Music Year-End List || Niek’s Favorite Albums of 2024

2025 is banging on the door, so in the slipstream of Dennis’ amazing and eclectic list of last Tuesday, let’s take a final look at the musical year that was. What’s been on my mind a lot is that currently more music drops in a single day than in all of 1989, making this both the best and worst time to run a music blog. Curating and sharing the good has never been more important—or more demanding. By 2030, we could see nearly 200 million music creators—triple today’s number. Combine that with the fast emergence of A.I. use in music (I got fooled at least once) and growing economic challenges for artists (especially in the underground guitar music scene we covet), and the musical landscape feels on the verge of exploding or imploding.

With that in mind, all the efforts of musicians and labels to keep producing art that enriches our lives becomes even more impressive. So I’d like to send my sincere gratitude to them—you know who you are. Thank you for the goosebumps, the energy boosts, the hi-fives and stagedives, the throat lumps and raised fists, and the dopamine rush of discovering something new and amazing every couple of days. You make it all worthwhile.

Compiling and ranking my favorite records of the year was brutal yet awesome. Many darlings were killed, but after many hard choices I’ve landed on a list that reflects what moved, surprised, and delighted me the most in 2024. Check them out below, buy their stuff(!), share your own favorites in the comments (what did I miss?), and spread the word if you enjoy this site—because there’s so much more coming in 2025. Take care, happy holidays, and with the exception of the occasional post in the remainder of 2024, see you next year!

1. Sheer Mag || Playing Favorites
Throughout the year, the more I listened to this record, the more I loved it. Tina Halladay’s vocal performance is insane, and the music? Well, let’s say in lesser hands, the incorporation of disco, funk, pub rock, and country could have resulted in a mess. But, to my ears, Sheer Mag melds it all together seamlessly, making me fall in love again with what essentially is my favorite band of the past decade. What. A. Record!

2. Split System || Vol.​2
Split System hit you right in the gut, song after song, leaving you in awe by the force they hit you with. And those tight guitar riffs? I somehow never tire of them.

3. Chime School || The Boy Who Ran The Paisley Hotel
We’ve discussed several modern jangle pop classics at ATW in the last couple of years. Here’s this year’s finest. I’m floored by how good this record is, and Wandering Song is definitely one of my favorite tracks of the year.

4. The Circulators || Insufficient Fun
These San Francisco punks fully deliver on the hype of their 2023 demo. This is high-octane, insanely catchy punk, a reminder of why we fell in love with punk rock in the first place.

5. Liquid Mike || Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot
Paul Bunyan’s Slingshot by all accounts is a prototypical Liquid Mike record – concise, crunchy, and dynamic indie rock blasts, but it takes it to a whole new level. Pretty sure K2 is my most played song of the year, and I still get a kick out of that hook: “If we could If we could, baby, if we could, I’d leave now.”

6. Best Bets || The Hollow Husk of Feeling
Best Bets incorporate so many elements I love in their songs (punchy rhythms, jangly guitars, a touch of angst, and irresistible melodies to name a few), making them impossible to resist. This record still keeps getting better with each play.

7. The Umbrellas || Fairweather Friend
Another modern underground pop classic? Yes! Perhaps the biggest talent of The Umbrellas is their ability to make their sound feel entirely authentic. Despite all the familiar touchstones in their music, The Umbrellas neither copy-paste nor plagiarize. “Paaaaa-pa-pa-pa-pa-paaa!”

8. The Lemon Twigs || A Dream Is All We Know
Every second of album opener My Golden Years is pure joy, and the song alone makes the LP worth every penny. This year, I finally saw them perform their material on stage, and that experience (which can be summed up with two words: blown away) made me fully grasp what is so special about this band. Wow.

9. Laughing || Because It’s True
Drawing classic influences from jangly power pop, alt-pop, and Australian indie pop, Laughing deliver pure guitar pop bliss on their debut. This year’s It’s A Shame About Ray or Grand Prix? Check!

