Just Before The Drop: #2
Featuring: Amity Affliction, Beartooth, Glass Tides, The Plot In You, and more. Check out the newest issue of your weekly, curated modern punk & hardcore music recommendations.
Hi guys. We’re super happy to welcome you to the second issue of Just Before The Drop newsletter. Starting the new 2025 year we have a fresh, curated portion of great recommendations for you. We hope the full playlist will hit you with various, divided emotions, from easy pop-punk tracks to hard metalcore'ish ones. Enjoy. Lukas and Adi.
Don’t Lean on Me (Redux)
by Amity Affliction | picked by Lukas
Alright, fam, let’s start from Don’t Lean on Me. This track is part of their reimagined album, Let the Ocean Take Me (Redux), which dropped on September 27, 2024. And no, this isn’t just some remastered cash grab - it’s a full-blown re-recording, top to bottom. The band went back into the studio and gave the entire album a fresh perspective.
The original Don’t Lean on Me was already a staple in their catalog - a perfect blend of heavy riffs and hauntingly melodic hooks that captured everything we loved about their 2014 release, and the genre overall. But with the Redux version, the band strips things back, delivering a rawer and more emotionally charged take. This isn’t a simple update; it’s a reinvention. I like to think that it has a bit of influence from their latest Not Without My Ghosts, which was IMHO the hardest one from Amity Affliction ever… maybe even the best one? 🤔
If you’ve been with The Amity Affliction since day one, this Redux is going to hit like a bittersweet memory brought back to life. And if you’re new to the band, it’s the perfect introduction to their depth and evolution over the years. Either way, this one demands your attention.
Echoes
by Midfield | picked by Lukas
Growing up with bands like Blink-182, Sum 41, and Good Charlotte shaped my entire relationship with music as a teenager. Their songs were the soundtrack to everything: high-school summer parties, mischief with friends, running internet radio, running after girls... you've been there, you know. Over the years, though, it’s felt like the genre’s golden days have passed - at least for me. Finding something with the same energy, catchiness, and emotion has been rare these days.
Recently I stumbled upon Midfield. Band hailing from Philadelphia, started in 2016 and has been quietly making waves ever since. While their earlier material (EP) leaned more toward straightforward pop-punk, this debiut album feels more mature and cohesive work to date. Tracks like Echoes remind me of why I sunk with this genre in the first place. Man, it’s like a breath of fresh air. The whole album feels like a love letter to early 2000s pop-punk, yet it doesn’t sound dated or like it’s trying too hard. It’s authentic, vibrant, and packed with that perfect balance of high-energy and no-so-dumb lyrics. Picked Echoes mainly because of the entrance built with drums and very melodic guitar riff, liked it a lot. To me it hits that sweet spot between nostalgia and something new, tackling themes of self-reflection and the lingering shadows of the past in a way that feels personal but relatable.
The pop-punk scene might not be as dominant as it once was, but bands like Midfield prove there’s still so much life left there. And if I have to be hones here, it’s preferable to hear less - from time to time - but with better quality and more power. Although, it’s just my wishing thinking and I hope I’ll caught more albums and bands like Midfield this year. 🍀
Honest Tinder Bio
by Ray Hawthorne | selected by Adi
Ray Hawthorne is proof that Instagram ads can sometimes be really, really good. The algorithm threw him at me in 2024, and I’ll admit it - I became a fan. Known for his album covers featuring Muppets and those sexy, melodic hooks dripping with early 2000s pop-punk nostalgia, he’s a standout in today’s scene. Ray himself describes his songs as being about the stuff he’s too scared or awkward to say out loud in real life. And honestly? When you dive into his tracks and lyrics, it’s clear they’re made for people like him.
If you were that kid in school who wanted to talk to the girl you had a crush on but couldn’t quite work up the nerve - maybe because you were too stuck in your head - this music will hit home. It’s for the overthinkers, the quiet cool kids, the ones who felt everything just a bit too deeply. Case in point? He belts out, just to be crystal clear, I’m not Ryan Gosling.
