In Defense of the Genre: Exploring the Best Punk & Emo Songs of January 2024

Welcome to the first edition of ‘In Defense of the Genre’ for 2024! This column, dedicated to punk, pop punk, emo, hardcore, post-hardcore, ska-punk, and more, delves into the bands, albums, and subgenres often overlooked or not taken seriously. In this edition, we’ll be exploring 10 of the best punk songs from January, with a mix of new releases and some that carry the spirit of the ’90s.

Recent Features and Highlights:

Before we dive into the best songs of January, let’s take a quick look at some recent features on BrooklynVegan:

1. 21 Albums Defining ’90s New York Post-Hardcore: A nostalgic journey through the influential albums that shaped the post-hardcore scene in ’90s New York.

2. Caravels Reflect on 10 Years of ‘Lacuna’: Caravels discusses the major influences behind their album ‘Lacuna’ as it celebrates its 10th anniversary.

3. Angel Hair’s ’90s Discography Influences: Screamo veterans Angel Hair share insights into the influences that shaped their ’90s discography.

4. 10 Albums Influencing Worcester Emo Band Good Sleepy: A glimpse into the musical inspirations that influenced the sound of Worcester emo band Good Sleepy.

5. Ska Discussion with Aaron Carnes: An engaging conversation on ska with Aaron Carnes from ‘In Defense of Ska.’

6. January Album Reviews: Reviews of albums from Infant Island, glass beach, Green Day, Sleater-Kinney, Massa Nera/Quiet Fear, Alkaline Trio, Be Safe, and Escuela Grind.

Additionally, exclusive box sets, reissues, and vinyl from bands like Alexisonfire, Glassjaw, Carpool, The Chisel, Bad Brains, Militarie Gun, Taking Back Sunday, and Balance and Composure are available for pre-order.

Best Punk & Emo Songs of January:

Now, let’s delve into the top 10 punk and emo songs of January, curated by ‘In Defense of the Genre’:

1. Sunny Day Real Estate – “Novum Vetus”

– A thrilling return from Sunny Day Real Estate with a song conceived during the sessions for 1998’s ‘How It Feels To Be Something On.’ The seven-and-a-half-minute track captures the spirit of the past while showcasing the maturation of Jeremy Enigk’s recent solo work.

2. VIAL – “falling short”

– A burst of ’90s nostalgia, “falling short” from VIAL delivers the thrill of a ’90s radio rock hit in under two minutes. With an addictive energy, it’s a pop-punk ripper that feels both timeless and contemporary.

3. Gouge Away – “Stuck In A Dream”

– Gouge Away’s return from hiatus is marked by the explosive “Stuck In A Dream.” With an uptempo bounce and Christina Michelle’s shouted hooks, the song is a shot of adrenaline that announces the band’s powerful comeback.

4. NØ MAN – “Glitter and Spit”

– NØ MAN’s “Glitter and Spit” masterfully displays rage, tension, and release. An offshoot of Majority Rule, the band toes the line between dramatic screamo and blistering hardcore, offering a compelling metaphor for disrupting the status quo.

5. Green Day – “Bobby Sox”

– From Green Day’s new album ‘Saviors,’ “Bobby Sox” stands out with its catchy queer anthem vibe. A blend of ’90s sound and present-day flavor, the song celebrates love in all its forms, making a bold statement against political sloganeering.

6. Spaced – “Landslide”

– Messing with genre boundaries, Spaced combines Gorilla Biscuits and My Bloody Valentine influences in “Landslide.” This hardcore punk rager goes beyond typical sonics, featuring a one-word chorus built for crowd participation.

7. Swiss Army Wife – “What Nietzsche Wanted”

– Delivering Midwest-style emo in 2024, Swiss Army Wife’s “What Nietzsche Wanted” checks all the boxes. With strained vocals, mathy noodling, punk speed, and shoutalong hooks, it captures the essence of basement emo with a fresh and energetic approach.

8. Frail Body – “Refrain”

– Screamo takes a captivating turn with Frail Body’s “Refrain.” A mix of post-rock and black metal influences, the song is both gorgeous and harsh, providing a fitting soundtrack for contemplating life’s insignificance.

9. Call Me Malcolm – “One Cure to the Head, Two to the Chest”

– Continuing their unique musical approach, Call Me Malcolm’s “One Cure to the Head, Two to the Chest” explores mental health struggles. The single, from their upcoming album ‘Echoes and Ghosts,’ is a eulogy for the parts of oneself affected by medication.

10. Captain Jazz – “Oh Sussy Life”

– Captain Jazz’s playful approach to their album caught the attention of Emo Twitter. “Oh Sussy Life” stands out as a climactic, suspense-building screamo song that combines humor with intensity, showcasing a deep love for the emo genre.

In an effort to cover a wide range of bands, this roundup features one single per album cycle. For more updates and singles from upcoming albums, check out past editions of ‘In Defense of the Genre.’

Whether you’re a fan of punk, emo, or any related subgenre, January 2024 has set the tone for an exciting year in alternative music. Stay tuned for more from ‘In Defense of the Genre’ as we continue to explore and celebrate the diverse world of punk and its subgenres.