Los Campesinos! – Feast Of Tongues / A Psychic Wound
Don’t call it a comeback. After years flickering in and out of the spotlight, Los Campesinos! are finally back with their first material in seven years in the form of new singles ‘Feast Of Tongues’ and ‘A Psychic Wound’. The first tracks to be lifted from their new record All Hell – released July 19th via the band’s own Heart Swells – the two tracks are a testament to both Los Campesinos! longevity and their penchant for exploring new elements and avenues without ever comprising their core identity and the ethos. The singles may be polar opposites in scope, with ‘Feast Of Tongues’ being a slow burner in the vein of Manchester Orchestra and ‘A Psychic Wound’ being a genuine, bonafide tear-your-throat shout along (something proven at their brilliant career defining show at London’s Troxy back in February), but together, they present the band’s unrivalled skill in expressing creativity with wit and charisma whilst the majority of their established peers dryly repeat the same ideas. The world and wider music industry may be a complete mess at the current time, but at least we can take some comfort in the UK’s first and only emo band releasing music once again. – Dan Hillier
Static Dress – crying
Following their support slots with Bring Me The Horizon, Static Dress‘ popularity has grown significantly. From developing and instantly selling out a video game based on their lore as a band, selling out Anaheim’s greatest alternative venue Chain Reaction and now supporting Underoath’s US and UK tours, the Northern quartet endeavour into their self-proclaimed ‘product of their destruction’. ‘crying’ showcases the experimental sound of post-hardcore which the band is praised for. It begins with heavily edited vocals by Olli Appleyard similar to what the band has featured in previous song ‘such.a.shame’. Appleyard’s vocals are arguably his strongest performance to date, providing contrast with a perfect singalong chorus, softer parts in the midsections as well as his typical screaming. It’s also George Holding’s recorded debut and it’s exciting to see his vocals incorporated as well as strong bass work. The middle eight section features a rather unique take on a post-hardcore breakdown featuring both melodic guitar riffs by anonymous member Contrast and a strong rhythmic backbone. ‘crying’ is the first original release for Static Dress since their 2022 debut Rouge Carpet Disaster; although their focus on their ‘redux’ releases has given a new spin on their previous songs, this new era has given their fanbase new material and created hope for new releases in the new future. – G Garland
And So I Watch You From Afar – Do Mór
Once again continuing to counter the notion that post rock is a stagnant genre reserved for po-faced types, the new single from And So I Watch You From Afar is a carbonated amalgamation of everything that makes this band so uniquely brilliant. Taken from the band’s newly announced record Megafauna, ‘Do Mór’ is a giddy spiel of jazz syncopation, playful riffs and abrasive distortion that’s delivered with sophistication and proven aptitude. It’s brilliant, and furthermore, a testament to the fact that no other band can master this level of balance between joyful euphoria and confrontational left-field progression than And So I Watch You From Afar. – Dan Hillier
Delta Sleep – Sunchaser
Math rock nerds rejoice, the UK’s chief exporters of intricate, twinkly tunes have returned with their new single ‘Sunchaser’. Ramping up from an intimate, stripped down vibe placing frontman Devin Yüceil’s soft, calming vocals front and centre to the complex, uplifting sound that put Delta Sleep on the map, this single shows off every facet of the band’s range. Simultaneously one of the Canterbury quartet’s cosiest, most mellow tracks in years and their most impressively layered, ‘Sunchaser’ feels like both a return to form and an evolution of Delta Sleep’s sound. Whatever comes next, it’s great to have our favourite math rockers back. – Tom Bruce
Head Automatica – Bear the Cross
18 years since Daryl Palumbo and his pop rock crew last released material they return to dance floor sound systems with ‘Bear the Cross’ Electro beats dripping with sweat alongside Daryl’s intense, almost sexual vocals they certainly create an eye brow raising mood. This is a new era and sound for a band that put out arguably one of the greatest 21st century rock bangers. So don your leather jacket, jump on your Tron light cycle and head to the underground club of the future and ask the humanoid DJ to spin this. – Adam Vallely
The Yacht Club – Rain
Taken from the band’s upcoming EP I Don’t Think I’m Ready To Be Without You – released May 31st via Beth Shalom Records – ‘Rain’ is a gentle summer sprinkling of twinkling math rock and heartfelt realism that’s refreshing and revitalising regardless of its morose mood. Sounding not entirely unlike American Football after binging the best of the UK’s math and emo scene for hours upon end, the track is one of those organic musings channeled straight from the heart that also carries a sense of gentle left field dynamism void of pretence or gimmickry. UK math rock is in brilliant form at the current time, and that’s no doubt in thanks to fantastic and genuine bands such as The Yacht Club. – Dan Hillier
Zetra – The Mirror