Even as an artist who hasn’t broken into the mainstream yet, he’s thriving in today’s music industry reality: a new single seems to drop on Spotify almost every week. And yeah, that might sound like a cynical, calculated move in an age where albums seem like a thing of the past, but I’ll admit I’ve fallen for it. The dude has a real gift for writing ridiculously catchy melodies that feel like they were plucked straight off the American Pie soundtrack.
Take Honest Tinder Bio, where he owns up to his flaws with painful but refreshing sincerity: I’ve got bad credit and a bullshit job. His music isn’t for people living influencer-perfect lives on Instagram. It’s for those who might not have it all figured out yet but are at least at peace with who they are - flaws and all.
Who’s this for? If you’re somewhere between 30 and 40, still haven’t started a family, but already have a 30-year mortgage and have weathered at least one mental breakdown - plus you sometimes imagine your boss in a gorilla cage-there’s a solid chance you’ll vibe with Ray’s music.
ATTN.
by Beartooth | selected by Lukas
Let’s talk about deluxe editions. We all know the drill: a band re-releases an album with a couple of live tracks or demo leftovers slapped on as filler, and it often feels like (again) a quick cash grab. But Beartooth’s deluxe edition of The Surface, featuring the new track "ATTN." is something entirely different. This track alone makes the deluxe version worth every penny - it’s not just an addition; it’s a moment.
Beartooth, led by the powerhouse that is Caleb Shomo, has been carving its path in the hardcore and metalcore scene since 2013. Born out of Shomo’s desire to channel raw emotion and personal struggles into music, Beartooth has become synonymous with high-energy, wild music mix. Their discography is a journey through mental health battles, self-discovery, and empowerment, making them a lifeline for fans who need an outlet.
ATTN. continues this tradition of authenticity, but with a fresh spin. Released on September 20th (last year), as part of The Surface (Deluxe), this song feels like the perfect way to cap off the album cycle. It’s loud, melodic, and bursting with the kind of raw intensity that makes Beartooth so compelling. Shomo has described the track as “the ultimate conclusion” to the themes explored in the album, focusing on self-love and growth. And let me tell you - it’s an anthem, I fck’n love this track! Even my kids singing it while we're cruising the car. 🤘
Be sure to check out the music video, too. It’s very Caleb-centric, and that’s not a drawback, no no, directed and recorded very well. The interesting concept fits perfectly with the crowd-singing parts and general feeling.
In a world where deluxe editions often feel like afterthoughts, Beartooth proves that they’re still in it for the fans. ATTN. isn’t just another track - it’s a statement of what this band stands for: catharsis, connection, and authenticity. If you’re even slightly considering picking up The Surface (Deluxe), this song is your reason to do it. But hey, there’s more, you’ll find there - of course - some live tracks and mixes as well. How could it be otherwise? 😅
Mess Like Me
by Glass Tides | picked by Adi
Glass Tides. Emo. Passion. That’s the Spotify description for these Aussies, and honestly, it’s spot on - especially when it comes to their latest track, Mess Like Me. The band has always danced between alternative rock and post-hardcore, but this track leans harder into the latter. It’s packed with emotion and energy, even if it doesn’t quite push into aggressive vocal territory.
For a while, Glass Tides was best known for their pop-punk-style covers of pop hits like Michelle Branch’s Everywhere (seriously, what happened to her? That track was a total banger), Eamon’s Fuck It, and Natasha Bedingfield’s Unwritten. And hey, those covers were great - fun, catchy, and well-executed. But what the band needed was an original song to really cement their place on the “next big thing in emo” shelf.
Mess Like Me feels like that song. It’s got everything: heavy, relatable lyrics and a level of raw emotion that reminds you why emo and post-hardcore have stuck with us for so long. This isn’t just a step forward for Glass Tides; it’s a statement that they’re aiming for a spot among the greats - bands that put "emo passion" front and center.
Who’s this for? If, 20 years ago, you were walking around in a long sleeve with an MP3 player and earbuds, shuffling through Hawthorne Heights, Senses Fail, Taking Back Sunday, or even The Used, you’re going to feel right at home with Mess Like Me. Dive in—you’ll taste the nostalgia and love every second of it.
