nu-gaze
These are the best nu-gaze artists featured on Release Wave.

Lozenge
Lozenge, the nu-gaze/shoegaze trio from Leeds, UK, is set to unveil their sophomore EP, "Everything," on May 29, 2026. Following their debut release, "Blink Into Nothing," this new collection showcases a profound evolution in their sound with intricate arrangements and weighty themes. Drawing from influences in 90s alternative rock, dream pop, shoegaze, and post-grunge, the band's music is characterized by distorted guitars and introspective vocals, crafting a "heavenly heaviness" that resonates with fans of bands like Slowdive and My Bloody Valentine. RIYL: Narrow Head, Trauma Ray, Whirr, Swervedriver, The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana

Trxy!
Trxy!, a 19-year-old artist hailing from Southern Virginia, blends hazy dreamgaze textures with a sharp nu-metal edge on his debut album "Drowning In Bliss" set for release on February 27,, 2026. Influenced by the likes of Deftones and the new wave of digital-age shoegaze, his music explores themes of depression and emotional isolation through a modern lens, creating immersive soundscapes produced and mixed by Grammy winner Lawrence Rothman. With a rapidly growing fanbase and a unique DIY ethos, Trxy! is poised to shape shoegaze's evolution in the digital age.

Mascara
Paris-based band Mascara, born from a blend of tension and liberation, delivers a captivating, well crafted and smart sonic fusion of shoegaze, heavy alternative rock, and post-hardcore. Formed in 2019, their discography showcases a progression of introspective and explosive sounds, culminating in their first full-length album, 'Going Postal,' set for release on March 13th, 2026 through Fever Ltd, home to amazing bands like Heavenward, Fly Over States and Muted Colors. Drawing from influences like Deftones, Alice in Chains, Silverchair, Nothing, Chevelle, Hum and the like, Mascara's music delves into themes of generational trauma, memory, and the perpetual struggle for personal and global resilience, fueled by heavy guitar tones, pummeling drums, thick grooves, and dreamy vocals. Fans of heavy 90s grunge, alt-rock and dreamy shoegaze done tastefully and interesting are sure to love Mascara.
RIYL Deftones, Alice in Chains, Trauma Ray, Keep, Glare, Soul Blind, Split Chain