October, 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
Photocopy
Weakness Beyond Control
On October 2, Oklahoma City’s Photocopy will be releasing their debut full length Weakness Beyond Control. The LP embodies the band’s buzzing feedback-laden alternative rock sound found on previous material, while finding a new dialed in sound that can easily make Photocopy a household name, alongside other Oklahoma up and comers Downward, Money and the like. Supported by a mix of emo and shoegaze guitars, melodic basslines, massive, charging drums, and a baritone delivery, the LP touches on regret, disillusionment, false hope, real hope, and general confusion as time moves faster still. Instrumentals range from fast, to mid tempo, to slow, but the focus on songwriting and knack for melodies shine throughout. Three singles from the record are currently available on streaming; Broken Cursive, Time Machine, and Temperate Weather available now on all streaming platforms. RIYL: Basement, Milly, Cursetheknife, All Under Heaven, Hotline TNT
A Place To Bury Strangers
Synthesizer
A Place to Bury Strangers' 7th studio album titled "Synthesizer" is set to release on October 4th, 2024, showcasing a chaotic and human approach to music-making through DIY methods involving a unique synthesizer made specifically for their new LP. The album, featuring a new band lineup, is their most live sounding record to date, while exploring walls of noise and sound with tracks like the techno punk driven "Fear of Transformation" and hypnotic "Have You Ever Been in Love," offering a romantic and energetic vibe. Known for their live performances, the band's lead single "Disgust" captures that live essence perfectly, and exemplifies their dynamic and playful approach to making music, reflecting their roots in the DIY ethos of collaboration and creativity. Imperfect and beautiful — that’s a good way to sum up Synthesizer. It is a raw collection of songs, wild and loud and fucked up just like the instrument itself.
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Balance and Composure
With You In Spirit
Balance and Composure are making a powerful return with their upcoming 4th LP, "With You In Spirit," set to release on October 4, 2024, produced by Will Yip and releasing on his label Memory Music. The album features 10 tracks of their dark emotionally charged and atmospheric rock, reflecting intense self-reflection in its lyrics and a dynamic musical evolution.Their trademark brooding and emotionally charged dynamic sound can be heard on lead off singles "Cross to Bear" and "Sorrow Machine." For fans of Sunny Day Real Estate, Title Fight, Me Without You, and Moving Mountains, this release promises to be a riveting blend of familiar and new elements from the band.
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Drug Church
PRUDE
Hardcore punk's most beloved agitators Drug Church are back with their upcoming album "PRUDE," set to release on October 4th, 2024 via Pure Noise Records. The album promises a mix of hardcore aggression and '90s alternative hooks over 10 tracks that are bursting at the seams with personality, irreverence, and heart. No one does gritty hardcore, catchy melodies, and hooks like Drug Church, listen to their previous two LPs Cheer and Hygiene if you don't believe me, and their new LP is sure to prove this once again. Latest single "Demolition Man" and previously released rocker "Myopic" from the forthcoming LP are both available for streaming and proof that Drug Church are far from slowing down anytime soon. Fans of Fiddlehead, Militarie Gun, Seaweed, and Touche Amore will certainly love Drug Church's unique style.
Gloam
Well Dwelling
Perth, Australia post-shoegaze four piece Gloam is set to release their new EP 'Well Dwelling' on October 4, 2024, showcasing a blend of emo, rock, and shoegaze music. Drawing inspiration from bands like Deftones, Diiv, Nothing and Deafheaven, Gloam's music resonates with fans of alternative, indie, hardcore, emo, and metal genres. The EP features 5 tracks that delve into themes of personal growth, grief, and self-acceptance, offering listeners an introspective and immersive experience. Two singles "Hinder" and "Driving Heavy" from the forthcoming EP are available to stream on all DSPs.
Wild Pink
Dulling The Horns
Wild Pink's upcoming 5th LP, "Dulling The Horns," set for release on October 4, 2024 via Fire Talk Records, marks a new chapter for the band as they navigate themes of belief and renewal following a challenging period, including a cancer diagnosis for lead singer John Ross. The lead single "The Fences Of Stonehenge" sets the tone for the album with a blend of melody, fuzzy guitars, classic americana and indie rock influences with introspective lyricism, showcasing a return to Wild Pink's earlier sound while incorporating lessons from their more recent work. Fans can expect a bigger, fuzzier sound compared to their previous album, with a fresh perspective on songwriting that highlights the band's evolution. RIYL Nada Surf, Ducks LTD, War on Drugs, Band of Horses
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Chat Pile
Cool World
Oklahoma City sludgy noise rock band Chat Pile is releasing their sophomore album "Cool World" on October 11th, following their 2022 breakout record "God's Country." The album explores themes of modern malaise on a global scale, delving into the societal impact of disasters at home and abroad and how they affect one another. Influenced by bands like The Jesus Lizard and Big Black, Chat Pile's music is a blend of cacophonous noise rock with elements of goth, alt/indie hooks, post-punk and off-kilter metal grooves, which only scratches the surface of what can be heard in the album's ten tracks. Album opener "I Am Dog Now" is now available on all digital streaming platforms.
