Release Wave

Denver punk band Public Opinion is releasing their second album, The Curse of Public Opinion on August 7th through SideOneDummy. Clocking in at a mean. 23 minutes, The Curse of Public Opinion is loaded with fuck-you anthems that plumb the depths of existential disappointment through a sneering cocktail of 2000s garage rock swagger, classic punk hooks, and hardcore ferocity. Plenty of albums provide the soundtrack for picking yourself back up, but Public Opinion are there for when you're getting kicked while you're down.

On "I Think I Want To Go Home Now." by The Xcerts, expect a cathartic blend of raw emotion and furious energy as the Brighton-based band channels personal struggles into a sonic outpouring of anger and frustration. With the track "pretty ugly" leading the charge, vocalist Murray Macleod's intense vocals navigate internal turmoil and external pressures, showcasing a nod to post-hardcore influences while pushing their sound forward. In the face of adversity, the band's cohesive bond shines through in these remarkably immediate songs, making this record a poignant and authentic display of friendship and resilience.

Modest Mouse's upcoming album "An Eraser and a Maze" is set for release on June 5, 2026, marking their first album on Glacial Pace Recordings after over two decades with Epic Records. Produced by Isaac Brock along with other notable producers, the album showcases a blend of Modest Mouse's distinct eras and themes while embodying a raw and unfiltered musical approach. For a taste of what's to come, latest single “Picking Dragon’s Pockets,” is a bombastic kickoff to the album with an anthemic chorus that’ll have you singing loudly about navigating a manipulative, self-destructive world. Previously release song “Look How Far,” finds Isaac Brock's signature blunt and sardonic tone remains intact, especially in the stark lyric that questions human progress: "Look how far we’ve come / oh my god we’re so fucking dumb.”

Guided By Voices invites listeners into the introspective yet triumphant world of 'Crawlspace Of The Pantheon,' album #44 from the indie rock stalwarts, set to release on May 29th via GBV Inc Records. The album features the anthemic single 'We Outlast Them All,' a heartfelt testament to perseverance over time. With emotionally conceptual lyrics that delve into autobiography, Robert Pollard's meticulous craftsmanship shines through in this distinctive indie rock offering with classic GBV guitar jangle, melody and hooks.

Philadelphia melodic punk trio FILM, featuring Ken Vasoli of The Starting Line and Joe Reinhart of Algernon Cadwallader, will release their debut album 'Permanence' on May 22 via Lauren Records, marking the final recordings of drummer TJ DeBlois who passed away in 2023. The album carries a raw, instinct-driven sound akin to Drive Like Jehu, Braid and Mclusky, touching on themes of legacy and the transient nature of time. The lead single 'Roundabout' exemplifies their urgent and heartfelt songwriting style, capturing the essence of their collaborative journey and paying tribute to DeBlois's lasting impact on their music.

Held., the brand new trio featuring both Douglas Robinson and Sal Mignano of The Sleeping and Josh Eppard from Coheed And Cambria, will release their debut album, GREY, on May 15 via MNRK Heavy. The introduction to the band arrives with 'NEW YOU ANTHEM,' featuring My Chemical Romance’s Frank Iero, which serves as a powerful anthem about love and survival. Recorded at the inspiring Animal Farm studio in N.J. and masterfully produced by Jon Markson, GREY promises to be a standout release, showcasing Held.'s powerful and anthemic alt-rock/post hardcore, that sounds straight out of the early 2000s, appealing to fans of The Sleeping, Coheed and Cambria, Glassjaw and My Chemical Romance but with a fresh take.

Koyo is releasing their second album, "Barely Here," on May 8th via Pure Noise Records, featuring ten anthemic punk tracks in 28 minutes. Drawing inspiration from bands like The Movielife, Silent Majority and Taking Back Sunday, Koyo's sound shines through in their latest release, characterized by massive guitars and catchy melodies. The album's focused refinement showcases the band's strengths, produced by Jon Markson and with guest appearances from Sammy Ciaramitaro (Drain) and Marisa Shirar (Fleshwater), promising a confident and energetic new chapter for Koyo that will surely please old fans and make new ones.

