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.
Fate & Alcohol
Japandroids will release their 4th and final album "Fate & Alcohol" on October 18, merging the raw energy of their early material (Celebration Rock) with the storytelling and experimentation of their last LP (Near to the Wild..). Recorded in Vancouver and throughout 10 brand new tracks, the album captures the band's signature rush and dynamic interaction, offering songs that balance youthful exuberance with a mature perspective on life's experiences. These are the shout-along indie-punk anthems you've come to love from Japandroids.
Guided Tour
Also on October 18th, UK genre benders High Vis' upcoming album, Guided Tour will release, showcasing a genre bending blend of post-punk, indie sneer, hardcore, shoegaze, house, brit-pop and UK street punk influences. The new LP offers a dynamic mix of anthemic fist-in-the air tracks with monster hooks that address a range of societal issues. Fans of Home Front, Show Me The Body, Drug Church and Militarie Gun will appreciate High Vis' unique intensity and genre-spanning approach.
Chameleon
Texas shoegazers Trauma Ray's debut LP "Chameleon" releases on October 25, 2024 via Dais Records. The album features 12 new tracks with a three-guitar attack, blending downer hooks, apocalyptic beauty, and bulldozer riffs, reminiscent of artists like Nothing, Glare, Narrow Head, DIIV and Soul Blind. Singles "Bishop", "Spectre", and "Bardo" from the forthcoming LP show the diversity one should expect throughout the new LP ranging from shoegaze, grunge, slow-core, dream-pop and even some 90s nu-metal.
Stars Align
Chicago emo rockers New Age Thief will release their debut album Stars Align on October 25, 2024, blending their early 2000s emo punk influences from Armor for Sleep and Jimmy Eat World with a modern twist akin to bands like Arms Length and Real Friends. Their music strikes a balance between raw emotion and refined craftsmanship, delivering an unapologetically exciting take on the emo-rock genre.
Angel In The Sand
Last, on November 1st we have Florida shoegaze band Leaving Time's debut LP "Angel In The Sand" offering a blend of heavy shoegaze and dynamic songwriting, expressing themes of sorrow and loss across 10 tracks. Fans of Hum, Title Fight, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Nothing will appreciate the band's distinct sound, characterized by distorted walls of guitars and melodic leads.
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
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.
Closer To;
November 22, 2024Free 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.
Angel In The Sand
November 1, 2024Leaving Time from Jacksonville, FL is set to release their debut LP "Angel In the Sand" on November 1, 2024, via Sunday Drive Records, showcasing their heavy, shoegaze sound influenced by sorrow and regret. Drawing on their hardcore roots and love for 90s inspired alt rock , emo and shoegaze, the band works with local engineer John Howard and master engineer Zac Montez for a massive guitar heavy sound with dynamic songwriting and emotional depth that fans of Hum, Title Fight, and Nothing will appreciate. The title track is now streaming on all streaming platforms and pre-orders bundles are up as well.
Highly 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.
Synthesizer
October 4, 2024A Place to Bury Strangers' 7th studio album titled "Synthesizer" is set to release on October 4th, 2024, showcasing a chaotic and human approach to music-making through DIY methods involving a unique synthesizer made specifically for their new LP. The album, featuring a new band lineup, is their most live sounding record to date, while exploring walls of noise and sound with tracks like the techno punk driven "Fear of Transformation" and hypnotic "Have You Ever Been in Love," offering a romantic and energetic vibe. Known for their live performances, the band's lead single "Disgust" captures that live essence perfectly, and exemplifies their dynamic and playful approach to making music, reflecting their roots in the DIY ethos of collaboration and creativity. Imperfect and beautiful — that’s a good way to sum up Synthesizer. It is a raw collection of songs, wild and loud and fucked up just like the instrument itself.
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.
