DC hardcore band NØ MAN‘s (members of Majority Rule) new album Glitter and Spit has been showing up on a handful of year-end lists (including our list of the 50 best punk albums of 2024), and now vocalist Maha Shami and guitarist Matt Michel have told us about the albums they loved most this year. Their list includes Punitive Damage, Pissed Jeans, High Vis, Kim Gordon, the Portrayal of Guilt remix album, and more, and they provided some commentary on each pick.
Read on to see what they had to say…
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NØ MAN’s 10 Favorite Albums of 2024
Antichrist Siege Machine – Vengeance of Eternal Fire
2-piece unrelenting metal from Richmond, VA. We might be biased since a member of our band recorded this record, but it always gets a spin in the van. The riff at the start of “Vanquishing Spirit” is officially the toughest thing of 2024.
The Ar-Kaics – See the World on Fire
A go-to record for late night drives. Super catchy choruses that don’t leave your head.
Portrayal of Guilt – CHRISTFUCKER II
A band that keeps finding ways to come up with something new and interesting. Even though it’s a remix record, it stands alone as a new batch of songs. Anatomy’s remix of “…where the suffering never ends” is a favorite.
Ikhras – Jahanam Btistana
While the world literally and figuratively tries to bury us, I want to amplify other Palestinian voices using their platform to spread awareness about the horrors of the occupation. My favorite track is “Al Nahr”… “As long as I’m in the west I’ll be wasting my breath. We chant for freedom. They chant for our death.” I really hope we get to play together sometime!
Nice little extra that the translation of “Jahanam Btistana” is “Hell Awaits” which is also the name of a killer Slayer record.
Punitive Damage – Hate Training
This record is so mean and good! Solid breakdowns and mid tempo jams to dance along. Plus I’m a sucker for songs about Palestinian sovereignty with crew vocals.
Future Terror – Degenerating Shithole
Love how this record doesn’t come up for air. Sometimes you just need to d-beat your brain to death to deal with this world.
Eye Flys – S/T
Definitely one of the best sounding recordings from this year. No surprise since it was done by Kevin Bernsten, the best in the biz. Noise rock that just makes you wanna stomp around the room.
Pissed Jeans – Half Divorced
Another perfectly sludgy, noisy, and weird Pissed Jeans record. A sarcastic musical soundtrack targeted at our aging punk asses. “Clinging to a Poison Dream” hits a little too close to home.
High Vis – Guided Tour
We’ve been big High Vis fans since the get go, but our respect for them went up a notch this year with their fearless support for Palestine.
Kim Gordon – The Collective
Inspiring tunes from one of our musical heroes. Proof that Kim Gordon will be forever cool. Hard to believe, but these songs were even better live.
Bonus:
Pygmy Lush – Tiny Desk Concert (Live)
Although not a record, this surprise live performance by old friends was a real heart-warmer. Pygmy lush songs can put a lump in your throat like no other. The addition of Aimée of Des Ark takes this over the top. We will love every one of these people forever.