Curated Music Releases in May, 2026

House of Dead Memories // Love You Even Still 7"
May 1, 2026SUGAR, the 90s alternative rock trio, led by Bob Mould, announces second single 'Long Live Love' as part of their 2026 reunion World Tour, following the acclaimed 'House of Dead Memories' single which was released in 2025. The single's origins date back to 2007, blending Mould's DJ influences with pop songwriting, a nostalgic yet innovative fusion of grinding guitar riffs and lush synth textures with big melodies and hooks that Sugar is known for.The band's reunion after almost 30 years has been met with excitement, with sold-out shows in New York and London and a forthcoming world tour across North America and Europe.

Barely Here
May 8, 2026Koyo is releasing their second album, "Barely Here," on May 8th via Pure Noise Records, featuring ten anthemic punk tracks in 28 minutes. Drawing inspiration from bands like The Movielife, Silent Majority and Taking Back Sunday, Koyo's sound shines through in their latest release, characterized by massive guitars and catchy melodies. The album's focused refinement showcases the band's strengths, produced by Jon Markson and with guest appearances from Sammy Ciaramitaro (Drain) and Marisa Shirar (Fleshwater), promising a confident and energetic new chapter for Koyo that will surely please old fans and make new ones.

Fake My Death
May 8, 2026Bummer Camp, an alternative rock band from Queens, NY, is set to release their sophomore album, 'Fake My Death,' on May 8 via Trash Casual Records. The album is described as a poignant exploration of inner turmoil and emotional catharsis that resonates with humor and defiance. With a fusion of shoegaze, emo and grunge influences, the band delves deeper into themes of anxiety and the desire to vanish, juxtaposed with a will to persevere. Recorded at The Animal Farm studio in New Jersey, this sophomore release sees the band honing their sound with textured layers and a more focused approach. RIYL: Milly, Narrow Head, Tigers Jaw, Plight, Balance and Composure

Wired
May 8, 2026Basement's highly-anticipated album "Wired" set for release on May 8, 2026 via Run for Cover Records is described as a triumphant return to their signature alternative rock sound, brimming with unbridled passion and creative intuition. Lead singles 'WIRED' and 'Broken By Design' give a taste of the LP's dynamic breadth, showcasing urgent and moody tracks that highlight vocalist Andrew Fisher's peak performance. Produced by the renowned John Congleton, the album is a bold artistic statement featuring precise yet enervated sonic qualities where imperfections are celebrated, making it a standout release that can't be ignored. RIYL: Superheaven, Title Fight, Citizen, Balance and Composure

Only Dark Shit
May 15, 2026Honeybee, a slow punk/alt-gaze band hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, is set to release their debut LP "Only Dark Shit" on May 15, 2026 via Candlepin Records. With a sound influenced by bands like Hum along with the melodic emocore meets shoegaze side of later Title Fight, Honeybee seamless combine elements of post-hardcore, fuzz laden noise pop, emocore and shoegaze. The new LP features 10 songs that blend dense, atmospheric and distorted guitars with hypnotic vocals, drawing comparisons to Hum, Nothing, Cloakroom, Narrow Head, Basement and Sunny Day Real Estate. Fans of more recent bands like Trauma Ray, Glare, Narrow Head, and the like will appreciate Honeybee's urgent and loud yet heavenly musical style, which has been evolving since their 2023 debut EP "Soft and Less Kind" and keeps getting better.

Buzzard
May 15, 2026Michigan-based emo outfit Potionseller is set to release their debut LP titled BUZZARD on May 15 via Brain Synthesizer, featuring singles like "Irish Exit" and "Sniper Riffle" now streaming. The debut full-length album takes a different approach from their previous works, exploring themes of reflection and growth with a mix of pop-punk and emo influences and the occasional post-hardcore angst as well. RIYL: Arm's Length, Macseal, Oso Oso, Tiny Voices, Hot Mulligan, Saturday's At Your Place

In The Blur
May 20, 2026Waves Crashing, an Olympia-based band blending shoegaze, post-punk, dream pop, and '90s alternative, prepares to release 'In The Blur' on May 20, 2026, following their well-received debut album 'Effection' from 2025. The album showcases their evolution in sound, addressing societal themes and industry pressures while offering a mix of energetic anthems like 'Feel The Glow' and introspective tracks like 'Marine Garden', while also featuring a unique dreamy take on Radiohead's 'Creep'. Fans of Nothing, Placebo, DIIV, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart and Smashing Pumpkins will find Waves Crashing's latest work captivating, designed for both headphone immersion and dynamic live performances.

