Release Wave

Potionseller is a Grand Rapids band formed in 2021, combining emo, pop-punk, and post-hardcore influences with memorable hooks and melodies. They released a five-song EP titled "When They Get Old," showcasing their blend of 2000s pop-punk nostalgia and modern emo nuances. Their upcoming debut LP, set for release in May 2026, promises an evolved sound with even bigger hooks, more dynamics and some new experimentation / instrumentation while remaining catchy as ever. Similar artists include Arm's Length, Macseal, Oso Oso, Hot Mulligan, Saturdays At Your Place and Charmer.

Mad Honey is an Oklahoma City-based indie/dream-pop and shoegaze band formed in 2018, known for a "dark, yearning, and hazy" sound. Founded by Tiff Sutcliffe and Branden Palesano, the group has evolved into a key act in the local scene, featuring, among others, guitarist Keegan Ball and drummer Austin Valdez.

In 2 Again, hailing from Connecticut, dive headfirst into early 2000’s post-hardcore with their enticing riffs and dynamic scream-sung vocals. Formed in 2024 and sharing members with bands like Balmora and Kidnapped, their debut EP 'It's All Red To Me' set the stage for their upcoming release 'Coins, Currency, Tokens, and Other Related Objects' on May 8th. Drawing from influences like Glassjaw and Snapcase, vocalist Jay Torblaa's emotive delivery shines through sarcastically crafted lines and infectious hooks, with guitarist Kyle Hill's socially conscious songwriting adding depth to their heavy groove.

Sparta is an American post-hardcore/alternative rock band from El Paso, Texas, formed in 2001. The band currently consists of Jim Ward (vocals, guitar), Matt Miller (bass), and drummer Neil Hennessy. Founding members Ward, Paul Hinojos, and Tony Hajjar were members of post-hardcore group At the Drive-In, forming Sparta in 2001 after the break-up of their former band while the other members from At the Drive In went on to form progressive rock band The Mars Volta. Sparta went on hiatus in 2008 for Ward to focus on his solo career and side projects, reuniting from 2011 to 2013 for a series of shows and permanently reuniting in 2017. The band has released five studio albums to date; their fourth, Trust the River, was released in 2020 after a 14-year break between releases and their 5th LP (self titled) in 2022. A sixth album, Cut a Silhouette produced by the legendary J Robbins (Jawbox), is set for release in May 2026 on Equal Vision Records. Sparta's music has been described by Pitchfork as "anxious, epic guitar rock", and by SPIN Magazine as having "a reliably cathartic and emotionally charged presence."

Initially the solo project of Ryan Nolen, FOOTBALLHEAD showcases the poppier side of 90s radio rock. With big guitars and bubblegum hooks, these nostalgia soaked songs evoke the energy of early Jimmy Eat World, Third Eye Blind, and blink-182 while also incorporating elements of grunge and post-hardcore with bands like Story of the Year, The Used, Basement, and One Step Closer. Nolen has teamed up with Adam Siska (The Academy Is... & Say Anything) to keep the ethos of 90s/2000s alternative pop music fresh and dynamic. The band is currently signed to Tiny Engines and released an LP and EP through them already, and a new LP is set for March 2026.

Piebald, a band originating from Massachusetts in the mid-1990s, has gained a strong following for their unique blend of melody, humor, and emotional honesty. Their music has remained influential in indie, emo and alternative circles, and their highly anticipated return and first release in over 15 years titled "Tales For The Rages," showcases a continued evolution while staying true to their identity. With a focus on new material and a reconnection to their roots, Piebald's music resonates with both longtime fans and new listeners alike.

American Football, the legendary emo band hailing from the heart of the Midwest, is set to release their fourth studio album, LP4, on May 1, 2026. Drawing from influences such as The Promise Ring and Cap'n Jazz, this band skillfully blends intricate instrumentation with emotionally raw storytelling. Fans eagerly anticipate the continuation of American Football's signature emo and post-rock sound, as showcased in the epic eight-minute single 'Bad Moons', sure to captivate listeners both old and new.

