August, 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 Month
Ceremony
Tell Me Your Dream
Seminal California based punk rock band CEREMONY announces their seventh album, Tell Me Your Dream, set to release on August 7th, 2026 via Relapse, featuring a mix of hardcore and post-punk influences reminiscent of bands like Discharge and Crass. The album, produced by the legendary John Reis (Rocket from the Crypt, Hot Snakes, and many other notable punk bands), showcases the band's evolution over their 21-year career, capturing their punk-forged intensity and timely expression, as evident by latest blistering single "Death Destruction Mayhem."
Citizen
Halcyon Blues
Toledo-based rock band Citizen have announced their upcoming album Halcyon Blues, set for release on August 7 via Run For Cover Records. The band’s latest single, “Highs and Lows,” highlights their dynamic sound, pulling from the many directions they’ve explored over the past 17 years. Recorded by vocalist Mat Kerekes and mixed by Tom Lorde-Alge, the album blends the urgency of their early work with the bigger, more polished hooks of their later releases. Having moved between raw emo, post-hardcore, grunge, and indie-leaning alternative, Halcyon Blues pulls those threads together into a cohesive, fully realized statement that feels like a natural next step for the band.
Initiate
With Love // With Rage
With Love // With Rage is the new five-track EP from Southern California hardcore band Initiate, out August 7, 2026 on Blue Grape Music. Their first release since 2023's Cerebral Circus , it's built around the push-pull of love and rage and led by the video single "Numb the Pain."
Public Opinion
The Curse Of Public Opinion
Denver punk band Public Opinion is releasing their second album, The Curse of Public Opinion on August 7th through SideOneDummy. Clocking in at a mean. 23 minutes, The Curse of Public Opinion is loaded with fuck-you anthems that plumb the depths of existential disappointment through a sneering cocktail of 2000s garage rock swagger, classic punk hooks, and hardcore ferocity. Plenty of albums provide the soundtrack for picking yourself back up, but Public Opinion are there for when you're getting kicked while you're down.
Slow Fiction
dollhouse
The debut album dollhouse by Slow Fiction, a New York City indie rock band, delves into themes of identity and observation across 11 tracks. Influenced by bands like Yo La Tengo and Broken Social Scene, the album combines propulsive indie rock with layered arrangements, culminating in a cinematic, cathartic closer. dollhouse will be released on August 7, 2026 through Tight Knit Records.
Chico
Chico
California rock band CHICO is set to release their debut album, 'Chico', on August 14th through New Morality Zine. Their debut LP is a vibrant mix of alternative rock, punk, and hardcore, exploring themes of chasing dreams and overcoming challenges. The album, produced by Taylor Hecocks and featuring energetic tracks like 'Too Late' and 'Blur', showcases dynamic vocals by Lance Gibson and powerful drumming by Tony Rangel. With influences from artists like Death Lens, Angel Du$t, Militarie Gun and Drug Church, this release promises high energy and emotional resonance for listeners.
Dead Tired
Hornets Of Fall
The latest album by Dead Tired, "Hornets of Fall," arrives August 14, 2026 via New Damage Records and is described as a loud and chaotic mix of punk and noise-rock, featuring 12 brand new intense tracks, including lead single "Edges of Entropy." Produced by the band's own Marco Bressette, the record includes guest appearances from members of Cancer Bats, Comeback Kid, and The Flatliners. Dead Tired's deliberate and patient approach to songwriting has resulted in their heaviest and most confident release yet, offering something for fans of fast, slow, and riff-heavy music.
Phoebe Bridgers
Lost Weekend
Phoebe Bridgers' third solo album and her first in six years, out August 14, 2026 on Dead Oceans. A 16-track double LP led by the single "Lost Boys," with contributions from boygenius bandmates Lucy Dacus and Julien Baker, Alex G, and Jack Antonoff.
Afghan Whigs
Soft Control
The Afghan Whigs are set to release their new album "Soft Control" on August 21, 2026, featuring the single "Jungle Roux" and previously released singles "House of I" and "Duvateen" out now. The album reflects a mature evolution in Greg Dulli's vocals and songwriting, blending intense guitars with his trademark soul and R&B influences for a 10 track dynamic musical experience that fans of his previous work should love.
DMA's
DMAs
DMA'S return with a self-titled fifth album on August 21, 2026 via Wonderlick Recording Company / Sony Music Australia / RCA UK. Written between the band's own studio in Glebe, Sydney and Los Angeles, the 11-song record includes My Baby's Place, Hurracane, Heatin Park, and Killing Time.
MyVeronica
I Hope There's Music in Heaven
MyVeronica's debut album "I Hope There's Music in Heaven" set for release on August 21, 2026 via Sunday Drive Records, draws influence from 90's emo and alternative rock genres, featuring heartfelt and emotional songwriting akin to Mineral, Sonic Youth, Jejune and Sunny Day Real Estate. The band's evolution from a solo project to a four-piece group showcases heavier guitars, earnest lyrics, and a mix of piercing guitar hooks and melancholic slowcore, exploring themes of early-20s angst and searching for goodness in the world.
