If you’ve spent any amount of time around our hive, then you know that we are huge alternative music fans. And 2024 did NOT disappoint. This past year has been a standout year for alternative music, starting with Neck Deep’s highly anticipated album and ending with State Champs bringing things full circle. In between, the year was filled with a mix of powerful returns and exciting new releases that kept the genre fresh and unpredictable.
Here’s a look back at the highlights that shaped 2024 in alternative music. Whether it was high-energy punk, genre-bending indie, or heartfelt emo, this year’s releases have proven that the alternative genre is as dynamic as ever. Let’s take a look back at the albums that defined the year, from start to finish.
This is going to be quite the list, so let’s just dive right in!
‘Kept Me Alive’ – Grayscale
Honeybees, we had to kick off this list with our all-time favorite band. While the Philly natives didn’t drop a full album this year, they blessed us with five killer new singles (and yes, we covered every single one of them). On top of that, Grayscale is gearing up to release their fifth album, The Hart, on January 31st, with an exclusive early album release show later this month.
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT GRAYSCALE:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
Neck Deep – Neck Deep
We knew 2024 was shaping up to be an incredible year for music when, barely three weeks in, Neck Deep dropped their fifth album, Neck Deep. From start to finish, the album is packed with bangers—pure, unfiltered pop-punk perfection. Nearly 13 years since they first formed, the band has stayed true to their roots, delivering a sound that’s as authentic and energetic as ever.
Our top 3 songs: ‘Sort Yourself Out,’ ‘Go Outside!,’ ‘We Need More Bricks’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT NECK DEEP:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | TIKTOK | WEBSITE
WAS HERE – Stand Atlantic
We’ve been diehard Stand Atlantic fans since they dropped Sidewinder back in 2016, so every new era of the band always gets us buzzing with excitement—and WAS HERE was no exception. This album felt both experimental and deeply honest, marking a powerful and symbolic moment in the band’s journey. Every moment of WAS HERE was nothing short of cathartic and empowering, and we cannot wait to see what comes next for Stand Atlantic!
Our top 3 songs: ‘LOVE U ANYWAY,’ ‘KILL[H]ER,’ ‘GIRL$’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STAND ATLANTIC:
INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE
Survival in Motion – Taylor Acorn
Taylor Acorn is another THP staple, so when we heard she was finally releasing her debut album this year, we couldn’t contain our excitement. Then Survival in Motion dropped, and it blew us away—a perfect 10-track, skip-less masterpiece. The album seamlessly blends classic, nostalgic pop-punk with a fresh, unique spin on the genre, and we’re completely obsessed. Taylor is hands down one of the best things to happen to modern pop-punk, and we’re (im)patiently awaiting what she does next!
Our top 3 songs: ‘Applause,’ ‘Nervous System,’ ‘People Watching’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TAYLOR ACORN:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
A Decade of Uneventful Events – As It Is
As It Is making a comeback in 2024 was definitely not on our bingo card, but it’s hands down one of the best surprises we could’ve asked for. While this album is technically a collection of old demos and B-sides, we’re still pumped to finally have some of our favorite As It Is deep cuts on streaming platforms. It’s like getting a peek into the band’s creative past. Plus, with the band already announcing they’ll be playing Slam Dunk in May, we’re crossing our fingers this is just the beginning—fingers crossed for new music or a full tour in 2025!
Our top 3 songs: ‘Balloons,’ ‘May We Go Down As Lovers,’ ‘January’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT AS IT IS:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE
State Champs – State Champs
State Champs of what? Who knows! But what we do know is that they’ll always be one of the greatest pop-punk bands of all time. State Champs are one of those rare bands that never miss, and their self-titled album is no exception. Every track feels like the perfect encapsulation of everything we love about them—energetic, honest, and unapologetically State Champs. The band’s unmistakable passion and raw emotion are front and center, making this album an instant classic, despite only dropping in early November. It’s already cemented its place in pop-punk history.
Our top 3 songs: ‘Sobering,’ ‘Too Late To Say,’ ‘Save Face Story’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT STATE CHAMPS:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | TWITTER | WEBSITE
Blue Hour – Real Friends
One thing about Real Friends? They’ll always have us feeling all the emotions, and Blue Hour was no exception. This album marks a new chapter for the band, their first full-length release as an independent act, and it’s clear they absolutely nailed it. After nearly 15 years together, Real Friends continues to bring something fresh and genuine to the table with every release, and we are here for it. They’ve managed to evolve while staying true to their roots, and Blue Hour is proof they’re only getting better with time.
Our top 3 songs: ‘A Place I Don’t Think Exists,’ ‘Waiting Room,’ ‘Asymmetry’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT REAL FRIENDS:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER
Heaven Can Wait – Trash Boat
Trash Boat’s Heaven Can Wait is a total game-changer. The band’s fourth album takes their energy to new heights, blending chaos and vulnerability in a way that perfectly captures the confusion of modern life. It’s a dynamic mix of raw emotion and refined sound, showing off the band’s growth since their pop-punk days. With Heaven Can Wait, Trash Boat proves they’re evolving into one of the most exciting bands in the scene—and we’re all in.