Her Head's on Fire are releasing their new record "Am I Not Your Girl?" on July 17th via Iodine Recordings, featuring the single "We're Not Running." Drawing on influences from past 90s post-hardcore and emo acts, the band's focus on genuine songwriting shines through, with production by Jack Shirley creating an intimate, live feel. The band continues to excel at weaving past and present to deliver rock music that hits a sweet spot of post-hardcore grit and genuine songcraft. Am I Not Your Girl? is an exercise in simplicity born from years of consistency, prioritizing true-blue songwriting that draws on a lifetime of influences, from Revolution Summer sincerity to the conciseness modeled by The Replacements: Big choruses, big moments, big emotions.

RIYL: Texas is the Reason, The Casket Lottery, Jawbox, The Get Up Kids, Samiam and Quicksand

Lovewell's debut album "Everything You Ever Wanted" invites listeners into a dreamy landscape where indie rock meets emo influences, creating a sonic journey that is both introspective and captivating. Mark Palladino and Joe Bradshaw's transition from the hardcore scene is evident in the album's evolution, as they seamlessly blend breezy yet fuzzy alternative rock with emo and hints of dream-pop, reminiscent of bands like Turnover, Tigers Jaw, Jimmy Eat World, Anxious, & Balance & Composure. The lead single 'Less Than Forever' now streaming everywhere, sets the tone for the album, signaling Lovewell's growth and establishing them as a band to keep an eye out for.

Indie rock titans and eight-time GRAMMY nominees Death Cab for Cutie – Benjamin Gibbard, Nicholas Harmer, Jason McGerr, Dave Depper and Zac Rae – announce their 11th studio album, I Built You A Tower, set to be released on June 5 via ANTI-Records. Recorded in just three weeks across various locations, the album captures the band's return to their independent roots, helmed by producer John Congleton. The introspective themes of personal growth and resilience shine through in the album's first single, "Riptides," as frontman Benjamin Gibbard navigates through personal struggles amidst global chaos, creating a deeply moving sonic journey that encapsulates the essence of Death Cab for Cutie's storied 30-year career.

Embark on a sonic journey with Sparta's highly anticipated album, 'Cut A Silhouette', set to release on May 29, 2026 via Equal Vision Records. Produced by the renowned J. Robbins at Magpie Cage Studio, this record signifies a bold evolution for the Texas alt-rock stalwarts, blending post-hardcore energy with melodic introspection. Collaborating with Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance on the dynamic single 'Crater' now streaming everywhere, Sparta's distinctive sound shines through, offering a fresh exploration of new musical territories while still sounding very much like classic Sparta.

Omaha indie-rock band Criteria, led by Stephen Pedersen (ex-Cursive), will release their new album SEIZE! on May 22 via Spartan Records. Along with the album announcement, the band has released the video for crushing lead off single "You Maketh Me" an absolute ripper that captures what Criteria do best. The album, recorded in Omaha with producer Matt Bayles, embodies a blend of heavy rock reminiscent of Smashing Pumpkins and Quicksand, exploring themes of loss and the importance of seizing the present moment. The band's latest work is a reflection of personal and professional transitions, offering a glimpse into the current state of life through intense and poignant soundscapes.

SoCal pop punk band Super Sometimes has announced their upcoming album 'Show the World What’s Underneath', set to be released on May 15 via Pure Noise Records. Across 10 brand new songs, Super Sometimes merges skate punk grit with modern pop punk sensibilities, delving into themes of coming-of-age malaise and romantic turmoil. Lead single 'Afterthought' sets the tone with haunting melodies, heavy distortion, and clean guitar riffs, that evoke raw emotions of longing and desperation. The album showcases a distinctive sound that captures the essence of pop-punk's evolution and the sounds the band members grew up listening to, while staying true to its roots, making this release a must-listen for fans of the genre. RIYL: early 2000s pop punk (Drive Thru Records era), Slick Shoes, MXPX, The Story So Far, Arm's Length, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck

Get ready to dive into a sonic journey steeped in early 2000s post-hardcore with In 2 Again's upcoming EP, "Coins, Currency, Tokens, and Other Related Objects" set for release on May 8th via DAZE. Featuring compelling riffs and dynamic scream-sung vocals, this release draws inspiration from nu-metal/post-hardcore era bands like Glassjaw, Snapcase, and early Incubus. Vocalist Jay Torblaa's mesmerizing high-pitched voice, paired with sarcastic lyrical content and infectious hooks, will transport you to a world of heavy groove and tension. Noteworthy collaborator Anthony DiDio's vocals elevate the track "Our Disease Is Dressed To The Nines," while guitarist Kyle Hill's introspective lyrics offer a critique on humanity's destructive path. Produced by drummer Chris Torok at The Source in New Haven, CT, this EP promises to deliver a raw and unapologetic sound that sets In 2 Again apart in the post-hardcore scene.

