Waves Crashing is an Olympia, Washington-based alternative indie-rock trio formed in 2019, known for blending 80s/90s alt-rock nostalgia, shoegaze and dream pop textures, and post-punk pulses. The band consists of Joshua Calisti (vocals/guitar), Bryce Albright (drums), and Zach Olson (bass). Their sound features loud drums and heavy guitar feedback paired with melodic, often submerged and soothing vocals. They released several EPs, including Sea of Wires, High/Low, and The Viewing (2023). Their debut full-length album, Effection, was released in 2025 to critical acclaim while their sophomore album, In The Blur, is scheduled for release on May 20, 2026, via Audiomanic Records. RIYL: Nothing, DIIV, Smashing Pumpkins, Placebo

Mad Honey is an Oklahoma City-based indie/dream-pop and shoegaze band formed in 2018, known for a "dark, yearning, and hazy" sound. Founded by Tiff Sutcliffe and Branden Palesano, the group has evolved into a key act in the local scene, featuring, among others, guitarist Keegan Ball and drummer Austin Valdez.

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.

Ontario-based duo Softcult, comprised of twins Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn, are making waves with their upcoming debut album 'When A Flower Doesn't Grow', set for release on January 30, 2026. Dive into their self-produced sonic universe that fuses grunge, shoegaze, and alt-rock elements, exploring themes of trauma and transformation with a raw and introspective approach. Drawing inspiration from the likes of grunge icons and alt-rock innovators, Softcult's music strikes a balance between intimacy and universality, solidifying their position as a dynamic force in the music landscape.

Ringing, the Brooklyn-based band led by Colton Walker, is set to release their debut album, 'another cycle in the cosmic wash,' on March 20, 2026. Their music, showcased in the new single 'incandescent,' delves into raw self-realization with a blend of sludgy guitars and introspective lyricism. Initially a solo project in 2020, Ringing has evolved into a powerhouse trio in the New York City scene, drawing influence from shoegaze antiquity while maintaining a brutalist edge reminiscent of artists like Bleary Eyed and Shower Curtain.

Side Hug is a Chicago-based indie band blending heartfelt songwriting with shimmering guitars and artful textures. Emerging from the city’s DIY scene, the group—led by vocalist/guitarist Lyd Landor with Allan Cardenas (guitar/synth) and Jon Reyes (bass)—crafts emotionally charged songs that balance nostalgia and renewal. Their evolving sound moved from their early indie-folk leaning material to the more atmospheric, post-punk, and shoegaze-influenced sound of their 2025 debut full-length album, New Language due out October 2025. With roots in community and connection, Side Hug continue to prove that vulnerability and evolution can coexist in perfect harmony. Formed from late-night jam sessions, the band's music explores themes of change, uncertainty, and hope, often incorporating influences from local acts like Pool Holograph and global artists such as The Cure, Radiohead and Joy Division. RIYL: Beach Fossils, Tokyo Police Club, Alvvays, Joy Division, The Cure, Wild Nothing

Warper is an alternative rock band from Colorado, formed by Jack McManaman (vocals, guitar, bass, songwriter) and Adam Gilsdorf (drums). Based in Loveland, the group has released multiple EPs and singles, gaining traction within the Colorado indie and shoegaze scene and will release their debut LP on Candlepin Records in October 2025. Warper's sound is characterized as "downer shoegaze" for its blend of heavy, distorted instrumentation and melancholy lyrics, a blend of alternative rock, shoegaze, dream pop and emo. The band frequently works with producer Corey Coffman, who records, mixes, and produces their releases in Loveland and sometimes provides backing vocals and percussion on some tracks.

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

Failure is a critically acclaimed American alternative rock band formed in Los Angeles in 1990 by Ken Andrews (vocals, guitar, bass, programming) and Greg Edwards (guitar, bass, keys), often joined by drummer Kellii Scott. Renowned for their space-rock and post-grunge sound, intricate, and meticulous production, the band is often regarded as "your favorite band's favorite band". Their sound is often categorized as alternative rock, space rock, post-grunge, and shoegaze, with a heavy emphasis on textured, layered, and often self-produced soundscapes with big guitar sounds. After a 17-year hiatus, the band reunited in 2014, releasing The Heart Is A Monster (2015), In The Future Your Body Will Be The Furthest Thing From Your Mind (2018), and Wild Type Droid (2021) and will release a new LP "Location Lost" in 2026. RIYL: Hum, Shiner, Catherine Wheel, Jawbox, Quicksand

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

Nothing is an American shoegaze band formed in 2010 by vocalist-guitarist Domenic "Nicky" Palermo. The band has had a revolving lineup throughout its career, with Palermo being the longest-serving member following the departure of guitarist-vocalist Brandon Setta in 2019. Setta joined in late 2010 and shared songwriting duties with Palermo throughout his tenure.

