Release Wave

Koyo is a punk rock/melodic hardcore band from Stony Brook, New York, formed in 2020. Drawing influences from bands like Taking Back Sunday and Brand New, they released two EPs before signing with Pure Noise Records for their debut LP in 2023.

Death Lens, an East LA post-punk band signed to Epitaph Records, is set to release their upcoming LP "Cold World" in spring 2024.

Hew is an emo band hailing from Houston, Texas, formed in 2024 by Lindsay Minton and Mercy Harper of football, etc. Their upcoming debut LP 'Your Version', set for release in summer 2026 through Tiny Engines, showcases a distinct emo sound that transcends simple revivalism. Drawing on themes of tension and contradiction, Hew's music is characterized by dynamic interplay between bass and Bass VI and angular guitars, delivering catchy melodies that set them apart in the contemporary emo landscape.

Quicksand is an influential American post-hardcore band formed in NYC in 1990 by Walter Schreifels who was instrumental in legendary hardcore bands like Youth of Today and Gorilla Biscuits and melodic post-hardcore band Rival Schools. I Known for a heavy, melodic sound blending crunchy distorted guitars with thick grooves and post-hardcore delivery, they released seminal major label albums Slip (1993) and Manic Compression (1995) for Island Records. Following a breakup in the mid/late 90s, they reunited permanently in 2012, releasing Interiors (2017) and Distant Populations (2021) and are set to release their new LP Bring on The Psychics in July 2026 via Equal Vision Records.

Lozenge, the nu-gaze/shoegaze trio from Leeds, UK, is set to unveil their sophomore EP, "Everything," on May 29, 2026. Following their debut release, "Blink Into Nothing," this new collection showcases a profound evolution in their sound with intricate arrangements and weighty themes. Drawing from influences in 90s alternative rock, dream pop, shoegaze, and post-grunge, the band's music is characterized by distorted guitars and introspective vocals, crafting a "heavenly heaviness" that resonates with fans of bands like Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine. RIYL: Narrow Head, Trauma Ray, Whirr, Swervedriver, The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana

Lovewell is an emo/alternative rock band hailing from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, formed in late 2018. The band, consisting of members Mark Palladino and Joe Bradshaw, has transitioned from the hardcore scene to create a sound that draws from emo, indie, dream pop, and alternative rock influences including bands like Title Fight, Third Eye Blind, and Built to Spill as initial influences. Their debut 9 album, 'Everything You Ever Wanted', is set to be released on June 12, 2026, and follows their previous EP 'Around the Flowers', split single with Sparing from 2023 and more recent double single 'So Close/Balancing Act' (2024). Their sound showcases a blend of guitar fueled indie rock, breezy and fuzzy alternative rock and dream-pop, infused with emo elements. Lovewell's music is recommended for fans of Turnover's 'Peripheral Vision' era, Tigers Jaw, Anxious, Jimmy Eat World, and the like. The lead single 'Less Than Forever' from their forthcoming album is currently streaming, marking an exciting step for the band as they continue to evolve their sound.

Based in Melbourne, divedown is an alternative rock outfit who are making waves with their debut EP, *Where They May*, set to release on May 29th via Ninth Life Records. Drawing inspiration from bands like Balance & Composure, Superheaven, Movements, and Hundredth, divedown's music blends punchy pop punk and emo with introspective lyricism as showcased in their latest single *"Calm Me"*. Frontman Sam Bianco's honest lyrics dive deep into themes of anxiety and self-criticism, resonating with listeners on a personal level. With a mix of nostalgia-infused tracks like *"Picture My Life"* and heavier tunes such as *"All For What"*, divedown's sound captures the complexities of relationships and self-awareness, solidifying them as a standout act in Melbourne's alt community.

RIYL: Balance & Composure, Superheaven, Movements, Arms Length, Hundredth, Bad Neighbour

Immanu El is a Swedish dreamy post-rock band formed in 2004 in Jönköping by brothers Claes and Per Strängberg, known for blending ambient, indie/dream-pop, and atmospheric soundscapes. Often compared to Sigur Rós, they are recognized for delicate vocals, lush melodies, expansive instrumentation, shifting dynamics, and intense, immersive live performances, having played over 400 shows globally. The band has released 6 full length LPs and is gearing up to release their 7th album titled "Woven Light" in May 2026 (vinyl release), and digital in September 2026. RIYL: Sigur Rós, Explosions in the Sky, Caspian, Hammock

Hailing from Buffalo, NY, Autoignition brings back the nostalgic vibes of pop punk reminiscent of bands like Saves The Day and Lifetime. Formed in 2021, the band burst onto the scene with their 2024 full-length album, "This Is Moving Forward," and have shared stages with the likes of Koyo and Anxious. Their upcoming EP, "Against The World," slated for release on May 15th via Static Era Records and 51st State Records, showcases their fervent energy, catchy riffs, and carefree vocal style.

Potionseller is a Grand Rapids band formed in 2021, combining emo, pop-punk, and post-hardcore influences with memorable hooks and melodies. They released a five-song EP titled "When They Get Old," showcasing their blend of 2000s pop-punk nostalgia and modern emo nuances. Their upcoming debut LP, set for release in May 2026, promises an evolved sound with even bigger hooks, more dynamics and some new experimentation / instrumentation while remaining catchy as ever. Similar artists include Arm's Length, Macseal, Oso Oso, Hot Mulligan, Saturdays At Your Place and Charmer.

