With recommendations from our Patrons, as well as a few staff ones thrown in, we’ve built our playlist with love and care, to bring a selection of tracks that we recommend, with highlights below. So why don’t you take a listen to the compilation whilst browsing over the Self Care Club? You’re only a few short clicks from joining, so get involved and join the fun.

Hazing Over – ‘Pestilence’

One for the metal heads out there, this is unrelenting. Full of thunderous riffs, and maniacal and unclean vocals that make my throat ache by proxy, it’s not for the light hearted. Dropping their debut EP of the same name in Feb ’21, Hazing Over are definitely a band to keep an eye out for, particularly who like their metal tinged with weird little details.

ANDY JOICE

Zeal & Ardor – ‘Run’

Manuel Gagneux is a genius. He’s taken what was initially a genre mashup suggestion on 4chan and turned it into one of the most interesting and encapsulating bands of the last five years with his blend of Black Metal and African-American spirituals. Previous record ‘Stranger Fruit’ is one of my all-time favourite albums, and this first taster from its follow-up – believed to be due out in early 2022 – is another phenomenal track to add to a stellar back catalogue.

BRAD STRATTON

Weezer – ‘California Kids’

The second time I’ve suggested Rivers and co. for the playlist in as many months, but hear me out. Since the sun started showing its face again in the last month or so, the ‘White Album’ has been my go-to summer vibes record while on a walk and its opening track has been and infectious joy to hear every time. It’s also quickly making a case for being my favourite Weezer record, but that’s a debate that could rage on forever… Here’s to a summer of fun, sun and good times with friends!

BRAD STRATTON

Tom Morello/Pussy Riot – ‘Weather Strike’

You know when you queue up a load of songs, and one of them jumps out for one reason or another? This hit me twice in the space of three minutes. Firstly, that trademark Morello guitar sound is just captivating. Secondly, the vocals are outstanding. Not necessarily strong, but they demand attention, and attention they definitely get. Two of the most politically charged artists working together? Yeah, things are going to change.

ANDY JOICE

The Hell feat. Jamie Lenman – ‘The Open Road’

No band has captured my heart since the start of the pandemic quite like The Hell. The masked Watford hardcore crew have a knack of writing catchy, hilarious tunes that could only come from these shores. They recently released the second part of their magnum opus hardcore opera, “Joris”, and this ode to the life of touring in the back of a van featuring the legendary Jamie Lenman Jeremy Lonsdale has an infectious gallop that will hook you in early doors. They will be the first live band I’ve seen since February last year and I cannot wait to sing along to every word of this tune.

BRAD STRATTON

Creeper – ‘Midnight’

Cards on the table, there’s a lot of Creeper’s output that does nothing for me as someone with no reverence for MCR. However, when they have moments of brilliance that get through to someone like me, it’s nothing short of spectacular. This is the best song they have released yet, with beautiful instrumentation throughout and show stealing vocal performances from Will Gould and Hannah Greenwood. Undeniably one of the best songs you will listen to released by a British band in 2021.

BRAD STRATTON

Melt-Banana – ‘Shield For Your Eyes, A Beast In The Well On Your Hand’

There is no other way to describe this other than absolutely batshit mental. Firmly in the Noise Rock genre, it’s insanity at its finest – big squeals of distortion, rapidfire drumming and a riff that sounds like it’s being scratched down a chalkboard, and that without touching on Yasuko Onuki’s vocal that’re as quick and eclectic as the instrumentation. This is a track that can only be listened to at a loud volume to make sure all the layers are heard.

ANDY JOICE

Children Collide – ‘Jellylegs’

Australian band Children Collide have recently announced they’re back and releasing a fourth album and honestly, I’m stoked. Having got into them in the last couple of weeks, largely due to the Reuben-esque ‘Jelly Legs’, I can’t wait to dive in and give them a blast. Catchy chorus, silly lyrics that somehow make perfect sense, punchy instrumentation – I’m all over this.

ANDY JOICE

Keen to get involved with community features? What songs do you want to shout about? Join the Punktastic Self Care Club Patreon and you help share the love.

With recommendations from our Patrons, as well as a few staff ones thrown in, we’ve built our playlist with love and care, to bring a selection of tracks that we recommend, with highlights below. So why don’t you take a listen to the compilation whilst browsing over the Self Care Club. You’re only a few short clicks from joining, so get involved and join the fun.