Dissenter
May 1, 2026Haste The Day's highly anticipated album "Dissenter" reintroduces their signature aggressive, melodic metalcore sound, blending high-energy riffs, heavy breakdowns, and unforgettable choruses. Lyrically, the album dives deep into themes of disillusionment, corruption, and defiance, capturing a balance between nostalgia and contemporary influence. Produced by Stephen Keech, known for his work on the band's previous album "Coward," "Dissenter" marks a cinematic ambition and a sharpening of the band's core style, making it a standout release in their discography.

Coins, Currency, Tokens, And Other Related Objects
May 8, 2026Get ready to dive into a sonic journey steeped in early 2000s post-hardcore with In 2 Again's upcoming EP, "Coins, Currency, Tokens, and Other Related Objects" set for release on May 8th via DAZE. Featuring compelling riffs and dynamic scream-sung vocals, this release draws inspiration from nu-metal/post-hardcore era bands like Glassjaw, Snapcase, and early Incubus. Vocalist Jay Torblaa's mesmerizing high-pitched voice, paired with sarcastic lyrical content and infectious hooks, will transport you to a world of heavy groove and tension. Noteworthy collaborator Anthony DiDio's vocals elevate the track "Our Disease Is Dressed To The Nines," while guitarist Kyle Hill's introspective lyrics offer a critique on humanity's destructive path. Produced by drummer Chris Torok at The Source in New Haven, CT, this EP promises to deliver a raw and unapologetic sound that sets In 2 Again apart in the post-hardcore scene.

Hoodie
May 8, 2026Aarhus, Denmark-based band indie/alt rock band Trader is set to release their new EP titled 'Hoodie' on May 8, 2026, with the latest single 'Buddy' serving as the first taste of this upcoming project. Produced by the skilled duo Commotion at Feedback Studio, Aarhus, this evolving sound draws from Weezer's 'Pinkerton' era, echoing the delicate vulnerability reminiscent of artist Alex G. The album explores themes of identity and societal pressures, encapsulated in poignant lines like 'If I could say it out loud, I’d brush my teeth with lies', offering a compelling narrative on self-discovery. Seamlessly blending indie and slacker rock with grunge elements and catchy pop hooks, 'Hoodie' promises to captivate listeners who enjoy the type of fuzzed out alt rock that would've dominated the radios in the 90s.

You'll Forget The Sun
May 8, 2026Nashville post-hardcore quintet idle threat have announced their new album "you'll forget the sun", out May 8 via Tooth & Nail. With guest appearances from heavyweights like Haste the Day's Stephen Keech and Silent Planet's Garrett Russell, the band's sonic evolution shines through in each meticulously crafted track. From cathartic energy to heartfelt lyrics, this record not only captures the band's growth but also offers listeners a glimpse into their unwavering resolve to find light in the midst of darkness.

Against The World
May 15, 2026Autoignition, a pop-punk band from Buffalo, NY, will release their new EP "Against The World" on May 15, 2026 via Static Era Records and 51st State Records. The new EP captures the essence of late 90s / early 2000s emo-tinged pop-punk, drawing inspiration from bands like Saves The Day and Lifetime. Their music combines fervent energy, bouncy riffs and melodic sensibility with carefree vocals, as evident by latest single "Not For Nothing" now streaming, conveying themes of drifting friendships.

Grey
May 15, 2026Held., the brand new trio featuring both Douglas Robinson and Sal Mignano of The Sleeping and Josh Eppard from Coheed And Cambria, will release their debut album, GREY, on May 15 via MNRK Heavy. The introduction to the band arrives with 'NEW YOU ANTHEM,' featuring My Chemical Romance’s Frank Iero, which serves as a powerful anthem about love and survival. Recorded at the inspiring Animal Farm studio in N.J. and masterfully produced by Jon Markson, GREY promises to be a standout release, showcasing Held.'s powerful and anthemic alt-rock/post hardcore, that sounds straight out of the early 2000s, appealing to fans of The Sleeping, Coheed and Cambria, Glassjaw and My Chemical Romance but with a fresh take.

