We’ve reached another Friday which means it is time for another selection of punk tracks to keep you up to date with the best new releases! And we’ve got two weeks of awesomeness to catch you up on so without further ado…
The Martha’s Vineyard Ferries: ‘Context‘
A scrappy little number from The Martha’s Vineyard Ferries now, a double header of covers from some of the American scenes that the band want to pay homage to. First up is their cover of Chicago punks Strike Under’s ‘Context‘- a short and snappy lost classic, this new version maintains that old school sound so well you’d swear you were in 1981. Sitting alongside this, is a track plucked out of the annals of the Boston hardcore scene- The Proletariat’s ‘Decoration‘. Formed by Bob Weston (Shellac, Mission of Burma, Volcano Suns), Chris Brokaw (Codeine, Come, Pullman), and Elisha Weisner (Kahoots), The Martha’s Vineyard Ferries have been crafting their signature sound since their 2010 ‘In the Pond‘ EP. Their debut album ‘Mass. Grave’ was released in 2013, followed by their 2021 sophomore album ‘Suns Out Guns Out ‘. Their limited edition 7″ vinyl format will be available on 28th Feb. Pre order/stream HERE.
Chumhuffer: ‘Slaughterhouse‘
New York hardcore punks Chumhuffer release their new track ‘Slaughterhouse‘ taken from their upcoming EP ‘Slaughterhouse Five‘ (due out in May 2025). Channelling the anti-war message that Kurt Vonnegut espoused in his classic book, Chumhuffer are drawing parallels between the world Vonnegut was writing about in 1969 with our present day geo-political predicaments. “With everything happening around us, it feels like we’re unstuck in time—just like Vonnegut’s character Billy Pilgrim,” says the band. “This record explores the battle between past and future, reality and illusion, and what it means to hold onto your own sense of morality.” Combining breakneck speed with incisive and topical lyrics reflecting a myriad of societal issues, Chumhuffer continue to be an unapologetic and authentic voice in modern punk.
Knives: ‘The Dagger‘
A blast of grunge-y hip hop swagger from Bristol now, it’s noise collective Knives with their new track ‘The Dagger‘. Immense, immersive and unsettling, this is a track (and a band) that are impossible to pigeonhole, blending several powerful genres and weaving between sounds and moods. With their new track there is something dark and brooding and that is not surprising when you consider the subject matter. Addressing the cultural divide immigrants encounter upon arriving in the UK and the rise of extremist right-wing political influence, Knives are a continuing their raison d’etre– to be a voice for the marginalised. Formed in 2022 by vocalist Jay Schottlander and drummer Erin Cook, the band are releasing their first full length LP ‘Glitter‘ on 2nd May. All the streaming/purchasing/pre-ordering links you need HERE.
Empired: ‘Money‘
Over to America’s West Coast now with So Cal’s five piece Empired who new single, ‘Money‘ marks the band’s label debut on HEY!EVER Records. There’s always room for some melodic and catchy DIY punk on our playlists, as long as it’s done well and Empired are coming in to 2025 STRONG. ‘Money’ pulses with righteous anger, as it tackles a topic that we can all relate to: the struggles of navigating a capitalist society. The song explores the difficulty of finding a work-life balance amid stagnant wages and shrinking workers’ rights. As vocalist and guitarist Cam Mosavian says of the track: “An anthemic indictment wrapped in a beautiful melody. It’s hard to find peace when the rent keeps rising”. Stream the single HERE.
Magic of the Marketplace: ‘Jealous Moon‘
First of our EP sneak-ins this week is the 4 track mini release from Blackpool’s Magic of the Marketplace. Their new EP out now via Just Say No To Government Music Records (or JSNTGM for short, fits much better on a tshirt) is ten minutes well spent on some gruff punk tunes with a classic punk vibe. Featuring current and ex-members of Erase Today, Sonic Boom Six, Litterbug
and Sick56, there’s riffs and thundering drums galore! It’s got that quintessential UK punk sound and authenticity – the punk spirit lives on via ‘Jealous Moon‘. Order/stream your copy HERE.
Hike the Peak: ‘Fire‘
The 21st Century worldwide, collaborative skate punk band Hike the Peak have released their 2-song EP ‘Fire‘. Opening with melodic, emo-esque ‘Time Machine‘ (featuring vocals from Tim Russ), there’s a pounding energy throughout the track and ample opportunities to singalong with the anthemic chorus (this is the sort of track that you can imagine going down a storm live). Speaking of live, the band played a momentous set at Manchester Punk Festival 2024 and embark on more live dates later this year. Second track ‘The Road Less Travelled‘ bounces along solidly within pop punk territory and an earnest vocal turn by Kyle Devlin. It truly is an international affair with Tim Russ from Australian based rapid tech maestros Fake News and Kansas City USA’s Gametime frontman Kyle Devlin. And the main man behind it all is Lee Byatt who hails from our very own Sheffield. The new punk trinity perhaps- Queensland, Missouri and Yorkshire? Grab your copy of ‘Fire‘ HERE.
Desmadre: ‘West Coast Story‘
LA hardcore band Desmadre are going from strength to strength- they’ve just signed with prominent hardcore label Flatspot Records and to mark the occasion, they’ve shared their new video for single ‘West Coast Story‘. Formed in 2021, Desmadre combine a chaotic, heavy and gritty brand of hardcore with their cultural Latin American roots. Pulling influences from Sepultura, Slipknot and Death Threat the new single is at the intersection of metal and hardcore punk which will have you head banging and roaring along with the intimidating vocals of frontman Carlos Moreno.
And on that note punks, that’s all we’ve got for you this week. Don’t forget to check out our review of the new Punchcard album ‘Soapbox Hero‘- also out this week. And subscribe to the site so you never miss a post!
Until next time…