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

Spiritual Cramp is a San Francisco-based band known for blending hardcore punk with diverse influences like ska, dub, post-punk, and new wave. Founded in 2016 by vocalist Michael Bingham and bassist Mike Fenton, the band's sound evolved from their previous work in Creative Adult. They are known for their energetic live shows and have released albums such as their self-titled debut in 2023 and their sophomore album, Rude, in October 2025

AFI is the abbreviation for the rock band A Fire Inside, a California-based group known for evolving their sound from hardcore punk into alternative rock and gothic rock since forming in 1991. The band's current lineup includes Davey Havok (vocals), Adam Carson (drums), Hunter Burgan (bass), and Jade Puget (guitar). AFI has achieved multi-platinum success with albums like Sing the Sorrow and Decemberunderground, and continues to release music and tour, solidifying their dedicated fanbase.

Grief Mop is an alternative rock/emo band from Portland, Maine, formed by songwriter Joseph Lacy. The band's debut EP, You Were Right Here But So Far Away, was released in 2024, featuring heavy, beautiful songs that blend emo and alternative rock influences. The music explores themes of grief and memory, dedicated in part to Lacy's late friend and musician, Tim Landers. Grief Mop is signed to Sunday Drive Records and includes members from bands like Transit and Infernal Diatribe. Their sound has evolved containing more shoegaze and post-rock elements with their debut LP for Sunday Drive Records set for release in October 2025.

RIYL: Hum, The Appleseed Cast, Mock Orange, Starflyer 59

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

Side Hug is a Chicago-based indie band blending heartfelt songwriting with shimmering guitars and artful textures. Emerging from the city’s DIY scene, the group—led by vocalist/guitarist Lyd Landor with Allan Cardenas (guitar/synth) and Jon Reyes (bass)—crafts emotionally charged songs that balance nostalgia and renewal. Their evolving sound moved from their early indie-folk leaning material to the more atmospheric, post-punk, and shoegaze-influenced sound of their 2025 debut full-length album, New Language due out October 2025. With roots in community and connection, Side Hug continue to prove that vulnerability and evolution can coexist in perfect harmony. Formed from late-night jam sessions, the band's music explores themes of change, uncertainty, and hope, often incorporating influences from local acts like Pool Holograph and global artists such as The Cure, Radiohead and Joy Division. RIYL: Beach Fossils, Tokyo Police Club, Alvvays, Joy Division, The Cure, Wild Nothing

Idlewild is a Scottish alternative rock band formed in Edinburgh in 1995. They are known for their evolution from early punk-influenced sound to more melodic and experimental art rock styles including influences from R.E.M, The Replacements, The Smiths, Fugazi and everything in between. The band's lineup has seen some changes, with Roddy Woomble (vocals), Rod Jones (guitar), Colin Newton (drums), and Bob Fairfoull (bass) being the core members. Idlewild's discography includes nine studio albums, showcasing their diverse sonic landscape and willingness to explore new sounds, with a 10th LP slated for fall of 2025.

Acceptance is a Seattle-based alternative rock band formed in 1998, known for their cult-classic 2005 debut album Phantoms, two EPs, and a subsequent reunion that led to their 2017 follow-up Colliding By Design and other subsequent releases including the recently released 20th anniversary reimagined version of Phantoms, called Phantoms/Twenty featuring several guest artists from the scene. After disbanding in 2006, the original lineup reformed in 2015 and has been active since, touring and releasing new material.

RIYL: The Starting Line, The Academy Is, The Maine, The Early November, Something Corporate

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

Bed Bug Guru is a sludgy alt-rock band formed in 2022 among college friends who came together bonding over bands like DIIV, Duster, and Modern Color. Wanting to sound like a “bad trip,” the band’s output and live show drives off pedal effects and glitched out visuals. With their debut LP Double Scoop being recorded live to tape, Bed Bug Guru wanted to create an immersive experience for the listener meant to scratch a certain itch in your brain. Think shoegaze meets noise rock/slacker rock vibes meets heavy and grungy slowcore, but also catchy.

Bed Bug Guru is Jake Knoechel - guitar and Shane Malone - bass, vocals. Drums on the record performed by Cleburne Wilson.

Warper is an alternative rock band from Colorado, formed by Jack McManaman (vocals, guitar, bass, songwriter) and Adam Gilsdorf (drums). Based in Loveland, the group has released multiple EPs and singles, gaining traction within the Colorado indie and shoegaze scene and will release their debut LP on Candlepin Records in October 2025. Warper's sound is characterized as "downer shoegaze" for its blend of heavy, distorted instrumentation and melancholy lyrics, a blend of alternative rock, shoegaze, dream pop and emo. The band frequently works with producer Corey Coffman, who records, mixes, and produces their releases in Loveland and sometimes provides backing vocals and percussion on some tracks.