2021 has held the return of music globally after Covid, specifically the live industry, but maybe one genre we wasn't expecting to see resurrect was Pop-punk. Arguably, Pop-punk was at its best back in the early 2000’s with the earlier releases from the likes of Sum 41, Blink 182, Simple Plan and New Found Glory, however 2021 has saw the revival of classic favourites and new releases all over the place.
The year of Pop-punk was lined up by major releases towards the end of 2020. Machine Gun Kelly stomped down the door into the Pop-punk scene, crossing genres and moving from rap to the alt-scene. Whilst, his album was undeniably a good asset to the pop-punk genre, he didn’t last too long as a respected member of the scene due to, his disregard for major metal leaders, Slipknot.
Since, Machine Gun Kelly hopped on the band wagon of Pop-punk, it seems most pop artists have wanted a taste of the alternative scene, including the likes of Willow Smith. Not only this, but fans seem to have taken to the scene as if it’s the latest trend to be alternative. This move in the industry may have been stimulated by Blink 182’s Travis Barker.
Back in 2019, Travis started up his own record label, DTA records, and since then it seems the drummer has been out recruiting to find the next best Pop-punk talent. Travis’s engagement with Kourtney Kardashian has also been a major cross over which fans could never have expected. A pop-punk drummer with a model, reality star. This has no doubt boosted Travis Barker’s presence in the world of socialites and celebs, hence peaking the interest of Kardashian fans and trend followers alike.
Adding to his roster this year, Travis Barker has signed Avril Lavigne. Having released the iconic ‘Let Go’ album featuring tracks such as ‘Complicated’ and ‘Skater Boi’ back in 2002, it felt like time for the queen of the scene to return. After signing to DTA records, Avril released her latest Pop-punk anthem ‘Bite Me,’ proving that she’s still got ‘it’ in her to be a member of the scene.
Most of my favourites of the year, seem to include artists that could be considered ‘underdogs,’ comparing to the return of major Pop-punk favs. Citizen’s ‘Life In Your Glass World,’ was released in early 2021, and I’ve found some of the album's tracks scattered throughout my playlists, and on repeat all year long, including the record opener ‘Death Dance Approximately’.
Another, incidental favourite this year has been Free Throw. The 5-piece Pop-punk emos released their latest album ‘Piercing It Together’, back in June 2021. Unaware that the outfit had released a record this year, I stumbled across it in my Spotify suggestions after listening to the band’s 2014 album, ‘Those Days Are Gone’ on repeat. Free Throw’s 2021 release is reflective, emotive, and nostalgic.
In August, As December Falls put out their sophomore album ‘Happier.’ Since their 2019 self-titled album, personally, I was desperate for another release from the female-fronted Pop-punkers. ‘Happier’ is full of fiery energy and driving Pop-punk rolling drums. The record’s opener ‘Afterglow’ perfectly encapsulates the band’s overall attitude- passionate, uplifting, and empowering.
Following on from their hit release ‘Hit Me Like A Girl’ back in March, Meet Me @ The Altar have released their EP ‘Model Citizen.’ The release is engaging the whole way through, and Edith Johnson’s vocals give the perfect hint of a Hayley Williams influence.
The best thing about Pop-punk's revival this year, must have been the growth of women in the scene. As a female listener, there’s nothing more empowering than seeing female lead Pop-punk groups breaking through as some of the best.
Finally, Belmont’s EP. Incredible. ‘Bowser’s Mixtape’ was released in late November, and features 2 covers, 1 acoustic version, 1 remix, and 2 original songs. This EP, for me, crowns Belmont as the kings of the Pop-punk scene in 2021. The perfect cross over of genres with the introduction of metalcore techniques such as: chugging and vocal growls, specifically in my favourite track of the EP the Avenged Sevenfold cover, 'Nightmare.’
Thanks 2021 for the year of POP-PUNK!
Check out some of the favourite tracks of the year below.
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