The year 2024 was a busy one for music, and quite a few underrated releases have fallen through the cracks. Let’s give them the exposure they deserve and explore some of the best (and most underrated) rock album releases of 2024!
1. ‘Third Wind’ by Gulfer
The fourth release by emo outfit Gulfer is a surprisingly enduring one. Where many bands of similar ilk would fail to match the energy of their previous releases, Gulfer decided to get louder and crunchier with Third Wind.
Videos by American Songwriter
The production of this album is excellent. Joe Therriault is at his very best, and his songwriting on this record is nothing to sneeze at, either. “Prove” is essential listening for the harmonies alone, as is “Clean”.
2. ‘Elvis, He Was Schlager’ by Church Chords
If you’ve been craving something different this year, Elvis, He Was Schlager by Church Chords might just be what you’re looking for. This record is an amalgamation of very interesting genres and elements, from krautrock to psychedelia. It’s one of the most underrated rock album releases of 2024 by far.
“Apophatic Melismat” is essential listening and an excellent collaboration with Kristin Slipp of Dirty Projectors.
3. ‘Field Of This’ by Chatterton
This is quite an underrated debut to come out of 2024, but we’re glad we found it. Fields Of This by Chatterton is almost overwhelming in its mix of sound, from lo-fi essentials to emo screeching to almost psychedelic melodies.
Brock Pierce and Logan Scrivner really know how to make music together, and Trevor Edwards’ bass and Jack Brown’s saxophone stylings really pull the whole thing together. “Lakewood” is just one standout track from this particular release.
4. ‘Little Rope’ by Sleater-Kinney
This Sleater-Kinney release is not only one of the best rock album releases of 2024, but a beautiful product of grief. Carrie Brownstein’s mother and stepfather were killed in an auto accident while she and Corin Tucker were working on this album.
That tragedy served as a dark but meaningful backdrop to the album. Brownstein gets really cathartic on this record, especially on songs like “Six Mistakes” and “Say It Like You Mean It”.
Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Most Viewed
-
UNSPECIFIED – JANUARY 01: Photo of Jessi COLTER; posed, (Photo by Charlie Gillett Collection/Redferns) -
Beatles tour of USA 1964. Left to right: Beatles members Ringo Starr, John Lennon, George Harrison and Paul McCartney wave to fans prior to boarding their plane at London airport for their tour of USA. 18th August 1964. (Photo by Eyles/Daily Herald/Mirrorpix via Getty Images) -
1967: Superstar group "Buffalo Springfield" pose for a portrait in 1967. (L-R) Stephen Stills, Neil Young, Dewey Martin, Richie Furay, Bruce Palmer. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images) -
UNITED KINGDOM – JUNE 01: (left to right) Boz Burrell, Paul Rodgers, Simon Kirke and Mick Ralphs of Bad Company perform on the BBC television show 'Top of the Pops' in June 1974. (Photo by David Redfern/Redferns)
