new-wave
These are the best new-wave artists featured on Release Wave.

Honor Choir
Honor Choir, an up and coming Oklahoma City emo/post-hardcore band will release their new EP "Modes of Transport" on February 13, 2026 via Sunday Drive Records. Drawing influence from Blink-182 with a twist of early-2000s emo and post-hardcore sounds, as well as 80s new-wave bands like New Order, their tracks like "Satellite Receiver" and "Envelope" showcase a cohesive blend of their diverse influences, each featuring catchy choruses.

Idlewild
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.

Spiritual Cramp
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

Home Front
Home Front is a Canadian post-punk and new wave band formed in 2021 by Graeme McKinnon (No Problem, Wednesday Night Heroes) and Clint Frazier (Shout Out Out Out Out). Hailing from Edmonton, Alberta, the band released their debut EP, Think of the Lie, in 2021, followed by their first full-length album, Games of Power, in 2023. Their music blends post-punk, new wave, and synth-pop with catchy guitar riffs, driving rhythms, and evocative vocals, drawing comparisons to bands like Joy Division and Suicide. Their sophomore LP "Watch It Die" will be released in November 2025.

AFI
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.
