March, 2023 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
Can't Swim
Thanks But No Thanks
New Jersey rock band Can’t Swim's fourth album "Thanks But No Thanks" arrives on March 3rd via Pure Noise Records, showcasing their growth and introspective lyrics. Lead singer Chris LoPorto states the album was made with a focus on fun and authenticity, with the latest single "me vs me vs all of y'all" delving into personal reflection and self-doubt. Fans of bands embracing emotional depth like Balance and Composure or Title Fight may resonate with Can’t Swim's latest release.
Object of Affection
Field of Appearances
Object of Affection, the post-punk/alt-rock band from LA featuring members of Fury and Death Bells, is set to release their debut full-length LP "Field of Appearances" on March 3, 2023 via Profound Love Records. Drawing inspiration from gloomy punk, new wave, and alternative rock, their sound resonates with the despondent anthems of previous eras, akin to bands like Ceremony, Fiddlehead, and Gulch.
MS Paint
Post-American
MSPAINT's debut full-length album "Post-American" will be released on March 10th, showcasing their unique blend of hardcore, post-punk, and hip hop influences, produced by Shelton and Taylor Young. Drawing from a wide range of influences like Gulch and Three 6 Mafia, this guitar-less band from Hattiesburg offers a heavy yet melodic sound that is both captivating and genre-defying.
Story Of The Year
Tear Me To Pieces
The upcoming album Tear Me To Pieces by Story Of The Year, releasing on March 10, 2023 via SharpTone Records, continues their signature intense and passionate sound. With themes of heartache, desperation, and empowerment, the album features singles like “Real Life” and “War” that resonate with fans of bands like Linkin Park and My Chemical Romance.
Tired Radio
Lousy, Thanks
Tired Radio from Brooklyn, NY, is gearing up to release their second EP, "Lousy, thanks." The EP showcases a blend of anthemic punk rock with heartfelt lyrics and dynamic instrumentation. Fans of Beach Slang, Iron Chic, and The Lawrence Arms will find a familiar sound in Tired Radio's music.
Gouge Away
Deep Sage
Gouge Away's third studio album, Deep Sage, showcases a blend of urgency, noise, and introspective lyrics reminiscent of bands they grew up listening to. Through analog recording and a live performance approach, the album maintains the raw and unpolished essence that defines the band's sound. The band's reconnection in 2022 led to a culmination of new material, featuring expanded melodic traits alongside their trademark abrasive qualities, influenced by their personal journeys and experiences during the hiatus.
Quiz Show
Quiz Show
American indie rock trio Quiz Show, featuring members from Shudder To Think and Guided By Voices, recently dropped their dynamic single 'Sound of Kissing' from their self-titled debut album set to release on March 17. Their earlier tracks 'Dime A Dozen' and 'What If?' are already available on streaming platforms. Produced by Ray Ketchem, the album showcases a mix of punk rock energy and emotional fervor, drawing influence from various genres like classic rock, prog, and alternative.
Ritual Club
Running Low
Ritual Club is an emo/rock band from Austin, Texas, set to release their EP "Running Low" on March 17th, 2023, featuring singles "Clementine" and "Running Low." The band combines elements from various alternative genres, reminiscent of bands like Spitalfield, Jimmy Eat World, and Arms Length. Their music explores themes of self-reflection and coping with regret in dynamic and energy-filled sad boi tunes.
The Van Pelt
Artisans & Merchants
The Van Pelt is releasing their fourth studio album 'Artisans & Merchants' on March 17th, featuring a nostalgic sound reminiscent of second-wave emo/indie bands like The Promise Ring and Mineral. Recorded by Jeff Zeigler, the album includes guest appearances by Nate Kinsella and Ted Leo, with the first single 'Punk House' now available. Frontman Chris Leo reflects on the band's past through old tour footage, capturing the essence of the music's longing spirit.
Warn The Duke
All That's Solid
Brooklyn-based band Warn The Duke release their first album in eight years, "All That’s Solid," on March 17th via Wiretap Records. Frontman Dan McCool's journey through despair and renewal draws from influences like Mike Ness, Against Me!, Nothing, The Replacements, and Hot Water Music, with layered harmonies and emotionally charged vocals.
Harsh Realms
CVLT
Harsh Realms' highly anticipated second album "CVLT" delivers 13 new songs of anthemic punk rock with raw energy and catchy hooks. Influenced by bands like Spanish Love Songs, Iron Chic, and The Menzingers, this release is set to hit the shelves on March 24, 2023 via Shield Recordings. Listen to the dynamic sound of the first three singles from this album now!
Semaphore
I Need A Reason To Stay
Semaphore is set to release their new album "I Need A Reason To Stay" on March 24th, with the lead single "Smother" drawing inspiration from Foo Fighters and Balance and Composure. The Brooklyn-based quartet blends shoegaze, post-hardcore, and classical elements, aiming to create sophisticated and inviting music for their audience.
SPACESHIPS
Ruins
SPACESHIPS, a post-gaze band from South Bend, Indiana, is gearing up for the release of their fourth full-length album, "Ruins," on March 24 through Friend Club Records. The album explores themes of social polarization and fractured relationships, featuring heavy guitar-centered soundscapes and emotional lyrics. For fans of Holy Fawn, Astronoid, and SOM.
The Bouncing Souls
Ten Stories High
New Jersey punk legends The Bouncing Souls are set to release their new album "Ten Stories High" on March 24th via Pure Noise Records. The album features anthemic tracks produced by Will Yip, known for his work with The Menzingers and Tigers Jaw. Fans of energetic punk rock with singalong choruses will enjoy this release.
The Natural Lines
The Natural Lines
The Natural Lines will release their self-titled debut album on March 24 via Bella Union, featuring the single "Monotony" with a video starring Nikki Glaser. Frontman Matt Pond's introspective lyrics and melodic immediacy showcase a new direction for the artist, offering intimate reflections and collaborative detail akin to his previous work as Matt Pond PA. Recorded in Kingston, New York, the album reflects Pond's desire for a fresh pace and a more open approach to songwriting, marking a transformation in his creative process and perspective.
Fake Pollocks
The Flashlight EP
The Flashlight EP by Fake Pollocks is set for release on March 31, 2023, marking the band's second release following their debut tracks "Arm & Argument". The EP features four songs that blend angular and chaotic indie/math/emo rock elements with both spoken word and melodic vocals, creating a dynamic and catchy sound reminiscent of 90s technical mathy/emo/indie rock with a modern emo/punk revival twist.
LIES
LIES
LIES, the collaboration between Mike and Nate Kinsella, is set to release their debut album "Lies" on March 31st via Polyvinyl Record Co. Known for their catchy and unique sound, the duo's music is a fusion of intricate pop with influences ranging from Depeche Mode to Tears for Fears. With their self-titled album, LIES offers explosive yet introspective songs that explore themes of relationships, betrayal, and hope, showcasing a departure from their previous musical ventures.
Samiam
Stowaway
Samiam, the Oakland punk legends, are set to release their first album in 12 years, "Stowaway," filled with their trademark energy and melody. The album, featuring singles like "Crystallized" and "Lights Out Little Hustler," captures Samiam's enduring spirit and anthemic punk sound reminiscent of groups like Jawbreaker and Superchunk.