As a part of Noah and the Loners, we’ve been listening to so much new music in the tour van recently and have compiled a list of our 7 favourite contemporary punk songs at the moment. The bands featured on this list have all become a massive influence on our writing style in the past few months, and we think they’re top-tier.
Italia 90 – Magdalene
The song is a stand against the Irish Church for the abuse of women which took place within their Magdalene Laundrie institutions in Ireland. These institutions were created to ‘care for fallen women’ and were operated by ‘respected’ people.
Raw trashy guitars, angry vocals, and driven bass create an industrial sound
forming a strong image of what these institutions may have been like.
The music portrays the outrageous treatment of women in the Magdalene Laundries and the ‘trusted institution’ that is the church, acting in such an awful manner.
I find setting a scene through instruments a really interesting way to immerse the listener in the story. Punk imperfection joined together in a tight fashion. Perfect oxymoron.
Lambrini Girls – Lads Lads Lads
Lambrini Girls are at the forefront of the punk scene coming out of Brighton. We ran into them at Rebellion Festival back in August and had a brief chat – they seemed like cool people.
‘lads lads lads’ is tackling lad culture and the wider conversation of toxic masculinity. You see mental behaviour on game days and pubs. These are normal blokes who finish their respectable days work yet turn into animals after lots of drinking.
Don’t get us wrong, we love going to the football (bar Amber), but there are ways to go about it.
DEADLETTER – Binge
Groovy guitars sprinkle loads of texture on top of a really solid rhythm section. And our take is that brass instruments can only make songs better!
The meaning of the song is applicable to anyone and everyone. Life is full of binges, and no one can escape them. The way Jack approaches the lyrics is inspiring.
SHAME – Six Pack
Shame is one of our favourite punk bands, and ‘Food For Worms’, their most recent record, cemented their place up there for us.
‘Six Pack’ is dynamically rich, with ups and downs throughout the song. There’s a constant meaty drum groove from the get-go setting the tone for the rest of the track.
The fantasy of having whatever you desire available to you in a room is a funny idea. The lyrics “now you’ve got a six-pack” and “you’ve got Pamela Andersen to read you a bedtime story” show the jovial approach to the lyrics.
It’s a playful concept, and I feel like the music really reflects that playful aspect.
Shelf Lives – Skirts And Salads
This one is a bit different in the sense it has electronic elements. Noah and I went to see Shelf Lives in Brighton a couple of months back, and they were electric! It’s impossible to not lose yourself to them. The music is infectious!
Skirts and Salads is another track tackling a social issue, specifically on women being stereotyped daily. Having the lyrics shouted repeatedly during the song allows the listener to feel the annoyance that the singer and many other women feel going about their lives. These feelings are delivered ironically and mockingly.
The mix of electronic samples and effects in the verses shows the versatility of their sonic identity. They are then crashing into the choruses with raw energy, never letting the drive go throughout the song. Love. It.
KID KAPICHI – Smash The Gaff
What we love about Kid Kapichi is how they have honed their sound and identity. As soon as you hear the syncopated drum groove, heavy syncopated guitar riffs grooving together in the pocket and chromatic backing vocals, you know what is coming next. Having a recognisable sound is a great asset to have, and they have smashed that.
Smash The Gaff is an aggressive, powerful track. The cowbell adds groove to this bold style. It insights rage and we can’t wait to get in the mosh pit to it in March. The tracks have speed-ups, classic Kapichi backing vocals, and huge guitar riffs. Nothing not to love.
Sprints – Little Fix
Sprints are just one of the many great bands coming through Ireland at the moment, but right at the top of that list!
The song is packed with personality, especially in the vocals; you can tell the songwriting is from the heart and personal experience of the band. It’s important not to let your insecurities, outside criticism and hate go to your head. Face it head-on and make sure you win – easier said than done, of course.
Again raw gritty guitars and great dynamic drops between the muted versus and open choruses. I love the tremolo-picked guitar parts and stabs!
Make sure you give the tracks a listen and continue supporting upcoming bands, the grassroots music scene needs you for it to continue thriving and producing the next big thing!! Also, check out our debut EP “A Desolate Warning” out February 28th!!