Permanence
May 22, 2026Philadelphia melodic punk trio FILM, featuring Ken Vasoli of The Starting Line and Joe Reinhart of Algernon Cadwallader, will release their debut album 'Permanence' on May 22 via Lauren Records, marking the final recordings of drummer TJ DeBlois who passed away in 2023. The album carries a raw, instinct-driven sound akin to Drive Like Jehu, Braid and Mclusky, touching on themes of legacy and the transient nature of time. The lead single 'Roundabout' exemplifies their urgent and heartfelt songwriting style, capturing the essence of their collaborative journey and paying tribute to DeBlois's lasting impact on their music.

Lp4
May 1, 2026Legendary emo band American Football is set to release their fourth studio album, LP4, on May 1, 2026 via Polyvinyl Records. Their 4th LP promises a return to their signature blend of intricate instrumentation and deeply personal storytelling, capturing the essence of emo and post-rock music at its finest. With their first studio release in nearly seven years, this album will undoubtedly be full off emotional depth and layered musicality, exemplified by the epic track 'Bad Moons' the first single from the forthcoming LP. Mike Kinsella's poignant delivery and the band's post-rock style create a captivating listening experience that solidifies their place in the genre and keeps fans eagerly awaiting more.

Cold World
May 8, 2026The Flatliners' will release their new album, 'Cold World', on May 8th via Equal Vision Records / Dine Alone Records. The LP delves into the aftermath of clarity with haunting melodies and introspective lyrics that feel like a ghostly memory. Reflecting on themes of nostalgia and legacy, the band's urgent punk energy is met with intricate guitar work, exemplified in tracks like 'Inner Peace' and 'Burn'. With a music video paying homage to '90s style and a focus on collaboration and shared vision, this release marks a distinctive chapter in the band's 24-year musical journey, inviting listeners to navigate the complexities of a 'cold world' alongside them.

The Sun Smiles On The City
May 8, 2026New England melodic post-hardcore band Awnthay will release their new LP "The Sun Smiles on the City" on May 8, 2026. Their music, influenced by Massachusetts Alt-Rock icons like Dinosaur Jr. and post-hardcore legends Title Fight, blends tight melodies, loud ripping guitars and heavy dynamics through an emotionally charged hardcore pop leaning lens. Fans of melodic hardcore/emo/alt-rock bands like Title Fight, Fiddlehead, Hot Water Music and Drug Church should check out Awnthay's latest single "Row" which is now streaming, and keep an eye out for their new LP coming soon.

Woven Light
May 14, 2026Immanu El, a prominent Swedish post-rock band established in 2004, is set to release their new LP, Woven Light, on May 14, 2026, initially as a vinyl and later as a digital version in September. The album showcases their signature emotionally intense live performances and immersive sound, blending classic post-rock elements with evolved compositions that explore existential themes, making them akin to bands like Explosions in the Sky and Sigur Rós in their reflective and expansive style. Drawing from years of growth and exploration, Woven Light marks a poignant yet dynamic chapter in Immanu El's musical journey, combining intricate melodies with a profound exploration of life's fundamental questions. RIYL: Sigur Ros, Explosions in the Sky, Caspian, Hammock

Bridge Over Cumberland
May 15, 2026Mad Honey from Oklahoma City will release their new LP "Bridge Over Cumberland" on May 15, 2026, blending poignant lyricism with dreamy shoegaze sounds. The album showcases the band's growth and collaboration, combining swirling guitars with shadowy vocals to explore themes of personal connections and growth. With influences from the OKC shoegaze scene, Mad Honey's second full-length release on Deathwish Inc. and Sunday Drive Records promises a confident and complete musical journey for listeners across its 11 brand new tracks.

Show The World What’s Underneath
May 15, 2026SoCal pop punk band Super Sometimes has announced their upcoming album 'Show the World What’s Underneath', set to be released on May 15 via Pure Noise Records. Across 10 brand new songs, Super Sometimes merges skate punk grit with modern pop punk sensibilities, delving into themes of coming-of-age malaise and romantic turmoil. Lead single 'Afterthought' sets the tone with haunting melodies, heavy distortion, and clean guitar riffs, that evoke raw emotions of longing and desperation. The album showcases a distinctive sound that captures the essence of pop-punk's evolution and the sounds the band members grew up listening to, while staying true to its roots, making this release a must-listen for fans of the genre. RIYL: early 2000s pop punk (Drive Thru Records era), Slick Shoes, MXPX, The Story So Far, Arm's Length, Real Friends, Knuckle Puck