Jools – ‘How can some experience pride without liberation for all?’

Deeply political, this feels like an incredibly relevant song in these troubling times. Although Mitch might not have the strongest of pipes, his delivery is akin to Joe Talbot or Grain Chatten of IDLES / Fontaines D.C. respectively. In a similar way, the messages are the most important aspect of the track, although don’t sleep on the instrumentation. Jagged and visceral, it’s deceptively technical, with every squeal, every ounce of grit seemingly deliberately placed. With only four tracks currently released, this is a band who, despite being new to the scene, have created a recognisable sound, and use it with intent.

ANDY JOICE

Frank Carter & The Rattlesnakes – ‘My Town (feat. Joe Talbot)’

For the longest time, I’ve been someone who felt that “Ghost Town” by The Specials accurately summed up areas in and around where I’ve lived in (all the clubs really did get closed down in ‘my town’!). This packs a similar narrative punch and is delivered with a snarl and venom from Frank that reminds of why I fell in love with the Rattlesnakes’ debut record. The verse by Joe from IDLES hammers home the narrative in a way only he can, and quite frankly I haven’t stopped playing this since it dropped.

BRAD STRATTON

Weezer – ‘I Need Some Of That’

I was never not going to love Van Weezer. Of the tracks that were released from the record in 2021, this is the one that I just can’t get out of my head. Someone on the Mosh Talks (shoutout Beez!) Discord pointing out that the chorus melody sounds a lot like Cascada’s “Everytime We Touch” has only made me love it more. That’s a YouTube mash-up waiting to be made in future!

BRAD STRATTON

Haggard Cat – ‘Quit Your Job’

A single from their upcoming EP, ‘Cheer Up’, this really is an outstandingly memorable track. Matt’s voice soars like an eagle, gliding majestically over some of the punchiest melodies I’ve heard this year, this is a track that pretty much forces you to move your body. It’s impressive the sheer amount of noise they can make as a two piece, the thundering drums and big swashes of distortion are outrageous. Turn this one up, and you’ll never turn it down.

ANDY JOICE

Clowns – ‘Bland Is The New Black’

Australia really are churning out some incredible bands at the moment. From Parkway Drive and Tonight Alive to The Chats and Skegss, there’s something for everyone. For those looking for a classic punk sound, look no further than Clowns. These Melbourne heroes have unleashed a track that has such a pure NOFX feel to it, I actively had to check Fat Mike wasn’t involved. Low and behold, they’re on Fat Wreck Chords. A more appropriate home is almost impossible to find. With grit, wit and spit, this song is as good as you’ll hear this month.

ANDY JOICE

Amigo The Devil – ‘Better Ways To Fry A Fish’

I never got round to the much lauded sophomore record from Amigo, but his third record of “murder folk” has hooked me in. Everything about this track paints a picture of the dark and macabre narrative of the torture being inflicted, from the lyrics to the bluesy score and diegetic cries of the “Fish”. I’d strongly recommend a listen of the whole album to get an insight into the breadth of Amigo’s songwriting, but consider this an amuse-bouche to get your started.

BRAD STRATTON

The Night Flight Orchestra – ‘Sometimes The World Ain’t Enough’

A band like this could only come from Sweden! While they have just released a new single, I can’t not show love to the title track from one of the albums that made me fall for them. Classic rock from the 70s and 80s with large helpings of synth, disco, pop, cheese and singalong choruses – which is perfect for this playlist given May is the month of Eurovision. It’s fair to say I will hopefully be living my best life three or four ciders deep watching them at Bloodstock this summer!

BRAD STRATTON

Keen to get involved with community features? What songs do you want to shout about? Join the Punktastic Self Care Club Patreon and you help share the love.

With recommendations from our Patrons, as well as a few staff ones thrown in, we’ve built our playlist with love and care, to bring a selection of tracks that we recommend, with highlights below. So why don’t you take a listen to the compilation whilst browsing over the Self Care Club. You’re only a few short clicks from joining, so get involved and join the fun.

Bloody Hammers – ‘Twilight Zone’

While the latest album from the North Carolina gothic duo released in January this year leaned more on the Misfits-influenced horror punk side of their sound, this standalone single also incorporates lots of the Doom and Psychedelia that is found on 2019’s “The Summoning”. If all that sounds right up your street, give it a spin, the hooks will snare you in and you won’t be able to get its catchy chorus out of your head. One that’s going straight in my Halloween playlist for later this year.

