Release Wave

Spiritual Cramp is a San Francisco-based band known for blending hardcore punk with diverse influences like ska, dub, post-punk, and new wave. Founded in 2016 by vocalist Michael Bingham and bassist Mike Fenton, the band's sound evolved from their previous work in Creative Adult. They are known for their energetic live shows and have released albums such as their self-titled debut in 2023 and their sophomore album, Rude, in October 2025

The Penske File, a punk band from Ontario, deliver anthemic rock with big hooks reminiscent of Menzingers, Gaslight Anthem, Dirty Nil, and The Flatliners.

With a foundation of San Diego’s punk influences from Drive Like Jehu, Blink-182, Heroin and others, a band like Glean naturally have a sense of melody. Formed in 2019 by four kids (now young adults), the band blends that melodic instinct with their love of punk and hardcore, crafting energetic, emotional, and catchy songs in the vein of Seaweed, Samiam, Jawbreaker, Lifetime, and Title Fight.

Idlewild is a Scottish alternative rock band formed in Edinburgh in 1995. They are known for their evolution from early punk-influenced sound to more melodic and experimental art rock styles including influences from R.E.M, The Replacements, The Smiths, Fugazi and everything in between. The band's lineup has seen some changes, with Roddy Woomble (vocals), Rod Jones (guitar), Colin Newton (drums), and Bob Fairfoull (bass) being the core members. Idlewild's discography includes nine studio albums, showcasing their diverse sonic landscape and willingness to explore new sounds, with a 10th LP slated for fall of 2025.

Warper is an alternative rock band from Colorado, formed by Jack McManaman (vocals, guitar, bass, songwriter) and Adam Gilsdorf (drums). Based in Loveland, the group has released multiple EPs and singles, gaining traction within the Colorado indie and shoegaze scene and will release their debut LP on Candlepin Records in October 2025. Warper's sound is characterized as "downer shoegaze" for its blend of heavy, distorted instrumentation and melancholy lyrics, a blend of alternative rock, shoegaze, dream pop and emo. The band frequently works with producer Corey Coffman, who records, mixes, and produces their releases in Loveland and sometimes provides backing vocals and percussion on some tracks.

Armor for Sleep is an American emo rock band from New Jersey founded by Ben Jorgensen in 2001. Nash Breen and Peter James "PJ" DeCicco later joined the band after leaving fellow New Jersey band Prevent Falls. Jorgensen stated the name of the band comes from his early experiences of writing music and not being able to sleep. As he recalls, "I guess when I started the band I was kind of, like, retreating in my room and I kind of couldn't really fall asleep, so I started playing music. I just thought of the name Armor for Sleep, because it was really, the music was keeping me from passing out! Which was something I was procrastinating on." Armor For Sleep originally signed to Equal Vision Records, where they released their first two albums, Dream to Make Believe in 2003 and What to Do When You Are Dead in 2005. The band signed to Warner Brothers/Sire Records in 2006, explaining it was "time for a change", and released their third full-length album Smile for Them on October 30, 2007. On August 20, 2008, the band announced an extended play (EP), entitled The Way Out Is Broken before ultimately disbanding. After a 15 year hiatus, the band returned with a new full length for Equal Vision Records called The Rain Musuem and are now gearing up for their 5th full length LP titled "There Is No Memory" set for release in November 2025. Their sound has that classic early 2000s emo/post hardcore sound, appealing to fans of bands like Thursday, Senses Fail, Hidden in Plain View, The Early November and the like.

Banquets is a punk rock band from Jersey City, New Jersey. It was formed by members of local bands including Static Radio NJ and Let Me Run. Known for a melodic, anthemic rock-influenced sound combining elements of indie-punk / emo/ and post-punk, similar to bands like The Menzingers, The Gaslight Anthem, Loved Ones, Saves The Day and The Get Up Kids. The band was active from the early 2010s until breaking up in 2016, however the band reformed in 2021 and will release a new LP in fall 2025.

Side Hug is a Chicago-based indie band blending heartfelt songwriting with shimmering guitars and artful textures. Emerging from the city’s DIY scene, the group—led by vocalist/guitarist Lyd Landor with Allan Cardenas (guitar/synth) and Jon Reyes (bass)—crafts emotionally charged songs that balance nostalgia and renewal. Their evolving sound moved from their early indie-folk leaning material to the more atmospheric, post-punk, and shoegaze-influenced sound of their 2025 debut full-length album, New Language due out October 2025. With roots in community and connection, Side Hug continue to prove that vulnerability and evolution can coexist in perfect harmony. Formed from late-night jam sessions, the band's music explores themes of change, uncertainty, and hope, often incorporating influences from local acts like Pool Holograph and global artists such as The Cure, Radiohead and Joy Division. RIYL: Beach Fossils, Tokyo Police Club, Alvvays, Joy Division, The Cure, Wild Nothing

AFI is the abbreviation for the rock band A Fire Inside, a California-based group known for evolving their sound from hardcore punk into alternative rock and gothic rock since forming in 1991. The band's current lineup includes Davey Havok (vocals), Adam Carson (drums), Hunter Burgan (bass), and Jade Puget (guitar). AFI has achieved multi-platinum success with albums like Sing the Sorrow and Decemberunderground, and continues to release music and tour, solidifying their dedicated fanbase.

