emo
These are the best emo artists featured on Release Wave.
Leaving Time
Formed in Jacksonville, FL in 2020 while members Joel Cedeno, Nick Dilts, Jarod Whalen, and Reed Cothren previously & simultaneously played in bands True Form, Method of Doubt, and more—Leaving Time sonically stands out from the aforementioned. Taking inspiration from the notable '90s alternative-rock and shoegaze sound, Leaving Time adds much of their own to the sound. Subtle nuances like the whirling guitar leads and hardcore-inspired drums give each song a driving punch, taking the singular "shoegaze" descriptor out of the picture. On EP II, the band again connected with Gainesville producer, John Howard to write some of their best songs to date. Pushing the sound heard on their S/T, EP II finds the band coming to form. The band is signed to Sunday Drive Records and is gearing up to release their debut LP in November of 2024.
Fake Eyes
The alternative rock band Fake Eyes, from North Carolina, combines shoegaze, grunge, brit pop, and emo influences in their music. Fans of Trauma Ray, Narrow Head, and Broken Head will enjoy their sound, as the band pulls from similar 90s influences like Hum, Sunny Day Real Estate and The Smashing Pumpkins. They have an EP out on New Morality Zine and plan to release their debut LP on Sunday Drive Records in fall 2024.
Photocopy
Oklahoma City’s Photocopy play the kind of buzzing feedback-laden alternative rock sound that fit right in with the whole 90s shoegaze /emo / alt-rock genre blending revival. Their debut LP is coming out in October 2024.
Karate
Underoath
Underoath is an American post-hardcore band. They gained mainstream popularity with albums like They're Only Chasing Safety and Define the Great Line. After disbanding in 2013, they reunited in 2015 and released their latest albums, Erase Me in 2018 and Voyeurist in 2022.
Saosin
New Year Memorial
New Year Memorial is best described as a bunch of past-it emo kids from Glasgow. From past & present members of There Will Be Fireworks & Twin Atlantic amongst others, their second record 'Darker, Louder' releases September 27th 2024. Produced by Chris Gordon (Baby Chaos, Union of Knives) - Alternative Indie / Emo for fans of Idlewild, Jimmy Eat World, Brand New and early 2000s emo/pop alt-rock should enjoy this.
New Age Thief
New Age Thief is a Chicago based two-piece band, channeling the sounds of earlier eras of emo/alternative music through impassioned, drivey, and anthemic songs that draw heavy influence from bands like Jimmy Eat World, Basement, Armor for Sleep and the like. Their anthemic emo punk sound is all at once classic sounding while being updated for modern times. The band is gearing up to release their debut LP on Wax Bodega in October 2025.
Gleemer
Fort Collins, CO based band Gleemer mixes indie / alt rock with dream pop, shoegaze and a splash of emo. The band is heavily influenced by the melodic guitar rock sounds from the 90s and is centered around Corey Coffman's layered and fuzzy guitar tones and melancholy vocal delivery. The band has released 4 full length LP's and 2 EPs, all of which are consistent while offering something new to their sound. The band is signed to Other People Records and are now gearing up to release their 5th LP in December 2024. Fans of Balance and Composure, Death Cab for Cutie, DIIV, Cloakroom and newer bands like Downward and Glare will enjoy Gleemer.
High
Around the tucked-away town of Boonton, NJ in 2021, Christian Castan (vocals/ guitar), Bridget Bakie (bass/vocals), Jack Miller (drums), and Danny Zavala (guitar) formed High, a band that combines elements of shoegaze, grunge, emo and dream pop. Creative nucleus Christian Castan and Bridget Bakie met while playing the DIY and college circuit around New Jersey building Bakie’s reputation as “The Queen of The Quarter Note,” and Castan’s profile as an unforgettable guitarist. After playing in a band together, the two longed for a project that would be their sole creative focus and could tour as far and wide as possible. A few weeks and two practices after their formation, the band began playing shows around the tristate DIY circuit after their proper NYC debut at Saint Vitus. The band is gearing up to release their sophomore EP "Come Back Down" in January of 2025 which will include their debut EP Bomber on the B-side.