Ocean Sleeper
Peace When I'm Dead
Ocean Sleeper return with Peace When I'm Dead , their sophomore album, out August 21, 2026 via BMG Australia and Rise Records. The record pushes the band's melodic metalcore into darker territory, confronting depression, inner conflict and the struggle to live with both.
The Barbarians of California
MEGATONS
The Barbarians of California are set to release their new album MEGATONS on August 21, 2026, a hardcore explosion of energy with catchy riffs and a mix of ferocity and humor. The album features Aaron Bruno of AWOLNATION and Eric Stenman of Tinfed, offering a heavy and chaotic sound that fans of Everytime I Die, Deftones, Code Orange, Snapcase and fans of groove heavy rock music should enjoy.
Time Spent Driving
Lost Leaves
Lost Leaves is the fourth full-length from Santa Cruz emo/indie-rock veterans Time Spent Driving, out August 21 via Thirty Something Records. Produced by Olav Tabatabai and Jon Cattivera, it's a sharper, more focused record about climbing out of a dark stretch and into a new outlook — led by the double single "Weak Arm" / "December."
Cold Gawd
Glory2
Cold Gawd return with Glory2 , a six-song EP out August 28, 2026 via Dais Records. The record pushes the band’s muscular shoegaze and post-hardcore sound through panoramic guitars, pummeling grooves and the road-worn tension of lead single “Grease.”
Daisyhead
If You Find It, Let Me Know
If You Find It, Let Me Know is the third full-length from Nashville-rooted emo/post-hardcore band Daisyhead, out August 28, 2026 via Smartpunk Records. Recorded with Brett Romnes at The Barber Shop Studios, the album leans into big melodic guitars, punchy drums, and buoyant vocals while keeping the band’s heart-on-sleeve edge intact. The 10 track LP includes the already-released singles “I’m Sorry (Again)” and “Time To Say Goodbye,” with “Time To Say Goodbye” featuring Christine Goodwyne of Pool Kids.
Dinosaur Jr.
There Near
Dinosaur Jr.'s upcoming album There Near is set for release on August 28 via Jagjaguwar, featuring the original trio and a rawer edge reminiscent of their early sound. Recorded at Amherst's Bisquiteen Studio, the record offers a loud, direct set with additional piano and organ elements, exemplified by the lead single "Several Got Away." Across 11 brand new tracks, the album promises an energetic addition to the band's post-reunion discography.
Holding Absence
Modern Life Is Lonely
Modern Life Is Lonely is the fourth full-length from Cardiff post-hardcore trio Holding Absence, out August 28, 2026 via Sumerian Records. Led by “Whisper Of A Dream” and “Reflection,” the record pushes their heavy, melodic alt-rock into a more electronic and concept-driven space.
HOLSMAN
Sally
Sally is the debut full-length from Chicago indie-punk band HOLSMAN, out August 28. Three years in the making, the album is rooted in Chicago punk but built with a broad melodic frame, landing somewhere between the bruised, big-chorus charge of The Menzingers and Against Me! and the loose, hook-first instincts of 1960s pop.
Interpol
This Mirror Weighs a Ton
Interpol's eighth studio album and debut for Partisan Records, out August 28, 2026.
Jared Hart
The Midnight Motel
The Midnight Motel is the new solo album from New Jersey singer-songwriter Jared Hart (Mercy Union, The Scandals) out August 28 via Mt. Crushmore Records. Produced by Hart and Rob Freeman, the ten-song record brings Hart’s punk-rooted storytelling into a darker, more reflective space, with guest appearances from Ben Nichols, Mark Masefield, Matt Olsson, poet Mischa Pearlman, and more. Fans of Brian Fallon, Dave Hause, Ben Nichols, and Chuck Ragan should enjoy this.
Recollection
Intrusive Thoughts
Melodic Hardcore / Alt Rock band Recollection explores vulnerability and introspection in their upcoming EP "Intrusive Thoughts" set for release on August 28th via DAZE. Featuring dynamic tracks that pull from melodic hardcore with jangly melodies and alt rock hooks, the 4 song EP reflects on various life experiences, that fans of Mil-Spec, Militarie Gun, Drug Church, and Fiddlehead should enjoy.
Scarlet House
Angels
Scarlet House's debut album "Angels," set for release on August 28, 2026, offers a mesmerizing journey through the emotional landscape of love and loss, woven together with hazy guitars and atmospheric production. Drawing on the reflective themes of nostalgia and the complexities of changing relationships, the album's 14 tracks artfully blend elements of dark alternative rock reminiscent of Deftones and The Cure with modern rap influences. This distinctive sonic palette, combined with Scarlet House's heartfelt storytelling, marks "Angels" as a noteworthy entry in the contemporary music scene, further solidifying his growing influence and connection with a devoted audience.