As the year comes to an end, we recently took the chance to reflect on the last twelve months with a list of our favourite albums of the year. To say that 2016 has been a busy year for music would be an understatement. And it wasn’t just a year full of bands we already know. Countless new bands and artists caught our eye, giving us a glimpse into an exciting future.
We pride ourselves on being able to bring you the best new music. So we have selected a handful of acts that we believe will shine in 2017.
It is a list like no other, featuring new artists of the highest quality, spanning several genres. Several acts mentioned have made the leap on to larger, more established labels, whereas some are still in the early stages of their careers. Some you will already know, who are about to take their careers to the next level. Others may have only just formed in 2016, but they made such an impact that we think the coming year will belong to them. No matter which way you look at it, you can say you heard it here first.
So here are 20 acts to watch in 2017, as chosen by the Punktastic team.
Arkless
The art of emo influenced spoken word is anything but new. However, London band Arkless seem to have a beautifully crafted hold on this. Featuring former members of Birds Calls and What Price, Wonderland?, this group are the closest thing to a present day The Van Pelt. Their debut self-titled EP was one of the best records of 2016, and for a first release, Arkless sound masterfully accomplished. There is a mesmerising tone to their jangly melody and a touching sincerity in what they have to say. If you’re looking for a new act to soundtrack the melancholic moments in 2017, then Arkless will fulfil that quota. [Aaron Lohan]
Listen to more from Arkless on Bandcamp
Bad Sign
This Croydon trio have had the most stellar year – they’ve signed to Basick Records, toured the country with HECK and Black Peaks, destroyed mainland Europe with Hacktivist, played at Camden Rocks, had new singles debuted on Daniel P Carter’s Radio 1 Rock Show… need any more examples? With some motherfucking heavy riffs and powerful lyrics, 2017 will be even better year for Bad Sign (if that’s possible). They’re a band that write staggering, honest songs and write music that threatens to crack the very floor you stand on; get excited for their new album next year. [Jess Tagliani]
Listen to more from Bad Sign on Spotify
Boy On Guitar
We worked with Boy On Guitar several times throughout 2016, and they really got into our heads with their infectious indie rock. The pop-driven melodies of their music are impossible not to love, with lush instrumentation and heartfelt lyrics. They are currently putting the finishing touches to their debut album which, if anything like their previous split release with Chase Huglin, will be just as enjoyable. [Glen Bushell]
Listen to more from Boy On Guitar on Bandcamp
Carson Wells
Having been around since the start of the 2010s, I wholeheartedly tip Carson Wells to be one of the bands of 2017 to look out for. The Aberdeen band really do get what the concept of a “power trio” can do. They combine a raw emotional tidal wave of math tinged riffs, chaotic melodies and an awe inspiring foundation to boot. Fans of emo, post hardcore, and anything related, are most likely to connect with this troupe. They have been busy writing a new record, so expect that to drop in 2017. Until then, you can catch up with their previous releases, which includes an EP, two albums, and a split with the equally under appreciated Human Hands. Mark my words, next year, Carson Wells are a hidden diamond in the DIY underground that deserve to be unearthed further to the masses. [Aaron Lohan]
Listen to more from Carson Wells on Bandcamp
The Criminal World
Featuring members of Portland darkwave band, Soft Kill, The Criminal World were always going to be something special. They do, however, posses a brighter sound than the aforementioned masters of gloom. Their ‘Pure Vory’ EP that surfaced earlier this year draws heavily from an 80’s goth-pop sound, with layers of synths and ethereal vocals buried in the mix. The Criminal World have a new 7” on the way in the first part of the year with an album set to follow. It’s one you need to have on your radar. [Glen Bushell]
Listen to more from The Criminal World on Bandcamp
Nicole Dollanganger
