Like every year before it, 2024 brought a cascade of new sounds, bold experiments, and unexpected moments in music. The rise of TikTok and social media as a launchpad for breakout hits continues to shape the way we discover and consume songs, often leaving quieter releases and niche projects overshadowed in the flood. At Punch Buggy, we’ve never been about chasing trends or covering only what’s popular. Our mission has always been to celebrate the music that resonates deeply, whether it’s on the world stage or right here in North Carolina.

This year, rather than crafting an exhaustive ranking of the year’s best, we chose to focus on the diversity within our own collective. Each of us brought two albums to the table—projects that moved us personally or reflected a piece of our individual taste. These aren’t definitive or all-encompassing; instead, they’re a window into versatility and transparency – what Punch Buggy stands for.

Our staff picks are presented in no particular order, offering a glimpse into the albums that defined 2024 for each of us. Explore the stories behind these records and hear directly from our team about what made them stand out.

We’ll close with our picks for North Carolina Album of the Year and overall Album of the Year.

Staff Picks

Picked by: Carson Breyer

Greek’s sophomore album, ACCELERATOR, released on June 28, 2024, showcases a significant evolution from his debut, EXTC. The Martinsville, Virginia native delivers a polished blend of R&B and alternative indie, marked by smooth vocals and refined production. Tracks like “DANCE” and “VIRGINIA CREEPER” highlight his versatility, seamlessly transitioning from upbeat dance rhythms to soulful ballads. This project not only reflects greek’s artistic growth but also cements his place in the contemporary music scene.

Picked by: Carson Breyer

MAVI’s third album, Shadowbox, released on August 9, 2024, delves into the rapper’s introspective journey, exploring themes of mental health, substance use, and existential contemplation. The Charlotte, North Carolina artist employs a vaporous, kaleidoscopic production palette, blending moody yet melodic beats with his intricate lyricism. Tracks like “i’m so tired” and “drunk prayer” highlight his struggle with personal demons, while “open waters” and “the giver” showcase his reflective storytelling. Shadowbox stands as MAVI’s most piercing and inventive work to date, offering a raw and unfiltered glimpse into his psyche.

Picked by: Jessie Calvello

2hollis’ boy has made waves in 2024, blending electropop and hyperpop to create a raw, experimental sound that pushes genre boundaries. Tracks like “crush” and “lie” showcase his knack for crafting energetic, angst-driven dance-pop, resonating with fans all within the underground while carving his own niche. TikTok played a pivotal role in his breakout, amplifying his reach and boosting streams, while his stint as the opening act for Ken Carson’s The Chaos Tour solidified his presence in the music scene. boy stands as a testament to 2hollis’ artistic growth and innovative production.

Picked by: Jessie Calvello

Sweet Pill’s EP Starchild, released on March 15, 2024, marks the Philadelphia-based band’s debut with Hopeless Records. Building upon the intricate math-rock and emo influences of their 2022 album Where the Heart Is, this four-track EP showcases their evolution with a more polished and expansive sound. The title track, “Starchild,” stands out with its punchy guitars and serves as a compelling introduction to the EP. “Eternal” offers a slower, heavier vibe, highlighting lead singer Zayna Youssef’s emotive vocals. “Sympathy” delivers catchy melodies, while “Chewed Up” presents introspective lyrics paired with dynamic instrumentation. Starchild not only reinforces Sweet Pill’s presence in the emo and indie rock scenes but also hints at a promising trajectory for their future endeavors.

Picked by: Isaiah Pate

Wallows’ third studio album, Model, released on May 24, 2024, sees the Los Angeles-based trio—Dylan Minnette, Braeden Lemasters, and Cole Preston—returning to their indie-pop roots with a polished yet familiar sound. Tracks like “Your Apartment” and “Calling After Me” showcase their knack for crafting catchy, mid-tempo melodies, though some critics note the album’s tendency to play it safe, lacking the experimental edge of previous releases. Despite this, Model has been well-received by fans, solidifying Wallows’ presence in the contemporary indie music scene.

Picked by: Isaiah Pate

Roy Blair’s Chasing Moving Trains, released on November 1, 2024, marks his return after a five-year hiatus, following his 2019 EP Graffiti. This album showcases Blair’s artistic evolution, blending electronic, alternative, and R&B elements to create a genre-defying soundscape. Tracks like “Panavision” delve into the complexities of sudden fame, while “Amberwood” and “Hummingbird” highlight his emotive storytelling and vocal range. The title track combines distorted and clean vocals, inviting listeners into Blair’s introspective journey. Drawing inspiration from his experiences in cities like Los Angeles, New York, London, and Tokyo, the album reflects a cross-country journey of self-discovery, capturing Blair’s search for fulfillment in his 20s. Chasing Moving Trains stands as a testament to Roy Blair’s growth, offering a cohesive and immersive listening experience that solidifies his position as a visionary artist in the contemporary music landscape.

