Release Wave

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.

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.

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.

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

Bummer Camp, an alternative rock band from Queens, NY, is set to release their sophomore album, 'Fake My Death,' on May 8 via Trash Casual Records. The album is described as a poignant exploration of inner turmoil and emotional catharsis that resonates with humor and defiance. With a fusion of shoegaze, emo and grunge influences, the band delves deeper into themes of anxiety and the desire to vanish, juxtaposed with a will to persevere. Recorded at The Animal Farm studio in New Jersey, this sophomore release sees the band honing their sound with textured layers and a more focused approach. RIYL: Milly, Narrow Head, Tigers Jaw, Plight, Balance and Composure

Nashville post-hardcore quintet idle threat have announced their new album "you'll forget the sun", out May 8 via Tooth & Nail. With guest appearances from heavyweights like Haste the Day's Stephen Keech and Silent Planet's Garrett Russell, the band's sonic evolution shines through in each meticulously crafted track. From cathartic energy to heartfelt lyrics, this record not only captures the band's growth but also offers listeners a glimpse into their unwavering resolve to find light in the midst of darkness.

SUGAR, the 90s alternative rock trio, led by Bob Mould, announces second single 'Long Live Love' as part of their 2026 reunion World Tour, following the acclaimed 'House of Dead Memories' single which was released in 2025. The single's origins date back to 2007, blending Mould's DJ influences with pop songwriting, a nostalgic yet innovative fusion of grinding guitar riffs and lush synth textures with big melodies and hooks that Sugar is known for.The band's reunion after almost 30 years has been met with excitement, with sold-out shows in New York and London and a forthcoming world tour across North America and Europe.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aarhus, Denmark-based band indie/alt rock band Trader is set to release their new EP titled 'Hoodie' on May 8, 2026, with the latest single 'Buddy' serving as the first taste of this upcoming project. Produced by the skilled duo Commotion at Feedback Studio, Aarhus, this evolving sound draws from Weezer's 'Pinkerton' era, echoing the delicate vulnerability reminiscent of artist Alex G. The album explores themes of identity and societal pressures, encapsulated in poignant lines like 'If I could say it out loud, I’d brush my teeth with lies', offering a compelling narrative on self-discovery. Seamlessly blending indie and slacker rock with grunge elements and catchy pop hooks, 'Hoodie' promises to captivate listeners who enjoy the type of fuzzed out alt rock that would've dominated the radios in the 90s.

Haste The Day's highly anticipated album "Dissenter" reintroduces their signature aggressive, melodic metalcore sound, blending high-energy riffs, heavy breakdowns, and unforgettable choruses. Lyrically, the album dives deep into themes of disillusionment, corruption, and defiance, capturing a balance between nostalgia and contemporary influence. Produced by Stephen Keech, known for his work on the band's previous album "Coward," "Dissenter" marks a cinematic ambition and a sharpening of the band's core style, making it a standout release in their discography.

The Saddest Landscape, a Boston post-hardcore band with a 20-year legacy, will release their first full-length album in over a decade titled "Alone With Heaven" on April 24, 2026.The record, one of the final projects involving the late and legendary producer Steve Albini, showcases a blend of frantic hardcore and emotional depth. The album features guest appearances from Jeremy Bolm (Touché Amoré), Evan Weiss (Into it. Over it., Pet Symmetry), and Julien Baker, and into themes of survival and grief, while continuing perfect their balance of frantic and melodic hardcore and cathartic vulnerability

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.

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.

The Flatliners' will release their new album, 'Cold World', on May 8th via Equal Vision Records / Dine Alone Records. The LP delves into the aftermath of clarity with haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that feel like a ghostly memory. Reflecting on themes of nostalgia and legacy, the band's urgent punk energy is met with intricate guitar work, exemplified in tracks like 'Inner Peace' and 'Burn'. With a music video paying homage to '90s style and a focus on collaboration and shared vision, this release marks a distinctive chapter in the band's 24-year musical journey, inviting listeners to navigate the complexities of a 'cold world' alongside them.

Basement's highly-anticipated album "Wired" set for release on May 8, 2026 via Run for Cover Records is described as a triumphant return to their signature alternative rock sound, brimming with unbridled passion and creative intuition. Lead singles 'WIRED' and 'Broken By Design' give a taste of the LP's dynamic breadth, showcasing urgent and moody tracks that highlight vocalist Andrew Fisher's peak performance. Produced by the renowned John Congleton, the album is a bold artistic statement featuring precise yet enervated sonic qualities where imperfections are celebrated, making it a standout release that can't be ignored. RIYL: Superheaven, Title Fight, Citizen, Balance and Composure

Legendary emo band American Football is set to release their fourth studio album, LP4, on May 1, 2026 via Polyvinyl Records. Their 4th LP promises a return to their signature blend of intricate instrumentation and deeply personal storytelling, capturing the essence of emo and post-rock music at its finest. With their first studio release in nearly seven years, this album will undoubtedly be full off emotional depth and layered musicality, exemplified by the epic track 'Bad Moons' the first single from the forthcoming LP. Mike Kinsella's poignant delivery and the band's post-rock style create a captivating listening experience that solidifies their place in the genre and keeps fans eagerly awaiting more.