10. Nada Surf - Moon Mirror

Nada Surf have perhaps the most memorable and classic emo rock sound, and "Moon Mirror" is a triumphant return filled with relentless hooks, memorable lyrics, and crisp production. It only came out in September, and every time it comes back on I never cease to be amazed that this band has released so many records and never seems to get it wrong.

Favorite track: Floater

9. Present - Silver Lining

When "Kill The Moth" opens on Present's debut, you can might think you're in for something familiar. It wasn't until the track "Control" hit that I felt what I can only describe as a transcendent pull into sonic beauty that only relinquishes a single fact: Present are one of the most underrated new bands of 2024.

Favorite track: Control

8. Common Sage - Closer To;

It's no surprise to any of my close friends that, despite whatever did or didn't happen 7 years ago, Brand New will always be the GOAT for me. Common Sage have a clear lineage of influence from Brand New; they are from the east coast, after all. Their last album had a few solid tracks but still felt like they were feeling it out––"Closer To;" fires on all cylinders. Eerie contrasts with pop melodies; thudding bass and atmospheric pulse combine with reverbed vocals; the closer "Apparations" is haunting, loud. It may not be Brand New, but boy am I sure glad they share influences from bands I love.

Favorite track: Come Undone

7. All Under Heaven - What Lies Ahead Of Me

When I am listening to an album on Spotify and I see the "Under Exclusive License to Sunday Drive Records," it always gives me a sense of pause; is this going to be another redundant shoegaze revival act? Fortunately, "What Lies Ahead Of Me" is barely like anything else on Sunday Drive. It's refreshing, poignantly polished emo rock with depth and sincerity. Every song is in itself an emotional experience, whether it's the fleshy basslines on "Rolling" or the crashing sonic leads on "Always," this album has something for everyone.

Favorite track: Always

6. Gleemer - End of the Nail

It only came out a few weeks ago––so cynics might think I haven't given it enough time to award it a top contender for best of 2024. But with "End of the Nail," Gleemer's familiar sound is as conquering as ever, and I'm certain I will be listening to this record well into the midway of 2025. Corey has been cutting his teeth in the studio but clearly hasn't lost his ability to write hooky, deep, and somber emo rock songs. What a wonderful surprise to have more music from him even amidst all of the other great producing he's done in the last few years.

Favorite track: My Way Down

5. The Story So Far - I Want to Disappear

If I'm being totally honest, pop punk is a genre I'm finding harder and harder to enjoy––mostly because a lot of it sounds really run of the mill these days. The Story So Far are one of the bands who break through. Where their hooks and craftsmanship exhibit a sense of professional, big-league songwriting, the lyrics and emotionally charged ballads thrust them into the stratosphere. I listened to "Letterman" on repeat for weeks (it was my top played Spotify song). But, it wasn't until the album came out and I dug into the latter tracks that I discovered my favorite songs are when the band trades distortion for heartfelt ballads to finish out the record with "White Shores" and "I Want To Disappear".

My only gripe: "I Want To Disappear" disappears too quickly at only 10 tracks.

Favorite track: Space Between

4. Casey - How To Disappear

These end of year lists are always difficult, especially when you run a music site and tend to get albums early. I received an advance of "How To Disappear" sometime in the end of 2023 and it rarely left my car stereo for many, many weeks. Revisiting it tonight, I'm reminded of the fact that this band is criminally underrated. I can't pick a favorite track on this one; whether it's the smashing intro on "For Katie," the Gates-esque riffs on "Those That I'm Survived By," or the insanely memorable and somber hooks on "Space Between." Every time I revisit "How To Disappear," I'm reminded that this band's ambition and polish has reached new heights. Ironically, even though it's not #1, this may be my most played album of 2024.

Favorite track: Space Between

3. Sunny Day Real Estate - Diary Live at London Studio

Sunny Day Real Estate are legends. I know, it's obvious. "Diary" is the quintessential emo album. Of any generation, by the way––MCR are not the founders of emo...but I'll save my rant for Reddit threads. So, while remasters are great and all, and re-recordings are usually worse (sorry, Thrice), Sunny Day Real Estate really flipped the script on this one with their "live" recording of Diary. There's something about the rejuvenated technology that comes 20 years later. Hearing these songs again feels like the first time, and I'm here for it. The polarizing yelps on "In Circles" feel more powerful than they did the first time around. Enigk's haunting lyricism feels stronger than ever on tracks like "Grendel." "Sometimes," the original closer, has even more epic dynamics. And, "Novum Vetus" may be the best song the band has ever written––and it's their most recent one. Bravo, Sunny Day, you're bound to earn some new fans (finally) with this one. PS...Rising Tide tour in 2025?

