April, 2023 Music Releases
A curated month-by-month archive of new and underground music releases across shoegaze, emo, punk, hardcore, indie, and adjacent scenes.
The Month
Covet
Catharsis
Covet, a Bay area trio fronted by Yvette Young, are set to release their third album, "catharsis," on April 7 via Triple Crown Records. The album offers a mostly instrumental journey with immersive melodies, textures, and characters, providing escapism and emotional depth akin to their influences like Thrice and Samiam.
The Nightmares
Séance
The Nightmares, a UK band, will release their debut album, Séance, on April 7th via Equal Vision Records and Venn Records. With influences from The Cure, Placebo, and Interpol, their music combines goth and post-punk elements, evident in their single "Heartless," which reflects themes of trust and heartbreak.
Heavy Sleeper
Chime
Heavy Sleeper, a "space punk" band from Boston, Massachusetts, is set to release their sophomore EP "Chime" on April 14, 2023. Drawing inspiration from 90s guitar rock, their music resonates with fans of Balance and Composure, Narrow Head, and Teenage Wrist. Known for their infectious melodies and quiet to loud dynamics, their EP "Chime" showcases significant songwriting progress, building upon the success of their debut EP "Alive & Well" and singles like "Castaway" and "Visitor".
Minor 'Love
Minor ' Love
Minor 'Love, hailing from Dayton, Ohio, will drop their new EP on April 14, 2023 via Acrobat Unstable, embodying a blend of 90's indie rock, midwest emo, and indie-punk influences. Their lead single, 'God's Design,' meshes explosive verses with catchy choruses reminiscent of early 2000s alt rock sound, akin to Recover. 'Stratosphere,' another track, showcases traditional midwestern emo vibes with technical guitar work akin to Charmer and Gulfer. The EP is now available for streaming.
NOT
Stop The World
A new band NOT, comprising members from Sharp/Shock and Mercy Music, is set to release their debut album "Stop The World" on April 14th. Produced by Davey Warsop and Brendan Scholz, the album features energetic pop-punk tracks paying homage to ALL and Descendents, with a sound reminiscent of bands like MXPX and Saves the Day.
wakelee
wakelee
Brooklyn trio wakelee is set to release their self-titled 12-track indie/emo album produced by Brian DiMeglio. Featuring bouncy hooks and catchy choruses, their music appeals to fans of 5th wave emo revival, similar to artists like Bartees Strange and Stay Inside.
Tiny Voices
Make Up Your Place
Tiny Voices, an emo band from Oshkosh, Wisconsin, will release their EP "Make Up Your Place" on April 20, 2023 via Thumbs Up Records. Known for their energetic sound reminiscent of midwestern emo revival, their music will resonate with fans of Charmer, Good Sleepy, Ben Quad, and Hot Mulligan.
Dave Hause
Drive It Like It's Stolen
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Dave Hause is set to release his sixth album, "Drive It Like It's Stolen," a blend of urgent and passionate tracks produced by Will Hoge. The album delves into post-apocalyptic Americana storytelling and showcases Hause's evolving creativity in songwriting, reflecting themes of parenthood, existential fears, and societal challenges. With tracks like "Hazard Lights" and "Cheap Seats (New Year’s Day, NYC, 2042)," Hause combines personal experiences with broader societal commentary, offering a reflective and emotive musical journey that exudes a raw and genuine quality akin to his previous works.
Overgrow
This Will All End
Overgrow, a sad-rock band from Columbus, Ohio, led by Jake Ciccotelli, will release a new EP titled "This Will All End" on April 28, 2023 via Acrobat Unstable. Their emotionally resonant anthemic songs draw parallels to Moving Mountains and Movements, showcasing growth in songwriting and production.
Spotlights
Alchemy For The Dead
Spotlights, the hypnotic trio comprised of Mario and Sarah Quintero with Chris Enriquez, is set to release their new album, Alchemy For The Dead, on April 28 via Ipecac Recordings. The band's unique blend of light and dark textures, along with personal and self-reflective themes, sets them apart in the music scene, drawing comparisons to artists who explore emotive complexity.