A curated list of alternative tracks defining 2024’s music scene.
In 2024, wars, natural disasters, and political upheaval caused widespread trauma. In the midst of these hardships, musicians across psychedelic rock, noise-rock, industrial, experimental folk, and synth-punk created powerful work. Their songs often process the darkness of current events while offering moments of light. This list presents notable tracks released so far – music that resonates deeply during complex times. We expect to add more outstanding songs across these subgenres throughout the year.
Nolan Potter – “Dig Me As I Am”
from “The Perils of Being Trapped Inside a Head“
Based in Austin, Texas, Nolan Potter builds intricate sound structures that pull from Can, Soft Machine, and Pink Floyd’s sonic foundations. His compositions layer precise instrumental arrangements into mind-bending musical sequences. “Dig Me As I Am” comes from his latest record “The Perils of Being Trapped Inside a Head,” which follows his earlier work “Music is Dead.” Read our interview with Nolan Potter.
Osees – “Cassius, Brutus & Judas”
From “Sorcs 80“
Based in Los Angeles, Osees (led by John Dwyer) released “Sorcs 80” as their first album of 2024. The band has created its own strain of face-melting rock across multiple name changes and dozens of albums. Few bands maintain such consistent potency while adding new elements to their sound. Please read our interview with John Dwyer, about Sorcs 80.
Simon Fisher Turner – “Toast”
from “Instability of the Signal”
An experimental music creator since the 1970s, Simon Fisher Turner came to music after a career as a teenage actor. On “Toast,” he weaves classical strings by The Elysian Collective with electronic elements from Salford Electronics (David Padbury) and his own field recordings – including sounds like a spinning bicycle wheel captured in Berlin. Read our in-depth interview with Turner about his path from acting to music, his work with Jarman, and the making of “Instability of the Signal.” Read our interview with Simon Fisher Turner.
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – “Field of Vision”
from “Flight b741“
The Australian band’s 26th album marks their first release on their own p(doom) Records label. A return to blues rock and boogie, “Flight b741” emerged from collaborative jam sessions, with each band member contributing songs and taking turns on lead vocals. The album shares musical DNA with their 2019 release “Fishing for Fishies.
Able Noise – “Ceaseless Sun”
from “High Tide“
The Hague/Athens duo of George Knegtel and Alex Andropoulos met at The Royal Academy of Arts and formed Able Noise in 2017. Known for adapting their baritone guitar and drum performances to each venue’s acoustics, they shifted from minimalist live shows to studio complexity for their debut album. “High Tide” features musicians from Athens and the UK experimental scene, who contributed freely to the sessions. The album examines social upheaval, technological change, and time’s passage.
John Cale – “Shark-Shark”
from “POPtical Illusion“
This album, which follows his 2023 release MERCY, continues Cale’s focus on themes related to personal and societal turmoil, with an emphasis on looking towards the future. The track “Davies and Wales” merges elements of New Wave with influences from Brian Wilson, presenting a combination of upbeat and melancholic tones.
Kim Deal – “Crystal Breath”
from “Nobody Loves You More“
Nobody Loves You More represents Kim Deal’s first full-length release under her name, following years of development and collaboration. “Crystal Breath,” the album’s second single, features distorted tones and intricate rhythms, accompanied by a video directed by Alex Da Corte.
Peter Perrett – “I Wanna Go With Dignity”
from The Cleansing
Peter Perrett’s latest album, The Cleansing, released through Domino Records, delves into themes of aging, love, and art. “I Wanna Go With Dignity” reflects Perrett’s introspective lyricism and marks another chapter in his solo career, following How the West Was Won and Humanworld. Collaborations on the album include contributions from Johnny Marr and Bobby Gillespie. Read our interview with Peter Perrett.
Pulsars – “Tunnel Song”
from “Pulsars“
The Chicago-based duo Pulsars, formed by brothers Dave and Harry Trumfio, has reissued their self-titled debut album Pulsars. Originally released in 1997 on Almo Sounds, the album blends new wave influences with indie rock, capturing the energy of the 1990s music scene. Read our interview with Pulsars.
La Luz – “Always in Love”
from “News of the Universe“
Hailing from Los Angeles, La Luz channels lush harmonies and dreamy textures into their latest track, “Always in Love.” The song’s hypnotic rhythm and shimmering melodies are a preview of their upcoming album News of the Universe, out now on Sub Pop Records. The official video complements the song’s ethereal vibe with striking visuals. Watch the video and immerse yourself in their evolving sound. Read our interview with La Luz.
Xeno & Oaklander – “VIA NEGATIVA (in the doorway light)”
from “Via Negativa“
Xeno & Oaklander’s eighth album, Via Negativa, releases on November 15, 2024, via Dais Records. Recorded in their Connecticut studio, the album explores contrasts through modular synth compositions. The title track combines electronic rhythms with layered vocals, setting the tone for their latest work. Read our interview with Xeno & Oaklander.
Human Impact – “Hold On”
from “Gone Dark“
Human Impact, the noise rock supergroup featuring Chris Spencer (Unsane), Jim Coleman (Cop Shoot Cop), Eric Cooper (Made Out of Babies), and Jon Syverson (Daughters), returns with their second album, Gone Dark, set for release in October 2024 via Ipecac Recordings. “Hold On” captures the band’s gritty sound, developed through extensive live performances. The album reflects their dystopian outlook, blending raw noise and industrial elements into a visceral listening experience. Read our interview with Human Impact.
