Release Wave

Hew, a Houston emo band (featuring members of football, etc.) formed in 2024, is releasing their debut LP "Your Version" on July 10, 2026. Across 11 tracks, Hew showcases a distinct emo sound that transcends simple revivalism. Drawing on themes of tension and contradiction, Hew's music is characterized by dynamic interplay between bass and Bass VI with angular and jangly guitars, coupled with catchy melodies and big vocal hooks, that will appeal to fans of bands like Tigers Jaw, Snail Mail, Lemuria and Sweet Pill.

Legendary NY post-hardcore band Quicksand are set to release their new album "Bring On The Psychics" on July 17, 2026 via Equal Vision Records, marking a blend of the band's heavy 90s groove-laden sound, with a modern, experimental approach. “For this album, I was going back to a lot of my earlier influences about ‘Break Down The Walls’ or ‘Start Today,’” says lead guitarist/vocalist Walter Schreifels. Rounded out by long time bassist/vocalist Sergio Vega, and drummer Alan Cage, the album offers energetic tracks like lead off singles “Get To It” which sounds like a cross between Snapcase, Turnstile and classic Quicksand, and “Regenerate,” another immediate and punchy track with their trademark grooves, that also taps into the more experimental side of the band during the bridge, before climaxing to a classic shout along hook. Known for their hardcore roots, Quicksand's latest release promises a dynamic musical journey that appeals to both longtime fans and newcomers.

On "I Think I Want To Go Home Now." by The Xcerts, expect a cathartic blend of raw emotion and furious energy as the Brighton-based band channels personal struggles into a sonic outpouring of anger and frustration. With the track "pretty ugly" leading the charge, vocalist Murray Macleod's intense vocals navigate internal turmoil and external pressures, showcasing a nod to post-hardcore influences while pushing their sound forward. In the face of adversity, the band's cohesive bond shines through in these remarkably immediate songs, making this record a poignant and authentic display of friendship and resilience.

The Menzingers are set to release their new album 'Everything I Ever Saw' on July 17 via Epitaph, with the lead track 'Chance Encounters' already available to stream and watch. Produced by Grammy award-winning producer Will Yip (Turnstile), the album explores themes of change and growth, showcasing the band's raw and collaborative spirit, with big melodies and the anthem choruses that made them essential and inspirational to so many bands that followed in the punk scene. Everything I Ever Saw is The Menzingers at their most defining, forged in the wake of life-altering change, where marriage, divorce, loss, and growth collide with a renewed creative urgency.

Her Head's on Fire are releasing their new record "Am I Not Your Girl?" on July 17th via Iodine Recordings, featuring the single "We're Not Running." Drawing on influences from past 90s post-hardcore and emo acts, the band's focus on genuine songwriting shines through, with production by Jack Shirley creating an intimate, live feel. The band continues to excel at weaving past and present to deliver rock music that hits a sweet spot of post-hardcore grit and genuine songcraft. Am I Not Your Girl? is an exercise in simplicity born from years of consistency, prioritizing true-blue songwriting that draws on a lifetime of influences, from Revolution Summer sincerity to the conciseness modeled by The Replacements: Big choruses, big moments, big emotions.

RIYL: Texas is the Reason, The Casket Lottery, Jawbox, The Get Up Kids, Samiam and Quicksand