Honeybee is a Cleveland, Ohio-based independent alt-gaze band often described as a "slowpunk" or shoegaze/grungegaze. They are known for blending thick, atmospheric textures, loud distortion heavy guitars, with raw emotional energy.

Genre: Shoegaze, slowpunk, emo, and alternative rock

Record Labels: Associated with indie labels like Flesh & Bone Records, Candlepin Records, and Pleasure Tapes

Originating from Issaquah, Washington, and formed in 1993, Modest Mouse has carved out a unique place in the indie rock scene with their eclectic blend of alternative rock, post-punk, and folk influences. The band's distinct sound, characterized by Isaac Brock's emotive vocals and intricate guitar work, draws comparisons to artists like Built to Spill, Pavement, and Pixies. After over two decades of musical exploration, Modest Mouse continues to captivate audiences with their introspective lyrics and dynamic compositions, as showcased in their upcoming album 'An Eraser and a Maze' on Glacial Pace Recordings.

Small Talk., an emo band hailing from San Diego, has been a prominent fixture in the underground music scene for over a decade. With the release of their upcoming 10 song LP album 'whats gone never left' on April 10, 2026, Small Talk. showcases their signature blend of emotionally charged, melodic, tappy emo/grunge sound. Drawing inspiration from their 13-year journey since formation, their music delves deep into themes of loss, growth, and the complexities of life, reminiscent of bands like The Hotelier, Balance & Composure, The Promise Ring, Mom Jeans., Worst Party Ever, Movements and Algernon Cadwallader.

Philadelphia melodic punk trio FILM, featuring Ken Vasoli of The Starting Line and Joe Reinhart of Algernon Cadwallader, announce their debut album 'Permanence', set for release on May 22 via Lauren Records. The album is particularly poignant as it includes the final recordings of drummer TJ DeBlois, who passed away in 2023. The band chose to preserve the rawness of the sessions, transforming what was initially intended as a demo into a powerful document of collaboration and loss. The music reflects a gritty, instinct-driven sound reminiscent of bands like Drive Like Jehu, Braid and Mclusky, while exploring themes of legacy and the fleeting nature of time. The lead single 'Roundabout' is available now, showcasing the band's urgent and stripped-down approach to songwriting. The track captures the essence of a basement practice session, emphasizing the immediacy and emotional weight of their music. Vasoli and Reinhart express their gratitude for DeBlois's contributions, highlighting the importance of sharing this final work as a tribute to their friend and collaborator. 'Permanence' stands as a testament to the band's journey and the lasting impact of their shared experiences.

Free Throw is an American emopunk band hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, and is part of the emo punk revival scene. Their sound is influenced by bands like Snowing, Algernon Cadwallader, Fall Out Boy, and My Chemical Romance. They have released four full-length albums and three EPs, and will be releasing their upcoming 5th LP through Wax Bodega.

Super Sometimes is a Southern California pop punk band set to release their album 'Show the World What’s Underneath' on May 15 via Pure Noise Records. Their lead single 'Afterthought' showcases a blend of skate punk and early 2000s modern emo-pop-punk influences (Drive Thru Records era), capturing themes of coming-of-age malaise and romantic fallout. Consisting of vocalists/guitarists Gabriel Muñoz and Dylan Guzman, and drummer Matthew Ludwig, the trio embodies the essence of pop-punk's tradition while aiming to inspire a new generation of music lovers. RIYL: Early 2000s pop punk (Drive Thru Records era), Slick Shoes, MXPX, The Story So Far, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck

Basement is an English rock band formed in Ipswich, Suffolk, in 2009, known for blending emo, post-hardcore, grunge and 90s DIY punk. Signed to Run For Cover records, Basement has released a 2009 demo, one EP, Songs About The Weather (2010) as well as four LPs: I Wish I Could Stay Here (2011), Colourmeinkindness (2012), Promise Everything (2016) and Beside Myself (2018). The band has now returned with their the highly anticipated new album titled WIRED, their first release in eight years and a reunion with original label Run For Cover Records. Comprising vocalist Andrew Fisher, guitarists Alex Henery and Ronan Crix, bassist Duncan Stewart, and drummer James Fisher, Basement deliver a dynamic blend of urgent, needling guitars and captivating hooks reminiscent of their best work. Similar to bands like Balance and Composure and Title Fight, Basement's immersive sound on WIRED showcases their meticulous songwriting and cohesive artistic vision.

