Release Wave

Oversize, a UK alt-shoegaze band, will release their debut LP "Vital Signs" on February 28, 2025 via SharpTone Records. The album features 10 tracks full of reverb drenched heavily distorted guitars, quiet to loud dynamics, and soaring melodies, drawing inspiration from bands like Hum, My Vitriol, Deftones and Nothing. Combining the best elements of 90s inspired shoegaze, grunge, alt-rock/metal, and dream pop similar to bands like Trauma Ray, Narrow Head, Superheaven, Fake Eyes and Heavenward, the new LP is sure to please fans of the aforementioned bands and should add this to their highly anticipated 2025 releases.

fish narc, a versatile artist from Olympia, WA, has announced the upcoming release of his album "frog song" on February 14th through K Records. The album showcases guitar-driven indie rock with '90s alternative influences and heartfelt lyrics, reminiscent of the Pacific Northwest indie rock tradition. Tracks like "my ceiling," "old band," and "cluefinder" feature distorted guitars and shoegaze textures, while songs like "boxy volvo" and "interstate" offer a more intimate, stripped-back sound. To mark the announcement fish narc has shared frog song's tremendous opening track, "my ceiling." It's a blast of fuzzed-out guitars, shoegazey textures, and widescreen melodies that would have fit in perfectly on an episode of 120 Minutes.

Oklahoma City slowcore band some fear led by Branden Palesano is set to release their debut album through Rite Field Records in January 2025. Their latest single, "Skin I Can't Peel," blends unhurried rhythms with poignant lyrics about growth and acceptance, giving listeners a taste of the band's introspective sound akin to artists like Horse Jumper of Love, Teethe and the like. The self-produced album, recorded in the band's home studio and mastered by Boone Patrello, promises a captivating blend of emotional depth and musical finesse.

Better Lovers, a new band featuring members of Everytime I Die and Dillinger Escape Plan, is set to release their debut album "Highly Irresponsible" on Oct. 25, 2024 via SharpTone Records. The album was recorded this Spring with Will Putney in a dual role as guitarist and producer, aiming to capture the band's energetic and heavy sound. Fans of Dillinger Escape Plan, Many Eyes and Everytime I Die should enjoy the unique and unrestrained music style of Better Lovers, combining elements of hardcore, punk and metalcore showcased in their upcoming album. Be sure to check out the latest single "A White Horse Covered in Blood" on all DSPs now.

Connecticut punk favorites Anxious are releasing their sophomore album "Bambi" via Run For Cover Records on February 21st, showcasing a blend of hardcore grit, alternative rock, and classic emo dynamism. The album features lead single "Counting Sheep" now available on DSPs that nods to influences like Jimmy Eat World and The Smashing Pumpkins while remaining uniquely Anxious. Produced by Brett Romnes, "Bambi" is described as a meticulously arranged, emotionally charged record that takes big swings, delving into themes of leaving adolescence behind and the challenges of being in a rising band. The result is a massive leap forward and an endlessly anthemic rock record.

Philadelphia heavy alt-rockers ASKYSOBLACK is releasing their debut LP "Touch Heaven" on January 31st, 2025 via New Morality Zine, showcasing a more melodic and emotionally deep sound compared to their previous EP, Autumn in the Water, while still maintaining the sonic variation and heaviness they're known for. The album combines elements of heavy shoegaze, grunge, alternative rock, metal, and post-hardcore with delicate and more melodic stripped down moments, exploring themes of personal loss and heartbreak while providing a space for introspection and emotional release. Fans of Soul Blind, Fake Eyes, Split Chain, Day Aches, Moodring and Static Dress should enjoy this release.