Delta Sleep
Blue Garden
Delta Sleep is releasing their fourth full length studio album, Blue Garden, on October 11, 2024 via Sofa Boy Records and Wax Bodega. The album, recorded in Belgium with producer Mark Roberts, delves into themes of despair and resilience, blending dark tones with a hint of hope. Known for their intricate rhythms and captivating melodies akin to bands like Minus The Bear, American Football, and TTNG, the band continue to combine elements of math rock, indie-rock and post-hardcore, while producing what the band says in some instances feels like their heaviest / darkest album to date, while in others, feels like their most melodic, light and poppy album as well. Latest single "Figure In The Dark" is now streaming along with previously released single "Sunchaser" from the forthcoming LP.
Touche Amore
Spiral in a Straight Line
Touché Amoré from Burbank, CA is releasing a new album titled Spiral in a Straight Line on October 11th, their first in 4 years and first for Rise Records. The album, and follow up to the highly acclaimed 2020 release "Lament" was produced by Ross Robinson and features collaborations with Julien Baker and Lou Barlow, while exploring themes of forward movement amidst destabilization. The lead off track "Nobody's" which is now streaming, is a prime example of Touche Amore's knack for writing emotionally charged melodic hardcore with grit and passion that fans of bands like Have Heart, Title Fight, Drug Church, and Fiddlehead should find appealing.
High Vis
Guided Tour
London's High Vis is set to release their genre blending new album "Guided Tour" on October 18th via Dais Records, with a fresh single "Mind's a Lie" that showcases a blend of house, garage, and Pirate Radio influences into a dance-punk anthem. The album, produced by Jonah Falco and engineer Stanley Gravett, delivers an energetic mix of street punk, indie sneer, alt-rock, jangly brit-pop, post punk and shoegazey spoken word, showcasing the band's growth since their 2016 formation and previous albums "No Sense No Feeling" and "Blending." These guys are truly unique and continue to map a perfect middle ground between hooks and furty, melodies and mosh pits, while continuing to expand into new territory. Fans of Home Front, Show Me The Body, Militarie Gun, and Spiritual Cramp will enjoy what High Vis has to offer.
Japandroids
Fate & Alcohol
Vancouver anthemic indie/punk rockers Japandroids will release their fourth and final album, "Fate & Alcohol," showcasing a blend of their early raw energy and recent storytelling depth, while pursuing new ways to bottle that same rush - to write songs with the vitality and dynamic interaction of their early material from Post Nothing and Celebration rock, without sacrificing any of the nuance or ambition that marked Near to the Wild Heart of Life. The album was once again produced by Jesse Gander and recorded in Vancouver, and captures the band's evolution while maintaining their signature sound. This couldn't be more exemplified in lead off single "Chicago" which is streamable below. Fate & Alcohol is sure to provide a fitting conclusion to their career as they reflect on their journey and the impact of their music through 10 brand new tracks.
Karate
Make It Fit
Karate, a Boston indie band formed in 1993 and known for their diverse musical style fusing elements of indie rock, emo, jazz, and punk, is releasing their first studio album in 20 years titled 'Make It Fit' on October 18th through Numero Group. The band's sound evolved from punk roots to jazz-rock and slowcore, showcasing a blend of genres. After a hiatus, the band reunited to bring their music back to fans with re-releases and new material, demonstrating a continued passion for creating music. The opening and closing tracks "Defendants" and "Silence, Sound" from the 10 song LP are now streaming.
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Better Lovers
Highly Irresponsible
Better Lovers, a new band featuring members of Everytime I Die and Dillinger Escape Plan, is set to release their debut album "Highly Irresponsible" on Oct. 25, 2024 via SharpTone Records. The album was recorded this Spring with Will Putney in a dual role as guitarist and producer, aiming to capture the band's energetic and heavy sound. Fans of Dillinger Escape Plan, Many Eyes and Everytime I Die should enjoy the unique and unrestrained music style of Better Lovers, combining elements of hardcore, punk and metalcore showcased in their upcoming album. Be sure to check out the latest single "A White Horse Covered in Blood" on all DSPs now.
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New Age Thief
Stars Align
Chicago emo rockers New Age Thief are set to release their debut album "Stars Align" on October 25, 2024, via Wax Bodega, and featuring influences from bands like Jimmy Eat World and Basement with added atmospheric touches akin to Microwave, Armor for Sleep and Balance and Composure. The album showcases a balance of raw and refined sound, offering a fresh perspective in the emo-rock realm, one that’s all at once classic sounding but updated for modern times. Fans of bands such as Basement, Jimmy Eat World, Arm's Length, Balance and Composure and Armor for Sleep more will appreciate their new single "Bleeding Out," which delves into darker themes while maintaining a melodic emo punk style that you can sing along to.
Squint
Big Hand
Squint, a St. Louis melodic hardcore/alt-rock band, released their LP "Big Hand" on October 25, 2024, exploring themes of time and emotions through their fuzzed out melodic hardcore / alt-rock sound. Influenced by punk, hardcore, and 90s alternative rock, the band's debut album showcases their unique sound, reminiscent of bands like Archers of Loaf, Seaweed, and Sugar, appealing to fans of Drug Church, Militarie Gun, and Public Opinion.
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Trauma Ray
Chameleon
Texas shoegaze band Trauma Ray is releasing their debut album "Chameleon" via Dais Records on October 25, 2024. The album features 12 new tracks showcasing their distinctive three-guitar attack and intense, atmospheric wall of guitar sound. The new LP has been described as a stormy fusion of downer hooks, apocalyptic beauty, and bulldozer riffs. Similar to bands like Nothing, DIIV, Glare and Cloakroom, Trauma Ray's lead single "Bishop" is already available for streaming, offering a taste of their dynamic, guitar fueled and emotionally resonant music.