May, 2024 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
Death Lens
Cold World
East LA post-punk band Death Lens is set to release their sophomore LP "Cold World" on May 3, 2024, via Epitaph Records. Their sound blends West Coast surf punk and Britrock influences while delivering energetic live performances akin to Turnstile and Militarie Gun. The album showcases a departure from their early style, encapsulating matured post-hardcore rock songs with poignant lyrics addressing social injustices. Produced by Brett Romnes, "Cold World" features expanded sonic elements such as harmonies, piano, and strings, presenting Death Lens at their most confident and adventurous.
Demo Division
Sunken Skin
Alt-rock band Demo Division will release their SUNKEN SKIN EP on May 3rd, 2024, characterized by an alternative rock sound with a post-hardcore influence similar to Basement and Fiddlehead. Their latest single, "WANTED2TRY," showcases emotive vocals layered over floaty guitars, reflecting themes of self-motivation and artistic expression. Recorded with producer Joe Scaletta, the EP signals Demo Division's growth and promise in the Chicago music scene, blending elements of alternative, grunge, and post-hardcore genres.
HEAVYHEX
True To You
HEAVYHEX, a melodic hardcore band from Long Island, NY, is set to release their debut album "True To You" on May 3rd with producer Jay Maas. Their music blends aggression, clarity, and emotion, showcased in singles like "You Can't Stay Here" and "True To You." With influences from bands like Private Mind and Stand Still, HEAVYHEX delivers energetic live performances and has already made a mark in the Long Island melodic hardcore scene.
Snarls
With Love
snarls, a Columbus indie pop trio, is set to release their new album "With Love" on May 3, 2024, produced by Chris Walla. The album features introspective lyrics touching on topics like self-image and empowerment, with a sound blending pop hooks, 90s alternative, shoegaze, and indie-rock elements. Fans of Momma, Softcult, and Snail Mail may find snarls' music appealing.
Sunny Day Real Estate
Diary - Live at London Bridge Studio
Sunny Day Real Estate has remastered their debut album "Diary" and added a new track, "Novum Vetus," to the release. The live recording at London Bridge Studio showcases the band's sound, similar to artists like Jawbox and Jawbreaker.
Daybreaker
Nightfixer
Daybreaker, an alt-emo band from Chicago, is set to release their debut album "Nightfixer" on May 9th, 2024, showcasing their blend of alt-rock and emo influences. Led by Alex Petrov and Cameron Wentworth, the album delves into themes of love, resentment, sobriety, and introspection, offering a raw and immersive listening experience similar to bands in the alt-rock and emo genres. Produced by Joe Scaletta, "Nightfixer" features melodic hooks and heartfelt lyrics, inviting listeners on a cathartic journey through life's struggles and uncertainties.
Hot Water Music
Vows
Hot Water Music, the influential punk veterans from Gainesville, Florida, are set to release their 10th studio album "Vows" on May 10, 2024, featuring guest appearances from Thrice, City and Colour, The Interrupters, and more. Led by powerful tracks like “Menace” and “Burn Forever,” the 12-song LP showcases the band's intense and musically daring sound. With a three-decade legacy in American punk, Hot Water Music's Vows marks a celebration of their history and future, produced by Brian McTernan who previously collaborated with the band on their classic albums in the early 2000s. Don't miss their 30th-anniversary tour this spring with Quicksand.
Knocked Loose
You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To
Knocked Loose is set to release their new LP, "You Won’t Go Before You’re Supposed To" on May 10, 2024 via Pure Noise Records. The album showcases intense metalcore aggression with diverse elements and thematic depth, similar to their underground seasoned sound that has garnered them a growing fanbase. Through 10 tracks in 27 gripping minutes, the LP pushes boundaries with chaotic turbulence, seismic breakdowns, and collaborates with artists like Poppy, all while maintaining their signature uncompromising heaviness.
