Drop the HERO and get with Jason ZERO’s favorite 2024 releases

This year marks my first calendar year writing for this publication. It has been extremely rewarding to say the least. I look forward to another great year of rock n roll! I had the opportunity this year to tackle not only album reviews, but live reviews and interviews. I plan to do more interviews in 2025, as I always enjoy going beyond the music with bands and people I find interesting. I found myself listening to some bands who were new to me in 2024 though have had successful careers to date. This will be reflected in some of my selections below for what I will call “2024 Most Listened To List” Please note, this list is in NO particular order.

Neck Deep – Neck Deep (Hopeless Records)

This UK pop punk band has been rocking the scene for over a decade. I fully admit to not being as well versed in post-2000 bands as much as I should and would like to be at times. Neck Deep play an infectious mix of modern pop punk and emo which is refreshing to my ears. Prior to the album’s release, many singles were released which immediately caught my attention. Songs like “We Need More Bricks” and “Heartbreak Of The Century” had me hooked. I had no doubt this release was going to make my year end list before even procuring a copy! I hope to finally get the chance to see them live as I unfortunately missed them on recent tours.

Alkaline Trio – Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs (Rise Records)

There really isn’t too much to say about Alkaline Trio at this point in their career. They are truly one of the most well-oiled machines in the business. Prior to the album’s release, the band enlisted Against Me skin pounder Atom Willard. Former drummer Derek Grant appears on this recording, just for editorial clarity. I was actually fortunate enough last year to see Atom’s debut performance with the band at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Blood, Hair, and Eyeballs is another perfect blend of melancholy with pop sensibility that the band has perfected for years. The single “Bad Time” is about as classic Alkaline Trio as one can expect. If you haven’t seen it, check out the music video for the title track. Fun song and video featuring the band performing in an empty swimming pool with pro skater and fellow musician Steve Caballero. I highly recommend this album for fans both old and new to Alkaline Trio

Effigies – Burned (BFD)

The Chicago punk rock community rejoiced upon hearing that the Effigies were giving it another go and recording new music. Sadly, the world lost lead vocalist and original member John Kezdy following an accident while riding his bicycle last year. Prior to his passing, the band had finished recording Burned, their first proper full length since 2007’s Reside. The new album contains all the signature music and lyrics we have come to know from this band. One of the highlights being the first proper recording of the track “Guns or Ballots” which first appeared on the classic Chicago punk compilation Busted At Oz. The band is continuing to perform live shows, so check this out and do not pass on any opportunity to see them.

Strung Out – Dead Rebellion (Fat Wreck Chords)

I will admit that earlier in their career, I had not followed Strung Out as much as I should have. I was already in my mid-20’s as this Fat Wreck Chords mainstay was rocking the Warped Tour skate punk crowd. In more recent years, I have given such bands the proper attention they deserve.Strung Out checks all the boxes of my musical upbringing. Intense heavy metal riffs underneath fierce yet melodic vocals, courtesy of the great Jason Cruz. Dead Rebellion is a great collection of highly emotional skate punk that grabs you from the first note. Songs like “New Gods” and the album opener “Future Ghosts” are classic Strung Out through and through. “Veronica’s Song” is hands down though the standout track on this album for me. If you like a little speed and aggression with your skate punk then look no further!

Pinhead Gunpowder – Unt (1-2-3-4 Go! Records)

Pinhead Gunpowder is no stranger to the American punk rock underground. This “supergroup” contains Bille Joe of Green Day, Aaron Cometbus of Crimpshrine (and others) and Jason White of Green Day and Monsula amongst its ranks. Unt comes in as one of the most “easy listening” albums of 2024. This sweet-as-sugar album is pure ear candy. These fourteen songs clicking in at just over 32 minutes make for the perfect soundtrack to your morning coffee or evening jog. “Hola Canada” is my personal fav amongst them all, though there are truly no clunkers here.

Green Day – Saviors (Reprise)

Wait, what? Ok, sure, Green Day appearing on my list following Pinhead Gunpowder is no coincidence. I would have been shocked though at the end of last year to find releases by these two bands making my end of the year list for 2024. That’s not a knock to either but moreso the simple fact that neither band has been on my radar for years. Fast forward to early this year when the single “The American Dream Is Killing Me” dropped. Maybe it was the timing of being an election year, but that one struck a chord early on for me. Saviors also boasts a really cool album cover image of a car on fire which could have easily appeared on a Lookout! Records release. I pre-ordered a copy immediately. This album is chock full of rockers as well as power pop sweetness. I know Green Day is a curse word these days to many in the scene for various reasons, but this is an album which should not be ignored. 

The Story So Far – I Want To Disappear (Pure Noise)

The Story So Far first came on my radar in 2019 when I watched their set as I was awaiting Anthrax, I believe, at Riot Fest. Similar to Neck Deep above, this band plays a blend of emo tinged pop-punk, at least to me, which is refreshing to my ears. They played an energetic set to a much appreciative crowd. I honestly had not thought much about them since which unfortunately happens after seeing dozens of bands over a weekend. “Watch You Go” kept entering my Spotify playlists and Sirius XM broadcasts. Quickly this band got back on my radar. I picked up a copy of I Want To Disappear on release day as this was a sound that on which I was getting hooked. The vocal delivery is everything for me on this album. The lead off track “All This Time” as well as “Big Blind” are my personal favorites.I am sure many readers here are more than familiar with their work, so better late than never for me.

