Koyo is a punk rock/melodic hardcore band from Stony Brook, New York, formed in 2020. Drawing influences from bands like Taking Back Sunday and Brand New, they released two EPs before signing with Pure Noise Records for their debut LP in 2023.

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.

Trader is an Aarhus, Denmark-based indie/alt rock band gearing up to unveil their latest EP 'Hoodie' on May 8, 2026, featuring the lead single 'Buddy' that showcases a blend of energetic indie rock and introspective storytelling. Drawing inspiration from the raw vibrancy of Weezer's 'Pinkerton' era and the introspective depth akin to American artist Alex G, Trader navigates themes of identity and vulnerability with poignant lyricism. Produced by the talented duo Commotion, 'Buddy' sets the stage for 'Hoodie', promising a fusion of guitar-driven indie sounds, grunge influences, and infectious pop hooks that resonate with the complexities of self-discovery and coming-of-age.

Hailing from Worcester, MA, Hedge brings a gritty and raw approach to pop-punk, drawing inspiration from legendary bands like Hüsker Dü, Superchunk, and The Lemonheads. Their debut album, *Better Days*, released in 2024, showcased their knack for crafting speedy power-pop tunes with loud guitars and catchy vocal hooks, earning widespread acclaim, while their new EP Freeze Frame High will release in 2026.

New Jersey has produced some of the greatest emo and rock bands of all time, and the state is continuing to build the next generation of soon to be staple acts. Enter Capillary, the four piece crafting emotive and powerful tracks sure to capture the attention of even the most staunch genre purists. Signed to 51st State Records (run by Joey Chiaramonte of Koyo), the band released their debut self-titled EP in early 2024. Gearing up to release a full-length in 2026, today Capillary share a two song promo - "Lost Sleep" and "Time Before The Order.”

Taking influence from bands like Rites of Spring, Sunny Day Real Estate, and Mineral, you’ll hear strong building melodies, compelling riffs, and poignant vocals. “Lost Sleep” captures living in New Jersey - “a melancholy feeling in the air sometimes longing for those really simple and blissful times,” while "Time Before The Order" calls out the feeling of longing for someone. The tracks were recorded, mixed, and mastered with Justin Bartlett at Studio 4 in Conshohocken, PA (All Under Heaven, Carly Cosgrove).

RIYL: Title Fight, Anxious, One Step Closer, No Pressure

Long Square is a new Detroit, Michigan indie/emo /alt-rock band that looks back on the second wave of midwest-emo in which they were raised. Containing big and soaring melodies, technical twinkling guitar riffs over heavy distortion, and emotionally charged vocals, Long Square are gearing up to release their debut LP on Forge Again Records called "Even A Single Lumen". RIYL Braid, Minus the Bear, The Promise Ring, Cap'n Jazz, This Town Needs Guns, Kind of Like Spitting, Cursive

Waves Crashing is an Olympia, Washington-based alternative indie-rock trio formed in 2019, known for blending 80s/90s alt-rock nostalgia, shoegaze and dream pop textures, and post-punk pulses. The band consists of Joshua Calisti (vocals/guitar), Bryce Albright (drums), and Zach Olson (bass). Their sound features loud drums and heavy guitar feedback paired with melodic, often submerged and soothing vocals. They released several EPs, including Sea of Wires, High/Low, and The Viewing (2023). Their debut full-length album, Effection, was released in 2025 to critical acclaim while their sophomore album, In The Blur, is scheduled for release on May 20, 2026, via Audiomanic Records. RIYL: Nothing, DIIV, Smashing Pumpkins, Placebo

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

London slowcore band deathcrash, known for their distinctive blurry, slow-motion sound, is set to release their highly anticipated album Somersaults on February 27th via untitled (recs). With influences from the likes of the Jesus and Mary Chain, their music conveys fragility and intensity, as heard in their critically acclaimed previous albums Return and Less.

Angel Du$t is a Baltimore-based rock/punk band, led by Justice Tripp (from Trapped Under Ice), known for blending hardcore roots with melodic, hook-driven punk, pop, and even experimental sounds, previously featuring members from Turnstile like Daniel Fang, and evolving through various lineups while maintaining a core of creative restlessness and high-energy live shows, consistently exploring new sounds on albums like YAK, Brand New Soul and their forthcoming LP Cold 2 The Touch. The band is currently signed to Run for Cover Records.

