron, Magnitude and the like. This is what they’re about: Hardcore, played hard, played fast, “for us, by us”—explicit, immediate, definitive—hinting at all the crucial bands that have come before them. The first single "REAL LIFE LOVE" from the forthcoming LP is now streaming.

Speed - Only One Mode

Alkaline Trio

blood, hair and eyeballs

January 26, 2024

Alkaline Trio's tenth album 'Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs' is set to release on January 26, 2024 via Rise Records, showcasing a stripped-down sound produced by Cameron Webb at Studio 606 in Northridge CA. The title track offers a blend of their dark essence with a new edge, accompanied by a dynamic video featuring pro skaters. The band will be embarking on a 2024 North American tour with Drug Church as the opening act.

Alkaline Trio - Blood, Hair, And Eyeballs

Brit Pop

High Vis

Guided Tour

October 18, 2024

London's High Vis is set to release their genre blending new album "Guided Tour" on October 18th via Dais Records, with a fresh single "Mind's a Lie" that showcases a blend of house, garage, and Pirate Radio influences into a dance-punk anthem. The album, produced by Jonah Falco and engineer Stanley Gravett, delivers an energetic mix of street punk, indie sneer, alt-rock, jangly brit-pop, post punk and shoegazey spoken word, showcasing the band's growth since their 2016 formation and previous albums "No Sense No Feeling" and "Blending." These guys are truly unique and continue to map a perfect middle ground between hooks and furty, melodies and mosh pits, while continuing to expand into new territory. Fans of Home Front, Show Me The Body, Militarie Gun, and Spiritual Cramp will enjoy what High Vis has to offer.

High Vis - Guided Tour

Shoegaze

Trauma Ray

Chameleon

October 25, 2024

Texas shoegaze band Trauma Ray is releasing their debut album "Chameleon" via Dais Records on October 25, 2024. The album features 12 new tracks showcasing their distinctive three-guitar attack and intense, atmospheric wall of guitar sound. The new LP has been described as a stormy fusion of downer hooks, apocalyptic beauty, and bulldozer riffs. Similar to bands like Nothing, DIIV, Glare and Cloakroom, Trauma Ray's lead single "Bishop" is already available for streaming, offering a taste of their dynamic, guitar fueled and emotionally resonant music.

Trauma Ray - Chameleon

Hardcore

Drug Church

PRUDE

October 4, 2024

Hardcore punk's most beloved agitators Drug Church are back with their upcoming album "PRUDE," set to release on October 4th, 2024 via Pure Noise Records. The album promises a mix of hardcore aggression and '90s alternative hooks over 10 tracks that are bursting at the seams with personality, irreverence, and heart. No one does gritty hardcore, catchy melodies, and hooks like Drug Church, listen to their previous two LPs Cheer and Hygiene if you don't believe me, and their new LP is sure to prove this once again. Latest single "Demolition Man" and previously released rocker "Myopic" from the forthcoming LP are both available for streaming and proof that Drug Church are far from slowing down anytime soon. Fans of Fiddlehead, Militarie Gun, Seaweed, and Touche Amore will certainly love Drug Church's unique style.

Drug Church - Prude

Indie Rock

Suburban Eyes

August 30, 2024

Suburban Eyes, the new indie/emo trio featuring members from well-known emo bands Christie Front Drive, Mineral and Boys Life, is set to release their self-titled debut album on August 30, 2024 via Spartan Records. Their music offers a blend of propulsion and dreamy shimmering soundscapes, maintaining accessible pop structures and melodic guitar hooks with a unique sonic duality. With Grammy-winning mixer Peter Katis involved, the band's introspective and virtual approach has led to a creatively satisfying experience and significant musical growth. Fans of their former projects looking for an updated and more expansive and dreamy shoegaze take on their nostalgic and melodic emo/inidie rock pop sound will definitely find something to love here. RIYL: Christie Front Drive, Jimmy Eat World, Antarctica, The Promise Ring

Suburban Eyes - Suburban Eyes

Indie Rock

Nada Surf

Moon Mirror

September 13, 2024

Nada Surf is set to release their new 11-song LP, Moon Mirror, on September 13, 2024, marking their return with new material since 2020. The album, produced by the band and Ian Laughton, has everything fans love and expect from the band: play-on-repeat heart punches, poetic and thought-provoking musings on the world around them, and bittersweet anthems that begin quietly but explode into soaring harmonies. With a career spanning 30 years, Nada Surf remains true to their signature sound while exploring new depths in their latest work. The band released the first single, “In Front of Me Now,” a heartfelt warning against sleepwalking through the one life we have which can be streamed below.