Gloam
Perth/Boorloo post-shoegaze outfit Gloam offer up dreamy shoegaze tinged alternative rock and metal. Formed in early 2022, Gloam are a four-piece that have already carved a name for themselves in their corner of the world. Rowan Hardy takes on vocal duties and guitar while Oli Booth joins as lead guitarist, George Blacklock on drums and Oakie Diggins on bass. Drawing inspiration from iconic shoegaze acts to the likes Diiv, Deafheaven, Nothing, Slowdive, and Whirr, along with heavier alt metal bands like Deftones, Gloam take listeners on an immersive, genre-defying journey. Their swirling shoegaze style has proven to appeal to a diverse range of fans, resonating with followers of alternative, indie, hardcore, and metal music.
Static Dress
A hardcore punk band from Leeds, Yorkshire, UK formed in 2018. The current lineup includes Olli Appleyard on vocals, Sam Ogden on drums, Contrast on guitar, and George Holding on bass. Former members include Tom Black, Sam Kay, and Connor Reilly.
A Static Lullaby
The Arrival Note
The Arrival Note is a newly formed emo band from Tampa Bay, Florida by members Joshua Howell (Stedfast, Point of Contact, Contention) and Kyle Weidner. On their debut, self-titled EP, the band combines both the post-hardcore and indie rock that largely influenced the sound of the ’90s emo. Their 2nd EP Vol 2. continued this blend of 90s influenced post-hardcore and emo similar to bands like Mineral, Jawbreaker, Texas is the Reason and the like. Now the band is gearing up to release their debut LP in November of 2024 via Sunday Drive Records.
Tiny Moving Parts
Tiny Moving Parts is an American emo / math rock / pop punk band from Benson, Minnesota. Formed by brothers William and Matthew Chevalier, and their cousin Dylan Mattheisen, the band has released 6 studio albums across labels such as Hopeless Records, Triple Crown Records, Big Scary Monsters etc since their 2008 formation in junior high. The are gearing up to release their 7th LP in November of 2024.
Common Sage
Common Sage is an American emo band hailing from Brooklyn, New York, and was established in 2018 on Staten Island. The band, featuring members Julian Rosen, Chris Johns, and Phil DiMarco, has put out two albums and one EP, drawing comparisons to similar artists in the post-hardcore scene like Thursday, Brand New, and The Republic of Wolves.
Planes Mistaken For Stars
Planes Mistaken For Stars (also known as Planes or PMFS) is a Punk / Hardcore Punk band formed in Peoria, Illinois in 1997. The group later relocated to Denver, CO. In 2007 the band announced that they would be disbanding following a final comprehensive US tour. Their final show was played on February 16, 2008 at the Marquis Theater in Denver supported by fellow local friends Kingdom of Magic and Mustangs &.Madras. Since 2010 PMFS have been sporadically active again, and in 2016 a new album was announced. Founding member Gared O'Donnell died in November 24, 2021 due to cancer and the band subsequently disbanded. The band will finally release their final recordings with Gared and their first new music since 2016 in the form of a new LP in November of 2024.
Origami Angel
Origami Angel is a rock band from Washington D.C., made up of singer and guitarist Ryland Heagy and drummer Pat Doherty. Formed in 2016, the band has quickly become known for their unique blend of emo, indie rock, pop punk, and easycore. They've been described as part of the "fifth wave of emo," but they bring a distinct and refreshing energy to the genre that sets them apart.Their debut album, Somewhere City, released in 2019, received high praise from music publications, with Pitchfork and the Chicago Reader lauding it as emblematic of emo in 2019 and setting the tone for the genre's next decade. The album's themes revolve around a utopian concept, which counters the typically negative lyrical content found in emo music with more positive messages and pop culture allusions. Following the success of Somewhere City, Origami Angel released their sophomore double-album, Gami Gang, in 2021. This album saw the band expanding their musical horizons, mixing their signature sound with a more experimental approach, drawing comparisons to The Smashing Pumpkins' Mellon Collie And The Infinite Sadness for its ambitious scope. The band will release their new full length LP titled "Feeling Not Found" on Counter Intuitive Records in September of 2024.