In Defense of the Genre: Best Punk & Emo Songs of June

In Defense of the Genre is a column on BrooklynVegan dedicated to the diverse and vibrant world of punk, pop punk, emo, hardcore, post-hardcore, ska-punk, and more. This column often highlights bands, albums, and subgenres that haven’t always been taken seriously. As we reach the halfway point of the year, June has been particularly bustling with new music releases. The punk world was no exception, and I’ve selected 10 standout new songs from in and around this scene. But first, here are some recent features you might find interesting:

• Candy shares their top 10 vocalists.
• Carly Cosgrove breaks down their new LP The Cleanest of Houses Are Empty track by track.
• The Early November’s Ace Enders dissects their new self-titled album track by track.
• Queer pop punk pioneers Pansy Division pick 14 songs that inspired their 1993 debut LP Undressed.
• Growing Stone (Skylar from Taking Meds) on 9 albums that influenced Death of a Momma’s Boy.
• 10 albums from 1966 that influenced Perennial’s Art History.
• June album reviews: Candy, The Story So Far, Carly Cosgrove, Foreign Hands, SECT, Porcupine, Pedro the Lion, Kerosene Heights, Growing Stone, Firewalker, Love Letter, Gasket, Annabel, and The Early November.

We’ve also got new exclusive vinyl in the BV shop, including an etched white 12″ of the new Thursday single, the upcoming Destroy Boys LP (red & gold), the upcoming Offspring LP (sapphire), The Number 12 Looks Like You’s Nuclear. Sad. Nuclear. (opaque mix cream), the new Speed LP (quad black & white), the new Gel EP (violet), the new SeeYouSpaceCowboy LP (neon pink), the upcoming Story So Far LP (orange crush & black butterfly), the new Carpool LP (clear), and more. If you haven’t done so yet, you can also pick up our exclusive Alexisonfire box set, reissues & magazine, and our Glassjaw box set & book.

Head below for my picks of the 10 best punk and emo songs of June, presented in no particular order.

The Jesus Lizard – “Hide & Seek”

Who would have thought? The Austin post-hardcore legends, The Jesus Lizard, have released a new song after 26 years, and it’s fantastic! “Hide & Seek” showcases the band’s signature sound with David Yow’s sneering vocals, the dissonant interplay between David Wm. Sims’ thunderous basslines and Duane Denison’s fiery guitar playing, and Mac McNeilly’s gut-punch drums. Their upcoming album Rack is just as impressive as this lead single.

High Vis – “Mob DLA”

UK band High Vis, formed from the ashes of various hardcore bands, is back with “Mob DLA,” a gritty, singalong anthem that blends their punk roots with a modern twist. This track is a preview of their upcoming third album, promising more punk goodness.

Chubby and the Gang – “The Bonnie Banks”

Chubby and the Gang’s new single “The Bonnie Banks” is a rousing, hook-filled punk/pub rock anthem about London. With Charlie Manning (aka Chubby) now signed to US hardcore label Flatspot Records, this track is a feel-good escape from reality, even if just for a few minutes.

Combat – “Stay Golden”

Baltimore band Combat’s “Stay Golden” is the first single from their second album. This indie/emo/punk (and sometimes ska) track is a cathartic, scream-sung anthem that showcases the band’s growth and raw energy.

Bottom Bracket – “Unsavory”

Chicago’s Bottom Bracket delivers a catchy, mathy Midwest emo track with “Unsavory.” Signed to the beloved emo label Count Your Lucky Stars, this song brings a fresh sound reminiscent of Proper-era Into It. Over It.

I Love Your Lifestyle – “Plot Twist”

Sweden’s I Love Your Lifestyle returns with “Plot Twist,” the first single from their new album Summerland. This track combines punk abandon, twinkle riffs, and an anthemic post-rocky coda with gang vocal “whoa-ohs.”

Sonagi – “Rain Shadow”

Fronted by Ryann Slauson, Sonagi’s new single “Rain Shadow” is raw and passionate. Engineered by Steve Roche of Saetia and Off Minor, this track oscillates between breakdown-y chugs and delicate post-rock moments, all while tackling themes of grief with poetic intensity.

Blind Girls – “Dissonance”

Australian screamo band Blind Girls are set to release their third LP An Exit Exists. The opening track “Dissonance” is a chaotic, Botch-like mathcore frenzy that captures the palpable despair in Sharni Brouwer’s piercing screams.

worlds greatest dad – “Twenty Deer”

Atlanta’s worlds greatest dad offers “Twenty Deer,” a song blending emo and indie influences. Written during a tour, it uses the imagery of deer on the roadside as a metaphor for feeling overwhelmed. The heartfelt lyrics and Maddie Duncan’s powerful vocals make this a standout track.

The World Is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die – “Auguries of Guilt”

TWIABP continues to evolve with “Auguries of Guilt,” a six-minute prog epic that reflects on political unrest and societal issues. Vocalist David Bello’s lyrics convey unease and introspection, matched by the band’s complex instrumentals. This track demonstrates their growth and unpredictability.