emo
These are the best emo artists featured on Release Wave.
Suburban Eyes
Finch
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.
Delta Sleep
Delta Sleep are a British indie rock band, formed in 2010 in Canterbury, Kent known for their intricate rhythms and captivating melodies akin to bands like American Football and Minus The Bear. The band combines elements of math rock, indie-rock and post-hardcore and are currently based in Brighton consisting of Devin Yüceil on guitar and vocals, Glen Hodgson on guitar, Dave Jackson on bass and Blake Mostyn on drums. They have so far released 4 EPs and 4 albums with an brand new LP slated for fall of 2024.
The Dangerous Summer
The Dangerous Summer, an American rock band, draws influences from artists like Third Eye Blind and Jimmy Eat World. Originally signed to Hopeless Records, they are now with Rude Records and will release a new LP in summer 2024.
Her Head's On Fire
Her Head's On Fire is a post-hardcore quartet with members from bands like Garrison, Small Brown Bike, and Saves the Day. Their music is characterized by energetic riffs and emotive rock melodies, appealing to fans of similar bands such as Small Brown Bike, Texas is the Reason, Gameface, Samiam, and The Get Up Kids.
Saosin
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.
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.
Chastity
Chastity is the musical project of Canada native Brandon Williams who makes resonant songs that capture isolation and resilience. As the songwriter behind Chastity, the Whitby Ontario musician has made three unrelentingly perceptive albums culminating in the cathartic Suffer Summer, which was released January 13 via Deathwish and Dine Alone Records. The LP caps off an album trilogy that showcases both Williams’ emotional range as a lyricist but also his boundless love of outsider music. His 2018 debut Death Lust pulled from Unwound and The Smashing Pumpkins as he grappled with mortality while 2019’s Home Made Satan dealt in world-weary anxiety and Hum-like atmospherics. But Suffer Summer is a meditation on happiness, channeled through powerhouse riffs and undeniably potent choruses, sung with Mineral and Jimmy Eat World worn on his sleeve. It’s an album that shows how healing and staying content is hard but necessary work. Now, Chastity returns with a brand new full length LP releasing fall of 2024, which will take his sound to new levels of intensity and emotion. Fans of Jimmy Eat World, Teenage Wrist, Basement, Narrow Head and Title Fight will enjoy Chastity.
Entropy
Entropy, a German alternative rock band, taps into 90s-inspired melodic grunge and post-hardcore with a touch of shoegaze and emotionally charged indie rock in their music with infectious pop hooks. Influenced by bands such as Sugar, Quicksand, and Swervedriver, their debut LP "Liminal" and subsequent EP "Death Spells" have garnered attention. Fans can anticipate the release of their upcoming sophomore LP "Dharmakāya" in August 2024 which is sure to take their sound to the next level.
Modern Color
Modern Color is a melodic rock band from Southern California blending influences from the hardcore and indie scenes into a unique sound. Their music features heavy shoegaze elements and draws comparisons to bands like Title Fight and Superheaven with loud guitars and emotionally charged melodies.
A Static Lullaby
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.
Bad Neighbour
Brisbane's Bad Neighbour, an emo/indie rock band formed in 2018, draws inspiration from bands such as PUP, Modern Baseball, Blis., and The Menzingers. Their upcoming debut LP "Millions" is set to release on September 20, 2024, showcasing their catchy self proclaimed "sad rock" combining catchy nostalgic emo, post-hardcore and alt rock with anthemic hooks, heavily influenced by bands from the early and mid 2000's/2010s and with a rejuvenating take on the sound.
Regionals
Regionals, are an alternative rock band based in Sydney, Australia. The band has released two EPs and will release their debut album "Spoonbender" after a four year period of experimentation and development. The album showcases a more extreme and experimental sound blending emo, dream pop, and post-hardcore elements. Adding in the light & shade of lush, atmospheric textures and jangly guitars with the abrasive attack of heavy guitars and vocal screams, Regionals have reshaped their sound to something more expansive and exciting.
Combat
Combat is a Baltimore-based emo/punk band signed to Counter Intuitive Records. Their upcoming LP, set for release in August 2024, draws inspiration from bands like Prince Daddy & The Hyena and Pup.
Footballhead
FOOTBALLHEAD, led by Ryan Nolen and Adam Siska, is a project capturing the poppier essence of 90s radio rock similar to Jimmy Eat World, Third Eye Blind, and blink-182. Their debut LP, set for spring 2024, promises a fresh take on the nostalgia-soaked energy of alternative pop music from the 90s and early 2000s.