2016 saw a rise in popularity of lo-fi, “bedroom” artists, most of which came from Run For Cover Records. Nicole Dollanganger has now joined the label, who rereleased two of her excellent, self-produced albums. The bleak, indie-pop Dollanganger creates is not always an easy listen. It’s heartbreakingly beautiful, filled with melancholy, and often uncompromising. With the backing of Run For Cover, and a wealth of talent, 2017 should be the year everyone knows the name, Nicole Dollanganger. [Glen Bushell]
Listen to more from Nicole Dollanganger on Bandcamp
Fresh
There is currently a healthy flourish of great UK indie punk bands at present. The likes of Doe, Woahnows, and Muncie Girls, to name but a few, are deservedly catching the hearts, minds and ears of many. Next year, one band who I personally see doing this are London based act Fresh. Featuring two members of the equally brilliant Sad Blood, Fresh display a nervously ambitious energy to their sound. Their 2015 sophomore EP, ‘These Things Are Not That Fun’, is a promising testament to this. They’re scrappy, eager, and ever so delightfully charming, it would be foolish to turn a blind eye on what they have to offer for the new year. [Aaron Lohan]
Listen to more from Fresh on Bandcamp
Glacier Veins
Another band on this list from the Pacific Northwest of America is Glacier Veins, and 2016 saw the release of their excellent EP, ‘Clear Your Head’. It made an instant impression on us from the moment we premiered it back in the Summer, and the young and aspiring band have gone from strength to strength since. With more people getting a taste of the promise Glacier Veins show, it’s only a matter of time before the world catches on. 2017 could very well be their year. [Glen Bushell]
Listen to more from Glacier Veins on Bandcamp
Grave School
California has always been a hotbed for indie and punk, and Grave School bring the two genres together perfectly. They released a self-titled EP at the end of 2015 and it’s one that is virtually impossible to put down. Grave School have played more and more shows throughout the year, fitting on bills with inde and hardcore bands alike; a testament to their combination of high end melody and raw edge. What their plans are for the coming twelve months remain to be seen, but we are excited about Grave School nonetheless. [Glen Bushell]
Listen to more from Grave School on Bandcamp
Grayling
Lexi Campion, the creative force behind Grayling, emerged earlier in the year with the excellent ‘Everything That Burns’ EP. It was a solid, accomplished debut filled with driving, hook filled indie rock. Devoid of any cliché, and performed with a level of honesty and emotion that veteran’s of the scene would struggle to match. It resulted in Grayling opening shows for Julien Baker. Not an easy task, but one that was pulled off perfectly. Hopefully 2017 will see more music from Campion, and shows on a wider scale, giving Grayling the chance to shine even brighter. [Glen Bushell]
Listen to more from Grayling on Bandcamp
Irk
Recently the music scene in Leeds, specifically near the practice/gig hub called Chunk, is richly producing some great noise bands. One particular band is a visceral sounding trio called Irk. Comprised of a sidewinding bass, gutter thudding drums and a volatile frontman, Irk are a deliciously sadistic find. Stylistically, based on their debut EP ‘Bread and Honey’ and split with post metallers Wren, this band sound like The Jesus Lizard took a dose of mathcore pills to add to their skills. Currently, they are readying their debut album for a possible release next year. Having heard this material in their recent live performances and a few snippets on youtube, this record should hopefully make heads turn to Irk’s sporadic tenacity. [Aaron Lohan]
Listen to more from Irk on Bandcamp
itoldyouiwouldeatyou
‘I Am Not Your Fault,’ itoldyouiwouldeatyou’s debut EP, was an end of year surprise that seemed perfect for winter listening. Their heavily and heavenly American Football infused twinkly emo reveals a mature and sophisticated musicianship for the young band. And the lyricism of ‘Forlorn Youth’ and ‘Longing Lovers’ is gold standard emo. itoldyouiwouldeatyou have just finished a tour with Beach Head, so look out for more shows come the new year. [Matthew Wilson]
Listen to more from itoldyouiwouldeatyou on Bandcamp
Kamikaze Girls
