The Sound of Portland Punk

"The Sound of Portland Punk" is a loud, fast, and raw look at the city’s underground scenes across decades. From the dark, jagged riffs of the Wipers’ “Return of the Rat” to Poison Idea's furious “Just to Get Away” and Dead Moon’s lo-fi grit on “Walking on My Grave,” this playlist pulls from the foundations of Portland’s punk roots and continues into its sprawling subgenres. Hardcore, garage punk, art-damaged noise, and punk-pop all meet here—from Defiance and Tragedy’s crusty aggression to the infectious hooks of The Exploding Hearts and The CRY!.

This mix doesn’t just hit on the recognized names—it also highlights local lifers, obscure gems, and new blood keeping the spirit alive. Bands like Mean Jeans, Arctic Flowers, and The Taxpayers showcase the range of sounds that have evolved out of the city’s basements and DIY spaces. Whether it’s sharp political edges, snotty humor, or heart-on-sleeve melody, “The Sound of Portland Punk” captures what makes the scene distinctive: raw energy, no-frills attitude, and a clear lineage from the past into something still growing.