Nova Scotia dreamy noise-pop rockers Kestrels will be releasing their fifth album, "Better Wonder," on February 14, 2025, offering a collection of dreamy noise-pop and shoegaze tracks with a nighttime, anxiety-riddled theme. Produced by John Angello, the album explores a mix of sonic choices and emotional depths, drawing inspiration from bands like Dinosaur Jr and My Bloody Valentine. With tracks like previously released singles "Lilys" and "Sleepless" and "Free Forever" listeners can expect a mix of distorted and hazy guitars, reflective lyrics, big melodies, and emotional dreamy landscapes reminiscent of bands like Hotline TNT, Dinosaur Jr, Alvvays, Turnover, and Ride.

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.

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.

The Murder Capital, a Dublin-based post-punk band, is set to release their 3rd album titled "Blindness" on February 21, 2025. Produced in Los Angeles with John Congleton, the album promises an intense and expansive sound reminiscent of their previous work while drawing comparisons to similar artists like Fontaines D.C., METZ, Idles, Shame, and Protomartyr. Their latest single "Words Lost Meaning," which is now available on all streaming platforms, showcases a more anthemic style and follows the success of their previous single "Can't Pretend To Know".

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.