Curated new music releases
RELEASE WAVE the best new and underground music releases in 90s alternative, shoegaze, pop punk, rock, hardcore, punk, emo, indie and more.
New Music Updates
Here are a few highlights of some upcoming releases featured on release wave.
Owen's "The Falls of Sioux" is a captivating blend of acoustic guitar, shoegaze textures, and introspective lyrics, co-produced by Sean Carey and Zach Hanson.
Microwave's "Let's Start Degeneracy" offers a diverse mix of ambient pop, R&B, and emo-punk elements, creating a sonic journey akin to a concept album.
Joyer's "Night Songs" marks a departure from slowcore to a more expansive and hook-driven sound, blending swirling guitars and catchy melodies for dreamy shoegaze enthusiasts.
Roving's debut LP "Spindrift" embraces a unique "grunge-gaze" sound with spacey vocals and thick guitars, paying homage to '90s influences while carving out their own distinct style.
Cloud Nothings' upcoming album "Final Summer" encapsulates their signature blend of surging guitars and infectious hooks, promising a raw and melodic listening experience produced by Jeff Zeigler and mixed by Sarah Tudzin.
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Upcoming Releases
Persona
GEL
August 16, 2024New Jersey hardcore band GEL has announced a new EP titled "Persona" set for release on August 16, 2024, following their acclaimed debut full-length album, "Only Constant." The lead single "Mirage" showcases an intensified sound that retains GEL's signature aggressiveness while introducing new dynamism. Produced by Jon Markson, "Persona" captures GEL's evolution and collaborative growth, offering a fresh take on their raw and energetic hardcore music.
Vol. III
Webbed Wing
July 12, 2024Webbed Wing from Philadelphia, PA, release their third album "Vol. III" on July 12, 2024, characterized by fuzzed-out pop nostalgia. Drawing influences from The Lemonheads and Teenage Fanclub, the album features catchy anthems blending modern pop, grunge heaviness, and country sincerity. Standout tracks "Further" and "Burn It Down" showcase the band's musical cohesion and exploration of various genres like big country ballads and shoegaze.
Gravity
The Dangerous Summer
June 21, 2024The Dangerous Summer from Baltimore, Maryland will release their 7th full-length album 'Gravity' on June 21st via Rude Records. Their lead single "Gravity" explores themes of personal struggle and growth, blending mystical instrumentals with AJ Perdomo's evocative vocals, fitting for fans of introspective alt-rock acts.
Worldviews
Annabel
June 14, 2024Akron, Ohio band Annabel is set to release their 4th LP "Worldviews" on June 14, 2024 via Tiny Engines, featuring 12 tracks including the lead single "Defense Mechanism." The album showcases a blend of indie-emo sound familiar to fans, with tracks like "Dog" and "Small Victories" reminiscent of classic Annabel while also exploring new territory with songs like "Every Home Needs a Ghost."
Mi Amigo Slow Joy
Slow Joy
June 7, 2024Slow Joy, led by Chicano artist Esteban Flores, will release the EP "Mi Amigo Slow Joy" on June 7th, 2024, produced by Mike Sapone. The first single, "Pulling Teeth," showcases a blend of Foo Fighters and Pixies influences and reflects Flores' gratitude and vulnerability in relationships, following up on his 2023 EP, Wildflower.
PS: Seriously
Bats & Mice
May 31, 2024Bats & Mice, a Chapel Hill indie-rock band, have resurfaced after a 12-year hiatus with the upcoming release of their LP "P.S. Seriously" on May 31, 2024 via Lovitt Records. The band's music combines hardcore roots with dark melodies and energetic drive, featuring members from Sleepytime Trio, Engine Down, Denali, Rah Bras, and Milemarker. Drawing inspiration from bands like Fugazi and Denali, Bats & Mice's latest single "Worst Time" offers a glimpse into their long-awaited return to the music scene.
Morbid Orbit
Hippie Trim
May 31, 2024German band Hippie Trim will release their new EP "Morbid Orbit" on May 31st, 2024, featuring 4 tracks including the new single "Dog Days." Known for their distinctive sound blending post-punk and melodic hardcore, the band's latest effort was mixed and mastered by Jon Markson and Adam Chichoki. Fans of Drug Church and Militarie Gun will appreciate Hippie Trim's gritty yet melodic style with anthemic hooks and raw vocals.
There Goes The Dream
Modern Color
July 26, 2024Modern Color, a melodic guitar-heavy alt-rock band from Redondo Beach, CA, is set to release their new album "There Goes The Dream" on July 26, 2024 through Other People Records. Produced by Corey Coffman of Gleemer, the album features the singles "Fortress" and "Star 9200" and showcases their shoegaze-tinged melodic post-hardcore sound reminiscent of bands like Title Fight, Superheaven, and Hum. With 11 tracks available for pre-order, fans of those bands will likely enjoy this upcoming release.
