July, 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
Heavy Seas
Everything Breaks
Heavy Seas, a Chicago rock band, will release their debut album 'Everything Breaks' on July 16, 2021, featuring 10 songs co-produced by J. Robbins and Rodrigo Palma. Fans of Jawbox, Swervedriver, and Ringo Deathstarr can expect melodic post-hardcore and indie-punk reminiscent of the mid/late '90s. The album, recorded at Magpie Cage Recording Studio, blends Jesus Lizard rhythms with early Sonic Youth melodies, showcasing the chemistry between singer/guitarist Jeff Dean, drummer Ronnie DiCola, and bassist Katie Karpowicz. Lead single "Waves And Dreams" sets the tone with a wall of sound, while tracks like "Fade Away" and "Caved In" explore a dreamier side, evoking '90s shoegaze influences.
Wavves
Hideaway
Wavves will release their album Hideaway on July 16th via Fat Possum Records, produced by Dave Sitek of TV on the Radio. The album explores themes of self-awareness and personal responsibility, showcasing mature reflections on life's challenges. With universal and urgent tracks like "Sinking Feeling" and "Help Is On The Way," Wavves delivers a raw and introspective musical experience similar to artists like Surfer Blood and Cloud Nothings.
Descendents
9th & Walnut
Descendents have announced their upcoming album 9th & Walnut slated for release on July 23 via Epitaph Records. This album features the band's earliest material from 1977 through 1980, including debut tracks and a cover of the Dave Clark Five's "Glad All Over," providing a nostalgic look at their genre-defining sound. The band offers a taste of 9th & Walnut with the track "Baby Doncha Know," showcasing the influence of their practice space and the camaraderie among the original four-piece lineup. Fans of punk rock and early hardcore music will likely enjoy this historic collection from Descendents.
Lakes
Start Again
Lakes, hailing from Watford, UK, will release their sophomore LP "Start Again" on July 30, 2021 via Know Hope Records and Big Scary Monsters. Their blend of indie, emo, math rock, and post-rock with pop elements showcases growth and evolution, similar to bands like Owen and Joan Of Arc.
Sweet Teeth
Acid Rain
Sweet Teeth, the Swedish band with members from Disfear and Year of the Goat, are set to release their debut EP "Acid Rain" on July 30. Offering 7 tracks of energetic alternative rock reminiscent of 90s guitar-driven music, the EP is a collection of intense power-pop tunes. Fans of Dinosaur Jr and Husker Du should take note of this release.