Favorite track: Sometimes

2. Diiv - Frog In Boiling Water

Okay, I'll be the first to admit it. Lists are hard, and I'm really torn on these top two. Diiv's "Frog In Boiling Water" is, without a doubt, an absolute masterpiece of a record. The amount of thought that went into this album is ridiculous; the music video alone for "Soul-net" was one of the wildest and most creative things I've seen this year.

So, what is Diiv? Are they shoegaze? Are they the Smashing Pumpkins? Is it 90's? Is it recycled?

The correct answer is: None of the above. Diiv has had several incredible albums, but "Frog" may be their pinnacle record. Equal parts Pumpkins, Sonic Youth, Ride, Radio Dept, but with some special somber, eerieness that is truly their own. The melodies and songcraft on this album is so memorable I honestly forget which song is my favorite because they all are. If you haven't heard this album yet, you're probably not a music fan.

Favorite track: Frog In Boiling Water

1. Trauma Ray - Chameleon

Trauma Ray were one of those bands I enjoyed, but never loved. I didn't seeing them live, but never got that excited about. Frankly, they weren't that different from a lot of the other dime a dozen shoegaze revival acts. All that changed with "Chameleon," the buzzing Dais Records debut that came out in October. I was immediately shocked at the depth on the record, and the distinctly post-hardcore/emo influence the band brings to the table.

"Ember" kicks things off with what you might think is another case of "shoegaze recycle syndrome", but when it drops into the swirling emo guitars and tight drum beat behind reverbed vocals, it's clear: something is different here. "Bardo" is haunting as all hell; "Bishop" is explosively dynamic, ebbing and flowing between destructive and joyous. "U.S.D.D.O.S." is a surprising turn of events when the band segues the album into an emotionally charged and beautifully somber closer; it's a lullaby.

To me, it's these special moments on "Chameleon" that are scarce today, when a band takes their foot off the distortion pedal and leans on a sound that is their own decided direction. For that reason, "Chameleon" is the most special LP of 2024 for me, a wonderful surprise I wouldn't have even listed in my anticipated releases back in 2023.

Favorite track: U.S.D.D.O.S.

Best EP's of 2024

They've got a short run time, so they're easy to forget, but it wouldn't be a real end of year list if I didn't include a few of my favorite EP's in 2024.

Gel - Persona

A few years ago if you would've asked me if female fronted hardcore would be something I'd be listening to, I'd probably ask you, "does that even exist?" And today, with bands like Gel, Initiate, and Spiritbox we're seeing a plethora of incredible front women in heavy music. Gel's blistering EP picks up where they left off, with explosively fast and chaotic tracks and just the right amount of polish.

Favorite track: Shame

Armlock - Seashell Angel Lucky Charm

Lo-fi midwest emo is typically something I don't reach for, but "Armlock" hit different on this EP. Something about the somber yet blissful tracks on "Seashell" are addictive as hell. The rawness on this EP feels like you're in the room listening to these guys play for you for the first time. It's beautifully genuine.

Favorite track: Guardian

Fly Over States - Ghosts

In the world of post-hardcore, I'm generally on top of it, but Fly Over States came out of nowhere on me this time. "Ghosts" is short, with a runtime under 10 minutes; a reminder that it's quality, not quantity that really matters. This EP is memorable and refreshing, quickly reminding me of the early 2000's when this sort of music coming online for the first time. It's spastic, loud, and only leaves you wanting more. Very excited to see what this band comes up with next.

Favorite track: 40 Stripes Minus One

Counterparts - Heaven Let Them Die

Counterparts are a band I will always hold close to my heart, but I will be the first to admit to losing touch with them on their last few records. So, when "Heaven Let Them Die" was surprise released, I casually pressed play. Boy, am I glad I didn't lose touch completely. They're back, in a big way. Brendan's time on his side project END has spilled over into his main band, and the lyrics on this EP are stronger than ever. The "singing experiment" (ha) has left the building on this one. It's dark, twisted, and blisteringly heavy––heavier than ever. I would say it's Counterparts at their best, but honestly, this is beyond anything I ever thought Counterparts could be.

Favorite track: Heaven Let Them Die

Honorable Mentions

I love music, and it's all subjective. Here are a few albums worth checking out that almost made the cut.

Most anticipated for 2025

• Underoath

• LS Dunes