Chalk Hands – Pauvre de Moi
Release Date: 30th January 2026
Emo, post-hardcore, screamo, label it however you want but ‘Pauvre de Moi’ is a powerful track from Brighton-based Chalk Hands. Taken from their upcoming album, The Line That Shapes The Coast Of Us, the opening barrage gives the impression that this is going to be packed with energy, but once it settles down it is clear that the song is bedded more comfortably in the raw emotion of self-declared self-pity. Soaring in places, contemplative in others. A wonderful taster of what’s to come from this south-coast outfit.
Huvet – Bostadslös
Release Date: 29th January 2026
These days sounding ‘unique’ doesn’t seem to happen very often, thankfully, there are occasions where something a little different comes out of the woodwork. Enter Huvet with their latest track ‘Bostadslös’, a song that not only pulls from noise-rock, indie and grungey-hard rock, but manages to move between them without notice. A feast for the ears musically and one that will have you trying to learn the Swedish lyrics so you can chant the chorus along with the band.
Defiant – At The Exit
Release Date: 30th January 2026
If you’re in the market for a bit of proper ‘Murican hard rock, Defiant are doing it and they’re doing it with style. Combine in your mind Rise Against’s vocals, with some classic punky rock and you’re in the right ballpark. You’ll find yourself stomping, bouncing and singing along to ‘At The Exit’, a song that will lift your mood by the end of its first chorus.
Hands First – Mask
Release Date: 6th February 2026
If you’re ready to use up every last drop of energy remaining, ‘Mask’ from New York, USA based Hands First is the exact you need. Think barrierless shows, throwing yourself into a pit of swinging arms and thrusting legs, think punky choruses that you’ll be shouting along with the vocalist, think leaving shows wondering who the bodily fluids you’re bathed in belong to. Beautiful.
Pet Needs – Hey You Hey You (Are You Are You OK OK?)
Release Date: 23rd January 2026
If you’re needing some punk that feels a little bit ‘mid noughties indie’ in places, Pet Needs are a must. With chaotic energy from the off as they rattle through the tongue twister that is the song title with seeming ease. There’s a bounce and a swagger that this kicks off that lasts for the rest of the track, one that will leave the dancefloor a hot, sweaty mess.