With Glee
Neither Prayers Nor Demonstrations
With Glee, a heavy alternative rock/shoegaze quartet from St. Louis, Missouri, is set to release their debut LP "Neither Prayers Nor Demonstrations" on May 10, 2024. Drawing inspiration from artists like Nothing, Whirr, and Narrow Head, the album features a mix of heavy tones, melodic lines, and occasional screams. The band's sound has evolved with this release, showcasing experimentation with lush vocals, atmospheric reverb, and heavier melodies.
From Indian Lakes
Head Void
From Indian Lakes is set to release their new album Head Void on May 15th, marking their return after over five years. Lead single “The Flow” showcases an intense, immersive sound blending synths and guitars. Drawing inspiration from bands like Mew, Valleyheart, Moving Mountains, and Hrvrd, the upcoming album is a must-listen for fans of atmospheric indie rock.
Draag
Actually, the quiet is nice
Draag, the Los Angeles shoegazers, are set to release their new EP, "Actually, the quiet is nice," featuring the lead single “Orb weaver” characterized by warped guitars and dreamy harmonies. Their upcoming EP, due out on May 17th, continues their unique sound previously praised in their debut album, Dark Fire Heresy.
One Step Closer
All You Embrace
One Step Closer's highly anticipated new full-length album, "All You Embrace," expands their melodic hardcore sound, showcasing anthemic and passionate tracks. Drawing on influences from hardcore, emo, '90s alternative, and more, this release produced by Jon Markson captures a widescreen version of the band's bold sound. Fans of Koyo, Anxious, Have Heart, and Title Fight will find a lot to love in this powerful new era for One Step Closer.
The Co Founder
Never Miss A Good Oppportunity To Shut The Fuck Up
The Co Founder, an indie-rock/post-punk band from Oakland, CA, is set to release their new full-length LP, "Never Miss An Opportunity To Shut The **** Up" on May 17, 2024, via Acrobat Unstable. Produced by Jordan Krimston, the album features 10 indie-punk anthems with singalong pop hooks and features harmonies by Jordan Pundik of New Found Glory. Their earlier work drew comparisons to Manchester Orchestra, Restorations, and Pinegrove, while their latest sound is likened to bands like Webbed Wing, Death Lens, Spiritual Cramp, and Militarie Gun with some 90s alt-rock like Gin Blossoms and Third Eye Blind also influencing their sound.
Skeever
Needle & Thread
Philadelphia's Skeever, known for their blend of slacker rock and shoegaze, are set to release their new EP "Needle & Thread" on May 18, 2024, featuring 4 tracks inspired by '90s shoegaze and grungy alt-rock. Influences from bands like Swervedriver, Hum, Dinosaur Jr, and others can be heard in their music, showcasing high-octane riffs and walls of guitars with big melodies. Fans of Swervedriver, Hum, Ovlov, Hotline TNT, and Narrow Head may especially enjoy their sound.
For Love of Records (Various Artists)
Yesterday and Today: DC Does Dischord
The first-ever release from For Love Of Records, titled Yesterday & Today: DC Does Dischord, pays homage to the influential D.C. label Dischord Records with 27 bands covering songs from its catalog. The compilation album showcases a diverse range of artists from the Washington D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia music scene, encapsulating the label's almost 44-year history and cultural impact. Proceeds from the album will support local Washington, D.C. charity We Are Family DC, and a record release show will take place at The Black Cat in Washington, DC on July 5.
DIIV
Frog In Boiling Water
Brooklyn shoegazers DIIV are set to release their fourth album, Frog in Boiling Water, produced by Chris Coady. The album reflects a tumultuous four-year creative process that almost tore the band apart but ultimately led to a deeper and more ambitious musical exploration. With a blend of dream-pop and post-rock, their lead single "Brown Paper Bag" offers a taste of the lyrical and musical depth found throughout the record.