Your Own Becoming
Milly
June 28, 2024MILLY's highly-anticipated second album, "Your Own Becoming," produced by Sonny DiPerri, is set for release on June 28, 2024 via Dangerbird Records. The album features 10 new tracks, with lead single "Drip From The Fountain" described as the standout track, showcasing the band's evolution and commitment to crafting powerful, straightforward music rooted in personal introspection and collaboration. The album reflects principal songwriter Brendan Dyer's journey of capturing and transforming dark thoughts into a galvanizing and productive musical experience, offering a raw, cathartic collection of songs that emphasize simplicity and explosive energy.
I Want to Disappear
The Story So Far
June 21, 2024The Story So Far's 5th studio album, "I Want To Disappear," set for release on June 21 through Pure Noise Records. Produced by Jon Markson, the album includes the single "Big Blind" and showcases the band's signature vulnerability and defiance. Fans of Drug Church and Koyo may particularly enjoy this release.
The Cleanest of Houses Are Empty
Carly Cosgrove
June 14, 2024What Lies Ahead of Me
All Under Heaven
June 7, 2024All Under Heaven is releasing their debut LP "What Lies Ahead Of Me" on June 7, 2024 via Sunday Drive Records, showcasing a shift in their sound towards influences like The Cure, Pinback, and The Smiths, while incorporating new instruments and a focus on melodicism. The album explores themes of love, loss, and friendship with DeFabs' vocals taking a stronger forefront. Fans of Glare, Trauma Ray, and similar bands may appreciate their evolved alternative rock sound on this record.
The Morning Ends
Broken Head
May 31, 2024Broken Head, a Massachusetts alternative rock band, is set to release their debut LP "Morning Ends" on May 31, 2024, via Sunday Drive Records. Drawing inspiration from '90s alternative rock acts like Catherine Wheel, Swervedriver, Ride, The Cure, and The Sundays, the band's new album showcases intricate production, dreamy lyrics, and captivating melodies. With singles "Bending Up," "Spoiled Milk," and "I Want Everything," Broken Head's evolution culminates in an album that embodies their unique blend of influences and distinctive sound.
Frog In Boiling Water
DIIV
May 24, 2024Brooklyn shoegazers DIIV are set to release their fourth album, Frog in Boiling Water, produced by Chris Coady. The album reflects a tumultuous four-year creative process that almost tore the band apart but ultimately led to a deeper and more ambitious musical exploration. With a blend of dream-pop and post-rock, their lead single "Brown Paper Bag" offers a taste of the lyrical and musical depth found throughout the record.
Strange Desires
Her Head's On Fire
July 19, 2024Her Head’s On Fire is an indie rock supergroup set to release their sophomore album, "Strange Desires," on July 19, 2024, via Iodine Records. The band, comprising members from notable groups like Garrison and Saves the Day, presents a blend of post-hardcore and emotive rock with influences from late 80s New Wave and early 90s indie, creating a memorable musical experience similar to artists such as Texas is The Reason and The Get Up Kids.
Strut of Kings
Guided By Voices
June 28, 2024Guided By Voices announced their upcoming album "Strut of Kings," set to be released on June 28, 2024, marking their 41st album. The album was largely recorded in Kings County, New York, reflecting themes of royalty and power. The first single from the album, "Serene King," is available now, offering a taste of the band's timeless indie rock sound.
The Early November
The Early November
June 14, 2024The Early November is set to release their self-titled album on June 14th, characterized by introspective lyrics and anthemic melodies. Drawing inspiration from youthful turbulence and tenderness, the 10-song collection, including lead single "What We Earn", showcases a blend of emotional intensity and artistic growth. Fans of alternative rock should anticipate a journey through self-reflection and creative experimentation in this upcoming release.
Steps Ascending
Stand Still
June 14, 2024Stand Still from Long Island is preparing to release their debut full-length album, "Steps Ascending" on June 14th through DAZE. With emotionally driven melodic hardcore sound, the band's new single "In the Dying Light of a Setting Sun" showcases their heaviest material yet. Drawing inspiration from bands like The Movielife and Crime In Stereo, Stand Still has quickly made a name for themselves in the melodic hardcore scene, having already released two EPs and played alongside notable acts.
Rage Gracefully
Rad Owl
May 31, 2024Rad Owl, led by scene veterans, is gearing up for their sophomore LP, "Rage Gracefully," to be released on May 31, 2024. The band's high-energy punk rock style is reminiscent of Descendents, Propagandhi, and Samiam, featuring new lead guitar lines by Ryan Tate. Their lead single, "Every Second," tackles personal themes like fatherhood, and they are set to perform at Pouzza Fest in Montreal before the LP release.
Further Afield
+/- {Plus/Minus}
May 31, 2024New York indie-rockers +/- {Plus/Minus} are set to release their new album "Further Afield" on May 31 through Ernest Jenning Record Co., their first LP in a decade. The album incorporates unconventional elements like AI strings, high school choir harmonies, and a mix of new instruments, with the singles "Borrowed Time" and "Gondolier" showcasing the band's propulsive sound. Expect a blend of catchy melodies, experimental touches, and dark lyrical themes that fans of jangling indie rock will appreciate.