DeLorean
by Galleons | written by Lukas
Let’s hit 88 mph 🚙💨 and dive into DeLorean, the latest single from Galleons - a band that’s making waves in the post-hardcore scene with their unique, international lineup. With members hailing from Australia and Russia, Galleons has a knack for blending intricate melodies, soaring vocals, and just the right amount of heavy. DeLorean released in June 2024, is their latest showcase of that magic.
UPDATE: the latest one was/is Casadastra, which is also kinda great.
Taking inspiration from Back to the Future (yes, the time-traveling DeLorean), the song is more than just a fun nod to the classic films. It’s about wrestling with regret, pondering what could’ve been, and ultimately accepting that some things are meant to happen, no matter what. The lyrics hit hard for anyone who’s ever wished they could rewind the clock, only to realize that life’s twists and turns are what make it real.
What sets Galleons apart is their ability to channel the spirit of early 2010s (the golden 2007 maybe even) post-hardcore while making it feel fresh and relevant. DeLorean is a prime example: it’s got the emotional depth and vocal range of a classic, but with a modern edge that keeps it from sounding like just another throwback.
For fans of the genre - or anyone who remembers blasting bands like Dance Gavin Dance (oh, where are they!?) or Hands Like Houses - this track is an instant win. It’s proof that Galleons isn’t just reviving post-hardcore; they’re giving it a new spin that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.
Wrong Thing
by Tuff Turf | picked by Adi
When Jeff Richie was asked why he left New Jersey, abandoned his punk-hardcore band Cut It Out!, and traded it all for a new wave project called Tuff Turf, his response was as bold as his music: “I hate rules and taxes. I’ve realized people up north need to be told what to do with their lives. Those kinds of people are weak, and weak people are a threat.”
That one quote sums up everything you need to know about Richie’s latest musical venture. Tuff Turf feels like a sonic trip back to the world of 8-bit games, where your pixelated hero might not move with much grace but could still knock out countless bad guys in the name of justice. It’s punk attitude, raw and unfiltered, wrapped up in synth-driven melodies that somehow feel nostalgic and futuristic all at once.
Richie himself describes Tuff Turf as lyrically rooted in punk’s defiance and grit, even if the music has a sleeker, more polished edge than his garage punk-hardcore days. It’s music with attitude that might just sneak its way into the playlists of people who wouldn’t normally venture into punk’s rougher corners.
While Tuff Turf has been around for a while, it’s only recently that Richie’s project has started to turn heads. And not so much that you’ve missed the boat - there’s still plenty of time to impress your friends by dropping his name before the masses catch on. At the end of 2024, Tuff Turf dropped a short but punchy EP, teasing what will soon be their fifth full-length album. It feels like this is Richie’s moment. Watch this space - because if Tuff Turf’s time isn’t now, it’s coming fast. Oh, and listen the Wrong Thing of course.
Yo Soy el Paraiso
by THE SHELTER, Love Ghost | written by Adi
I’ll admit it: the name The Shelter hooked me at first. For a brief, naive moment, I thought maybe Ray Cappo had decided to record something new with his legendary New York hardcore band, Shelter. But let me save you the confusion - this isn’t that Shelter, and Ray Cappo hasn’t set up shop in Mexico. Instead, The Shelter hails from Mexico City, bringing their own fresh take to the scene.
This young band, formed in 2021, is already making moves. They’ve opened for acts like The Rasmus and some of Mexico’s biggest names, including rap-metal giants Molotov and the alt-rock powerhouse División Minúscula. They might be early in their journey, but their latest track, Yo Soy el Paraíso feels like a turning point - more rebellious, more defiant, and brimming with raw potential. The music video is worth a watch, capturing the kind of fire and energy that signals a band ready to break out.
There’s something magic about hearing Spanish melded with melodic guitars - it adds a whole other layer of passion to their sound. If that kind of vibe resonates with you, then consider this your reason to dive into their music. Yo Soy el Paraíso might just be your perfect excuse to devour this musical burrito.