Mad Honey is an Oklahoma City-based indie/dream-pop and shoegaze band formed in 2018, known for a "dark, yearning, and hazy" sound. Founded by Tiff Sutcliffe and Branden Palesano, the group has evolved into a key act in the local scene, featuring, among others, guitarist Keegan Ball and drummer Austin Valdez.

In 2 Again, hailing from Connecticut, dive headfirst into early 2000’s post-hardcore with their enticing riffs and dynamic scream-sung vocals. Formed in 2024 and sharing members with bands like Balmora and Kidnapped, their debut EP 'It's All Red To Me' set the stage for their upcoming release 'Coins, Currency, Tokens, and Other Related Objects' on May 8th. Drawing from influences like Glassjaw and Snapcase, vocalist Jay Torblaa's emotive delivery shines through sarcastically crafted lines and infectious hooks, with guitarist Kyle Hill's socially conscious songwriting adding depth to their heavy groove.

Sparta is an American post-hardcore/alternative rock band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 2001. The band currently consists of Jim Ward (vocals, guitar), Matt Miller (bass), and drummer Neil Hennessy. Founding members Ward, Paul Hinojos, and Tony Hajjar were members of post-hardcore group At the Drive-In, forming Sparta in 2001 after the break-up of their former band while the other members from At the Drive In went on to form progressive rock band The Mars Volta. Sparta went on hiatus in 2008 for Ward to focus on his solo career and side projects, reuniting from 2011 to 2013 for a series of shows and permanently reuniting in 2017. The band has released five studio albums to date; their fourth, Trust the River, was released in 2020 after a 14-year break between releases and their 5th LP (self titled) in 2022. A sixth album, Cut a Silhouette produced by the legendary J Robbins (Jawbox), is set for release in May 2026 on Equal Vision Records. Sparta's music has been described by Pitchfork as "anxious, epic guitar rock", and by SPIN Magazine as having "a reliably cathartic and emotionally charged presence."

Waves Crashing is an Olympia, Washington-based alternative indie-rock trio formed in 2019, known for blending 80s/90s alt-rock nostalgia, shoegaze and dream pop textures, and post-punk pulses. The band consists of Joshua Calisti (vocals/guitar), Bryce Albright (drums), and Zach Olson (bass). Their sound features loud drums and heavy guitar feedback paired with melodic, often submerged and soothing vocals. They released several EPs, including Sea of Wires, High/Low, and The Viewing (2023). Their debut full-length album, Effection, was released in 2025 to critical acclaim while their sophomore album, In The Blur, is scheduled for release on May 20, 2026, via Audiomanic Records. RIYL: Nothing, DIIV, Smashing Pumpkins, Placebo

Awnthay, the Boston-based band of life-long friends hailing from Somerville, MA, has been playing and recording together since 2015, crafting music that is an expression of the greater Boston area and its bustling heavy music scene. Their songs are layered, combining tight and melodic songwriting with energetic, loud guitars and hooks. The band says they're determined to make the heaviest pop music they can get away with. Their upcoming album, "The Sun Smiles on the City," is a love-letter to their hometown, drawing influence from Massachusetts Alt-Rock icons Dinosaur Jr. and Post-Hardcore legends Title Fight.

RIYL: Title Fight, Fiddlehead, Hot Water Music, Drug Church, Jawbreaker, Small Brown Bike

Long Island-based indie punk / alt rock band Adult Magic, formed in 2019, is set to release their new album "Are You Even Happy Now?" on June 19, 2026, via Dead Broke Rekerds. Combining melodic punk influences with emotionally charged performances, the group's sound echoes the likes of Hüsker Dü, The Replacements, and the early Goo Goo Dolls, alongside the melodic sensibilities of Matt Pryor.

With a background rooted in the DIY punk scene, Adult Magic's music features dynamic songwriting, memorable hooks, and a raw energy that reflects their years of experience in various musical projects, including Iron Chic, Radar, and Crow Bait. "Are You Even Happy Now?" promises to continue their tradition of blending accessible song structures with introspective themes, making it a must-listen for fans of alternative and punk music.

Honeybee is a Cleveland, Ohio-based independent alt-gaze band often described as a "slowpunk" or shoegaze/grungegaze. They are known for blending thick, atmospheric textures, loud distortion heavy guitars, with raw emotional energy.

Genre: Shoegaze, slowpunk, emo, and alternative rock

Record Labels: Associated with indie labels like Flesh & Bone Records, Candlepin Records, and Pleasure Tapes

Originating from Issaquah, Washington, and formed in 1993, Modest Mouse has carved out a unique place in the indie rock scene with their eclectic blend of alternative rock, post-punk, and folk influences. The band's distinct sound, characterized by Isaac Brock's emotive vocals and intricate guitar work, draws comparisons to artists like Built to Spill, Pavement, and Pixies. After over two decades of musical exploration, Modest Mouse continues to captivate audiences with their introspective lyrics and dynamic compositions, as showcased in their upcoming album 'An Eraser and a Maze' on Glacial Pace Recordings.

Small Talk., an emo band hailing from San Diego, has been a prominent fixture in the underground music scene for over a decade. With the release of their upcoming 10 song LP album 'whats gone never left' on April 10, 2026, Small Talk. showcases their signature blend of emotionally charged, melodic, tappy emo/grunge sound. Drawing inspiration from their 13-year journey since formation, their music delves deep into themes of loss, growth, and the complexities of life, reminiscent of bands like The Hotelier, Balance & Composure, The Promise Ring, Mom Jeans., Worst Party Ever, Movements and Algernon Cadwallader.