Our top 3 songs: ‘Better Than Yesterday,’ ‘Liar Liar,’ ‘Delusions of Grandeur’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT TRASH BOAT:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
Kissing Death – MOTHICA
If you haven’t yet fallen into the world of MOTHICA, now’s your chance. Her latest album, Kissing Death, dropped earlier this year and we’ve had it on repeat ever since. With its dark, witty vibe and irresistible allure, the album grabs you from the first second and never lets go. But it doesn’t stop there—MOTHICA also released a visually stunning music video for every track, turning each song into a cinematic experience. It’s bold, captivating, and completely impossible to ignore.
Our top 3 songs: ‘Exit Plan,’ ‘Afterlife,’ ‘Oblivion for Two’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MOTHICA:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TIKTOK | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
Left In the Dark – In Her Own Words
Left in the Dark takes In Her Own Words in a bold new direction, stepping away from their heavier roots and embracing a poppier, more upbeat sound. The result is an EP full of catchy, feel-good tracks that show the band is truly finding their stride—and we’re loving it. Plus, the collaboration with Young Culture adds an extra layer of fire to the mix. It’s a fresh sound, and we’re all in for this new era.
Our top 3 songs: ‘Story of Us,’ ‘House Party,’ ‘96 Hours’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT IN HER OWN WORDS:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | TWITTER
I Want To Disappear – The Story So Far
If you asked us, we’re pretty sure The Story So Far is incapable of writing a bad song, and they pretty much cemented that belief with I Want To Disappear. This album strikes the perfect balance between the raw, emotional energy of Under Soil and Dirt—the album that made us fall in love with them—and fresh, innovative sounds that show just how much the band has evolved. With I Want To Disappear, The Story So Far proves they’re not just a staple of the scene, but a force that continues to push boundaries while staying true to what’s made them so iconic.
Our top 3 songs: ‘White Shores,’ ‘Watch You Go,’ ‘You’re Still In My Way’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THE STORY SO FAR:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | YOUTUBE | WEBSITE
There Goes the Dream – Modern Color
There Goes the Dream is a major leap for Modern Color. The band’s fourth album blends shoegaze and post-hardcore with fresh elements like jazzy touches and acoustic introspection. It’s their cleanest, most polished work yet and a perfect example of how they continue to evolve while staying true to their roots. We’re loving this next chapter for them and can’t wait to see where they go next!
Our top 3 songs: ‘There Goes The Dream,’ ‘Fortress,’ ‘Night Swim’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT MODERN COLOR:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
Sundiver – Boston Manor
Sundiver marks an exciting new phase for Boston Manor. The band combines the raw energy of their earlier work with the atmospheric vibe of their recent albums, crafting a sound that’s both powerful and refined. It’s a simpler approach, but that simplicity only amplifies their growth and maturity. With Sundiver, Boston Manor shows they’re evolving in all the right ways—and we can’t wait to hear where they go next.
Our top 3 songs: ‘What Is Taken, Will Never Be Lost,’ ‘HEAT ME UP,’ ‘Datura (Dawn)’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT BOSTON MANOR:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER | WEBSITE | YOUTUBE
You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To – Knocked Loose
2024 has truly been the year of Knocked Loose. With the release of their highly anticipated album, You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To, a sold-out tour, headlining some of the biggest festivals, and even a recent appearance on Jimmy Kimmel, they’ve shown they’re at the top of their game. There’s really nothing this band can’t do. Knocked Loose has not only redefined what metalcore can be but proven they’re a dominant force across genres, continually pushing boundaries and expanding their influence. It’s clear—this year was just the beginning of what’s sure to be an incredible era for them.
Our top 3 songs: ‘Don’t Reach For Me,’ ‘Take Me Home,’ ‘Suffocate’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT KNOCKED LOOSE:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | TWITTER | WEBSITE
Coup de Grâce – SeeYouSpaceCowboy
Last on this list, but never least in our hearts, is SeeYouSpaceCowboy’s fourth album, Coup de Grâce. The album blends chaos, emotion, and unexpected influences, showcasing the band’s creative risks and growth. With relentless breakdowns and raw intensity, Coup de Grâce proves SeeYouSpaceCowboy is quickly becoming one of the most exciting and unpredictable bands in the scene.
Our top 3 songs: ‘Red Wine and Discontent,’ ‘Rhythm and Rapture,’ ‘Silhouettes in Motion’
TO LEARN MORE ABOUT SEEYOUSPACECOWBOY:
FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | TWITTER
This past year was such a good year for alt music fans both new and old, and we ate up every single second of it. We can only hope that 2025 brings us just as many new releases to yap about.
Which of these 2024 releases was your favorite? Was there anything we missed? And who are you looking forward to hearing new music from next year? Let us know on Twitter @TheHoneyPOP or over on Facebook or Instagram!
And buzz over this way for more of our Music Rewind 2024 series!
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