Słońce
by Siding | selected by Adi
"Jezu, jak się cieszę z tych króciutkich wskrzeszeń" (Jesus, how I rejoice in these brief resurrections), Klaus Mitffoch once sang. And honestly? I feel the same way about the resurgence of emo bands on the Polish music scene. This time, we’ve got a gem from Posen, a band clearly inspired by the likes of Astrid Lindgren, W Kilku Słowach, and ODC.
These guys tick all the right emo boxes: a little disillusioned with the world around them, but not so much that they can’t see the good bits. Their lyrics reflect that perfectly: Give me your hand, I’ll show you a hand you’ll never learn… I hear the echo of a promise we made to ourselves). It’s the kind of melancholic poetry that hits you right in the feels.
I had the chance to catch them live, likely at one of their first gigs outside Posen. And where better to debut this kind of music than a squatted venue in Warsaw - a merciless, raw stage that felt like the perfect setting for their sound?
Let’s be real: odds are you might already be more familiar with the Mexican rockers from The Shelter than these local representatives. Why? Well, they’re still figuring out social media, and getting their tracks onto Spotify has clearly taken a backseat. But don’t let that fool you - this is the real deal. Keep an eye on them, because there’s something special brewing here.
Check them out live if you get the chance - you won’t regret it.
Spare Me
by The Plot In You | picked by Lukas
Before we start, buckle up. And if you’ve got a pair of killer headphones lying around, now’s the time to put them on. This track is an absolute rollercoaster every single time I play it. It’s just mind-blowing. Honestly, I could have this one on repeat all day and never get done of it.
I touched on this briefly in the last issue of Just Before The Drop, when I introduced one of the standout tracks from The Plot in Yous’s triple-EP release. Spare Me is the closer on the final EP of the series, Vol. 3. At least for now, it seems like the last chapter of this enigmatic and fascinating set of “mini-albums.” And oh man, what an ending it is. Even after hundreds of listens, this track still gives me goosebumps. It’s electrifying, raw, and brutal - all at once.
First, let me draw your attention to the bass - it’s the very essence of this song, the thread that flys you through the entire composition. It’s crucial to catch this element as the track unfolds because it’s just so relentless. Seriously, keep your ears locked on it. This bass line is the foundation on which everything else is built - at least for me. From the get-go, you’re greeted by Landon’s raw, hoarse growl - at first it lefts you only with this bass and spicy drum beat. Then the verses stretches out with long, draining riffs and relentless double-kick drumming, literally pushing you toward the chorus. And when that chorus finally hits? Oh. My. God. If you haven’t heard the song yet, stop reading right now - you need to experience it first.
Godlike, take away the empathy
Past life, nothing here for you to see
Give me something to fear
Now, do yourself a favor - head to YouTube and search: Spare Me reactions. 😨 It’s absolutely hilarious to see how people lose their minds when the chorus drops. Mouths wide open, jaws on the floor - it’s like they’re picking their teeth up off the ground. That’s the kind of impact this moment has. It’s all thanks to Landon’s surprisingly subtle, delicate, and utterly gorgeous vocals. Fun fact: a lot of people assumed there was a guest featuring - some female vocalist jumping in to add variety. But nope, it’s still Landon Tewers. What. A. Legend.
I’m melting over here, this section is layered perfectly over a heavy, driving guitar line and double-kick madness, all split by harmonious touch of a keyboard accompaniment, adding even more depth. Honestly - this part is pure magic.
A track like this wouldn’t be complete without a breakdown - and oh, do they deliver! It’s the perfect build-up to the final stretch, growing interval by interval until it all erupts in Landon’s crushing, almost deathcore’ish growl that slams the door shut on this wild ride. And just when you think it’s all over, the piano steps in. Clean, haunting, and accompanied by a subtle double-layer, it delivers the closing tones that tie everything together.
Paired with the music video, this final moment creates a hypnotic finish that pulls you deeper into the song’s emotional core. By the end, you’re left stunned - unsure of what to say, what to think, or what just happened. It’s chaotic, mesmerizing, and absolutely insane. For me this was a definitely one of the best song of 2024… fck! maybe even a decade.