May, 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
Statues
Black Arcs Rising
Statues, the Swedish rock trio, will be releasing their third LP, "Black Arcs Rising," on May 5, 2023, blending 90's alternative rock vibes with their intense songwriting style. Recorded at Svenska grammofonstudion in Gothenburg, the album features additional guitar by Christian Ramirez and guest vocals by Per Stålberg on select tracks. Fans of Hüsker Dü, Dinosaur Jr., and Sonic Youth will appreciate Statues' musical influences and evolution.
Bring The Hoax
Single Coil Candy
Bring The Hoax, a Stockholm-based indie rock band, will release their debut album "Single Coil Candy" on May 12, 2023, via Lövely Records. The album offers a mix of indie, power pop, grunge, and modern rock, ideal for fans of Sonic Youth, Dinosaur Jr, Built to Spill, and Smashing Pumpkins. With a blend of fuzzy guitars, sweet melodies, and an energetic sound inspired by 90s rock, this release promises a nostalgic yet modern indie rock experience.
Hot Mulligan
Why Would I Watch
Hot Mulligan's new album ‘Why Would I Watch’ is set to release on May 12 via Wax Bodega, featuring a blend of twinkly Midwestern emo guitars with mathy, synthy-heavy rhythms. Their latest track “Shhh! Golf Is On” showcases intense honesty and poignant melodies similar to bands in the emo genre.
Kerosene Heights
Southeast of Somewhere
Kerosene Heights, an emo-punk band from Asheville, North Carolina, is set to release their debut full-length album "Southeast of Somewhere" on May 19 through No Sleep Records. The album features 11 tracks of emo punk anthems drawing inspiration from emo, punk, and indie rock of various decades, with influences from bands like Algernon Cadwallader, Snowing, and You Blew It.
The Used
Toxic Positivity
The Used's new album "Toxic Positivity" delves into mental health themes, showcasing the band's signature blend of direct, intense, and vulnerable music. With their energetic live performances and emotional lyrics, The Used stands out as a leading force in the alternative rock scene. Fans of high-octane live shows and emotive rock should definitely check out their latest singles and upcoming release.
Heart Attack Man
Freak of Nature
Heart Attack Man's album Freak Of Nature is set for release on May 26th, 2023. With a blend of punk, rock, and pop influences, the band crafts anthems of growing pains and self-discovery, reminiscent of Motion City Soundtrack and All-American Rejects. Lead single "Freak Of Nature," co-written with Nick Wheeler, showcases their catchy, irreverent style that resonates with those navigating the challenges of young adulthood.
Incendiary
Change The Way You Think About Pain
Incendiary will release their fourth LP, "Change The Way You Think About Pain," on May 26, 2023, via Closed Casket Activities. Their sound, influenced by East Coast hardcore heroes like Vision Of Disorder and Indecision, offers a blend of classic passion and modern power, akin to a heavier Rage Against The Machine. This album delves into themes of hyper-polarization in American society and personal introspection, delivering sharply biting and insightful lyrics atop blunt metalcore. Produced by Will Putney of Graphic Nature Audio, "Change The Way You Think About Pain" marks a milestone for the band, showcasing a more aggressive and abrasive approach while refining their signature sound.
Low Coast
Existing The Deam
Low Coast, led by Jeff Caudill of Gameface, will release their debut album "Existing the Dream" on May 26, 2023 via Spartan Records. The band's sound diverges from SoCal punk rock to a style reminiscent of Wilco, Gin Blossoms, and Death Cab For Cutie. With influences from a tumultuous time, their debut single "Hard to Believe" encapsulates themes of hope and frustration in a divided world. Listen to "Hard to Believe" and experience Low Coast's new direction below.
The Dirty Nil
Free Rein to Passions
The Dirty Nil's fourth album, Free Rein to Passions, due for release in May 26, 2023 via Dine Alone Records, sees the band returning to their core sound of thrashy riffs, bashed out drums, and maximum volume after a brief foray into smoother sounds with 2021's Fuck Art. Drawing inspiration from influences like Power Trip and the Jesus Lizard, their lead single "Nicer Guy" showcases the band's raw and energetic approach to rock 'n' roll.
Versus The World
The Bastards Live Forever
Versus The World from Santa Barbara, CA will release their album “The Bastards Live Forever” on May 26, 2023 via SBÄM Records. The album, produced by Cameron Webb, features 11 melodic post-punk tracks showcasing the band's passion and deeply rooted emotions in the lyrics, similar to Lagwagon and Good Riddance.