Nothing self-released several EPs before signing to Relapse Records. They released their debut studio album, Guilty of Everything, in 2014. The follow-up album, Tired of Tomorrow, was released on in 2016. Nothing's third studio album, Dance on the Blacktop, was released in 2018, and their fourth studio album, The Great Dismal, was released in 2020 to positive reception and have announced their 5th LP The Slow Decay of Nothing will be released in February 2026 via Run for Cover Records.

RIYL: My Bloody Valentine, Hum, Cloakroom, Trauma Ray, Glare, Narrow Head, Swervedriver, Whirr, Greet Death

Rocket is an indie rock band formed in Los Angeles in 2021, known for their 90s-inspired sound with influences from shoegaze and alt-rock. The band consists of Alithea Tuttle (bass, vocals), Baron Rinzler (guitar), Cooper Ladomade (drums), and Desi Scaglione (guitar). They draw inspiration from bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, The Pixies, Sonic Youth, My Bloody Valentine, Dinosaur Jr., The Flaming Lips, Yo La Tengo, and Radiohead.

Grief Mop is an alternative rock/emo band from Portland, Maine, formed by songwriter Joseph Lacy. The band's debut EP, You Were Right Here But So Far Away, was released in 2024, featuring heavy, beautiful songs that blend emo and alternative rock influences. The music explores themes of grief and memory, dedicated in part to Lacy's late friend and musician, Tim Landers. Grief Mop is signed to Sunday Drive Records and includes members from bands like Transit and Infernal Diatribe. Their sound has evolved containing more shoegaze and post-rock elements with their debut LP for Sunday Drive Records set for release in October 2025.

RIYL: Hum, The Appleseed Cast, Mock Orange, Starflyer 59

Honeybee is a Cleveland, Ohio-based independent alt-gaze band often described as a "slowpunk" or shoegaze/grungegaze. They are known for blending thick, atmospheric textures, loud distortion heavy guitars, with raw emotional energy.

Genre: Shoegaze, slowpunk, emo, and alternative rock

Record Labels: Associated with indie labels like Flesh & Bone Records, Candlepin Records, and Pleasure Tapes

Based in Connecticut, Splitview emerged in 2024 with a cathartic and catchy blend of grunge, shoegaze, and alternative rock. Signed to Static Era Records, the band has built an engaged listener base with their four singles and are now ready to present a fuller body of work. Their debut EP, Believe You'll Be Alright, produced by John Naclerio at Nada Recording, features vulnerable vocals enveloped by bold melodies and weighty guitars, promising an immersive experience for fans of bands like Nirvana and Slowdive.

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.

Hailing from Lafayette, LA, Cashier emerges with a robust rock sound that resonates with powerful riffs and compelling vocals, showcased in their debut EP "The Weight" set for release on March 13, 2026 under Julia’s War Recordings. With influences from bands like Dinosaur Jr., Whirr, and Nothing, Cashier crafts a distinctive blend of heavy, melodic hooks that captivate audiences and navigate themes of uncertainty and human connection. Having already toured extensively across the U.S. and sharing stages with notable acts, Cashier's forthcoming project promises a profound exploration of the burdens we all carry in life.

Joyer is a Brooklyn-and-Boston-based band formed in New Jersey in 2017 by brothers Nick and Shane Sullivan. Their music blends shoegaze and slow core with memorable melodies. With their albums Sun Into Flies and Perfect Gray, they have now evolved towards a more expansive sound in their upcoming release Night Songs, featuring blowtorched guitars and hooky vocal cadences.

Glimmer, a grungegaze band, consists of Jeff Moore (vocals, guitar), Jaye Moore (drums), Johnny Nicholls (guitar), and Kevin Dobbins (bass). The band, formed in February 2023 by cousins Jeff and Jaye Moore, in Brooklyn / Hudson Valley, NY. Their sound is described as a blend of grungy indie rock and shoegaze, that pairs layers of heavy guitars with dreamy, swirling reverb, and big melodic hooks. Heavily inspired by the sounds of 90s guitar fueled alternative rock, shoegaze and grunge in bands like The Smashing Pumpkins, Nirvana, Ride and Swervedriver.

RIYL: Narrow Head, Superheaven, The Smashing Pumpkins, Swervedriver, The Pains of Being Pure At Heart