Quicksand is an influential American post-hardcore band formed in NYC in 1990 by Walter Schreifels who was instrumental in legendary hardcore bands like Youth of Today and Gorilla Biscuits and melodic post-hardcore band Rival Schools. I Known for a heavy, melodic sound blending crunchy distorted guitars with thick grooves and post-hardcore delivery, they released seminal major label albums Slip (1993) and Manic Compression (1995) for Island Records. Following a breakup in the mid/late 90s, they reunited permanently in 2012, releasing Interiors (2017) and Distant Populations (2021) and are set to release their new LP Bring on The Psychics in July 2026 via Equal Vision Records.

Lozenge, the nu-gaze/shoegaze trio from Leeds, UK, is set to unveil their sophomore EP, "Everything," on May 29, 2026. Following their debut release, "Blink Into Nothing," this new collection showcases a profound evolution in their sound with intricate arrangements and weighty themes. Drawing from influences in 90s alternative rock, dream pop, shoegaze, and post-grunge, the band's music is characterized by distorted guitars and introspective vocals, crafting a "heavenly heaviness" that resonates with fans of bands like Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine. RIYL: Narrow Head, Trauma Ray, Whirr, Swervedriver, The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana

Lovewell is an emo/alternative rock band hailing from Massachusetts and New Hampshire, formed in late 2018. The band, consisting of members Mark Palladino and Joe Bradshaw, has transitioned from the hardcore scene to create a sound that draws from emo, indie, dream pop, and alternative rock influences including bands like Title Fight, Third Eye Blind, and Built to Spill as initial influences. Their debut 9 album, 'Everything You Ever Wanted', is set to be released on June 12, 2026, and follows their previous EP 'Around the Flowers', split single with Sparing from 2023 and more recent double single 'So Close/Balancing Act' (2024). Their sound showcases a blend of guitar fueled indie rock, breezy and fuzzy alternative rock and dream-pop, infused with emo elements. Lovewell's music is recommended for fans of Turnover's 'Peripheral Vision' era, Tigers Jaw, Anxious, Jimmy Eat World, and the like. The lead single 'Less Than Forever' from their forthcoming album is currently streaming, marking an exciting step for the band as they continue to evolve their sound.

Hailing from the Odessa and Midland areas of Texas, Oakwood is a West Texas trio comprising Mat Dwyer (vocals/guitar/bass), Noah Roots (drums), and TJ James (guitar/bass). With a fusion of emo and melodic punk and post-hardcore influences reminiscent of Title Fight, Algernon Cadwallader, Marietta, and Praise, their latest album "Blurred Away" is set to release in May of 2026, showcasing a raw, cathartic exploration of existential themes. The band's authentic approach to music-making recently led to a resurgence in popularity, culminating in a sold-out tour and a growing fan base eager to delve into their emotive and introspective sound.

Based in Connecticut, Splitview emerged in 2024 with a cathartic and catchy blend of grunge, shoegaze, and alternative rock. Signed to Static Era Records, the band has built an engaged listener base with their four singles and are now ready to present a fuller body of work. Their debut EP, Believe You'll Be Alright, produced by John Naclerio at Nada Recording, features vulnerable vocals enveloped by bold melodies and weighty guitars, promising an immersive experience for fans of bands like Nirvana and Slowdive.

Bummer Camp, a shoegaze/grunge band hailing from Queens, NY, is preparing to unveil their sophomore album, 'Fake My Death,' on May 8 through Trash Casual Records. Initially a solo project by Eli Frank, the group has blossomed into a dynamic four-piece, honing their craft through previous EPs and their debut record, 'Stuck In A Dream.' Drawing inspiration from inner struggles and the desire to escape, Bummer Camp's music delves into poignant themes with a blend of humor and defiance, reminiscent of artists like My Bloody Valentine, Nirvana, Dinosaur Jr, and newer bands like Superbloom, Milly, Narrow Head, Superheaven, etc.