10 Crucial Punk Rock Bands Currently Active

Originating back in the 70s, punk was the product of a generation of youth that had grown tired of the social conformities and jaded political landscape.

The Sex Pistols embodied the punk rock ethos more than anyone and helped launch the genre into the big leagues of mainstream radio play, influencing future generations of sub-cultured delinquents and reprobates into picking up their own guitars and evolving the style beyond it's DIY roots (much to Johnny Rotten's dismay).

Today, there is more than just your brand of vanilla British punk on offer, the genre transcends across the globe, picking up new traits and styles far removed from the same three chord songs of anarchy and unrest.

Regardless of the gatekeeping definitions placed onto different styles of punk, the core message remains the same. Acceptance, mental fortitude and anti-authority.

Now, perhaps more than ever, punk finds itself in an awkward phase. Not bubblegum enough for the mainstream's attention, but too stubborn to die. Punk's loyal following, in all forms, is a testament to the artists who fight to keep the genre relevant.

Here are ten of the most crucial flagbearers of punk currently active in the scene today...

As a heritage staple of the music industry, punk has been the backdrop and soundtrack of multiple pivotal moments in modern history. Can the fall of the Berlin Wall ever not be accompanied by the soundtrack of 'Holidays In The Sun' by the Sex Pistols? Or Bush's presidential reign not be serenaded by Billie Joe Armstrong's anti-republican cynicism?

As time has progressed, so too has punk's repertoire of messages. While still inherently founded on the beliefs of free speech and individualism, mental health has crept into the forefront of the genre's lyrical content.

Millie Manders & The Shutup are a 4-piece band who fuse together a variety of tones to create their unique sound. Vocally, comparisons have been drawn to pop star Kate Nash, but to box in Millie's range would be a disservice to her and the hard work of the band as a collective unit.

As an advocate for women representation in music, Millie Manders took her voice to BBC News Look East to speak about the lack of female appearances in headlining roles at festivals throughout the UK, a step forward in the movement of equality that the music industry (as a whole) need to start discussing more frequently.

Away from this, the band are sneaking their way into the public eye. With a seemingly endless line of supporters from within the scene, including Chris DeMakes of Less Than Jake and John Feldmann of Goldfinger, not acknowledging Millie Manders & The Shutup as future stars of the genre would be foolish.