BRAD STRATTON

Metronomy – ‘You Could Easily Have Me’

Sure, they might be an electro band, but you can’t tell me this doesn’t have that grottiness that’s presence is all punk music. Borderline nauseating, it flows like a spilled beer at Wetherspoons, taking weird twists and turns. Fully instrumental, and leaning heavily into synths, it’s easy to imagine this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but the melodies are interesting enough to hold the attention. Come, we’re on a journey.

ANDY JOICE

Gvllow – ‘Nightmare’

This LA-based rapper is part of SoCal’s goth underground, and his debut solo record released last year was a a mix of 80s goth/post-punk/darkwave and trap metal in the vein of $uicideboy$ and Ghostemane. His latest EP goes all in on the former influences, and the second track is without a doubt the highlight. It has all the qualities that fans of Bauhaus and The Cure will lap up, and it would sound right at home in London’s iconic Slimelight once it opens its doors to clubbers again

BRAD STRATTON

snake eyes – ‘skeletons’

Dropping their first EP this year, named after this song, this is a sound that immediately resonates with me. It’s punchy, it’s layered, and there’s more grit than the cement aisle at B&Q. Does that analogy work? Doesn’t matter, I’m sticking with it. If this is what they’re able to throw out on their first proper release, there’s plenty of space for them to dominate. Personality shines through, the chorus has a lazy charm to it that will quite easily get crowds absolutely pumped. More of this please.

ANDY JOICE

Haunt – ‘Beautiful Distraction’

New bands playing NOWBHM-inspired classic heavy metal can often be hit or miss in the overall quality, but when a band hits the sweet spot, it’s an absolutely joyous occasion. The title track from the constantly creative Fresno band’s new album – their fourth LP in as many years – does just that with melody galore and one of my favourite singalong choruses of the year so far.

BRAD STRATTON

Kim Jarvis – ‘Satellites’

Fans of Gaffa Tape Sandy will know this, but Kim Jarvis has the voice of an angel. Okay, ‘angel’ might be hyperbole, but it’s as distinctive as it is comforting. Stepping away from GTS to release his own solo material, ‘Satellites’ is decisively slowed down, but still maintains a delicate charm. It’s melodies plant a tiny seed of adoration that germinates from like to love with ease. Give it time, and the love will be as strong and sturdy as Jack’s big ol’ beanstalk. Not a euphemism.

ANDY JOICE

Burial Waves – ‘Light Heads’

How good is it to hear back. This song dropped middle of March (at time of writing… today) and immediately got stuck on repeat. Heartbreakingly frank, Kyle Durfey ‘s vocal are mesmerising, cushioned between it thunderous rhythms and delicate harmonies. The Piano Become The Teeth frontman creates a real balance that allows both room to breathe, and an almost suffocation within the instrumentation. If this is a clue to an upcoming album, you can be damn sure I’ll be all over it like the absolute measles.

ANDY JOICE

Wode – ‘Fire In The Hills’

Cards on the table, Black Metal usually isn’t my thing, and I’m far from the only person in that bracket. It’s a sound many find inaccessible, whether due to the lyrical delivery or the production found in the second wave of BM bands from Norway. However it’s the production on this Manchester outfit’s third record that’s making them one of the rising stars of the extreme underground, and opens a door for the likes of me who wouldn’t make it through 30 seconds of a classic Mayhem record. The impending intro on this song builds with the pomp of a Metallica slow number, before hitting a big ol’ gallop and going full throttle with the extremity. Love it.

BRAD STRATTON

Keen to get involved with community features? What songs do you want to shout about? Join the Punktastic Self Care Club Patreon and you help share the love.

There’s a mild sense of optimism in the air. We’ve been given a vague timeline of when things should be better, and while some festivals are rightly being cancelled, some are being moved to later in the year. And you know what, we cannot wait to see you all in a pit, all sweaty and beer-soaked. But before we count our eggs, here’s another edition of our collaboration playlist.

With recommendations from our Patrons, as well as a few staff ones thrown in, we’ve built our playlist with love and care, to bring a selection of tracks that we recommend, with highlights below. So why don’t you take a listen to the compilation whilst browsing over the Self Care Club. You’re only a few short clicks from joining, so get involved and join the fun.