The Follow Ups – Know Who Your Friends Aren’t (Moms Basement)

These Canadian pop-punkers first came on my radar a few years back when their single “Hey Yo (Ballad of Razor Ramon) appeared on the initial Ramonescore Bridgade compilation. Singing about one of the greatest to hold a microphone in a wrestling ring certainly will get my attention. I have gotten to know some of the members personally and have watched their journey from inception to becoming a full-length album band and playing bigger shows. This year they released Know Who Your Friends Aren’t that continues their brand of well-crafted pop punk. The Follow Ups lyrically tackle all the genre’s staple topics, from love to horror movie characters and everything in between. There is a great video for the song “Texas Chainsong” which is worth a view! My personal favorite on the album would be “Not Alone” which has all the feels you want from a well crafted punk rock number.

Semi-Famous – Destroy Ourselves (Rare Bird)

Earlier this year I had the chance to interview John “Jughead” Pierson about his fictional, turned real, band Semi-Famous. For those unaware, Semi-Famous was the name of the band from his 2005 book Weasels In A Box. For this band, Jughead has enlisted an all-star cast of musicians including bassist Ryan Rockwell (Mixtapes) and Poli Van Damn (Bombpops), amongst others. Destroy Ourselves takes the listener on a sonic journey of introspective emotions through power pop rhythms. The album boasts backing vocal harmonies which will stick in your head for days. “Not Ready” and “Obvious” are both lyrically and musically the strongest and most powerful tracks on the album. The dark and sinister “Clown in the Window” will get you thinking on the source of the subject matter. This album was extremely unexpected following their debut single which musically went in a more aggressive approach.Word on the street is that the follow up to Destroy Ourselves will be recorded in 2025! 

Ricky Rochelle – Cannibal Island Resort (Critical Mass)

Drummer/vocalist Ricky Rochelle is no rookie in the Ramonescore scene. The man has countless releases in his discography between Young Rochelles, New Rochelles and his solo efforts. Cannibal Island Resort is a re-working of sorts of the 2013 Cannibal Island EP by the Young Rochelles. For example, “Cannibal Island” was reworked as “Cannibal Island Resort” on this EP. My favorite track though is “Mommy’s Dirty Laundry” which is based on the previous “I Need My Mommy To Do My Laundry.” Fans of 90s pop punk and Ramonescore should definitely check this one out. 

Sludgeworth – Together Not Together (Red Scare)

Being a Chicago native, words cannot express the excitement at the news last year of the reformation of our heroes Sludgeworth. I came in to the scene between the tail end of Screeching Weasel and the formation of Sludgeworth. I was lucky enough to attend their first show at the Wrigleyside in Chicago. Very few bands got the younger Chicago punks moving on the dance floor like Sludgeworth. Most of us are more than aware of Dan Vapid’s efforts since then, from Methadones to Riverdales and ultimately Dan Vapid and the Cheats. There were plenty of other projects in between as well.Needless to say, expectations were high and the band more than delivered. News traveled fast following a reunion show last year that the band was working on new material. This led to the amazing “Together Not Together” single. This song represents the bond between all 5 original band members in being able to work creatively while being apart geographically. All the elements of a classic Sludgeworth track are present from catchy guitar leads, sing-a-long backing vocals, and memorable lyrics. The B side “Foundation” stands on its own as well. Work has commenced on future new material by this Chicago instituion.

J Prozac – Obsession (Rum Bar)

J Prozac has been rocking out for decades with his primary outfit The Prozacs. This Massachusetts native is well-versed in all things 90’s Lookout! Records-era pop punk. He has been carrying that torch and isn’t looking to pass it anytime soon. The Prozacs last released the great Ambivalence in 2019. Since then, J Prozac has been working on various singles, EPs, reissues and the amazing 2002 solo album Won’t Let Go. As much of a Prozacs fan that I am, I have been leaning to appreciate his solo efforts even more in recent years. These songs seems to have a personal touch which I appreciate as a listener. J Prozac has always worn his heart on his sleeve, which he continues to do so on Obsession. The track “That Feeling” is about as flawless of a pop punk song as you can get. You would be doing yourself a great disservice if at minimum you don’t check out the track “Losing You” which has all the emotions one can take in a given day. It is a crime that J Prozac has not experienced the commercial success of many of his peers.

WiMP – Black Sheep (Rum Bar)

WiMP may not yet be on everyone’s radar, though I expect that to change soon. Hailing from Rockford, IL, this quartet plays a mature blend of punk rock and pop punk. Black Sheep is total ear candy which is over before you know it. The album clocks in at just under 20 minutes, which leaves me wanting more. Musically, the band lies somewhere between the classic Lookout! Records era pop punk and early east bay. Vocal duties are shared amongst the band members, who include Kevin Kalen of Mulligan Stu fame. Recommended tracks would be “Nowhere To Go” and “Little Heart” amongst others.

Showoff – Haverstraw (Manik Kat)

The latest Showoff EP Haverstraw appears last as this one got on my radar only a month ago or so. These 90’s Midwest pop punk veterans have been playing on and off again for the past few years. It also seems that the band has been going through various lineup changes as well. Earlier this year, they released this amazing new EP which deserves your attention. These short and sweet six songs come in at the 18 minute mark. “Crimson” has all the elements of a classic radio-friendly pop punk hit with breakdowns in the right places. “Inside Her Head” has deep and emotional lyrics and backing vocals which will stick with you for days. I am hoping to see a strong return to form for these Chicago area boys who still rock hard in a live setting as well.