Kat Moss and co are destined for super status this year

San Diego hardcore outfit Scowl broke into the scene with their 2021 debut full-length How Flowers Grow, but it was last year’s exceptional follow-up Psychic Dance Routine EP that led to them appearing at Coachella and winding up on a myriad of ones to watch lists.

Combining their succinct old-school jagged edged hardcore with 90s indebted alternative rock influences, drawing from the likes of Hole, L7 and early Distillers, to concoct a feral yet sultry cocktail of what can best be described as grungecore; the resulting five bangers are easily some of the best punk or even guitar-based rock tracks to come out of 2023.

Highlighting frontwoman Kat Moss’ dynamic cadence and brimming star power more than any listener initially perceived was there, 2024 seems likely to be the year of the Scowl – and another year for a much-adored hardcore act to take the crossover leap into mainstream acceptance.

Zach Buggy