Formed in 2001 in Omaha, Nebraska, punk legends Desaparecidos had until now only released one album, Read Music / Speak Spanish in 2002 on Saddle Creek Records.

Though the band never “broke up”, they did part ways for several years as members Conor Oberst (vocals, guitar), Denver Dalley (guitar), Ian McElroy (keyboards), Landon Hedges (bass / vocals), and Matt Baum (drums) went on to pursue separate ambitions, including Conor Oberst’s career with the band Bright Eyes.

Now 13 years later the band have unleashed their eagerly anticipated new album, Payola – out now via Epitaph.

The record was co-produced with Mike Mogis (First Aid Kit, Saintseneca, and ‘The Fault in our Stars’ Score) and was recorded in several batches over the past few years and tackles a wide range of political issues at a much broader scale.

To celebrate the long awaited, and somewhat unorthodox sophomore record from the long time pink rock heroes, we chatted to the guys about some of their favourite artists. The result? The band gave us a comprehensive list of the ‘9 Up-And-Coming Punk Bands You Need To Know’ which you can suss out below.

Burien

Song: ‘I’m Addicted To Pills’
“Reminds me of the Fall meets some of the ’90s trance records stuff like the Cows and Ed Hall. Only available on Bandcamp as far as I can tell.”

Gaytheist

Song: ‘The Restoration’
“From their 2013 album, Hold me… But Not So Tight. Super spazzy and tight as hell with an amazing drummer. Love these guys and want a new album now.”

The So So Glos

Song: ‘Lost Weekend’
“Ok yeah, fuck off, these guys are my friends. But I’m also capable of remaining non-partial in saying that they should be world famous. They write punk with a positive message that reminds me of the fabled “back-in-the-days” when bands like Crimpshrine and Operation Ivy combined melody and punk into sing-a-longs that actually meant something.”

Digital Leather

Song:‘Enzymes’
“Also friends, yes, but if your not helping your buddies out you’re a prick. We’re playing a few dates with these guys and I can’t wait for people to hear their Devo meets Ariel Pink brand of punk.”

Touche Amore

Song: ‘Anyone / Anything’
Might be Emo, Emo/Punk. I can’t keep up with you kids and your damn music genres. But damn these kids leave it all on stage. This is serious borderline spazz-core that reminds me of Captain Jazz if they grew up listening to more Revelation records hardcore of the 90’s. Fantastic introspective songwriting that isn’t afraid to scream about feelings rather than trying to get laid.

Criminal Code

Song: ‘Attempts Fail Completely’
Great Noise-Punk from Tacoma WA. They’ve been around for a while but probably have trouble fitting in with either the punk or noise rock scene. Too loud for most punks, not crusty enough for the stinky ones, and too talented to be pure noise rock. Great moody, noisy, punk in the vein of Joy Division with more edge.

Young And In The Way

Song: ‘Be My Blood’
Think of them as Black Metal for punks. Their genre has been called “Blackened Crust” which is just silly but also, right on the nose. Brutal Metal with a punk sensibility. I heard they got in trouble for throwing pig blood on a crowd but I’m not sure if it’s true.

Trap Them

Song: ‘Salted Crypts’
Continuing a theme of Punk/Metal crossover. These guys play metal with a Hardcore Punk sensibility. No doubt there’s Cromags, Motorhead and Slayer influences here. I love this sound that refuses to be classified where guys that look like stoner punks play metal inspired hard rock.

Sheer Mag

Song: ‘Button Up’
Stumbled on these guys via Pitchfork review and instantly fell in love. Trashy, soulful, blown out, 70’s inspired punk. Love the lead singer’s snotty voice and noisy loose guitar work. Looking forward to more from swag-pop-punk from these New York jerks.

Desaparecidos’ new album Payola is out today June 19th via Epitaph

Get unlimited access to the coverage that shapes our culture.
to Rolling Stone magazine
to Rolling Stone magazine