Baltimore Band Combines Hardcore and Shoegaze Styles with Hudson Valley

Bridging the distance between Baltimore, Maryland, and New York’s Hudson Valley, the band Negative Love is gearing up for the release of their debut EP in early 2026 on Static Era Records, the same label behind the recent Integrity/Skarhead split release. Their latest offering, the track “MTPPL,” showcases a darker and heavier side to their sound, offering a glimpse into the emotional and sonic depth they aim to explore.

Negative Love’s EP is a fusion of influences from hardcore, alt rock, and shoegaze, blending aggression and atmosphere to create a unique auditory experience. Vocalist/producer Brendan Williams describes the five-track EP as a reflection of a myriad of emotions that have shaped the band since its inception.

The roots of Negative Love can be traced back to Williams’ experience on tour playing guitar for Soul Blind when he was approached by Mitch, a guitarist from Baltimore. The collaboration led to a creative synergy that birthed the idea of forming a new band, culminating in the inception of Negative Love.

Defying genre constraints, Negative Love’s music has been characterized as a sonic maze, catering to listeners with short attention spans. While comparisons have been drawn to bands like Turnstile, Deftones, and Helmet, Negative Love refuses to confine themselves to a specific genre, opting instead to follow their instincts and embrace uncertainty as a fundamental element of their creative process.

Exploring the themes behind their band name, the track “MTPPL” delves into the concept of negative love, offering a critical yet affectionate tribute to the hardcore scene that served as their artistic incubator. Addressing issues like gatekeeping, violence, aesthetics, and the lack of introspection within the scene, the song encapsulates the band’s conflicted emotions and deep-rooted connection to their musical community.

Now on the cusp of releasing their debut EP, Negative Love is gearing up for a busy year ahead with plans for physical releases on CD, vinyl, and more. With shows in the pipeline, they are eager to share their music with audiences in diverse locations, embodying the spirit of their nomadic origins and the diverse influences that fuel their creative fire.

As they prepare to unveil their self-titled EP to the world, Negative Love remains true to their vision of creating music that defies categorization and embraces the unexpected. Stay tuned for a sonic journey through the intersection of hardcore, alt rock, and shoegaze with Negative Love’s debut release.