August, 2021 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
Foxing
Draw Down The Moon
Foxing, a band from St. Louis known for their ambitious releases, surprises and exceeds expectations with their new album "Draw Down The Moon" set to release on August 6. Exploring cosmic themes, the band collaborated with members of Manchester Orchestra to create a bold and expansive project, drawing inspiration from religion and role-playing games.
A Great Big Pile of Leaves
Pono
A Great Big Pile of Leaves is set to release their new album "Pono" on August 13th, 2021, in collaboration with Topshelf Records. Their latest single "Beat Up Shoes" exhibits their signature sound, reminiscent of Pinback, Minus the Bear, Delta Sleep, and Look Mexico, setting the stage for a highly anticipated return.
Everything In Waves
Fading Out
Everything In Waves' new mini-album "Fading Out" from Deep Elm Records blends emo, indie, and electronic elements with heartfelt lyrics capturing the end of an abusive relationship. Produced entirely by Anthony DelPlato, this release offers a deeply personal and moving experience, resonating with emotions of heartbreak and healing. Fans of Bon Iver, Death Cab For Cutie, and Appleseed Cast will appreciate the organic and soul-stirring sound of Everything In Waves.
Quicksand
Distant Populations
Quicksand's fourth studio album, Distant Populations, set for digital release on August 13 and vinyl on September 24 via Epitaph Records, was produced by Will Yip and mixed by Josh Wilbur. The album features a punchier sound compared to its predecessor, with 11 concise tracks exploring the dualities of individual relationships and societal connections. With gripping lyricism and raw power, Quicksand delves into themes of alienation and loneliness in the digital age. The single "Missile Command" highlights the band's trademark groove and captures their essence in a new, compelling way.
Swerve
Ruin Your Day
Los Angeles, CA indie / alt rockers Swerve are releasing their debut LP "Ruin Your Day" on August 13, 2020. Influenced by bands like Teenage Fanclub and the La’s, the album features politically minded love songs with massive melodies and infectious rhythm. Produced by Adam Lasus, known for his work with Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, the band's sound leans into their influences and raw live energy. Tracks like "Escape" and “My Enemy Is Dead” have already topped local radio charts, appealing to fans of heartfelt, guitar-driven music.
Tennis System
Autophobia
Tennis System's upcoming album 'Autophobia,' set for release in late-Summer 2021, explores themes of fear and isolation, reflecting the challenges of creating music during a pandemic. Led by guitarist/vocalist Matty Taylor, the album marks a departure in sound with a focus on minimalist, vocals-driven compositions produced in collaboration with Chadwick Johnson and mixed by Sam Pura. Expect a departure from the band's traditional style, with synth and drum machines blending seamlessly with live instruments to create a unique and captivating listening experience.
Observer
Contact Has Begun
Observer, based in Austin, TX, is set to release the self-produced debut LP "Contact Has Begun" on August 15, 2021, combining 90s heavy indie/alternative rock with melodic shoegaze influences. The music draws inspiration from bands like Hum, Nothing, and Ovlov, showcasing a love for 90s sounds both beautiful and loud.
Deafheaven
Infinite Granite
Deafheaven's upcoming LP "Infinite Granite" is set for release on August 20th, 2021, via Sargent House. The album showcases a new chapter of defiant beauty with sparse verses and roaring choruses, produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen. Vocalist George Clarke explores a range of vocals while the band's sound evolves with expanded sonic textures and authoritative drum patterns, creating their most goosebump-inducing album yet. Similar artists to explore their new direction may include M83, Wolf Alice, and Paramore.
Flower Language
Dreams In A Different Place
Flower Language from Denver, Colorado will release their debut EP "Dreams In A Different Place" produced by Corey Coffman (Gleemer) on August 20, 2021. The EP offers three emo-tinged shoegaze rock songs infused with 90s grunge/alt rock vibes, appealing to fans of Gleemer, Superheaven, Nothing, Title Fight, and Modern Color.
Telethon
Swim Past The Breakers
Telethon's new album "Swim Out Past The Breakers" features 15 tracks that blend punk rock, folk, bedroom pop, country, and pop influences. With a diverse range of collaborators such as Chris Farren and Franz Nicolay, this maximalist work explores themes of young adulthood and acceptance. Released on August 30 via Take This To Heart Records, it offers a unique musical journey for fans of eclectic sounds.
Grayscale
Umbra
Philadelphia-based Grayscale are set to release their 3rd LP, "Umbra," on August 27, 2020 via Fearless Records. Drawing inspiration from a mix of musical influences, they blend darker lyrics with bright melodies, offering a unique pop-rock sound akin to bands like Real Friends and Neck Deep.
Jail Socks
Coming Down
Jail Socks, from Charlotte, North Carolina, are set to release their debut full-length album "Coming Down" on August 27, 2021 via CI Records. Produced by Brett Romnes, the album offers 11 melodic, anthemic tracks in the emo-rock/pop punk realm, ideal for fans of bands such as Hot Mulligan, Charmer, and Free Throw.
Ridgeway
Marlo
Ridgeway, from Orange County, CA, will be releasing their 2nd full length LP "Marlo" on August 27, 2021 via Neon Bloodbath Records, produced by Corey Coffman. Their music features layered guitars, blending loud and quiet moments with melodic sensibility and catchy pop hooks that fans of Gleemer will appreciate.
Turnstile
Glow On
TURNSTILE, the hardcore band from Baltimore, MD, will release their new album GLOW ON on August 27th via Roadrunner Records. Produced by Mike Elizondo and with guest features from Blood Orange, the album features 15 tracks that push the boundaries of hardcore, embodying a diverse and vibrant musical vision akin to bands like Ceremony and Trapped Under Ice.