The duo of Zetra are on everybody’s lips at the moment. Fresh off a slot supporting legendary love metal icon Ville Valo (at the Royal Albert Hall no less), the third single off their upcoming album is out to entice and entrance those still not won over by their gothic magic. ‘The Mirror’ is a slower, more atmospheric affair than their previous singles and you can almost see the smoke fill the room as you listen to its mysterious, somber magic. There’s something special about Zetra, they possess a uniqueness to them that entices you in and even if you’re not one for the pomp and theatrics of their style, the dark, atmospheric beauty of their music will sink its claws into you. When their self titled record drops on the 13th of September, the whole world will be able to see and witness the magic of Zetra. – Chris Earl
Future Palace – The Echoes of Disparity (feat. Charlie Rolfe)
Future Palace are pissed. Specifically, they’re fed up with the constant comments, abuse and more women are forced to endure about their bodies, and ‘The Echoes of Disparity’ is testament to that. Its rage spills over, particularly with a feature from As Everything Unfolds‘ Charlie Rolfe, who adds her vicious gutturals to Maria Lessing’s own formidable screams. They’re right – we shouldn’t still be having these conversations in 2024, and that we are speaks volumes about how truly equal and inclusive the scene is, even if it is changing for the better. Future Palace continue to refine their own blend of electronics, metalcore and post-hardcore, and with the newly-announced incoming album Distortion, it’s an exciting time for fans of the German trio. – Will Marshall
Period Drama – Origin
A dirty, barrelling and unfiltered gothy emo melee carrying the scrappy angst of Three Cheers era My Chemical Romance and the sweat caked hyperactivity of Blood Brothers, this is set to be an introduction to a band many will soon be fawning over. The second single from the Sheffield four piece Period Drama, ‘Origin’ is a maximalist, forefront and fully direct scrap of queer joy that hits upon touchstones of emo from all across the timeline to the genre. It’s the sound of a band that’s rightfully endearing, and should one be a fan of the acts aforementioned or just in the mood for some proper in-your-face emo songs about lesbian love, then this is abound to be adored. – Dan Hillier
Pijn – On the Far Side of Morning
One of the best and most underrated post rock acts in the UK, Pijn have at last unveiled a brand new album From Low Beams of Hope, alongside its lead single ‘On the Far Side of Morning’. Across its nine-plus minutes, Pijn treat us to everything they’ve become beloved by fans for, with lush strings complimenting the guitar work. As one of just four songs on the album, it achieves a massive amount in its runtime, with gorgeous crescendos alongside contemplative, mellower moments. Of the song, guitarist and producer Joe Clayton says “On The Far Side Of Morning’ encapsulates so much of what I wanted to achieve with this record, a broad emotional range from solitude and fragility to triumph and purpose, removing limitations on instrumentation and personnel in pursuit of what, for us, was an uncompromising crescendo.” – Will Marshall
Iress – The Remains
Doom, shoegaze, slowcore and more besides collide in Iress‘ music. New single ‘The Remains’ is another slab of melancholy that’ll tug at your heartstrings through Michelle Malley’s haunting vocals while heaving riffs crush beneath their weight, particularly in its closing moments that venture even into the tectonic heft of post-metal riffs. Where previous single ‘Falling’ showcased Iress‘ command of fragility amidst downtempo, swirling guitar, ‘The Remains’ hits with all the inevitability of the cold march of time that beats down all in its path. There’s still a beauty to be found in Malley’s stunning vocals, one that distracts from the crushing weight til there’s no time left. – Will Marshall
Do One – Truckers Choice
After four years of work and live shows, self called “banter violence” Do One have now announced their first full length album Please Don’t Tell Anyone How I Live, which they’re self-releasing June 7th. On first single ‘Truckers Choice’, for those who don’t know the London four piece, they can expect a band who doesn’t fit the box of powerviolence. Every member brings their own unique element which creates a mix of grindcore, death metal and doom. ‘Truckers Choice’ is built in a classic fast manner that hits you with ear piercing screeches from the get go, only to then slow down considerably on a bridge that recites “tour childhood obsession is funding hate”. The whole track is in fact a harsh critique of the Harry Potter universe that keeps funding the transphobic TERF ideology of JK Rowling. Hopefully, their first LP will help them reach a bigger audience who will appreciate their unique take on powerviolence. – Bea Simion
Rad Pitt – Brekkie Breakdown
The most excellently named Norfolk punks Rad Pitt are back announcing next album Hymns For The Hopeful and releasing first track ‘Brekkie Breakdown’. As ever their short and sharp delivery hits the spot instantly and not letting you get comfortable regardless what the lyrics tell you. Brutal vocal delivery hitting the spot and complimenting the lyrical contents of dismay as the someone has made again. Their high intensity live show definitely worth catching on their album launch or supporting Noizze favourites El Moono in London. – Adam Vallely
Get The Shot – Dominant Predation (feat. Marc Zelli)