Red Arrow Highway, hailing from West Michigan, is an alt-rock band gearing up to unveil their sophomore album, *Be Someone Better*, on March 20th, 2026, under the banner of North Carolina's indie label, Self Aware Records. Drawing inspiration from rock legends like Bruce Springsteen and Tom Petty, as well as modern torchbearers such as The Menzingers, The Gaslight Anthem, Spanish Love Songs and Bright Eyes, their sound marries classic rock aesthetics with contemporary indie punk passion with big alt-rock hooks. Through their lead single 'Not the End,' the band delves into societal critique with infectious melodies and fervent instrumentation, encapsulating the essence of their upcoming record.

Tigers Jaw is an American indie rock band formed in Scranton, Pennsylvania, in 2005 by Ben Walsh and Adam McIlwee. Known for their catchy, emotional, and relatable music, the band has evolved significantly, with Walsh and Brianna Collins becoming the primary members after McIlwee's departure in 2013. They are recognized for their DIY ethos and contributions to the "emo revival" scene, releasing several influential albums and EPs throughout their career. The band is currently signed to Hopeless Records and will release their Will Yip produced 7th LP in March of 2026.

RIYL: Jimmy Eat World, Weezer, The Get Up Kids, Macseal, The Hotelier, Modern Baseball, Charmer, Oso Oso, Pet Symmetry

Bicycle Inn is an emo band from Boston, Massachusetts, formed in 2016. The band consists of Declan Moloney (bass), Noah Aguiar (guitar/vocals), Dylan Ilkowitz (guitar/auxiliary vocals), Gilmar Perez (lead guitar), and Josh Giaquinto (percussion). They are known for blending emotional, often melancholy themes with an alternative and sometimes post-hardcore edge, and have released albums like This Time and Place Is All I'll Ever Know and forthcoming LP "Long in the Tooth" scheduled for November 2025.

RIYL: Good Sleepy, Charmer, Arm's Length, Ben Quad

Awnthay, the Boston-based band of life-long friends hailing from Somerville, MA, has been playing and recording together since 2015, crafting music that is an expression of the greater Boston area and its bustling heavy music scene. Their songs are layered, combining tight and melodic songwriting with energetic, loud guitars and hooks. The band says they're determined to make the heaviest pop music they can get away with. Their upcoming album, "The Sun Smiles on the City," is a love-letter to their hometown, drawing influence from Massachusetts Alt-Rock icons Dinosaur Jr. and Post-Hardcore legends Title Fight.

RIYL: Title Fight, Fiddlehead, Hot Water Music, Drug Church, Jawbreaker, Small Brown Bike

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

I Am the Avalanche is a melodic punk and post-hardcore band from Brooklyn, New York, founded in 2004 by frontman Vinnie Caruana following the breakup of his previous band, The Movielife. The group is known for pairing aggressive, driving rhythms with raw, emotional lyrics. Caruana formed the band in 2004, enlisting members from various New York scenes, including The Movielife, Scraps and Heart Attacks, and Further Seems Forever. The moniker comes from a lyric written by Caruana, though it coincidentally mirrors a line in a poem by Stephen Dobyns. After debuting with a split EP and their self-titled album in 2005 on Drive-Thru Records, the band experienced long gaps between releases but maintained a loyal following. They released albums in 2011, 2014 and 2020. They celebrated their 20th anniversary in 2024 and recently announced their 4th LP set for release in April 2026. RIYL: The Movielife, Crime in Stereo, Polar Bear Club, The Descendents, Lagwagon

Ontario-based duo Softcult, comprised of twins Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn, are making waves with their upcoming debut album 'When A Flower Doesn't Grow', set for release on January 30, 2026. Dive into their self-produced sonic universe that fuses grunge, shoegaze, and alt-rock elements, exploring themes of trauma and transformation with a raw and introspective approach. Drawing inspiration from the likes of grunge icons and alt-rock innovators, Softcult's music strikes a balance between intimacy and universality, solidifying their position as a dynamic force in the music landscape.

Glitterer is a post-hardcore band from Washington, D.C., fronted by singer and bassist Ned Russin, best known as a member of the band Title Fight. Initially a solo project where Russin wrote and performed all instruments, Glitterer has since evolved into a four-member band with drummer Robin Zeijlon, guitarist Colin Gorman, and keyboardist Nicole Dao. The band plays loud, melodic post-hardcore and is known for its quick-hitting songs with a combination of chugging bass, synths, and expressive vocals