Featured Releases
At RELEASE WAVE, we spotlight the best upcoming album releases by your favorite bands. Here are a few highlights of some upcoming releases.
Saccharine Scream
North Carolina alternative rock band Fake Eyes is releasing their debut LP "Saccharine Scream" on November 22, 2024, combining elements of 90s shoegaze, grunge, and emo, appealing to fans of Glare, Trauma Ray, Narrow Head, and Teenage Wrist. The new album, a few years in the making, showcases Paul Vuksanovich's strong vocals over a dynamic mix of heavy guitars and dreamy melodies, building on their previous while drawing influences from The Smashing Pumpkins, Hum, Sunny Day Real Estate and Deftones.
Free Help
Heart to Gold's new 10-song LP "Free Help" will be released on November 15, 2024 by Memory Music. Produced by Will Yip, the album merges melodic punk, post-hardcore, and '90s alt-rock, with crunchy guitars and melodic anthemic hooks, reminiscent of bands like Joyce Manor, Pup, and Polar Bear Club. Their latest single "Blow Up the Spot" with its soaring melodies and monster hook, encapsulates their high energy, bold, and invigorating sound.
Deep in the Blue
Tiny Moving Parts will release their 7th album "Deep in the Blue" on November 15, 2024, featuring 10 new tracks of their unique blend of melodic emo-punk/math rock. Fans of Free Throw, Hot Mulligan, and Algernon Cadwallader will appreciate their shout-along hooks, noodling guitars, and energetic sound showcased in latest singles "Before I Go" and "Waterbed Pt. 2".
Closer To;
Common Sage's upcoming album "Closer To;" will be released on November 22 via Equal Vision Records. The Brooklyn-based post-hardcore band's sound is a modern take on melodic post-hardcore with influences from the early 2000s Long Island and New Jersey emo scenes, reminiscent of bands like Brand New and Thursday.
End of the Nail
Gleemer is dropping their new LP "End of the Nail" on December 6, 2024, under Other People Records. The album, self-recorded and produced by Corey Coffman and Charlie O'Neil, showcases their distinctive blend of gloomy shoegaze, slowcore, and dreamy but melodic alternative rock. Lead off single "Half Smile" gives a taste of the band's melancholic ambiance and intricate soundscapes reminiscent of early Death Cab while latest single "The Body's Worth" is a much heavier song that has more in common with bands like Trauma Ray and Downward.
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.
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Upcoming Releases
Vital Signs
February 28, 2025Oversize, 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.
frog song
February 14, 2025fish 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.
some fear
January 16, 2025Oklahoma 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.
Anthem Sprinter
November 1, 2024Highly Irresponsible
October 25, 2024Better 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.
Guided Tour
October 18, 2024London's High Vis is set to release their genre blending new album "Guided Tour" on October 18th via Dais Records, with a fresh single "Mind's a Lie" that showcases a blend of house, garage, and Pirate Radio influences into a dance-punk anthem. The album, produced by Jonah Falco and engineer Stanley Gravett, delivers an energetic mix of street punk, indie sneer, alt-rock, jangly brit-pop, post punk and shoegazey spoken word, showcasing the band's growth since their 2016 formation and previous albums "No Sense No Feeling" and "Blending." These guys are truly unique and continue to map a perfect middle ground between hooks and furty, melodies and mosh pits, while continuing to expand into new territory. Fans of Home Front, Show Me The Body, Militarie Gun, and Spiritual Cramp will enjoy what High Vis has to offer.
Cool World
October 11, 2024Oklahoma City sludgy noise rock band Chat Pile is releasing their sophomore album "Cool World" on October 11th, following their 2022 breakout record "God's Country." The album explores themes of modern malaise on a global scale, delving into the societal impact of disasters at home and abroad and how they affect one another. Influenced by bands like The Jesus Lizard and Big Black, Chat Pile's music is a blend of cacophonous noise rock with elements of goth, alt/indie hooks, post-punk and off-kilter metal grooves, which only scratches the surface of what can be heard in the album's ten tracks. Album opener "I Am Dog Now" is now available on all digital streaming platforms.
Bambi
February 21, 2025Connecticut 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.
Touch Heaven
January 31, 2025Philadelphia 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.
Free Help
November 15, 2024Heart 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.
Do You Still Love Me?
November 1, 2024Planes 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.
Stars Align
October 25, 2024Chicago 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.
Make It Fit
October 18, 2024Karate, 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.
Spiral in a Straight Line
October 11, 2024Touché Amoré from Burbank, CA is releasing a new album titled Spiral in a Straight Line on October 11th, their first in 4 years and first for Rise Records. The album, and follow up to the highly acclaimed 2020 release "Lament" was produced by Ross Robinson and features collaborations with Julien Baker and Lou Barlow, while exploring themes of forward movement amidst destabilization. The lead off track "Nobody's" which is now streaming, is a prime example of Touche Amore's knack for writing emotionally charged melodic hardcore with grit and passion that fans of bands like Have Heart, Title Fight, Drug Church, and Fiddlehead should find appealing.
Slow Motion
February 21, 2025Philadelphia-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.
Come Back Down
January 24, 2025New 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.
Milestone
November 15, 2024Connecticut 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.
Chameleon
October 25, 2024Texas shoegaze band Trauma Ray is releasing their debut album "Chameleon" via Dais Records on October 25, 2024. The album features 12 new tracks showcasing their distinctive three-guitar attack and intense, atmospheric wall of guitar sound. The new LP has been described as a stormy fusion of downer hooks, apocalyptic beauty, and bulldozer riffs. Similar to bands like Nothing, DIIV, Glare and Cloakroom, Trauma Ray's lead single "Bishop" is already available for streaming, offering a taste of their dynamic, guitar fueled and emotionally resonant music.
Fate & Alcohol
October 18, 2024Vancouver anthemic indie/punk rockers Japandroids will release their fourth and final album, "Fate & Alcohol," showcasing a blend of their early raw energy and recent storytelling depth, while pursuing new ways to bottle that same rush - to write songs with the vitality and dynamic interaction of their early material from Post Nothing and Celebration rock, without sacrificing any of the nuance or ambition that marked Near to the Wild Heart of Life. The album was once again produced by Jesse Gander and recorded in Vancouver, and captures the band's evolution while maintaining their signature sound. This couldn't be more exemplified in lead off single "Chicago" which is streamable below. Fate & Alcohol is sure to provide a fitting conclusion to their career as they reflect on their journey and the impact of their music through 10 brand new tracks.
Blue Garden
October 11, 2024Delta Sleep is releasing their fourth full length studio album, Blue Garden, on October 11, 2024 via Sofa Boy Records and Wax Bodega. The album, recorded in Belgium with producer Mark Roberts, delves into themes of despair and resilience, blending dark tones with a hint of hope. Known for their intricate rhythms and captivating melodies akin to bands like Minus The Bear, American Football, and TTNG, the band continue to combine elements of math rock, indie-rock and post-hardcore, while producing what the band says in some instances feels like their heaviest / darkest album to date, while in others, feels like their most melodic, light and poppy album as well. Latest single "Figure In The Dark" is now streaming along with previously released single "Sunchaser" from the forthcoming LP.