Born in Aberdeen but now based in Brighton, The XCERTS deliver a blend of emotive rock that tugs at the heartstrings while packing a powerful punch. Their upcoming album, *i think i want to go home now.*, showcases their signature sound, with influences from UK post-hardcore bands like Kids Near Water and Tribute to Nothing evident in their latest single "pretty ugly." Drawing from personal struggles and relationships, the band creates a raw and honest musical experience that captures their resilience and camaraderie.

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.

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.

Failure is a critically acclaimed American alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1990 by Ken Andrews (vocals, guitar, bass, programming) and Greg Edwards (guitar, bass, keys), often joined by drummer Kellii Scott. Renowned for their space-rock and post-grunge sound, intricate, and meticulous production, the band is often regarded as "your favorite band's favorite band". Their sound is often categorized as alternative rock, space rock, post-grunge, and shoegaze, with a heavy emphasis on textured, layered, and often self-produced soundscapes with big guitar sounds. After a 17-year hiatus, the band reunited in 2014, releasing The Heart Is A Monster (2015), In The Future Your Body Will Be The Furthest Thing From Your Mind (2018), and Wild Type Droid (2021) and will release a new LP "Location Lost" in 2026. RIYL: Hum, Shiner, Catherine Wheel, Jawbox, Quicksand

Held., the dynamic trio composed of Douglas Robinson and Sal Mignano from The Sleeping, alongside Josh Eppard of Coheed And Cambria, burst onto the scene with their debut album GREY on May 15 through MNRK Heavy. Their music is a blend of alternative rock and post-hardcore, with a fresh and fully realized sound that positions them as sonic tornado chasers, tearing through urgent and volatile musical landscapes.

Notable influences on Held. include bands like My Chemical Romance and Coheed And Cambria, evident in their powerful anthem 'NEW YOU ANTHEM' featuring Frank Iero. Hailing from the musical hub of Woodstock, the trio's serendipitous collaboration and creative energy were captured at the inspiring Animal Farm studio in Flemington, N.J., under the guidance of producer Jon Markson.

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.

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."

Hailing from Scotland, The Twilight Sad are known for their emotive and atmospheric post-punk sound that perfectly blends elements of shoegaze and indie rock. Formed in 2003, the band's musical style is characterized by James Graham's raw and introspective vocals layered over Andy MacFarlane's textured guitars. Drawing comparisons to bands like The Cure, Interpol, The Horrors, etc, The Twilight Sad's latest album set for release in March 2026 called "IT'S THE LONG GOODBYE" is a poignant exploration of human vulnerability, reflecting on personal struggles and profound experiences with a blend of tenderness and tempestuous force.

Originating from Nashville, Idle Threat is a quintet consisting of Ernie Fabian, Zeke McKinney, Justin Jones, Nathan Moe, and Dylan Winstead. Since their formation in 2016, Idle Threat has captivated audiences with their emotional and hopeful lyrics, crafting a unique blend of rock music that offers both cathartic energy and open-hearted honesty. Drawing inspiration from bands like Haste the Day and Silent Planet, their upcoming album "you'll forget the sun" on Tooth and Nail Records is set to deliver a powerful message of resilience and faith, showcasing their ability to illuminate even the darkest moments with their music.

Sugar was an influential American alternative rock trio (1992-1996, reunited 2025) fronted by Bob Mould (ex-Hüsker Dü) with bassist David Barbe and drummer Malcolm Travis, known for their melodic, cathartic power-pop sound on acclaimed albums like Copper Blue (1992) and File Under: Easy Listening (1994), featuring hits such as "If I Can't Change Your Mind" and "Helpless". After almost 30 years, the band made a triumphant return in 2025 with their acclaimed single 'House of Dead Memories'. Sugar has now returned with a new single titled "Long Live Love" as part of a 7" vinyl release of both singles se for release on May 1st via BMG. Influenced by Mould's blend of DJ influences, melodic guitar rock, and pop songwriting, the new single is a nostalgic yet innovative fusion of grinding guitar riffs and lush synth textures with big melodies and hooks that Sugar is known for. With the upcoming release of 'Long Live Love' and their 'Love You Even Still' 2026 World Tour, Sugar's reunion after three decades has sparked immense excitement among fans, reaffirming their status as trailblazers of the alternative rock genre.

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.

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.

Formed in 2021, Jaguero is a punk/emo band from Vicenza, Italy featuring members of Slander, Regarde, and La Fortuna. Following the release of their EPs Worst Weekend Ever (2022) and New Love (2023), produced by Maurizio Baggio at La Distilleria and released via Epidemic Records, the band quickly gained momentum with festival appearances and international shows. Those early releases were later compiled into a limited-edition self-titled vinyl. With their debut full-length album "Make Me Feel Alive Again" due in April 2026, Jaguero push further into emotional extremes — blending punk urgency, grunge grit, and melodic hooks while staying rooted in the DIY spirit of small rooms and packed club floors, where shared experience matters more than genre boundaries.

Box Elder emerges from the vibrant music scene of Salt Lake City, with their self-titled debut LP set to release on April 10, 2026 via Steadfast Records and Sweet Cheetah Records. Blending the melodic urgency of The Get Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World with raw emotional storytelling, vocalist/guitarist Christopher Archuleta leads the band through a journey of personal struggle and growth. Originally a solo project born during the Covid era, Box Elder has evolved into a full-band collaboration with 2 EPs under their belt and a forthcoming new LP exploring themes of mental health, love lost, and the quest for identity. With a polished production that honors the weight of their songs, Box Elder's music captures the essence of heartfelt alternative rock.

Starting out on the floors of squats and basements, SHORELINE have played pretty much every venue in Europe that has provided them with a power outlet over the past ten years. Since then, they have played shows with scene legends such as FOUR YEAR STRONG, KNUCKLE PUCK, and SILVERSTEIN. This February, they will be touring the UK with ARM’S LENGTH – and just recently, they played a sold-out, acclaimed hometown show at Sputnikhalle in Münster with 600 tickets sold, their biggest headlining concert to date. SHORELINE was formed in 2015 out of a desire to be an active part of the scene back home in Münster. First demo songs on YouTube and plenty of DIY diligence soon got the band on the road. With their third album, To Figure Out, SHORELINE gained attention beyond Europe’s borders when they became the first German band to release an album on the US label Pure Noise Records. The band is gearing up to release their latest LP 'Is This The Low Point Or The Moment After?' on March 13, 2026, through Pure Noise Records.