Saccharine Scream
November 22, 2024North Carolina heavy but dreamy alternative rock band Fake Eyes will release their long-awaited LP "Saccharine Scream" on November 22, 2024 via Sunday Drive Records, blending 90s shoegaze, grunge, brit pop, and emo influences similar to bands like Glare, Trauma Ray, Narrow Head, and Teenage Wrist. Despite facing delays, the debut LP showcases Fake Eyes' best work to date with a mix of rhythmic hooks and poetic lyrics, building on their previous sound while introducing a more expansive and layered approach, drawing inspiration from bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Hum.
...Home Is So Far From Here
November 8, 2024The Arrival Note, a Tampa emo band, is set to release their debut LP "...Home Is So Far From Here" on November 8, 2024 via Sunday Drive Records. Drawing influence from 90s emo and post-hardcore bands like Mineral, Texas is The Reason, and Jawbreaker, the album features a range of tracks blending heavier riffs with softer, nostalgic sounds, showcasing a unique evolution in their music. Collaborations with local scene friends Glazed and Postdrome add depth to the contemporary post-hardcore/emo-inspired songs, promising a fresh take on the genre's sound while honoring its roots.
RIYL: Texas is The Reason, Shift, Hey Mercedes, Jawbreaker, Mineral
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.
Weakness Beyond Control
October 2, 2024On October 2, Oklahoma City’s Photocopy will be releasing their debut full length Weakness Beyond Control. The LP embodies the band’s buzzing feedback-laden alternative rock sound found on previous material, while finding a new dialed in sound that can easily make Photocopy a household name, alongside other Oklahoma up and comers Downward, Money and the like. Supported by a mix of emo and shoegaze guitars, melodic basslines, massive, charging drums, and a baritone delivery, the LP touches on regret, disillusionment, false hope, real hope, and general confusion as time moves faster still. Instrumentals range from fast, to mid tempo, to slow, but the focus on songwriting and knack for melodies shine throughout. Three singles from the record are currently available on streaming; Broken Cursive, Time Machine, and Temperate Weather available now on all streaming platforms.
RIYL: Basement, Milly, Cursetheknife, All Under Heaven, Hotline TNT
End of the Nail
December 6, 2024Gleemer, an alternative rock band from Ft. Collins, Colorado, is set to release their new LP "End of the Nail" on December 6, 2024 through Other People Records. The album features 11 tracks, with the lead single "Half Smile" already available for streaming, showcasing their unique blend of shoegaze, slowcore, emo and alternative rock with elements of bands like Balance and Composure and early Death Cab for Cutie. Recorded and produced independently by the band members themselves, the album promises to be a standout addition to Gleemer's already impressive discography.
Deep in the Blue
November 15, 2024Tiny Moving Parts, an emo-punk/math rock band from Benson, MN, will release their 7th album "Deep in the Blue" on November 15, 2024. The album features 10 new tracks characterized by their melodic combination of emo pop punk and math rock sound with anthemic shout-along hooks. Their new single "Before I Go" is now streaming on all DSPs. Fans of Tiny Moving Parts' previous output along with bands like Free Throw, Hot Mulligan, and Algernon Cadwallader will enjoy this.
Anthem Sprinter
November 1, 2024Chameleon
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.
Dulling The Horns
October 4, 2024Wild Pink's upcoming 5th LP, "Dulling The Horns," set for release on October 4, 2024 via Fire Talk Records, marks a new chapter for the band as they navigate themes of belief and renewal following a challenging period, including a cancer diagnosis for lead singer John Ross. The lead single "The Fences Of Stonehenge" sets the tone for the album with a blend of melody, fuzzy guitars, classic americana and indie rock influences with introspective lyricism, showcasing a return to Wild Pink's earlier sound while incorporating lessons from their more recent work. Fans can expect a bigger, fuzzier sound compared to their previous album, with a fresh perspective on songwriting that highlights the band's evolution. RIYL Nada Surf, Ducks LTD, War on Drugs, Band of Horses