Release Wave

On March 5, 2025, the Oklahoma-based alternative rock band Downward released a surprise LP titled Downward (LP2), now available on all streaming platforms and for purchase through New Morality Zine. The album showcases the band's evolution beyond traditional genres, blending airy melancholy with a modern rock sound, and features standout tracks like "Perfect Food" exploring complex relationships. With influences of emo, post-hardcore, shoegaze and alternative rock, Downward's LP2 boasts a total of ten tracks with a newfound sense of expansiveness and depth, making each moment resonate with intention. The LP was mixed and mastered by Corey Coffman from Gleemer (CO) and should appeal to fans of Moving Mountains, Gleemer, Glare, All Under Heaven, and Keep.

Chain, a heavy alt-rock band from Fresno, California, is set to self-release their debut full-length album "No Spirit" on March 14, 2025. Their music draws influences from 90s alt-rock icons like Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana, as well as bands like Title Fight and Superheaven, creating a sound characterized by thunderous guitars, infectious melodies, and anthemic hooks. Whether you’re moshing in a packed room or driving with the windows down, Chain delivers a cathartic experience that’s equal parts nostalgic and refreshing. Fan of bands like Soul Blind, Superbloom, Hotline TNT, Dosser, and Roving will enjoy Chain's fuzzed out high energy sound, blending nostalgia with a refreshing post-grunge and punk rock spirit.

DEAFHEAVEN is gearing up to release their upcoming album, "Lonely People With Power" on March 28 through Roadrunner Records. The album showcases their signature blend of aggressive black metal and dreamy shoegaze/post-rock influences, featuring guest vocals from Jae Matthews of Boy Harsher and Paul Banks of Interpol on select tracks. Produced by Justin Meldal-Johnsen and mixed by Zach Weeks, this album follows their Grammy-nominated 2021 release, "Infinite Granite", with a promising sonic evolution that combines elements of their earlier work in "Sunbather" with their recent melodic explorations. This is shaping up to be their most ambitious release yet.

Legendary guitar-pop singer/songwriter Bob Mould has announced his upcoming album "Here We Go Crazy," set to be released on March 7 via Granary Music/BMG Records. This 15th solo album features backing by drummer Jon Wurster and bassist Jason Narducy, delivering classic melodic fuzzed out guitar alt-pop with big hooks, reminiscent of Mould's previous work with Sugar and his solo endeavors.

SOM is set to release their third LP, "Let The Light In," on March 14, 2025 via Pelagic Records. Described as "Doom Pop," their music blends elements of shoegaze, post-metal, and dream pop, with a broad sonic landscape, both heavy and tranquil all at once. The songs are triumphant, with reverb soaked guiars, big vocal melodies, and pop hooks, while still containing the post-hardcore/metal edge they've incorporated in their previous work. Drawing comparisons to bands like Deftones, Astronoid, and Holy Fawn, SOM's new album showcases their best mix of heaviness, beauty, melody and catchiness, exploring themes of resilience and growth.