Nicholas Cage Fighter – ‘Devil’s Head’

Nicholas Cage Fighter – “Devil’s Head” – Discovered this Aussie four piece’s debut EP thanks to the PT New Music Friday playlist a few weeks ago (get ya ears on it!). Metallic hardcore that hits all the sweet spots if that’s your thing, with the 5 track EP slapping harder than a right hook from Gail Platt. All of this before even mentioning how rad their name is!

BRAD STRATTON

Mogwai – ‘Ritchie Sacramento’

‘Ritchie Sacramento’ is absolutely faultless, and devastatingly beautiful. Nice to hear vocals on a Mogwai track, which always feels like bonus content. If anyone hasn’t seen it, I would recommend checking out the video, made in Unreal Engine. tt manages elevates the beauty in the track in my opinion.

SAM LOVELY

The Royal They – ‘Full Metal Black’

The Brooklyn trio make one hell of a racket. The drumfill in the intro is mindbending, leading into a verse full of wailing, distortion and subtle melodies. Possibly the most noticeable part is the way the vocals change pitch as they head into the chorus. Legitimately impressive, it’s a stunning way to change key into the chorus. There’s an essence of Bikini Kill thrown in here, bordering on a grungy sound with saccharin vocals that can switch in an instant. As with much of The Royal They’s material, it’s the drumming that stands out though, with an almost Dave Grohl ‘on the verge of fucking it up’ style that’s rapid as hell. Don’t let that sound like a bad thing though. The balance is superb. FFO Dinosaur Pileup.

ALAIN SMITHEE

HEADACHE – ‘mike’s back’

Since the disbanding of Lower Than Atlantis, Mike Duce has thrown some pretty left field stuff at us under his solo venture, HEADACHE. Although there’s not a single guitar to be found, Duce combines his rock band experience with new influences to experiment on something totally new. And it’s wicked. This track in particular sees him attempting to rap, which could be considered cringe but in actuality, it works pretty well. ‘mike’s back’ will tie your tongue in knots but you’ll have a whole lot of fun learning the words and be hit with a wave of satisfaction once you finally nail it.

YASMIN BROWN

Hotel Books – ‘Run Wild, Young Beauty’

Stick with me on this one. Spoken word poetry seems a little off brand for Punktastic, but it shouldn’t be, particularly when it’s as cleverly written and, dare I say it, poetic as this. The pictures painted by Cam Smith are vivid and vast, with metaphors aplenty. Within ‘Run Wild, Young Beauty’, Cam explains that he can change into whatever is needed in a partner, mailable enough to bend but not break, so as he won’t be lost or left alone. The backing instrumentation is delicate, with gentle, melodic riffs peppering the ears that doesn’t overpower the importance of they lyrics, but adds a level of power and prowess to it’s meaning. If La Dispute leaned more into emo than post-hardcore, you would have Hotel Books. It’s cripplingly affecting. So yeah, spoken word poetry. It might be pretentious, but it’s far less pretentious than this write up. FFO: Listener, La Dispute, Levi The Poet,

ANDY JOICE

Spidergawd – ‘Is This Love?’

A band that are one of many underrated gems of the Norwegian Scandirock scene. This stupendous song is from their fourth album released in 2017 and it’s scandalous that a rock song this good and catchy is pretty unknown, so consider this me giving it a signal boost of sorts. The Foo Fighters wish they could have released a song this good in the last ten years (Sorry Dave).

BRAD STRATTON

Pale Waves – ‘Easy’

I love a song that reminds me of the deepest and most enduring pain in my life, and no track is doing that more at the moment than ‘Easy’. For those still going through heartbreak, it’ll remind you of the good times, and for those in an outrageously happy relationship, you’ll find yourself wanting to text your partner just to tell them you love them. This Avril Lavigne influence has worked so well for Pale Waves but if you haven’t embraced it yet, this should be your starting point.

YASMIN BROWN

Iron Maiden – ‘The Clansman’

I’ve gone down a bit of a rabbit hole with Iron Maiden recently, embracing a heavy dose of nostalgia. Yeah, The Number Of The Beast is a hell of a record, but lets throw a bit of credit at Blaze Bayley. Can’t have been easy to step into Bruce Dickinson’s shoes, but he does so pretty well. Case in point, The Clansman – a song about the Scots fighting the oppression of the bastard English – it might not be the most technical song, the riffs might not be as memorable as Fear Of The Dark or be as thunderously quick as The Trooper, but tell me the chorus of ‘Freedom!’ doesn’t make you want to stand up and shout along. Even Mel Gibson’s speech in Braveheart doesn’t rouse the spirits as much as this song does. Up The Irons

ELLIE JOICE

The Dirty Nil – ‘Hello Jealousy’

On my third listen of “Fuck Art”, the moment the chorus of this track kicked in was when the quality of this album truly clicked with me. The sort of rock’n’roll that has me missing sweaty overcrowded gig venues for the umpteenth time since the world shut down.