Glimmer, a grungegaze band, consists of Jeff Moore (vocals, guitar), Jaye Moore (drums), Johnny Nicholls (guitar), and Kevin Dobbins (bass). The band, formed in February 2023 by cousins Jeff and Jaye Moore, in Brooklyn / Hudson Valley, NY. Their sound is described as a blend of grungy indie rock and shoegaze, that pairs layers of heavy guitars with dreamy, swirling reverb, and big melodic hooks. Heavily inspired by the sounds of 90s guitar fueled alternative rock, shoegaze and grunge in bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Ride and Swervedriver.

RIYL: Narrow Head, Superheaven, The Smashing Pumpkins, Swervedriver, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart

Grief Mop is an alternative rock/emo band from Portland, Maine, formed by songwriter Joseph Lacy. The band's debut EP, You Were Right Here But So Far Away, was released in 2024, featuring heavy, beautiful songs that blend emo and alternative rock influences. The music explores themes of grief and memory, dedicated in part to Lacy's late friend and musician, Tim Landers. Grief Mop is signed to Sunday Drive Records and includes members from bands like Transit and Infernal Diatribe. Their sound has evolved containing more shoegaze and post-rock elements with their debut LP for Sunday Drive Records set for release in October 2025.

RIYL: Hum, The Appleseed Cast, Mock Orange, Starflyer 59

Home Front is a Canadian post-punk and new wave band formed in 2021 by Graeme McKinnon (No Problem, Wednesday Night Heroes) and Clint Frazier (Shout Out Out Out Out). Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, the band released their debut EP, Think of the Lie, in 2021, followed by their first full-length album, Games of Power, in 2023. Their music blends post-punk, new wave, and synth-pop with catchy guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and evocative vocals, drawing comparisons to bands like Joy Division and Suicide.  Their sophomore LP "Watch It Die" will be released in November 2025.

Ben Quad is a four-piece "post-emo" band from Oklahoma City, formed in 2018, consisting of Sam Wegrzynski (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Edgar Viveros (lead guitar), Henry Shields (backing vocals/bass), and Isaac Young (drums). They are known for their unique blend of midwest emo, punk, and screamo sounds, seen in releases like their debut album I'm Scared That's All There Is (2022) and the heavier EP Ephemera (2024). The band is now signed to Pure Noise Records and will release their sophomore LP in November of 2025. The band is named after the failed podracer Ben Quadinaros from Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace.

RIYL: Hot Mulligan, Charmer, Arm's Length, Free Throw

Bed Bug Guru is a sludgy alt-rock band formed in 2022 among college friends who came together bonding over bands like DIIV, Duster, and Modern Color. Wanting to sound like a “bad trip,” the band’s output and live show drives off pedal effects and glitched out visuals. With their debut LP Double Scoop being recorded live to tape, Bed Bug Guru wanted to create an immersive experience for the listener meant to scratch a certain itch in your brain. Think shoegaze meets noise rock/slacker rock vibes meets heavy and grungy slowcore, but also catchy.

Bed Bug Guru is Jake Knoechel - guitar and Shane Malone - bass, vocals. Drums on the record performed by Cleburne Wilson.

Rocket is an indie rock band formed in Los Angeles in 2021, known for their 90s-inspired sound with influences from shoegaze and alt-rock. The band consists of Alithea Tuttle (bass, vocals), Baron Rinzler (guitar), Cooper Ladomade (drums), and Desi Scaglione (guitar). They draw inspiration from bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, The Pixies, Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, Dinosaur Jr., The Flaming Lips, Yo La Tengo, and Radiohead.

Acceptance is a Seattle-based alternative rock band formed in 1998, known for their cult-classic 2005 debut album Phantoms, two EPs, and a subsequent reunion that led to their 2017 follow-up Colliding By Design and other subsequent releases including the recently released 20th anniversary reimagined version of Phantoms, called Phantoms/Twenty featuring several guest artists from the scene. After disbanding in 2006, the original lineup reformed in 2015 and has been active since, touring and releasing new material.

RIYL: The Starting Line, The Academy Is, The Maine, The Early November, Something Corporate

Algernon Cadwallader was an American emo band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania active from 2005 to 2012. In 2022, the band regrouped and began touring again. In 2025, the announced a brand new LP set for release in September 2025. Known for their distinctive twinkly emo sound with off kilter vocals, fans of bands like American Football and Cap'n Jazz may enjoy their music.