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

Hew is an emo band hailing from Houston, Texas, formed in 2024 by Lindsay Minton and Mercy Harper of football, etc. Their upcoming debut LP 'Your Version', set for release in summer 2026 through Tiny Engines, showcases a distinct emo sound that transcends simple revivalism. Drawing on themes of tension and contradiction, Hew's music is characterized by dynamic interplay between bass and Bass VI and angular guitars, delivering catchy melodies that set them apart in the contemporary emo landscape.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Leisure Hour, the emo/indie rock band from Muncie, IN, is gearing up for the release of their highly anticipated album "...and to think" on January 30, 2026, marking their debut under emo label Counter Intuitive. Drawing inspiration from midwest emo and pop-punk, the trio delivers raw and heartfelt storytelling on themes of grief and regret, evidenced in their singles like "Ode to Muncie" and "Happy Birthday!" The band's energetic and emotional songs have garnered a strong following, propelled by their relentless DIY touring and recent success on TikTok.

Hailing from Buffalo, NY, Autoignition brings back the nostalgic vibes of pop punk reminiscent of bands like Saves The Day and Lifetime. Formed in 2021, the band burst onto the scene with their 2024 full-length album, "This Is Moving Forward," and have shared stages with the likes of Koyo and Anxious. Their upcoming EP, "Against The World," slated for release on May 15th via Static Era Records and 51st State Records, showcases their fervent energy, catchy riffs, and carefree vocal style.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Boston's post-hardcore stalwarts, The Saddest Landscape, have honed their blend of frenetic hardcore and poignant vulnerability for over two decades. With the upcoming release of their first full-length record in over a decade, "Alone With Heaven," the band showcases their emotional depth and musical complexity. Influenced by legends like Steve Albini, their sound navigates themes of survival and grief, creating a rich tapestry of sound that resonates with fans of Touché Amoré, Into It. Over It., and Julien Baker.