Social Casualty’s - On The Rise
by DaCiya Solice | August 25th, 2026
There is always new music being created and worth discovering. Sometimes the best finds are the ones who haven’t quite made it onto everyone's radar yet or something that is a bit out of your normal listening. “On the Rise” highlights artists and bands that I think deserve a little bit more attention. These are a few artists that have caught my attention lately, whether you're into something dreamy and haunting to heavy and cinematic. Just looking for something to add to your playlist? Give my picks a try out!
Via | @subtlexthings on Instagram
Subtle Things
With their debut single “Get By” and sitting at almost 6,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, Subtle Things are a new emerging pop-rock band on the rise. The band was formed by Adamross Williams on vocals, Rhys Griffiths on guitar, and Sam Hallett on drums. Their single that was released early this August leans into the pop side of the band. Subtle Things brings a sound that feels familiar while having its own identity. Their newly released single gives me early The 1975 vibes with a little hint of The Driver Era mixed into it. Initially after listening to it, I did have to replay it a second time because it had such a different vibe but it immediately becomes something you want to add to
your playlist and listen to on a late night drive through
the city. If you are a fan of pop-rock with a bit of indie feel, Subtle Things might be just the band to keep on your radar.
Listen To “Get By”
Via | @moralofficial on Instagram
Moral
Led by Sean Rehak, the band Moral is definitely bringing back that early 2000s emo revival feel. The latest single “Adjacent Skin” with Nova Brutefeels like it will be a big hit, it has the nostalgic energy while also feeling refreshing at the same time sitting at over 39,000 plays so far since its release of June 19, 2026 this single is showing great traction. Moral will soon be on tour, stopping in 12 states in the U.S. kicking off the Lost In Catharsis Tour in Harrisburg, PA on November 5th, 2026.
Listen To “Adjacent Skin”
Chemical Sun
Via | Chemical Sun Bandcamp
Chemical Sun is a band that is carving out their own space in the Missouri scene. Coming from Springfield, MO this local alt band is rooted in alt revival giving off those strong guitar moments and moody lyrics. “Lidocane” is their latest released single. It draws you in with its hazy atmosphere and energy. The song gives listeners a glimpse at what makes Chemical Sun who they are. For anyone just discovering Chemical Sun I would highly recommend listening to their new song, but also taking a moment to listen to one of my own personal favorites “Encased”.
Listen To “Lidocane”
Iress
Via | iress.band
Iress was formed in 2010 in Los Angeles and have spent the last decade developing their sound. While being an alternative rock band you still get the sounds between dreampop, and doom metal. Their cover of Billie Eilish’s “What Was I Made For” shows how well they can take such an already delicate song and give it a darker edge, while still keeping the emotional core of the song. One of my own personal favorites is their song “Vanish”, there is something about the dark but dreamy vocals, and a cinematic flare of it. The atmosphere of the song immediately makes me think of something that would have been played in The Twilight Saga: New Moon and honestly maybe that is why I like it so much. It has that same feeling of beautiful sadness, like you're staring dramatically out the window pretending to be the main character. Either way “Vanish” is the perfect introduction to the softer side of Iress if you're just getting into them but give their albums a listen and find what speaks to you!
Listen To “Vanish”
Faetooth
Currently on tour and coming from Los Angeles is Faetooth, a three piece that have their own corner of the metal world with what they call fairy-doom. Forming in 2019 Faetooth brings a haunting blend of doom metal and shoegaze to their music. Their music feels beautiful, and crushing while bringing in ethereal vocals and dreamy melodies. One of their most popular songs is “Echolalia” , a perfect introduction to their sound. The song moves slow but underneath that dreamy hypnotic sound is the heavy metal edge. It's dark in a strangely beautiful way that only Faetooth could do so well. Their 2025 album Labyrinthine pushed that sound even further. Released in September of 2025, the album reached No. 79 on the UK Official Albums Download Chart while also passing 700,000 plays on Spotify. It is also a funny coincidence that the last spotlight band Iress crossed paths with Faetooth multiple times, on tours, collaborations, and even label-ties. Faetooths music really gives you that vibe of being a fairy wandering in a dark gloomy forest in the middle of the night. If that fits your aura, go give them a listen.
Via | @faetooth on Instagram