October, 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

Sharkswimmer
Serenity
Sharkswimmer's debut LP "Serenity" is set to release on October 3rd, 2023, showcasing a blend of aggressive melodicism reminiscent of 90s post-hardcore acts like Planes Mistaken For Stars and hook-heavy punch akin to Basement. With sincere lyricism touching on themes of heartbreak and featuring collaborations with Geoff Rickly and Vinnie Caruana, the album appeals to fans of alt-rock and post-hardcore scenes.

Drift
Candyland
Drift, the Australian alternative rock band, is set to release their debut EP "Candyland" on October 4, 2023, focusing on themes of mental health struggles like depression and anxiety. Their sound, influenced by shoegaze and emo, reminiscent of bands such as My Bloody Valentine and DIIV, features jangly guitars layered with captivating vocals.

Pop Marshal
rejoice!
Pop Marshal, a UK trio led by Andy of Gan, Donfisher, and Ohno Express, will release their debut album 'Rejoice' on October 6, 2023, blending melodic guitar-driven rock with indie, pop punk, emo, and post-punk influences. Fans of Headsparks, Superchunk, and 90s punk/indie bands will find this album a must-listen continuation of Andy's musical journey.

Ambleside
Contact High
Australian band Ambleside released their debut LP "Contact High" in October 2023, blending melodic hardcore, punk, grunge, and alternative rock. With a surprise release, this album features their most accessible material to date. Fans of Basement, Title Fight, Endless Heights, and One Step Closer should check it out.

Citizen
Calling The Dogs
Citizen is set to release their fifth full-length LP, "Calling the Dogs," on October 6, 2023, featuring the nostalgic single "If You're Lonely." The band's introspective lyrics and heartfelt melodies draw from lead singer Mat Kerekes' personal experiences, making this upcoming album a poignant exploration of self-reflection and resilience. With guitar-driven rock 'n roll at its core, Citizen continues to showcase their ability to reinvent themselves while delivering emotionally resonant music.

Del Paxton
Auto Locator
Del Paxton from Buffalo, NY will be dropping their second LP, "Auto Locator," on October 6, 2023 via Topshelf Records. Their latest single, "Up With A Twist," gives a taste of the band's dynamic sound reminiscent of Mock Orange, Braid, Dikembe, Gulfer, and Prawn. The upcoming album was recorded straight to tape in NY's Finger Lakes, blending punk vibrance with commentary on American architecture.

Gloomer
Embrace The End
Gloomer, a grunge-gaze band from Pittsburgh, PA, will release their album Embrace The End on October 6, 2023 via Friend Club Records. Influenced by '90s alternative and shoegaze, their sound features shimmering guitars and dynamic rhythms, similar to artists like Balance and Composure, Failure, and Nothing.

Private Mind
The Truth You See
Private Mind joins Triple B Records with their album "The Truth You See" releasing on October 13th. Blending Long Island sound with post-hardcore vibes, the record delves into personal frustrations and community involvement, featuring dynamic tracks like “In Vain.” The album, recorded by Greg Thomas and mastered by Bill Henderson, offers a nostalgic yet energizing experience for listeners.

Free Throw
Lessons That We Swear to Keep

Neighboring Sounds
Cold In The Smart City
Neighboring Sounds, a Norwegian emo band, released their debut LP "Cold in the smart city" on October 13, 2023, featuring a mix of emotions and social commentary reminiscent of bands like Fireside and Starmarket from the mid-90s. The album, available on various streaming platforms and vinyl through multiple record labels across different regions, offers a blend of slow, indie, and danceable tracks, reflecting a classic punk theme of longing for community.

The Menzingers
Some Of It Was True
The Menzingers, iconic Philadelphia punk rockers, announce their seventh studio album 'Some Of It Was True', set to release on October 13th. Working with Grammy-nominated producer Brad Cook, the band delivers their most immediate and energetic record to date, showcasing rich, raw sound and prismatic songwriting akin to artists like the War on Drugs.

FeverSleep
FeverSleep
FeverSleep, hailing from Portland, Oregon, blend punk and grunge influences to craft a fresh yet familiar sound. Their debut EP features a mix of aggressive riffs, overdriven bass, and haunting choruses reminiscent of Sonic Youth and Dinosaur Jr. Released on October 18, the EP showcases themes of isolation and anxiety, drawing from the band's diverse musical backgrounds.

Flower Language
Thrown Into The Air
Flower Language will release their debut LP "Thrown Into the Air" on October 20, 2023. The album features 8 tracks inspired by 90s alternative rock with elements of emo, grunge, and shoegaze, akin to bands like Superheaven and Nothing. Produced by Corey Coffman (Gleemer), the album promises a sound reminiscent of bands like Deftones and Swervedriver.

Knuckle Puck
Losing What We Love
Knuckle Puck, an emo punk band from Chicago, is set to release their new album "Losing What We Love" on October 20, 2023 via Pure Noise Records. Their music features high-tempered lyricism balanced with an underlying layer of optimism, with singles like "The Tower" showcasing a darker side of their sound. The album, recorded with producer Seth Henderson, marks a shift towards a more honest and expressive songwriting approach, reflecting a transition from overwhelming hopefulness to a deeper exploration of life's hard truths. Knuckle Puck's fourth LP promises a fresh take on their signature sound, emphasizing impulse and unity among the band members, aiming to resonate with listeners in transformative moments of community.

Crime In Stereo
House & Trance
Crime In Stereo, hailing from Long Island, NY, is set to release their album House & Trance on October 27, 2023 via Pure Noise Records after a 13-year hiatus. The album's lead singles 'Hypernormalisation' and 'Books Cannot Be Killed By Fire' capture the band's reflective sound, delving into themes of societal apathy and political critique. With a self-produced approach, House & Trance embodies the band's signature style with a blend of anguish and reflection, addressing contemporary issues like late-stage capitalism and political corruption. The album's intense lyrics, influenced by personal struggles and societal turmoil, offer a powerful and hopeful perspective amidst chaotic times.

Grave Secrets
Til Your Lungs Fall Out
Grave Secrets, a punk trio from Los Angeles, will release their Wiretap Records debut LP "Til Your Lungs Fall Out" on October 27, 2023. Produced by Alex Estrada, the album offers 10 tracks of high-energy indie punk and power pop anthems. Fans of Citizen, Pup, Balance and Composure, and Movements will find this release captivating.

PAWS
PAWS
Scottish alternative rock band PAWS will release their new self-titled album on October 27, 2023, blending 90s alternative rock with indie punk influences. The album showcases a mix of evocative instrumentals, sordid pop, and ambient electronics, offering a fresh perspective while staying true to their roots. The album, available for pre-order, will be released on various formats including evergreen vinyl and a Deluxe LP with a 28-page zine featuring behind-the-scenes studio photos and artwork.

Taking Back Sunday
152
Taking Back Sunday's eighth studio album '152' is set to release on October 27, 2023, marking their first full-length offering since 2016. The album, produced by Tushar Apte and mixed by Neal Avron, features 10 emotionally raw tracks and showcases a newfound sense of purpose. Fans can expect intense vulnerability, anthemic vocals, and deep lyrical connections in this highly anticipated release.

The Gaslight Anthem
History Books
The Gaslight Anthem from New Jersey are releasing their sixth LP "History Books" on October 27, 2023. Their latest album, produced by Peter Katis, features a duet with Bruce Springsteen and explores themes of life, connection, and growth reminiscent of their influential 2008 release 'THE ’59 SOUND'.