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17 bands speaking out with their music in 2017

These are troubled times: The Trump presidency, Brexit, terrorism, poverty, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender equality are just some of the political and social issues facing the world today. There are several bands in the alternative scene taking a stand on these problems, and in this list, we present to you 17 bands who have something vitally important to say about the world in 2017.

ADULT MOM

Adult Mom—the brainchild of vocalist Stephanie Knipe—make a lo-fi, shoegazing brand of indie-rock that sees them dealing with the subject of genderqueerness. It’s tender and, at times, somber stuff, but this is important music that is shining a light on the LGBTQ+ music scene.

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AGAINST ME!

Laura Jane Grace is one of the greatest rock stars on the planet and one of the most important voices in punk. Since coming out as transgender in 2012, Grace has fought for the recognition and acceptance of the transgender community, most notably on the band’s stunning 2014 album, Transgender Dysphoria Blues. She’s been knocked down more times than most, but the Against Me! frontwoman comes back stronger every time, and her band is now on course to go down as one of the scene’s most legendary acts.

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Read more: 14 of our favorite music videos that celebrate LGBTQ pride

ANTI-FLAG

Be it through their own music or their A-F Records label (more on said label’s alumni shortly), Anti-Flag have always campaigned for a just world via their politically-charged punk rock. Whether they’re engaging in anti-war activism or supporting great causes such as Greenpeace, the Pittsburgh punks are never far from the political issues of the day.

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ARCHITECTS

“Sorry son, but we destroyed your home/We murdered your family, now you’re on your own/Collateral damage, face down in the sand/Watch the dominos fall, it’s all just part of the plan.” Ouch—Sam Carter and the rest of Architects certainly aren’t impressed with the state of international affairs if the lyrics to “A Match Made In Heaven” are anything to go by. As well as singing about political issues, the band work alongside charities such as marine conservationists Sea Shepherd to work toward a better world.

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DIET CIG

Indie-pop duo Diet Cig are taking the fight to the detractors by standing up for the marginalized, and having a bloody good time along the way. Whether singing about social issues—“It’s hard to be a punk while wearing a skirt,” vocalist Alex Luciano sings on “Tummy Ache”—or working on their for-charity brooches and patches, which sport messages such as “Muslim Lives Matter,” the New York duo are always taking positive steps to make the world a more vibrant and accepting place.

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ENTER SHIKARI

Never far from political debate are U.K. electro-punk heroes Enter Shikari, whose records have always had a socially-conscious message. Frontman Rou Reynolds has recently been vocal about issues such as President Trump, Brexit, and the U.K. general election, and it seems that whenever injustice rears its head, you’ll find Enter Shikari taking a stand and sticking it to the wrongdoers.

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THE HOMELESS GOSPEL CHOIR

An act currently on Anti-Flag’s A-F Records roster, solo punk charmer Derek Zanetti—aka the Homeless Gospel Choir—is a man who writes protest songs better than most. 2014’s I Used To Be So Young channelled a sound akin to the likes of Billy Bragg and Frank Turner, and saw Zanetti singing about politics and mental health in a poignant and meaningful manner. He’s also friends with former touring partner Frank Iero (and Iero only hangs out with good eggs, so if you don’t trust us, listen to what the former MCR guitarist says). The Homeless Gospel Choir is rad, and his new song, “Normal,” is incredible.

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IN HEARTS WAKE

Byron Bay bruisers In Hearts Wake’s new album Ark deals with a world where water is taken for granted, and their environmentalist message certainly hits home hard thanks to some seriously hefty riffing. “Who’s steering the ship?/We just drift in the eye of the storm,” the band cry on “Passage”—a message to the leaders of the world to get their acts together and properly protect our environment before it’s too late.

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MUNCIE GIRLS

U.K. DIY indie-punks Muncie Girls shout a feminist and socially just message over the top of their sprightly tunes. Said message hits hardest on the band’s single “Respect,” which sees frontwoman Lande Hekt lamenting sexual violence.

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NERVUS

One of U.K. punk’s best-loved underground acts, punk-popsters Nervus deal with the subject of gender dysphoria on their brilliant debut album, Permanent Rainbow. Vocalist Em Foster is a captivating presence on the record, which makes their pertinent lyrics hit you with great impact.

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PETROL GIRLS

Born from the same U.K. DIY indie/punk scene as Muncie Girls, Bristol post-hardcore four-piece Petrol Girls deliver a feverish feminist outlook. “It’s my body/My fucking choice!” declares vocalist Ren Aldridge on superb single “Touch Me Again.” This band match a powerful message with an even more powerful sound.

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RISE AGAINST

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the last 15 years, you’ll be well aware of Chicago punk legends Rise Against’s political views. Latest album Wolves sees Tim McIlrath and co. setting their sights on the Trump regime, and you can guarantee that Rise Against won’t stop campaigning against the current president until he’s left the White House. Even after he’s gone, McIlrath will probably continue to tell President Trump to fuck off. Fair enough, really.

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SLØTFACE

Norwegian punks Sløtface (pronounced “Slutface”) have long displayed a feminist and environmentalist outlook. The latter is best evidenced by the video for “Sponge State,” which sees the band performing on top of a fjord in protest of a mining company dumping chemicals at the location.

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SONIC BOOM SIX

Electro-ska gang Sonic Boom Six can be seen live on this year’s Warped Tour, and if politically-motivated punk is your thing, they’re well worth checking out this summer. Latest album The F-Bomb sees the Manchester, U.K. five-piece fully embracing their ska and reggae tendencies, but their social commentary remains as powerful as ever.

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THE TUTS

Indie-pop-punk trio the Tuts are using the current U.K. general election and their bouncy songs to shine a light on the political dilemmas facing Britain in 2017. The band are currently promoting the motto “People Power Knock Down Tory Towers”—a reference to the band’s song “Give Us Something Worth Voting For,” and their disdain with the U.K.’s current governing party, the Conservatives (nicknamed “the Tories”) .

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VANT

One of the most sought-after bands in the U.K. indie scene, VANT might be appealing to the musical masses, but their tunes are characterized by a socially aware attitude that’s rarely found on mainstream airwaves. They’re yet another band on this list with an eye on the environment, too: “We want peace and love/We want Mother Nature,” sings frontman Mattie Vant on “PEACE & LOVE.”

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WHILE SHE SLEEPS

Wrapping things up are metalcore titans While She Sleeps, whose latest album You Are We displays a call for unity at a time when, both domestically and globally, different races, religions, and political views are being capitalized on and seeing societies being torn apart. While She Sleeps understand that together we are stronger, and on You Are We, their aim is to take that message to the world.

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Did we miss any? Let us know in the comments.