BRAD STRATTON

Lonely The Brave – ‘Keeper’

They may have brought on a new front man, but Lonely the Brave are bigger than ever with their new album ‘The Hope List’, and never more so than with ‘Keeper’. A track fuelled by love and appreciation, it’s also produced perfectly to reflect the arena-sized nature of this band. With Jack on board, there’s now no ceiling to this band’s success and although the album is newly released, I still can’t wait to see what’s coming next.

YASMIN BROWN

Keen to get involved with community features? What songs do you want to shout about? Join the Punktastic Self Care Club Patreon and you help share the love.

Punktastic have always been supportive of upcoming bands, local scenes and the industry as a whole and after your loving support over the last 20 years, it’s time for us to repay the favour. We created the Punktastic Self Care Club, a Patreon that allows our Patrons to meet fellow music fans, share music recommendations, and (when it’s safe to do so) find gig buddies, as well as help contribute to community features and create a platform to raise funds for The Music Venue Trust. Over the next year, we’re looking to create regular community features  via our Discord server – features that’ll be written by the fans, for the fans. No spit or polish, it’s your words, your feelings, your love.

With that in mind, this inaugural community feature is the first in what we hope is a regular playlist feature. You can listen to the playlist below, as well as check out the highlights, as described by our Patrons. So what are you waiting for? Join the Self Care Club and get involved.

Melt Yourself Down – ‘Every Single Day’

Every Single Day is the stand out track from what is potentially my favourite album of 2020. It’s funky, it’s chunky, and absolutely bonkers. The experimental jazz fusion vibes almost reach a delightful SKA sound.

SAM LOVELY

KennyHoopla – ‘how will i rest in peace if i’m buried by the highway?//’

This hits like 2000s indie pop-rock had a baby with 80s new-wave to create a vicious combination of the two, but with more angst and political nous. The chorus is catchy, the riffs are great and Kenny’s voice is rich with empathetic resonance.  If this isn’t in your head for the rest of the day, you didn’t listen to it properly.

ELLIE JOICE

All Them Witches – ‘When God Comes Back’

Do you want to feel like you’ve been transported to the Louisiana Bayou lost and alone at midnight with the eerie feeling your being watched? Well, for one that’s a weird feeling to want to have, so seek help. But this song gives off definite airs of occult mystery and is filled with trippy head banging juiciness.

EDD THOMAS

The Xcerts – ‘I Wanna Be Sedated’

Everyone’s favourite Brighton via Aberdeen heartland rock trio performing a stripped back cover of the best punk band that ever lived (yeah I said it, fight me)… Oooh go on then! Appreciate covers might not be for everyone, but it’s a beautiful take on the song.

BRAD STRATTON

The Lawrence Arms – ‘Hey, What Time Is “Pensacola: Wings of Gold” On Anyway?’

It’s the perfect introduction to The Lawrence Arms. Asinine and snarky, full of thick and frantic rhythms. Recorded in 2001 but released on their 2005 B-sides album ‘Cocktails And Dreams’, it’s a golden oldie (sort of) that still hits as relevant as it did then. Strong recommend for anyone looking for a meaty punk sound laced with punch basslines and lyrics that make you doubt your own existence.

ANDY JOICE

Angelus Apatrida – ‘Indoctrinate’

Thrash metal from Spain that sounds like the bastard lovechild of Pantera and Slayer in all the right ways. RIFFS. FOR. DAYS

BRAD STRATTON

Enola Gay – ‘The Birth of a Nation’

Imagine hayday Beastie Boys raw lyricism being supported by a beefy bass line, but they are from northern Ireland.

EDD THOMAS

Sleaford Mods – ‘Mork n Mindy’

Mork n Mindy is Sleaford Mods back to their obscure best. I think I have Radio 6 to blame for this one as they have been blasting it constantly. I’ve greatly appreciated it.

SAM LOVELY

Keen to get involved with community features? What songs do you want to shout about? Join the Punktastic Self Care Club Patreon and you help share the love.