Nada Surf - Moon Mirror

Shoegaze

Fake Eyes

Saccharine Scream

November 22, 2024

North Carolina heavy but dreamy alternative rock band Fake Eyes will release their long-awaited LP "Saccharine Scream" on November 22, 2024 via Sunday Drive Records, blending 90s shoegaze, grunge, brit pop, and emo influences similar to bands like Glare, Trauma Ray, Narrow Head, and Teenage Wrist. Despite facing delays, the debut LP showcases Fake Eyes' best work to date with a mix of rhythmic hooks and poetic lyrics, building on their previous sound while introducing a more expansive and layered approach, drawing inspiration from bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Hum.

Fake Eyes - Saccharine Scream

Indie Rock

Japandroids

Fate & Alcohol

October 18, 2024

Vancouver anthemic indie/punk rockers Japandroids will release their fourth and final album, "Fate & Alcohol," showcasing a blend of their early raw energy and recent storytelling depth, while pursuing new ways to bottle that same rush - to write songs with the vitality and dynamic interaction of their early material from Post Nothing and Celebration rock, without sacrificing any of the nuance or ambition that marked Near to the Wild Heart of Life. The album was once again produced by Jesse Gander and recorded in Vancouver, and captures the band's evolution while maintaining their signature sound. This couldn't be more exemplified in lead off single "Chicago" which is streamable below. Fate & Alcohol is sure to provide a fitting conclusion to their career as they reflect on their journey and the impact of their music through 10 brand new tracks.

Japandroids - Fate & Alcohol

Wunderhorse - Midas

DIIV

Frog In Boiling Water

May 24, 2024

Brooklyn shoegazers DIIV are set to release their fourth album, Frog in Boiling Water, produced by Chris Coady. The album reflects a tumultuous four-year creative process that almost tore the band apart but ultimately led to a deeper and more ambitious musical exploration. With a blend of dream-pop and post-rock, their lead single "Brown Paper Bag" offers a taste of the lyrical and musical depth found throughout the record.

Diiv - Frog in Boiling Water

Hardcore

Chat Pile

Cool World

October 11, 2024

Oklahoma City sludgy noise rock band Chat Pile is releasing their sophomore album "Cool World" on October 11th, following their 2022 breakout record "God's Country." The album explores themes of modern malaise on a global scale, delving into the societal impact of disasters at home and abroad and how they affect one another. Influenced by bands like The Jesus Lizard and Big Black, Chat Pile's music is a blend of cacophonous noise rock with elements of goth, alt/indie hooks, post-punk and off-kilter metal grooves, which only scratches the surface of what can be heard in the album's ten tracks. Album opener "I Am Dog Now" is now available on all digital streaming platforms.

Chat Pile - Cool World

Dream Pop

Entropy

Dharmakāya

August 30, 2024

German melodic grungegaze rockers Entropy will be releasing their sophomore LP "Dharmakāya" on August 30, 2024, showcasing a blend of emotionally charged melodic vocals and jangly guitars, paired with layers of heavy distortion and monster hooks, reminiscent of their Britpop influences mixed with their 90s post-hardcore, alternative rock and shoegaze roots. The album features catchy tunes like “King of Rain” and “Americans (Will Save You in the End)” that hearken back to 90s bands like Sugar while still drawing parallels to more current bands like Hotline TNT, Nothing and Alvvays. Heavier moments can be found in lead-off single "Papered Over Some" with its Helmet meets Quicksand like riffage, while still maintaining it's dreamy melodic soundscape. Recorded in Germany and mastered in New York, the album explores themes of dating, mental health, and spirituality, referencing thinkers like Peter Rollins and Robert Pírsig.

Entropy - Dharmakāya

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