Had Sandy – I Hate My Parents And I Wanna Learn How To Swim
Release Date: 1st September 2026
If you were worried that climate change was going to rid us of the gloom of a good bit of emo then…well…worry no more. Had Sandy (yes, the band is named after that), are bringing back song titles that feel like you’ve interrupted someone with ADHD mid googling. ‘I Hate My Parents And I Wanna Learn How To Swim’ is a track that harks back in various ways. Situating itself neatly across the 70s, 90s and 00s, there’s enough teen angst to last a whole album all squished into less than three minutes of alt-rock-cum-emo goodness. Expect raw vocals, keys and an addictive drum beat.
Voidletter – Rebirth
Release Date: 10th April 2026
American outfit Voidletter are back with another track that pushes metalcore further towards the metal than the core. Punishingly relentless from about 10 seconds in, ‘Rebirth’ really lives up to its name as the rolling riff that opens the track worms just keeps coming back again and again. If you’re wanting a mix of metalcore and nu-metal vibes but with the headbanging dialled right up, ‘Rebirth’ is what you need in your ears.
State Power – Open Season
Release Date: 27th August 2026
Get ready to bounce…State Power are back with ‘Open Season’. The Dutch punks continue to be raw and unrelenting on the final single from their debut album, Hyperstition. Sat in the middle of the record, the track feels like a throwback to the early 00s mixed with some thrashy elements and the odd bit of creative guitar work. If you’re wanting to skate through walls, ‘Open Season’ is what you need.
Pocket Lint – Book Lungs
Release Date: 28th August 2026
Sometimes a band name catches you off guard and Pocket Lint does just that. A name that should be ridiculous, just feels right when you give tracks like ‘Book Lungs’ a spin. The two piece recorded the track under a railway arch and with that somehow manages to sound both raw and choatic, yet refined and intentional. There seems to be a two-piece resurgence happening right now and Pocket Lint should be at the front of the queue when you’re choosing your playlists.
PAINTER – Cumulonimbus
Release Date: 15th August 2026
American alt-rockers PAINTER released a track with a name that feels like a radio announcer’s worst nightmare. ‘Cumulonimbus’ is a towering storm cloud, something that feels particularly relevant when you consider the track describes the live of a lone wolf. While musically it’s a nice listen and is catchy in a lot of places, it’s the vocals that really push the track forward with a 70s style to them that is engaging from the off.
Release Date: 24th August 2026
Макет (pron. maquette) was originally a Russian projects, born in Moscow, before the members spread themselves out across the world. They still write music and towards the end of August released another post-hardcore-esque banger. ‘Посторонний’ features vocals that will have you up and jumping on top of raw riffs and a raging drum beat. You’ll be singing along to this one once you’ve learnt a smidge of Russian.