10. Mean Jeans || Blasted
This is a tight, smooth, and precise pop punk record that sees Christian Blunda (aka Billy Jeans), Andrew Bassett (aka Jeans Wilder), and Richard Messina (aka Jr. Jeans) effortlessly churn out infectious hooks and party choruses. If I had to summarize Blasted in one word, it would be anthems.

11. Daniel Romano’s Outfit || Too Hot To Sleep
This might be my favorite LP yet from the endlessly talented, genre-hopping, and prolific Daniel Romano. It’s an electrifying mix of Keith Richards’ guitar work, Stooges swagger, and MC5 attitude.

12. The Reflectors || Going Out Of Fashion
While many power pop bands evolve into mainstream pop rock, The Reflectors choose a different trajectory. Their album is an explosive, super-catchy record with sharp late ’70s pop-punk undertones.

13. Bad Moves || Wearing Out The Refrain
Bad Moves seems determined to remind us just how much fun music can be while also delivering an amazing record both musically and lyrically. On bad days, I keep coming back to Hallelujah, a life-affirming track that gains steam with every verse and chorus.

14. Alvilda || C’est Déjà L’heure
Criminally catchy power pop from France. I’ve got zero defenses for this stuff.

15. The Yum Yums || Poppin’ Up Again
Fueled by bubblegum, sugary drinks, sweet harmonies, and lyrics seemingly inspired by teenage diaries, the sixth album from these Scandinavian bubblegum pop-punk masters is insanely addictive.

16. Mt. Misery || Love In Mind
Some albums remind you that classics are still being released if you know where to look. This is one of those gems, with Mt. Misery capturing indie pop at its finest on their sophomore album.

17. Slippers || So You Like Slippers?
So You Like Slippers? Are you kidding? I LOVE them! Ten songs in just over 15 minutes, hitting the sweet spot between indie pop, indie punk, and ’60s garage pop. It’s a Bermuda triangle you’ll want to get lost in.

18. Pleasants || Rocanrol In Mono
Ten hyperactive lo-fi punk tunes by Al Uminium (aka Alex “Human Fly” Patching of Aborted Tortoises, Ghoulies, and Dennis Cometti) that incite pogo mayhem in any bar, barn, basement, or bedroom. Subtle? Nope. Fun? HEAPS!

19. The Follies || Permanent Present Tense
Garage pop-‘n’-roll played by punks who dig deep into ’70s psychedelic rock, jangle, and protopunk. Beneath the surface, echoes of rock, roll, pop, and soul from other decades add layers of depth. Don’t miss out!

20. Teenage Tom Petties || Teenage Tom Petties
For his latest release, Tom Brown aimed to craft “a grungy summertime power pop record, something you would have had glued into your Walkman in 1996.” Mission accomplished! This record should come with an official warning for its onslaught of earworms.

21. Shannon and The Clams || The Moon Is In The Wrong Place
A striking addition to their discography, this album channels palpable grief, scars, and hope, yet remains a showcase of unwavering creativity.

22. Oh Boland || Western Leisure
The Irish trio expands their sound without losing the scrappy, infectious, and anthemic charm of their earlier work. This record captures the loose, spontaneous spirit of their live shows beautifully.

23. Evening Standards || The Shining
“I’m the same as you, honey. I’ve got shit to do.” Relatable lyrics, catchy vocals, and scrappy basement pop anthems make this record a standout. Evening Standards balance heart, grit, and melody, delivering singalong-ready tunes.

24. Pavid Vermin || Brutality Is My Only Friend
Glenn Robinson takes a death metal song generator’s output and turns it into a pop-punk masterpiece. Think of it as a punk kid’s interpretation of ’60 girl group and Northern soul, infused with the spirit of Bobby Fuller and Mitch Ryder.

25. 2nd Grade || Scheduled Explosions
If you think a 23-song album sounds like overkill, think again. On Scheduled Explosions, it’s like 2nd Grade’s radio dial got stuck on “awesome,” with every click bringing another gem. Songs don’t overstay their welcome because Peter Gill moves seamlessly from one brilliant idea to the next.

