April, 2026 Music Releases
A curated month-by-month archive of new and underground music releases across shoegaze, emo, punk, hardcore, indie, and adjacent scenes.
The Wave
Listen through the month as a playlist, then jump back into the release archive below.
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FakeYou
Promise To Disappear
Melodic punk rock band FakeYou's debut album, Promise To Disappear , will release on April 3, 2026 via 59 X Records. The album is a visceral punk offering that delves deep into themes of loss and emotional turbulence, capturing the tumultuous aftermath of all-consuming devotion. Infused with gritty melodies and driving rhythms, the album's raw intensity is balanced by moments of introspection that mirror the band's Montreal roots in the DIY punk scene. Recorded, mixed, and mastered by Max Lajoie, the album's production amplifies FakeYou's raw edge, while poignant lyrics, notably showcased in singles like "All About You," spiral through memory and longing with urgency. With a drummer formerly of The Sainte Catherines, FakeYou's sound boasts a seasoned punk backbone that grounds their volatile energy, making Promise To Disappear an unapologetically loud and honest release that lingers long after the final chord. FFO: Leatherface, Hot Water Music, The Flatliners, Off With Their Heads, Jawbreaker
Box Elder
Box Elder
Jackson, Wyoming emo band Box Elder has announced their self titled LP, set for release on April 10, 2026 via Steadfast Records and Sweet Cheetah Records. Across 11 emotionally charged melodic rock songs, including the songs from their previously released EP, the band showcases the project's evolution from a solo effort into a collaborative band endeavor. The album delves into themes of mental health struggles, love lost, and the quest for belonging, offering anthems of vulnerability and resilience channeling the melodic urgency of The Get Up Kids and Jimmy Eat World. With input from all members shaping the songwriting, this album represents a significant step for Box Elder, appealing to fans of bands like Saves The Day, Jimmy Eat World, The Get Up Kids, The Menzingers, The Wonder Years and Silversun Pickups.
I Am The Avalanche
The Horror Show
I AM THE AVALANCHE, the celebrated New York punk band lead by Vinnie Caruana (The Movielife), is set to release their first new album in six years, titled 'THE HORROR SHOW', on April 10 via Equal Vision Records. The new LP serves as a poignant return for the New York punk outfit, delving into themes of loss, resilience, and friendship. Reflecting frontman Vinnie Caruana's personal journey through grief, the album offers an expansive and textured sonic landscape, showcasing the band's evolution over their six-year hiatus. Featuring deeply personal tracks like the title song, 'THE HORROR SHOW' which is now streaming, this release stands out for its raw emotion and fearless exploration of new musical territories, making it a powerful companion for listeners navigating their own struggles. RIYL: The Movielife, Crime In Stereo, Polar Bear Club, The Descendents, Lagwagon
Jaguero
Make Me Feel Alive Again
Prepare to be swept away by the emotional rollercoaster that is Jaguero's debut album, 'Make Me Feel Alive Again' set for release on April 10, 2026 via Anchors Aweigh Records. This Vicenza-based punk/emo band expertly navigates themes of urgency, vulnerability, and emotional honesty, showcased through contrasting tracks like the intense 'Hold Me Close' and the intimate 'Monday' now streaming. Produced by Maurizio Baggio at La Distilleria and following their successful EP releases, this album pushes boundaries with a blend of emo/punk energy, grunge influences, and melodic anthemic hardcore with heartfelt lyrics, making it a standout release that captures the essence of human connection and resilience. RIYL: Death Lens, Militarie Gun, Gave Secrets, Shoreline, Jimmy Eat World
Palette Knife
Keyframe
Nerd-Core-Mid-West-Emo is back better than ever, with Columbus, Ohio 3-piece Palette Knife announcing the release of their upcoming LP 'Keyframe' due on April 10th, 2026 via Take This To Heart Records. Their new single and music video for 'Sleep Paralysis' is now available across all platforms along with the previously released single Prototype V.2. Mixed by Billy Mannino, known for his work with Oso Oso, Ben Quad and Macseal, the album offers a blend of PUP's pop punk in your face songwriting decisiveness and Hot Mulligan's explosive choruses, appealing to fans of early 2000s pop punk and riff-heavy midwest emo. Critics highlight the band's ability to connect nerdy passions with relatable songwriting, creating anthemic, addictive music also reminiscent of Charmer, Ben Quad, Good Sleepy, Arm's Length and the like.
Small Talk.