Nick Carlisle – “Spiralling”
from “Sailors On The Roiling Sea“
Nick Carlisle’s new single, “Spiralling,” is part of his upcoming album Sailors On The Roiling Sea, set for release on November 22, 2024, via The Colour Inverted Records. Featuring Simon Adams on drums and Aubrey Simpson on bass, the track layers piano, guitar, Mellotron, and synthesizers, with subtle influences from the Canterbury scene. The accompanying video, created by Simpson, offers an abstract visual complement.
Papa M – “People’s Free Food Program”
from “Ballads of Harry Houdini“
David Pajo, performing as Papa M, returns with Ballads of Harry Houdini, out November 22, 2024, via Drag City. The album, his first in six years, features six tracks that blend structured compositions with improvisation, marking a departure from his previous acoustic focus on A Broke Moon Rises.
Nonpareils – “Six Six Seven”
from “Rhetoric & Terror“
Aaron Hemphill, formerly of Liars, returns with Rhetoric & Terror, his second album as Nonpareils, released on Mute. “Six Six Seven” reflects the album’s mix of emotional expression and experimental structure, featuring vocals by Angelika Kaswalder and woodwinds by Morgan Henderson. Read our interview with Aaron Hemphill.
The Jesus Lizard – “Hide & Seek”
from “Rack“
The Jesus Lizard returns after 26 years with Rack, their seventh studio album, released on September 13, 2024, via Ipecac Recordings. The lead single, “Hide & Seek,” combines frenzied energy with precise hard rock, driven by David Yow’s intense vocals and the band’s signature interplay of jagged guitar lines and tight rhythms. Read our review of Rack.
Tashi Dorji – “Begin from Here”
from “We Will Be Wherever the Fires Are Lit“
Tashi Dorji’s new album, We Will Be Wherever the Fires Are Lit, releases on November 22, 2024, via Drag City. “Begin from Here,” the opening track, showcases Dorji’s improvisational approach, employing dampened strings, altered tunings, and unconventional preparations to create layered, rhythmic textures.
Julie Christmas – “The Ash”
from “Ridiculous and Full of Blood“
Julie Christmas’ new album, Ridiculous and Full of Blood, marks her return after 14 years. “The Ash” showcases her raw vocal style alongside contributions from Johannes Persson (Cult of Luna) and Andrew Schneider. Released through Red Crk, the track is accompanied by a video directed by Derrick Belcham, featuring glimpses of personal and communal moments.
Minor Conflict – “Glue”
from “Parallels“
Minor Conflict’s EP Parallels blends post-punk and folk influences, addressing themes like urban life and environmental issues. “Glue,” driven by minimal bass and harp crescendos, critiques environmental inaction with sharp lyrical imagery.
Tess Parks – “Running Home to Sing”
from “Pomegranate“
Tess Parks’ Pomegranate, released on October 25, 2024, via Fuzz Club and Hand Drawn Dracula, includes the track “Running Home to Sing.” The song, accompanied by a video created with Joe Bressler, reflects themes of change and finding fulfillment. Parks’ raw vocal delivery and introspective lyrics continue to build on her style, influenced by influences from psychedelic and alternative music. Read our review of Tess Parks’ Pomenagrate.
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets – “Another Reincarnation”
Psychedelic Porn Crumpets released the single “Another Reincarnation” on November 14, 2024, via What Reality? Records. The Perth-based quintet—Jack McEwan, Luke Parish, Danny Caddy, Wayan Biliondana, and Chris Young—formed in 2014, blending heavy guitar textures with intricate rhythms. Read our interview with Psychedelic Porn Crumpets.
Jean-Claude Vannier – “Comme les Enfants Savent Aimer”
from “Jean-Claude Vannier et son orchestre de mandolines“
Jean-Claude Vannier’s upcoming album, Jean-Claude Vannier et son orchestre de mandolines, will be released on February 14, 2025, through Ipecac Recordings. The album, composed for mandolin and accordion, features contributions from Vincent Beer-Demander and Grégory Daltin. “Comme les Enfants Savent Aimer” reflects Vannier’s intricate arrangements, evoking a non-existent silent film’s narrative about a young boy’s experiences with love.
Tomo Katsurada and Jonny Nash – “Dream of the Egg”
from Dream of the Egg
Tomo Katsurada teams up with Jonny Nash for Dream of the Egg, released via Future Days Shop. The title track pairs gentle vocals with minimalist guitar, drawing inspiration from the 1920s Japanese book Yume No Tamago.
Kim Gordon – “”I’m a Man”
from The Collective
Kim Gordon’s album The Collective, released on March 8, 2024, via Matador Records, features “I’m a Man,” a track driven by rhythmic intensity and sharp instrumentation.
Detention – “Dead Rock ‘N Rollers”
from Dead Rock ‘N Rollers
Detention was among the earliest bands to shape the New Jersey hardcore punk scene in the 1980s. Their 1983 single, “Dead Rock ‘N Rollers,” a fast-paced 97-second track influenced by the Ramones’ style of speed-punk, gained a cult following on college radio. Read our interview with Detention.
Topics: best alternative songs of 2024, top psychedelic rock songs 2024
Matteo Damiani is an Italian photographer and author. Curator of the sites Retrofuturista.com; weirditaly.com; china-underground.com and others
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