After a name change, a global DIY tour and a killer EP on most critic’s best-of lists, Kamikaze Girls really made 2016 their year. The Leeds based two piece have changed their sound to a straightforward, fuzz heavy grunge-punk assault, wore their hearts on their sleeves and delivered ‘Sad’, a crushing EP that manages to de-stigmatise mental health whilst still providing huge sing along choruses and massive riffs. They’re currently recording their debut album, so is 2017 going to be the year Kamikaze Girls explode? Expect big things. [Matthew Wilson]
Listen to more from Kamikaze Girls on Bandcamp
King Woman
Starting as one of two projects from Californian musician, Kristina Esfandiari, King Woman has morphed into a very different entity from the sparse, acoustic beginnings of the band. Now they are a monolithic, ambient doom band. The release of their 2014 EP, ‘Doubt’, saw them make a huge leap in sound, and has resulted in King Woman signing to Relapse Records. Next year they are set to release their debut album, ‘Created In The Image Of Suffering’, and on the back of the first single, ‘Utopia, it is one of the most anticipated releases of 2017 already. [Glen Bushell]
Listen to more from King Woman on Spotify
Nervus
Nervus is a vehicle for Em Foster to vent angst, frustration, and a way to battle personal demons through the power of punk rock. The release of their excellent LP, ‘Permanent Rainbow’, brought Nervus the attention they rightfully deserve and showed the importance of this band. There’s an inspiring message of hope within the songs, and the feeling that things can get better. It’s one that needs to be heard on wider scale. The LP was the just the start of something special, and Nervus will undoubtedly be one of shining lights in the UK scene next year. [Glen Bushell]
Listen to more from Nervus on Bandcamp
O.C.D
After making their debut earlier this year with the release of an excellent EP through The Native Sound, O.C.D stood out in a sea of great new music. At the core, they are a post-punk band, but they add layers of dream pop, shimmering indie-rock, along with an influence of soul and bossa nova to create something truly eye opening. O.C.D have been one of the most exciting underground bands through 2016, and with any luck they will release their debut LP next year and find their way into the hearts of a wider audience. [Glen Bushell]
Listen to more from O.C.D on Bandcamp
PWR BTTM
Remember 2017 – as it’s going to be the year you get yourself a new favourite punk band – PWR BTTM. The duo, comprising of Ben Hopkins and Liv Bruce have completed 2016 with a sold out UK tour, getting ‘Projection’ in the top 6 best songs of 2016 according to Rolling Stone and re-releasing their well received debut album ‘Ugly Cherries’ via Big Scary Monsters in Europe. Their ability to tackle issues of identity, relationships and acceptance with a sense of sincerity and hilarity all at once has quickly endeared them to everyone smart enough to have checked them out. With the follow up to ‘Ugly Cherries’ set to be released next year, signing to Polyvinyl in the US and more UK dates already announced expect big glittery things for this band in 2017. [Helen Messenger]
Listen to more from PWR BTTM on Bandcamp
Sibling
After the release of their stunning debut EP ‘Miserable Love’, Sibling have been winning hearts over for the last few months of 2016. They’re masters in combining soulful vocals with catchy hooks and melodic choruses; next year will be the year that they play some fantastic shows and gain even more recognition for what they’re already doing. [Jess Tagliani]
Listen to more from Sibling on Bandcamp
Woes
With a population smaller than London’s, Scotland has exported far more brilliant bands that statistically it should have done already. Bucking the from-Glasgow-or-Kilmarnock trend, Edinburgh’s Woes are here to join the list of Scottish bands that mean business. With huge pop punk tunes like ‘Worst Friend’ and ‘Winter Sun’ already in their repertoire, complex layers and killer harmonies – and their self-titled EP met with praise and backing from their peers – surely it won’t be long until Woes are on everyone’s radar. [Kathryn Black]
Listen to more from Woes on Spotify
WSTR
WSTR’s uplifting pop punk has already earned them places on plenty of tours. Liverpool’s finest export since The Beatles (maybe), they’ve a knack for writing songs that can brighten the gloomiest of days (‘Lonely Smiles’) and putting on a cracking live performance – a talent that will see them start the new year with a tour with Seaway. New album ‘Red, Green, or Inbetween’ is one of the most anticipated releases of 2017 already and we can’t wait to hear what’s in store. [Kathryn Black]