Roast me for not knowing the entire history of punk but I got into Bad Religion in high school and absolutely love them. I love bands with a fast base/drum and melodic harmony fast lyrics. I really enjoy dead kennedys,pennywise,anti flag and prohoghandi (first two albums mostly). I also really like the descendants too. What political punk (or any kind really!) or other genres give that high energy feeling while still being thoughtful in lyrics (my absolute favorite part of these songs).
I appreciate any suggestions or ways to identify this niche/genre so I can find more stuff similar:) thanks a ton!
Here's some suggestions off my protest songs list - Leftover Crack, CRASS, G.L.O.S.S, Nausea, Proletariat, Bikini Kill, Slit, The 4 Skins,
Check out Chumbawamba, too. They're extremely not punk but they're extremely political and antifascist.
Forgot about the 4 Skins. Went to see them like 12 years ago but Nazis ruined the show and they didn't play. Go figure.
im at work so i cant look into them too much, CRASS rules so hard tysm
crass is pretty cool. rudimentary peni maybe? tho their later shit is like punk on fuckin ketamine
also if you are down for something more extreme check out discharge. tho they are this weird mix of punk and metal. very political tho
The bravest, most kickass, self proclaimed "Commie F****t Band" from Texas, in the early eighties when being openly queer was a dicey proposition even in the punk and hardcore scenes.
I'm more of a Reggae/Ska guy but I'll see if I can help:
Youth Brigade (Sink With California is a fav) Bouncing Souls (not terribly political but street smart) The Clash (earlier albums are more punk) Angelic Upstarts (socialist - vehemently anti racist oi) Sham 69 (If The Kids Are United is a great tune) Cocksparrer Blitz (New Age is a great song) Iron Cross (Lead singer is an ardent Leftist) The Business Rancid (love em or hate em, they have some good tunes) Leftover Crack The Pogues (not punk; but kind of are)
For Punkier, Thoughtful New Wave check out: Early Elvis Costello Early XTC Early Oingo Boingo Early PiL Early Adam Ant or Adam and the Ants
All that should keep you busy.
DOA, NomeansNo, and basically anything Jello did after leaving the dead Kennedys, though I am particular to his collaborations with DOA, Mojo Nixon, and the Melvins.