Essential post-punk revival listening

The albums that define post-punk revival.

Our picks for where to start with post-punk revival — with a one-line read on why each one matters.

The post-punk revival essentials

Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.

Who the Fuck Are Arctic Monkeys?

Arctic Monkeys

Who the Fuck Are Arctic Monkeys?

Raw guitar riffs and sharp, observational lyrics intertwine in a lively debut capturing youthful restlessness.

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Beneath the Boardwalk

Arctic Monkeys

Beneath the Boardwalk

A vibrant blend of garage rock and indie energy, brimming with youthful observations and catchy melodies.

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Budhill Singles Club

The Fratellis

Budhill Singles Club

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Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied

The Fratellis

Eyes Wide, Tongue Tied

An eclectic blend of bluesy rock melodies and indie pop energy, marked by playful lyrics and driving rhythms.

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Ritual

White Lies

Ritual

Atmospheric synths merge with driving rhythms, creating an expansive soundscape that balances darkness and melodic clarity.

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The Remixes

White Lies

The Remixes

A dynamic collection where atmospheric post-punk melodies transform into vibrant dancefloor anthems through inventive remixes.

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Comedown Machine

The Strokes

Comedown Machine

A dreamy blend of synth-pop and indie rock that explores emotional landscapes with a retro-futuristic feel.

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Is This It

The Strokes

Is This It

Raw, melodic garage rock meets sharp lyrical wit, crafting a sound that feels both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.

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Listen

The Kooks

Listen

An eclectic mix of vibrant melodies and introspective lyrics, showcasing a matured sound infused with fresh energy.

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10 Tracks to Echo in the Dark

The Kooks

10 Tracks to Echo in the Dark

A vibrant blend of jangly guitars and introspective lyrics, evoking a sense of nostalgia and longing throughout its ten tracks.

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Walking with a Ghost

The White Stripes

Walking with a Ghost

Raw, stripped-down rock energy collides with bluesy undertones and an unmistakable garage aesthetic.

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White Blood Cells

The White Stripes

White Blood Cells

Raw and energetic, blending garage rock grit with bluesy melodies and punchy lyrical simplicity.

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El Pintor

Interpol

El Pintor

A vibrant blend of driving rhythms and atmospheric textures that captures both urgency and introspection.

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Antics

Interpol

Antics

Dark, driving rhythms intertwine with haunting melodies, creating an atmospheric backdrop for introspective lyrics.

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Here, It Never Snowed. Afterwards It Did

The Twilight Sad

Here, It Never Snowed. Afterwards It Did

A swirling blend of atmospheric soundscapes and introspective lyrics that evoke a haunting sense of longing and melancholy.

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It Won/t Be Like This All the Time

The Twilight Sad

It Won/t Be Like This All the Time

Melancholic soundscapes intertwine with raw, emotive vocals, creating a haunting atmosphere throughout the album.

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Absolute Polysics

Polysics

Absolute Polysics

A frenetic blend of synth-driven melodies and punk energy, bursting with playful experimentation and catchy hooks.

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Karate House

Polysics

Karate House

A frenetic blend of synth-driven punk and new wave energy, bursting with playful melodies and infectious hooks.

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Open Season

Sea Power

Open Season

A rich tapestry of atmospheric guitars and introspective lyrics, weaving post-punk energy with melodic indie sensibilities.

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The Spirit of St. Louis

Sea Power

The Spirit of St. Louis

A fusion of atmospheric textures and melodic hooks, blending indie rock with elements of post-punk revival.

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Shake the Shudder

!!!

Shake the Shudder

A vibrant collage of dance-punk rhythms and eclectic sounds that invites listeners to move while exploring complex themes.

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Strange Weather, Isn't It?

!!!

Strange Weather, Isn't It?

A vibrant fusion of dance-punk rhythms and indie rock energy, layered with introspective lyrics and eclectic instrumentation.

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We Started Nothing

The Ting Tings

We Started Nothing

'We Started Nothing' captures the essence of The Ting Tings' sound with its infectious energy and playful lyrics. It's an album that not only defines their style but also invites listeners to engage fully with its rhythmic drive and catchy choruses.

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Sounds from Nowheresville

The Ting Tings

Sounds from Nowheresville

A vibrant blend of dance-punk and synth-pop, pulsing with rhythmic energy and catchy hooks throughout its eclectic soundscapes.

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