Brandon Hoffman, vocalist of Worn Down, isn’t just busy cranking out groovy and muscular hardcore tracks with his band; he’s also a dedicated listener. With preorders now live for The Endless Hour—their six-track EP steeped in early Boston and NYHC vibes—Brandon took a moment to share his personal Top 20 Releases of 2024.
Whether you’re deep into powerviolence, Oi!, or grunge-soaked post-hardcore, there’s something here to wreck your stereo and expand your playlist. Below, Brandon offers insight into his favorite albums, weaving in reflections on the artists and their unique contributions to to already multi-layered punk amalgam.
Before diving into the releases, let’s not forget Worn Down’s own milestone this year. The Endless Hour blends classic NYHC and Boston hardcore influences with nods to Japanese hardcore and even Ill Repute, delivering tracks as brutal as they are concise.
Featuring a lineup of old friends spanning Las Vegas, Chicago, and St. Louis, the band overcame logistical challenges to create an EP recorded and mixed by Brandon Hoffman himself, then mastered by Brad Boatright (known for work with OFF!, Sleep, and Nails).
Pissed Jeans – Half Divorced
I picked up Pissed Jeans’ debut EP, Throbbing Organ/Night Minutes, back in 2004 at a festival in Chicago. A friend had tipped me off that members of GateCrashers had a new project I shouldn’t sleep on. Over the years, they’ve consistently managed to outdo themselves with each release. Every new record becomes my favorite Pissed Jeans album. They embody everything I want in a hardcore punk band (if I dare throw them in that category). Their influences are evident throughout Half Divorced, yet they maintain their own divine, raw sound.
Gel – Persona
After hearing the single ‘Mirage,’ Gel’s new EP ‘Persona’ quickly became one of my most anticipated releases. The band caught my attention with their 2023 album ‘Only Constant,’ this New Jersey band delivers a fierce and unique style of hardcore, blending d-beats with grinding riffs. The production is intense yet polished.
Shellac – To All Trains
Shellac has always been one of the most unique rock bands of our time. Each new album felt like it could be their last. To All Trains was released a decade after 2014’s Dude Incredible. Steve Albini’s passing earlier this year left the music community, and me personally as a fan, taking a heavy influence as an audio engineer devastated. I refused to listen to the new record until I had the physical copy in my hands. I sat there, numb, until the final track, “I Don’t Fear Hell,” played.
The Hope Conspiracy – Tools of Oppression/Rule by Deception
Death Knows Your Name by The Hope Conspiracy, released in 2006, is one of my all-time favorite records. The band has been a major influence on some of my past projects. After the release of True Nihilist in 2009, they went silent for years. I assumed they were focusing on other projects or had possibly split up. I never expected a new release, but then they dropped the EP Confusion/Chaos/Mysery followed by the LP Tools of Oppression/Rule by Deception. This record is powerful and everything I hoped for.
I never had the chance to see them back in the day, so I made it a point to travel to Oakland to catch their recent tour at Gilman. I found myself up front, screaming along, which is pretty unusual for this old guy.
Gouge Away – Deep Sage
This is one of the few records I’ve heard in a while that I can listen to in its entirety. I can’t toss Gouge Away into a category, they’re doing something different that I find truly refreshing. Their 90s grunge influence is unmistakable, evoking the sounds of Sonic Youth, Mudhoney, but more aggressive, and washed-out. I’d like to slip this on at some birthday party I crashed just to observe everyone’s reaction, though I’d most likely just start throwing cake at everyone at some point. This band is constantly on the move, touring, and promoting what I’d consider one of best albums of the year.
Fortunate Son – 7 Joints
Saint Louis’ music scene has often been overlooked and underappreciated, but the city’s talent is undeniable. Fortunate Son, a relatively new supergroup from STL, features members from notable past and present bands. Their debut release, 7 Joints, delivers a massive wall of sludgy riffs, hard-hitting drums, and teeth-shattering vocals. Every Time I Die, Botch, and Crowbar fans, look it up. It’s a friendly reminder of Until Your Heart Stops until the edibles take charge.
The Jesus Lizard – Rack
When a band comes out of hiding and releases new material after such a long break—especially since their last release, Blue, was in 1998—you never really know what to expect. Rack has been one of my most anticipated releases of the year. The Jesus Lizard has retained their legendary sound, proving once again why they remain one of my all-time favorite bands. When they released the first single, “Hide & Seek,” I listened to it on repeat, in disbelief that this is 2024 and we are being gifted a new Jesus Lizard record.
The Chisel – What A Fucking Nightmare
I’ve always been a huge fan of Oi! and Street Rock, with bands like Cock Sparrer, The Crack, and The Business being my go-tos. The Chisel bring catchy riffs and sing-along anthems, one of the most fun and energetic bands I’ve seen live in a long time. I’ve been keeping up with the band’s discography since they released their debut EP, “Deconstructive Surgery,” in 2020 on La Vida Es Un Mus Discos, which continue to crank out some of the best new punk records you can get your hands on.
The Hate – Wasted
When I relocated to Las Vegas in 2019, I was eager to explore the local music scene. Beyond the cover bands dominating the casinos and Fremont Street, I found a vibrant and thriving community. Among the standout acts, The Hate quickly emerged as one of the best Las Vegas has to offer. Their sound brings to mind the intensity of Botch, Deadguy, and Poison The Well.
Kidnapped – Disgust
As I’ve gotten older, finding heavier bands that resonate with me has been a challenge. I often find myself returning to the classics like Dropdead, HeWhoCorrupts, and Iron Lung, frustrated by an oversaturated scene filled with bands misusing old labels. Then I stumbled upon Kidnapped. I was completely unfamiliar with them, but this is what it’s all about—pure power violence. There’s nothing pretty here, just raw, gnarly riffs of utter disgust and relentless blast beats. No frills, just pure, unadulterated aggression.
Some more favorites of 2024:
- Rixe – Tir Groupé
- Chubby & The Gang – And Then There Was…
- Faust – Death Galore
- Sikm – Now I Must Comply
- NAGAT – Where Are You, Dear General
- Burning Kross – Second
- Slugger – Dead State
- The Dogs – Total Dog Shit
- Enemic Interior – Enemic Interior III
- The Slads – Tough Times
