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Mar 26, 2026 By Caleb Campbell

New Jersey-based trio Afloat have spent the last few years honing a hooky and energized style, pivoting between emo, punk, and alt rock with nimble guitar work and big choruses. The band formed after bandmates Josh Rubeo and Gabby Relos met while attending Rowan University. They quickly began recording and touring the local DIY circuit, debuting with a self-titled EP in 2018, followed by their 2019 EP, Never Me Always You, and their 2023 EP, Where I Stand.

Last year, they shared a split single with Philly punks Dummy Pass, and this year they’ve signed with Mint 400 Records and are releasing another new EP later this spring. Today, they’re sharing an early listen to the lead single from the EP, “Knuckles,” premiering with Under the Radar.

“Knuckles” captures both the band’s technical side and their penchant for big, open-hearted melodies. The track is carried by an irresistible emo guitar line from Relos, trading hooks with the band’s rhythm section, locked into a careening stop-start momentum. The verses sound exceedingly tight, only for the band to loosen their grip briefly for an ascendant, harmony-laden chorus. It is a nimble contrast that is central to the sound of pop-smart emo acts like Pool Kids, and Afloat deftly pull off the same balance. Meanwhile, Relos’ lyrics find her wrestling through anxiety, searching for relief and escape: “Blurry vision, the room is spinning / Can’t breathe / State of panic, get my mind straight / Tell myself that I will be okay / My best lie when I’m about to break / Knuckles on the dashboard / Running through the lights.”

Check out the song and accompanying visualizer below. “Knuckles” is out everywhere tomorrow, March 27th, via Mint 400 Records.