Release Wave

SUGAR, 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.

Bummer 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

Michigan-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

Waves 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.

Haste 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.

Get 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.

Aarhus, 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.

Autoignition, 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.

Philadelphia 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.

The 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.

New 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.

Immanu 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