Heart to Gold, an indie/punk trio from Minneapolis, will release their new 10-song LP "Free Help" on November 15, 2024 via Memory Music. Recorded with Grammy-nominated producer Will Yip, the new album is an expertly arranged, arena-sized rendering of Heart to Gold's scrappy, bold guitar rock; a heartening mix of melodic punk, cavernous post-hardcore, and ’90s alt-rock. Comparable to bands like Joyce Manor, Pup, Against Me!, and The Weakerthans, the album's latest single "TNT" which is now streaming on all DSP's embodies a spirited message of perseverance when feeling down. Giving it your all when you know the odds might be against you.

Planes Mistaken for Stars' will release their first new music since 2016 and the passing of founder Gared O'Donnell in 2021. The new album "Do You Still Love Me?" set for release on November 1, 2024 is a powerful reflection on life, death, and resilience, created amidst personal tragedy and global turmoil. The 13 song affair carries forward Planes’ natural evolution beyond post-hardcore and metal-tinged rock n’ roll, unveiling new layers with each listen. Intertwined vocals and infectious melodies simmer beneath the surface and occasionally boil over, shards of guitar strike like lightning as the rhythm section pounds its marching orders. Through raw and intense songs, the album offers a cathartic journey that transforms pain into a unique beauty, making it a challenging yet rewarding listen for those seeking an immersive musical experience.

Chicago emo rockers New Age Thief are set to release their debut album "Stars Align" on October 25, 2024, via Wax Bodega, and featuring influences from bands like Jimmy Eat World and Basement with added atmospheric touches akin to Microwave, Armor for Sleep and Balance and Composure. The album showcases a balance of raw and refined sound, offering a fresh perspective in the emo-rock realm, one that’s all at once classic sounding but updated for modern times. Fans of bands such as Basement, Jimmy Eat World, Arm's Length, Balance and Composure and Armor for Sleep more will appreciate their new single "Bleeding Out," which delves into darker themes while maintaining a melodic emo punk style that you can sing along to.

Karate, a Boston indie band formed in 1993 and known for their diverse musical style fusing elements of indie rock, emo, jazz, and punk, is releasing their first studio album in 20 years titled 'Make It Fit' on October 18th through Numero Group. The band's sound evolved from punk roots to jazz-rock and slowcore, showcasing a blend of genres. After a hiatus, the band reunited to bring their music back to fans with re-releases and new material, demonstrating a continued passion for creating music. The opening and closing tracks "Defendants" and "Silence, Sound" from the 10 song LP are now streaming.

Philadelphia-based shoegaze band Cigarettes for Breakfast is set to release their second album, "Slow Motion," on February 21, 2025, showcasing a blend of melodic shoegaze and dream pop with influences from bands like My Bloody Valentine and Slowdive. Produced, recorded, and mixed by frontman Matthew Paul Whiteford, the LP features 11 tracks that capture the essence of lush soundscapes and emotion through big walls of guitars and melodic hooks, appealing to both shoegaze purists and new fans of the genre. Recommended for fans of My Bloody Valentine, Ride, Slow Crush, Narrow Head, and Pains of Being Pure at Heart.

New Jersey noisegazers High. is set to release their second EP, "Come Back Down," on January 24, 2025, via Kanine Records, with lead single "In A Hole" capturing powerful emotions and memories through walls of guitars and dreamy vocals. The EP showcases a heavier guitar sound inspired by personal trauma and features a range of influences, with similarities to artists like Glare, Nothing, DIIV, and Trauma Ray. High.'s creative journey and collaborative efforts mark a significant evolution in their music, promising more noise, heaviness, emotion, hooks and sonic depth for listeners to explore.

Connecticut indiepunks American Thrills will release their sophomore LP titled "Milestone" on November 15th, 2024 via Wiretap Records / Disconnect Disconnect Records. The record was mixed and mastered by Jess Cannon (Limp Bizkit, Saves the Day) and their new single "Homesteader" is now streaming everywhere along with previously released single and title track "Milestone" and "Impossible" featuring Northcote. The album will consist of 8 tracks including a new track featuring Andy Jackson of Hot Rod Circuit.