One of, if not the most aggro hardcore bands around at the moment, Get The Shot somehow manage to take every single note they play sound like it’s going to cause you harm. The band’s first release since signing to Arising Empire, they make things even more unhinged by adding the vocal insanity of Paleface Swiss frontman Marc Zelli. ‘Dominant Predation’ comes out of the blocks like a herd of wildebeest, with stomping riffs, guttural barks and some of the best gang vocals in the game today. The Canadians don’t do things by halves, and even when the teeth-churning breakdown (preceded by the hard-as-nails call out “wash your fucking mouth with a shotgun”) kicks in, there’s still so much left to come. Despite clocking in at over five minutes, it flies by in a haze of some of the most unhinged, chaotic ‘core music around, almost demanding you sport a shit eating grin throughout. – Chris Earl
Fox Lake – Savior
Dust off those wallet chains, baggy jeans and flame shirts, because Fox Lake are bringing the nu-metal in a big way in 2024. Fresh from signing to MNRK Heavy, they’ve celebrated by dropping a hefty slab of fast, bouncy rap-metal that evokes classic Limp Bizkit and P.O.D. There’s also more than a hefty dose of Rage Against The Machine amongst the passionate, politically driven lyrics, taking aim at the corruption that permeates the corporate and cop areas of life in America. There’s not as much of the hardcore heaviness which ran through their critically loved EP from 2023, but it’s early days into what looks like a brand new era for the band, so they’re definitely one to keep an eye on. – Chris Earl
The Gloom In The Corner – The Jericho Protocol
Grandiose metalcore Aussies The Gloom In The Corner don’t do records by halves. Not content with the sprawling, epic concept record that was Trinity back in 2022, they’ve decided to make an even more ambitious prequel to that in the form of a music video and short story combo. Focused on the character of Rachel from Trinity, ‘The Jericho Protocol’ is more of that sweeping, dynamic sound the band are intent on perfecting. With choral vocals layered over skittering electronics, pummelling breakdowns and a sense of scope rarely found in the scene these days, it seems nobody can touch TGITC at the moment, and with the skills to take their storytelling into new mediums, it just makes you even more excited for the next chapter. – Chris Earl
Gnod – Pilgrim’s Progress
Manchester Psychedelic rock collective Gnod return to add more beautiful weirdness to the world with their first taster from incoming album Spot Land. ‘Pilgrims’s Progress’ is built on winding musical ebbs and flows backed by the chants of Christian pilgrims. Coming in at almost 15 minutes long the instrumentation cautiously walks you along the path like a floating acid trip, colours emanating from the sound with waves of intensity. A step away from their heavier side this is perfect for sitting in the park, headphones on as you take in the summer rays, spliff in hand. – Adam Vallely
Coilguns – We Missed the Parade
Swiss hardcore punk talent Coilguns bring us new track ‘We Missed the Parade’. Rather than exploring their ever developing sound they stay within a more familiar Coilguns realm. A Brutus-esque urgent drum beat backs the energetic rhythmic noise. A chorus of voices belting out various lyrics conjuring the image of the chaos they bring to venues playing live, which fittingly has been documented by their stage tech Zachary Hug in the accompanying video. The quartet easily are one of the most dynamic and exciting acts in Europe right now. – Adam Vallely
Candy – You Will Never Get Me (feat. Justine Tripp)
Richmond based hardcore Candy have just released their third and last teaser single from their upcoming album It’s Inside You due on June 7th via Relapse Records. “You Will Never Get Me” features Justice Tripp (Angel Du$t/Trapped Under Ice) and also comes with an official visualizer by She Skin. The band has shown us so far that they can do anything, from pure hardcore, to unique noise and industrial influences and this song seems to represent all these features at its finest. With one of the best breakdown transitions I heard in a good while, this single is here to remind you to not sleep on Candy and confirms them as a staple for all those bands in the hardcore scene that are not afraid of experimentation. – Bea Simion
Death By Gong – In Despair
Was shoegaze tinted grunge in 2024 on the bingo card for anyone? If not, you’ve missed a beat that Death By Gong have gladly filled. Immediately greeted with a barrage of noise from the pulsating bass of Chris Breuer that cuts like butter through the ferocious, everchanging squealing guitar tone from Jobst M. Feit with his soft vocals providing more of a comforting backdrop to the carnage that’s laying waste around him. Added to the mix is percussive genius Paul Voigtmann who lets his cymbals take charge. Previous single ‘Distant’ was much more shoegaze led, but ‘In Despair’ takes a tint of that and smothers it with a much stronger grunge coating, creating a uniquely left turn that makes you crave for their upcoming album. – Liam True
Body Count – Psychopath (feat. Joe Badolato)
With their first single in four years from their upcoming album Merciless, Body Count deliver their adrenaline filled mix of hardcore and rap rock with help from Fit For An Autopsy’s vocal behemoth Joe Badolato. The result is quintessential Body Count, from the riff work of guitarist Ernie C to the gruff vocals of frontman Ice T and the welcomed feature from Badolato that provides an extra layer of discomfort the crossover kings always pleasantly provide. While they never re-invent the wheel, but always evolve with each passing output, Body Count never fails to hit you where it hurts, be that emotionally or with their blend of various genres that make them sound darker than a thunderstorm. – Liam True