26. Brower || Flour
With Flour, Brower delivers their most ambitious, accomplished work yet. Each track feels like a rediscovered gem from five decades ago, proving their knack for timeless songwriting.

27. The Dumpies || Gay Boredom
The Dumpies deliver 19 blistering tracks in 19 whirlwind minutes, making every second count. This album races through punk’s diverse corners, serving as a one-stop shop fans want to hang out in constantly.

28. Night Court || $hit Machine
With their signature 90-second punch, Night Court knows how to ignite a track with just one hook. These Vancouver noise-makers deliver bursts of raw, unforgettable energy that strike fast and leave a lasting impression.

29. Humdrum || Every Heaven
More jangly guitar bliss, this time infused with the bright, shimmering sensibilities of ’80s pop. A must-listen for fans of jangly hooks and melodic warmth.

30. Faulty Cognitions || Somehow, Here We Are
Featuring Chris Mason (Low Culture, Shang-A-Lang, Dirt Cult Records), Faulty Cognitions deliver heartfelt punk anthems with an urgent, life-affirming passion. A stellar debut from one of punk rock’s most exciting new acts.

31. Rural France || Exactamondo!
The title rolls off the tongue ever so nicely, much like this lo-fi blend of Guided By Voices, Lemonheads, and Teenage Fanclub influences. A jangly slacker power pop record that is loose, fuzzy, and refreshingly original.

32. Dangereens || Chic
Super likeable throwback rock-‘n’-roll record of Stones-esque rock, glam rock, and power pop, capturing everything great about rock-‘n’-roll before the ’90s kicked in. A true homage to classic sounds.

33. Jim Nothing || Grey Eyes, Grey Lynn
Packed with guitar-driven slacker pop anthems echoing the spirit of underground NZ pop, Grey Eyes, Grey Lynn is Jim Nothing’s most cohesive and essential work yet.

34. Extra Arms || RADAR
RADAR is unapologetically catchy, straightforward, and rocking—a top-tier and huge sounding power pop record you don’t want to miss.

35. 1-800-Mikey || Digital Pet
Michael Barker’s follow-up to his 2022 record takes everything to another level with this twenty-minute burst of uncontainable, contagious energy. RIYL: Tee Vee Repairmann, Gee Tee.

36. Power Pants || PP5
Garage-y, quirky pop-punk steeped in the spirit of Jay Reatard and the Ramones. With bubblegum rhymes and arcade-ready synth licks, it’s as addictive as an old-school joystick session.

37. The Peawees || One Ride
On their seventh album, The Peawees prove themselves a garage-punk-rock-‘n’-soul hit machine. The energy and hunger they bring are as sharp as ever, defying the expectations of a veteran band.

38. Scrapped Plans || Buddy Buddy Belgium
This pop-punk all-star group (Mikey Erg, Grath Madden, Michelle Shirelle, Fraser Murderburger, and Kieron Jordan) gathered in a Belgian barn to craft and record a quintessential record in just two days.

39. Holiday Ghosts || Coat of Arms
Another one of my favorite bands of the past decade, Holiday Ghosts once again deliver high-energy, life-affirming jangle garage pop. Their latest release doesn’t just replicate past successes but introduces subtle, refreshing variations.

40. The Sleeveens || The Sleeveens
Reliving the late ’70s punk and pub rock vibe of UK/Ireland, The Sleeveens combine classic rock-‘n’-roll guitar energy with vocals perfectly suited for the genre. They’re a band you’ll want to catch live—which is exactly what I plan to do next month!

41. Gentlemen Rogues || Surface Noise
Every track on Surface Noise hits like a shot to the heart of aggressive guitar pop fans-i.e. fans of loud guitars and good songwriting. Think Lemonheads or Superdrag on steroids, pure adrenaline in audio form.

42. Coeur à l’Index || Adieu Minette
If you loved #14 on my list, you’ll fall for this one as well. Fusing elements of twee punk, ’60s girl group vibes, and French power pop, this Brussels three-piece deliver a sound that’s irresistibly charming.