Whats Gone Never Left
Get ready to immerse yourself in the raw emotion and cathartic melodies of Small Talk.'s upcoming album "Whats Gone Never Left" due out April 10, 2026. A decade in the making, this 10-track LP captures the band's evolution into their most aggressive yet melodic sound, filled with intricate tapping, sonic guitar layering, and heartfelt lyricism. With themes of loss, growth, and resilience, this record is a poignant reflection of the band's journey over the past 13 years, making it an album to keep an eye out for. Fans of The Hotelier, Balance & Composure, The Promise Ring, Mom Jeans, Macseal and the like should enjoy this.
Splitview
Believe You'll Be Alright
Connecticut grungegaze band Splitview's debut EP, Believe You'll Be Alright is set for release on April 10, 2026, encapsulating a cathartic and captivating fusion of grunge, shoegaze, and alternative rock. Produced by John Naclerio at Nada Recording, the five tracks feature vulnerable vocals intertwined with bold melodies and weighty guitars, creating a sonic landscape that oscillates between introspective melancholy and anthemic intensity. RIYL: Superheaven, Balance and Composure, Bleed
Chief State
Keep Your Friends Closer
Chief State's upcoming album, "Keep Your Friends Closer," Set for release on April 17, 2026 via Mutant League Records, produced by Tim Creviston and mastered by Stu McKillop, encapsulates the band's high-energy pop-punk essence with a newfound sense of urgency and vulnerability. Through a blend of gritty instrumentals and introspective lyrics, Chief State delves into themes of friendship, hardship, and the complexities of human connection, urging listeners to embrace authenticity and understanding in their relationships. This release, born out of a tumultuous period for the band, showcases their resilience and growth, promising an emotionally charged and sonically dynamic listening experience for fans of the genre.
From Ashes To New
Reflections
From Ashes To New's upcoming album "Reflections" is a powerful blend of alt metal that delves deep into the anxieties and desires of their generation. Set to release on April 17 via Better Noise Music, this album features 12 tracks that showcase the band's newfound confidence and raw energy. Particularly noteworthy is the track 'Villain,' where vocalist Matt Brandyberry explores the magnetic pull between two individuals who are drawn to each other despite knowing it may lead to chaos. With a fresh creative approach and a tour alongside Black Veil Brides on the horizon, "Reflections" promises to be a standout release that pushes boundaries and resonates with listeners on a visceral level.
Death Lens
What's Left Now
Death Lens, a punk band from Southern California, is set to release their new album "What's Left Now?" on April 24th, via Epitaph, and the follow up to their highly acclaimed LP Cold World. Writing stage-dive fist in the air anthems for the oppressed, the band's sound is described as a mix of urgency and celebration, similar to artists like Militarie Gun, Drug Church and Touché Amoré. Across 12 brand new tracks including latest singles "Monolith" and "Power" the new album reflects the band's gritty journey from hardship to strength, addressing personal struggles and societal issues with raw honesty and energy.
Failure
Location Lost
Influential 90's LA space rockers Failure have announced their upcoming album "Location Lost" set for release on April 24, via Failure Records/Arduous Records/Virgin Music Group. Along with the announcement, the band has released lead off single 'The air's on Fire'. The new album is described as a testament to the band's journey of self-discovery and reinvention, following their 17-year hiatus and reformation in 2014. With nine new tracks, the LP presents a modern and evolving sonic landscape that pushes the boundaries of their signature sound. Noteworthy collaborations, such as with Paramore's Hayley Williams on 'The Rising Skyline,' add layers of emotion and depth to the album, making "Location Lost" a standout release under their new label. Expect a captivating blend of introspective themes, disorienting yet cathartic sonic elements, and a raw, authentic exploration of where Failure stands in the present music landscape.
Friko
Something Worth Waiting For
Chicago-based band Friko will release their sophomore album 'Something Worth Waiting For' on April 24th via ATO Records, capturing a raw and emotionally intense sound with a heightened urgency. Produced by Grammy-award winner John Congleton, the album explores themes of connection and relationships, blending youthful idealism with lived experience and showcasing the band's growth. Friko's bold creative direction, influenced by extensive touring and new members, highlights their journey towards elusive goals and the significance of fresh life experiences.
The Saddest Landscape
Alone With Heaven
The Saddest Landscape, a Boston post-hardcore band with a 20-year legacy, will release their first full-length album in over a decade titled "Alone With Heaven" on April 24, 2026.The record, one of the final projects involving the late and legendary producer Steve Albini, showcases a blend of frantic hardcore and emotional depth. The album features guest appearances from Jeremy Bolm (Touché Amoré), Evan Weiss (Into it. Over it., Pet Symmetry), and Julien Baker, and into themes of survival and grief, while continuing perfect their balance of frantic and melodic hardcore and cathartic vulnerability