Legendary NY post-hardcore band Quicksand are set to release their new album "Bring On The Psychics" on July 17, 2026 via Equal Vision Records, marking a blend of the band's heavy 90s groove-laden sound, with a modern, experimental approach. “For this album, I was going back to a lot of my earlier influences about ‘Break Down The Walls’ or ‘Start Today,’” says lead guitarist/vocalist Walter Schreifels. Rounded out by long time bassist/vocalist Sergio Vega, and drummer Alan Cage, the album offers energetic tracks like lead off singles “Get To It” which sounds like a cross between Snapcase, Turnstile and classic Quicksand, and “Regenerate,” another immediate and punchy track with their trademark grooves, that also taps into the more experimental side of the band during the bridge, before climaxing to a classic shout along hook. Known for their hardcore roots, Quicksand's latest release promises a dynamic musical journey that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers.

Piebald, the Boston emo/indie rock favorites, are set to release their first LP in over 15 years, titled 'Tales For The Rages', on June 12 via Iodine Recordings. This album marks a significant return for the band, featuring 13 tracks that blend emo and indie-rock influences while infusing a fresh perspective on contemporary issues. Recorded at The Den in North Reading, MA, with the expertise of Doug Batchelder and Jay Maas, the album boasts Piebald's iconic clever songwriting and massive hooks. With themes touching on inequality and human behavior, 'Tales For The Rages' strikes a perfect balance between humor and emotional rawness, solidifying Piebald's relevance in the modern music landscape.

Melodic emo-core band Oakwood return after 10 years with a new album "Blurred Away" set for release on May 29, 2026 via Memory Music. The album has been described as an exhilarating sonic journey that seamlessly blends the raw emotion of early wave emo and post-hardcore with the high-energy melodies of indie and punk rock. Collaborating with acclaimed producer Phil Odom and Grammy Award-winning mastermind Will Yip, the West Texas trio deliver what is expected to be a deeply cathartic album that channels existential dread into a poignant narrative of survival and self-discovery. Drawing inspiration from the likes of Title Fight and Algernon Cadwallader, Oakwood's long-awaited release stands out for its unapologetic authenticity and poignant exploration of the complexities of growing up and finding one's place in the world.

Lozenge, a nu-gaze/shoegaze trio from Leeds, UK, is releasing their sophomore EP titled "Everything" on May 29, 2026. The EP showcases a more mature sound with complex arrangements and heavy themes, featuring singles like "Silver," "For Lack of Trying," and "Bird's-Eye View," along with the title track. Drawing influences from 90s guitar heavy alternative rock, post-grunge, dream pop and shoegaze, Lozenge's unique blend of distorted guitars and introspective vocals resonates with fans of Swervedriver, My Bloody Valentine, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Nirvana along with contemporary bands like Narrow Head, Glare, and Whirr.

Mad Honey from Oklahoma City will release their new LP "Bridge Over Cumberland" on May 15, 2026, blending poignant lyricism with dreamy shoegaze sounds. The album showcases the band's growth and collaboration, combining swirling guitars with shadowy vocals to explore themes of personal connections and growth. With influences from the OKC shoegaze scene, Mad Honey's second full-length release on Deathwish Inc. and Sunday Drive Records promises a confident and complete musical journey for listeners across its 11 brand new tracks.

Honeybee, a slow punk/alt-gaze band hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, is set to release their debut LP "Only Dark Shit" on May 15, 2026 via Candlepin Records. With a sound reminiscent of Hum and influences from post-hardcore, fuzz laden noise pop, emocore and shoegaze, the album features 10 songs that blend dense, atmospheric and distorted guitars with hypnotic vocals, drawing comparisons to Hum, Nothing, Cloakroom, Narrow Head and Sunny Day Real Estate. Fans of more recent bands like Trauma Ray, Glare, Narrow Head, and the like will appreciate Honeybee's urgent and loud yet heavenly musical style, which has been evolving since their 2023 debut EP "Soft and Less Kind" and keeps getting better.