43. Thine Retail Simps || Strike Gold, Strike Back, Strike Out
Montreal’s Thine Retail Simps blend garage-punk-R&B-psych-soul into something exhilarating and fresh. Call it whatever you want, but it’s undeniably and ass kicking unique.

44. Yea-Ming and The Rumours || I Can’t Have It All
This melancholic jangly indie pop album sparkles with subtle ’60s girl group vibes, folk, and country influences that shine like rays of sunshine on a cloudy day. An instant classic.

45. James Sullivan || Vital Signs
James Sullivan (More Kicks, Suspect Parts) finds his groove as a solo artist on Vital Signs. A liberated and inspired record, it’s a must-listen for fans of Alex Chilton, Paul Westerberg, and Robyn Hitchcock.

46. CLASS || A Healthy Alternative
Tucson’s CLASS continues building their punk legacy at an awe-inspiring pace. A Healthy Alternative demonstrates their mastery of swaggering, dynamic punk.

47. Down By Law || Crazy Days
Crazy Days feels like a time capsule from the band’s prime (Blue, Punkrockacademyfightsong, All Scratched Up!). Dave Smalley’s heartfelt performance, especially after his recent health scare, adds an emotional punch that’s impossible to ignore.

48. Mala Vista || Fun Time
Mala Vista’s Fun Time dances between bratty and snotty, fiery and sweet. They strike the perfect balance of punk, garage, power pop, and rock-‘n’-roll.

49. Real Rejects || Not Allowed
Real Rejects turn raw noise into pure gold on their debut album. Their lo-fi garage punk roars like a freight train, proving they’re a force to be reckoned with.

50. Wisconsin Anger Team || Archie
Archie is a loud, vibrant blend of Hüsker Dü, Green Day, Sicko, and Neutral Milk Hotel—melodic, passionate, and soulfully raw.

Notable mentions:
Alien Nosejob || Turns the Colour of Bad Shit
Bermuda Squares || Outsider
Boogadas! || Heartbeats and Heartbreaks
Boyracer || Seaside Riot
Casual Technicians || Casual Technicians
Char-Man || Down On Ready
The Chisel || What A Fucking Nightmare
Culture Trap || Culture Trap
Custody || 3
The Ekphrastics || Make Your Own Snowboard
Feeling Figures || Everything Around You
Ryann Gonsalves || Ouch!
Half Smile || Sleeping On The Rope
Hanemoon || Rain Or Shine
Chloe Hawes || Remains​/​Reminders
Itchy & The Nits || The Worst Off
The Jansen || Durja Bersahaja
Johnnie Carwash || No Friends No Pain
Kid Chameleon || In Pursuit Of The Cedars (IV) LP
Kryye || Pop Punk Burgermag
Local Drags || City In A Room
Log Flume || Splash Hit!
Lunchbox || Pop And Circumstance
Mammoth Penguins || Here
Anna McClellan || Electric Bouquet
Mythical Motors || Upside Down World
Neutrals || New Town Dreams
Oort Clod || Cult Value
Pack Rat || Life’s a Trap
Parsnip || Behold
Quivers || Oyster Cuts
The Reds, Pinks & Purples || Unwishing Well
Rowdy || Rowdy
Sad Eyed Beatniks || Ten Brocades
Brent Seavers || Exhibit B
R.E. Seraphin || Fool’s Mate
Shirese || Hardly Cricket
Straight Arrows || Surface World
Straw Man Army || Earthworks
Street Panther || Muscle Rock
The Sylvia Platters || Vivian Elixir
Teen Line || Collecting To Collect
twisted teens || twisted teens
Uranium Club || Infants Under The Bulb
Vacation || Rare Earth
Verge Collection || A Real Miserable Cunt
Why Bother? || Serenading Unwanted Ballads
WUT || Mingling With The Thorns
Young Scum || Lighter Blue
Zatopeks || Loitering & Sauntering

Find a playlist with my favorite tune of almost every record here.