ARTICLEMay 7, 2026

Monthly Wave: Honeybee, Sparta, Oakwood, Criteria, Waves Crashing, Bummer Camp

Jason Gordon

jason@releasewave.com

May has a lot of new releases we're stoked about so make sure to check out the upcoming albums from bands like Bummer Camp, Honeybee, Sparta, Oakwood, Criteria, Waves Crashing and others. A good mix of shoegaze, emo, alt-rock and post-hardcore releases coming in May. Of course, don't sleep on Koyo, Basement and Idle Threat's new LPs dropping May 8th as well.

Indie Rock

Bummer Camp

Fake My Death

May 8, 2026

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

Bummer Camp, a Queens-based shoegaze/grunge band, will release 'Fake My Death' on May 8th via Trash Casual Records. Their sound, reminiscent of artists like Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr., Superbloom, Milly, Narrow Head, and Superheaven. explores emotional themes with humor and defiance and hooks to go along with it.

Shoegaze

Honeybee

Only Dark Shit

May 15, 2026

Honeybee, a slow punk/alt-gaze band hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, is set to release their debut LP "Only Dark Shit" on May 15, 2026 via Candlepin Records. With a sound influenced by bands like Hum along with the melodic emocore meets shoegaze side of later Title Fight, Honeybee seamless combine elements of post-hardcore, fuzz laden noise pop, emocore and shoegaze. The new LP features 10 songs that blend dense, atmospheric and distorted guitars with hypnotic vocals, drawing comparisons to Hum, Nothing, Cloakroom, Narrow Head, Basement and Sunny Day Real Estate. Fans of more recent bands like Trauma Ray, Glare, Narrow Head, and the like will appreciate Honeybee's urgent and loud yet heavenly musical style, which has been evolving since their 2023 debut EP "Soft and Less Kind" and keeps getting better.

Honeybee, a slow punk / alt-gaze band from Cleveland, Ohio, is set to release their debut LP "Only Dark Shit" on May 15, 2026 via Candlepin Records. The album features 10 songs blending shoegaze and emotionally charged post-hardcore elements, drawing comparisons to influential artists like Hum and Title Fight. With a sound characterized by dense, atmospheric guitars and hypnotic vocals, Honeybee's music appeals to fans of Trauma Ray, Glare, Narrow Head, and other bands weaving together elements of shoegaze, emo, and post-hardcore.

Dream Pop

Waves Crashing

In The Blur

May 20, 2026

Waves Crashing, an Olympia-based band blending shoegaze, post-punk, dream pop, and '90s alternative, prepares to release 'In The Blur' on May 20, 2026, following their well-received debut album 'Effection' from 2025. The album showcases their evolution in sound, addressing societal themes and industry pressures while offering a mix of energetic anthems like 'Feel The Glow' and introspective tracks like 'Marine Garden', while also featuring a unique dreamy take on Radiohead's 'Creep'. Fans of Nothing, Placebo, DIIV, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Smashing Pumpkins will find Waves Crashing's latest work captivating, designed for both headphone immersion and dynamic live performances.

Waves Crashing, the Olympia, Washington-based band, is gearing up to release their second album 'In The Blur' on May 20, 2026. This eight-track record blends shoegaze, post-punk, dream pop, and '90s alternative rock, showcasing their evolution while exploring themes of societal struggles and mental vulnerability. Fans of Nothing, Placebo, DIIV, and Smashing Pumpkins will find a familiar yet fresh sound in this release.

Indie Rock

Sparta

Cut A Silhouette

May 29, 2026

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.

Sparta's new album, 'Cut A Silhouette', produced by J. Robbins, blends post-hardcore energy with melodic introspection, featuring a collaboration with Frank Iero of My Chemical Romance on the lead single 'Crater'. Frontman Jim Ward describes the album as a 'love record', showcasing a renewed band unity and that returns to their roots while still pushing their sound forward.

Indie Rock

Oakwood

Blurred Away

May 29, 2026

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.

Oakwood, a West Texas trio with influences from bands like Algernon Cadwallader, Title Fight Marietta, and Praise, is set to release their new album "Blurred Away" on May 29. Recorded with producer Will Yip, the album captures emo in its purest form, offering a cathartic exploration of existential themes and melodic energy.

Indie Rock

Criteria

Seize!

May 22, 2026

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.

Spartan Records and Criteria will be releasing SEIZE!, the new studio album by Omaha post-hardcore/alt-rock artist Stephen Pedersen on May 29th. The album, produced by Matt Bayles, delivers profound themes and groove heavy, distortion fueled, technical rock soundscapes reminiscent of Quicksand, Weezer, Smashing Pumpkins and Battles. SEIZE! captures a moment of personal and professional change, exploring loss and the urgency of living in the present.