Summer is officially here, which means it’s time to refresh those playlists! Here are 10 bands, in no particular order, that you should check out between beach trips and soundtrack those warm summer nights.
1. Modern Alibi
This Charlotte-based alt-rock band released their debut album American Radio in April of 2025. Their newest singles “The Big Fuss” and “Roulette” expand upon the group’s alt-rock sound but take it to a darker, grittier place. They’re currently performing across the US for their Catch My Signal tour, which runs through June 27. You can purchase tickets here.
2. THE BAND LIGHT
Nashville’s finest independent “Rock and Roll Boyband” dropped their highly anticipated single “Mona Lisa” earlier this month, and it is the ultimate 80s summer anthem. Their discography is full of high-energy pop-rock tunes that are perfect for blasting in the car with the windows down on a hot summer night.
3. Rib and The Bones
Rib and The Bones is a band made up of students from SUNY Oneonta in upstate New York. Their influences come from bands like Cage the Elephant, Peach Pit, and the Scott Pilgrim soundtrack. The group is currently on the road on the Take a Right Turn Tour until the end of June. They will play all over the greater NYS area, and tickets are available here.
4. The Revel
If you like to party and have good taste in fashion, then The Revel is the band for you. The New Jersey-based electro-pop-rockers know how to create the most immersive live show possible. Whether it be at NYC’s Silver Lining Lounge or Asbury Park’s Wonder Bar, the band brings an infectious energy with them everywhere they go.
5. Florence Road
Florence Road is an Irish girl group carving out their place in the rock landscape. They recently toured the US with The Last Dinner Party on the From The Pyre tour, and played their first US headline at Baby’s Alright in April. Their two EPs, Fallback and Spring Forward, are as emotional as they are defiant. The band is a sure fit for fans of Paramore, Olivia Rodrigo, and early Avril Lavigne. The band will be touring all over Europe this summer and tickets are available here.
6. Inhaler
Inhaler‘s most recent album, Open Wide, was released in 2025 and covers a wide array of genres. From the glam-pop-inspired production on “Your House” to the garage rock-influenced “Little Things,” there is something on Open Wide for everyone. The band’s early albums It Won’t Always Be Like This and Cuts and Bruises have a few standout tracks as well, such as “Who’s Your Money On (Plastic House)” and “These Are The Days.” At a show in Munich recently, the band debuted a new song called “Haircut”; here’s to hoping that means the band will be releasing more music soon!
7. Hallpass
Hallpass has been one of Athens, Georgia’s best kept secrets over the last few years. Their music carries a sense of urgency and intrigue that few other bands are able to build so early into their careers. Their highly anticipated debut album Spillway was released in April and they will be touring the album through September. Tickets can be found here.
8. Double Standard
This NYC-based indie girl group is dedicated to creating a safe space for non-male-identifying people in the heavily male-dominated NYC music scene, and the music industry overall. Their music has a razor sharp wit and sensuality to it. They will be touring with The Happy Fits this summer — click here for tickets.
9. Dallas Wax
Another NYC-based band, Dallas Wax is a psychedelic blues-rock hybrid fusing old school musicality with vivacious live performances. Their debut album Metanoia came out June 19, and they played shows at Mercury Lounge and Stephen Talkhouse bar in honor of its release. We’re hoping they have more live shows up their sleeves soon.
10. Foxtide
This San Diego-based three-piece makes sun-drenched indie rock best enjoyed on the beach with a cooler full of snacks and drinks and a good book. Their sophomore album Entropy came out earlier this year, and in celebration of the album achieving 10,000 pre-saves the bassist ran a marathon in a Canadian tuxedo (while holding his bass the whole time). They will be continuing their Entropy tour into September — tickets are available here.
