This is the next edition in the ongoing Hex Records split 12 series pairing bands not necessarily directly part of the label, but that we find awesome nonetheless, and releasing it short-notice in exciting and creative packaging. This split has two of the most exciting new bands to emerge- Brain Cave and Knub- laying down gigantic slabs of rock housed in a screenprinted jacket with an Obi strip to keep it all together and fancy looking. Brain Cave- hailing from Cleveland- have been exceptionally prolific in their relatively brief time together, releasing several singles as well as a killer full length. This continues their fierce pace of releases and more post-hardcore heaviness that shifts between melody and fuzzy riffs played as loud as possible with shouted vocals keeping them rooted in basements packed with sweaty kids and questionable odors. The trio blur the line between all-out aggression and a dedication to songcraft, melody, and riffs. Knub are old heads in a new band currently sinking the city of Baltimore into the Chesapeake Bay as a result of the seismic riffs they're creating. They dropped a demo last year and I'm still recovering from it. They completely nail those enormous Helmet riffs worthy of Meantime and then polish them with the seasoned production and catchy songwriting of Aftertaste. Yes, a perfect world can exist. Add to that a singer with a set of pipes potentially lifted from a church organ and you get the huge sounds of Knub that makes you full-body handbang to the riffs and then curse them for how stupid catchy it all is. How can this dichotomy exist? Search beneath the flooding streets of Baltimore and you'll find out.
Install our app to receive notifications when new upcoming releases are added.

Recommended equipment and accessories
-
Vinyl Care - Top Picks
A selection of accesories to keep your turntable equipment & vinyl records in the best shape
-
Edifier R1280DB Powered Speakers
Combining classic design with modern Bluetooth connectivity, built-in amplification and versatile inputs, these speakers deliver rich, balanced sound.
-
Denon DP-400
Featuring a high-precision, belt-driven mechanism and an adjustable tonearm that ensures optimal tracking and minimal resonance
-
Audioengine A2 Plus
Precision-engineered 2.75-inch woofers and a 0.75-inch silk dome tweeter, featuring built-in DAC and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless integration.
-
Nagaoka MP-110H Cartridge
Features a high-quality elliptical stylus that provides excellent tracking and minimizes distortion, delivering a detailed sound reproduction with an output voltage of 5.0 mV
Featured Upcoming Vinyl
-
Half Japanese Adventure (Cream)
Fire Records
July 11, 2025 -
Pretty Bitter Pleaser (Blueberry Lemonade Splatter)
Tiny Engines
August 1, 2025 -
Ruston Kelly Pale, Through the Window (Deco Green; Signed Insert)
Rounder
September 12, 2025 -
Between The Buried And Me The Blue Nowhere [2xLP]
Inside Out Music
September 12, 2025 -
Folk Bitch Trio Now Would Be a Good Time
Jagjaguwar
July 25, 2025 -
Ed Sheeran Play (Amazon Exclusive; Purple)
Atlantic
September 12, 2025 -
Molly Tuttle So Long Little Miss Sunshine
Nonesuch
August 15, 2025 -
James K Friend [2xLP]
AD 93
September 5, 2025 -
Jordan Lee Fighter For Love
Universal UK
July 11, 2025 -
Glenn Hughes Chosen
Frontiers New Recordings Physical Only
September 5, 2025 -
Three Days Grace Alienation
Rca Records
August 22, 2025 -
Goon Dream 3
Born Losers Records
July 11, 2025 -
Soul Jazz Records presents 300% DYNAMITE! Ska, Soul, Rocksteady, Funk and Dub in Jamaica [2xLP]
Soul Jazz Records
July 4, 2025 -
Biffy Clyro Futique
Warner Records
September 26, 2025