Punk artists have long been the cultural disruptors, shouting their views from dive bars and nightclubs around the world. And while this past year has made it difficult for subcultures to shine IRL, there are countless artists who are writing and recording powerful new music that deserves to be heard. 

From UK post punks Squid and their anticipated new album, Bright Green Field, to Toronto’s four-piece punk rock powerhouse Bad Waitress who are serving up razorsharp singles, punk rock is all around you—you just need to know where to look. Start with these five acts who are making the right kind of noise, right now. 

Bad Waitress

A four-piece alt-punk band with enough edge and attitude to make you question all the bad tips you’ve ever left. Bad Waitress is making their presence known this year with “Pre Post-Period Blues.” Drawing influence from a wide range of bands like Babes In Toyland and Gang Of Four to create a sound of their own, these Toronto punks have got more than distortion on their side. Keep an ear out for more because they just signed to Royal Mountain Records and will be serving up a piping hot full-length very soon. 

Dishpit 

Led by vocalist/guitarist Nora Kelly and bassist Jed Stein, Dishpit isn’t throwing in the towel for anyone. In fact, they’re just getting started. Rounded out by dummer Ethan Soil, the Montreal-based trio draws inspiration from riot grrrl and grunge, channeling a strong feminist spirit that shines bright through their heavily distorted, often angular, riffs. 

Their debut album, Dipshit, will see its release this month, preceded by the single “This Time,” which is by far the most honest and personal song on the album. 

Autogramm

With a nod to 70s pop rock pioneers The Cars, Autogramm is the kind of punk band who know how to wield a synthesizer. The Pacific Northwest trio have members scattered all over North America but are preparing to release their sophomore album, No Rules, this spring. It’s an ironic title, because No Rules actually rules. With subtle hints of pop punk mixed with classic rock optimism, lead singer Jiffy Marx knows what he’s doing and has the pop culture caché to prove it. The band’s first video single from the album of the same name is a “shot-by-shot nod & wink” to Billy Joel’s classic “Sometimes A Fantasy.” Definitely a great starting point if you’re looking to dig in.

Squid

Warp Records latest signees, Squid aren’t the kind of band you’d expect to find on the label that brought us electronic masterminds like Flying Lotus, Mount Kimbie, and Autechre. However, the discordant, albeit groovy, post punk quintet is holding their own just fine. Their new album, Bright Green Field, is slated for a May 2021 release and it takes the post punk genre to new places, featuring field recordings of ringing church bells, tooting bees, and a distorted choir of 30 voices. If you enjoy bands like Viagra Boys or Fontaines D.C., brace yourself for an album that we guarantee will be the soundtrack to your summer.

Da’at

Emerging from the shadows of a dark prairie winter, Da’at are championing a sinister take on 80s no wave and post punk. Building on an impressive four-song demo, their latest single, “Olympia,” showcases the diversity of their influences that range from Japanese Death Rock to Brian Eno. 

For fans of Christian Death, Bauhaus, and anything that goes bump in the night, keep an eye out for a new EP in Spring 2021 that promises to be all Da’at and then some. 

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