Picked by: Tevin Keobouala

Fine’s debut album, Rocky Top Ballads, released in June 7, 2024, showcases the Danish singer-songwriter’s ethereal vocals and intricate production, blending sample-based compositions with organic instrumentation. Drawing inspiration from her bluegrass roots and collaborations within Copenhagen’s avant-garde music scene, Fine crafts a sound that intertwines alt-country, dream pop, and ’90s rock influences. Notably, she is also the vocalist for the world music side project “The Crying Nudes,” curated by Dean Blunt. Tracks like “Coasting” and “Losing Tennessee” highlight her ability to create immersive, enigmatic narratives, solidifying her presence as a distinctive voice in contemporary music.

Picked by: Tevin Keobouala

Colle, the creative alias of experimental musician Maya McGrory, released her debut solo album Montalvo on November 13, 2024. Known for her contributions to the New York-based experimental group Chanel Beads alongside Shane Lavers, McGrory steps into the spotlight with this project, drawing inspiration from her childhood memories of Montalvo Road. The album features ambient, synth-led pop compositions that blend trip-hop and shoegaze influences, creating immersive emotional landscapes. Tracks like “Green Edge” and “Winter Garden” highlight her sincere and captivating vocal delivery, while the production allows each song to breathe and resonate. Montalvo serves as a testament to McGrory’s ability to craft tranquilized ballads that reach back into personal history while pushing forward into experimental realms.

North Carolina Album Of The Year

MJ Lenderman’s Manning Fireworks, released on September 6, 2024, stands as a crowning achievement for the Asheville-based singer-songwriter. Known for his distinct blend of alt-country, lo-fi indie rock, and sharp, observational lyricism, Lenderman delivers an album that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. Tracks like “Wristwatch” and “Heavy Metal” exemplify his knack for crafting vivid, tragicomic narratives, often weaving mundane moments with profound emotion. The album’s raw, unpolished production only adds to its charm, evoking the intimacy of a late-night jam session in a Southern garage.

Lenderman’s songwriting is steeped in the ethos of his North Carolina roots, capturing the essence of small-town life with a bittersweet honesty. Yet, it also transcends its setting, touching on broader themes of longing, nostalgia, and the passage of time. The album’s sonic palette—a mix of twangy guitars, melancholic pedal steel, and driving rhythms—channels the energy of classic Americana while pushing the boundaries of indie rock.

Manning Fireworks is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a vivid portrait of an artist at the height of his craft, balancing humor and heartbreak with remarkable ease. For its authenticity, emotional depth, and ability to resonate far beyond the borders of North Carolina, Manning Fireworks is a fitting choice for Punch Buggy’s North Carolina Album of the Year.

Album of The Year

Michael Gordon, known professionally as Mk.gee, has long been a behind-the-scenes force in the music industry, contributing his talents to various projects while maintaining a relatively low profile. In 2024, he stepped into the spotlight with his debut album, Two Star & the Dream Police, a genre-blending masterpiece that has earned him the reputation of being “Your favorite artist’s favorite artist.”

The album showcases Gordon’s ability to subvert recognizable forms—’80s R&B ballads, downtempo anthems, and pop-rock grooves—with unusual tones, tempos, and textures, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and innovative.

His unique approach has not only captivated audiences but also caught the attention of major artists. Notably, Gordon has been collaborating with Justin Bieber on new music, marking a significant milestone in his career. This partnership highlights Gordon’s transition from a background contributor to a recognized artist in his own right.

Two Star & the Dream Police has received critical acclaim for its inventive production and Gordon’s distinctive vocals, with Pitchfork describing it as a “one of the most magnificent debut albums.”

The album’s success has solidified Mk.gee’s status as a visionary artist, making it a deserving recipient of Punch Buggy’s Album of the Year.

In a year teeming with innovation and creativity, 2024 proved that music continues to be a boundless force of connection and expression. From the introspective narratives of MJ Lenderman’s Manning Fireworks to the transformative genius of Mk.gee’s Two Star & the Dream Police, this year’s highlights showcase the profound impact of artists who dare to redefine their craft. At Punch Buggy, we remain committed to amplifying voices that resonate deeply—whether they’re pushing boundaries on a global stage or carving unique paths in our North Carolina backyard. Here’s to another year of discovery, passion, and the ever-evolving soundtrack of our lives..