Fly Over States
Ghosts
Fly Over States, a post-hardcore/screamo band from Billings, Montana, is set to release their Ghosts EP on May 24, 2024, following their debut with the Anti-Aircraft EP in 2023. Drawing inspiration from Underoath, Glassjaw, and The Chariot, their music features infectious rhythms and a blend of screamed and clean vocals. The EP, recorded with Phil Yanzick and mastered by Kris Crummett, includes the single "40 Stripes Minus One," delving into themes of workplace accidents and survivor's guilt.
Modern Shakes
A Bolt From The Blue
Modern Shakes is set to drop their debut full-length album, A Bolt From The Blue, on May 24, 2024. Drawing influence from bands such as Leatherface and Jawbreaker, the album features ten tracks of emotive yet catchy melodic punk rock. With singles like "Ask The Dust" and "Icing On The Horizon," Modern Shakes showcases their growth and ability to weave heartfelt lyrics into their music, appealing to fans of Banner Pilot, The Lawrence Arms and Hot Water Music.
Say Anything
...Is Committed
Say Anything's upcoming album, ...Is Committed, set for release on May 24, 2024 via Dine Alone Records, marks their return from a five year hiatus, featuring a blend of their signature style and a reinvigorated sound produced by Brad Wood known for Sunny Day Real Estate and MeWithoutYou amongst others. The album promises a mix of humor, emotion, rollicking and self-referential songs with autobiographical depth, appealing to fans of their earlier work and artists like Weatherbox, The Hotelier, Saves the Day, and MeWithoutYou.
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+/- {Plus/Minus}
Further Afield
New York indie-rockers +/- {Plus/Minus} are set to release their new album "Further Afield" on May 31 through Ernest Jenning Record Co., their first LP in a decade. The album incorporates unconventional elements like AI strings, high school choir harmonies, and a mix of new instruments, with the singles "Borrowed Time" and "Gondolier" showcasing the band's propulsive sound. Expect a blend of catchy melodies, experimental touches, and dark lyrical themes that fans of jangling indie rock will appreciate.
Bats & Mice
PS: Seriously
Bats & Mice, a Chapel Hill indie-rock band, have resurfaced after a 12-year hiatus with the upcoming release of their LP "P.S. Seriously" on May 31, 2024 via Lovitt Records. The band's music combines hardcore roots with dark melodies and energetic drive, featuring members from Sleepytime Trio, Engine Down, Denali, Rah Bras, and Milemarker. Drawing inspiration from bands like Pinback, Fugazi and Denali, Bats & Mice's latest single "Worst Time" offers a glimpse into their long-awaited return to the music scene.
Broken Head
The Morning Ends
Broken Head, a Massachusetts alternative rock band, is set to release their debut LP "Morning Ends" on May 31, 2024, via Sunday Drive Records. Drawing inspiration from '90s alternative rock acts like Catherine Wheel, Swervedriver, Ride, The Cure, and The Sundays, the band's new album showcases intricate production, dreamy lyrics, and captivating melodies. With singles "Bending Up," "Spoiled Milk," and "I Want Everything," Broken Head's evolution culminates in an album that embodies their unique blend of influences and distinctive sound.
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Hippie Trim
Morbid Orbit
German band Hippie Trim will release their new EP "Morbid Orbit" on May 31st, 2024, featuring 4 tracks including the new single "Dog Days." Known for their distinctive sound blending post-punk and melodic hardcore, the band's latest effort was mixed and mastered by Jon Markson and Adam Chichoki. Fans of Drug Church and Militarie Gun will appreciate Hippie Trim's gritty yet melodic style with anthemic hooks and raw vocals.
Rad Owl
Rage Gracefully
Rad Owl, led by scene veterans, is gearing up for their sophomore LP, "Rage Gracefully," to be released on May 31, 2024. The band's high-energy punk rock style is reminiscent of Descendents, Propagandhi, and Samiam, featuring new lead guitar lines by Ryan Tate. Their lead single, "Every Second," tackles personal themes like fatherhood, and they are set to perform at Pouzza Fest in Montreal before the LP release.