News

Forge Again Records has announced the complete remastered reissue of Chicago-area indie/emo pioneers nymb’s catalog, arriving September 18, 2026. The collection brings together the band's long out-of-print releases, previously unreleased recordings, rare 7" tracks, and several albums on vinyl for the first time.

Formed in Crystal Lake, Illinois in 1993, nymb became a respected fixture of the late-'90s Chicago DIY, emo, and shoegaze scene, sharing stages with Jets to Brazil, Cursive, Hey Mercedes, and Rainer Maria. Though often overlooked outside the Midwest, the band's melodic "soft/loud" sound earned lasting admiration from peers.

The reissue campaign includes:

• Cutting Teeth: 1997–1999 (2xLP/CD) – a collection of early EPs, The Fun Bobby Sessions, an acoustic version of "Rope + Ring," and a previously unreleased 1997 demo.
• So, This Is How It Is (2xLP/CD) – the band's debut full-length, available on vinyl for the first time with two bonus tracks.
• Nothing New (LP/CD) – the band's rare final album, newly remastered and receiving its first vinyl release.

All releases have been remastered by Carl Saff, with updated artwork by Wall of Youth.

Accompanying the announcement is the premiere of the music video for "Rope + Ring," featuring newly rediscovered archival footage of the band.

Reflecting on nymb's legacy, members of Chicago's influential punk and emo community praised the group. Todd Bell (Braid/Hey Mercedes) called them "a breath of fresh air" in the Fireside Bowl scene, while Tim McIlrath (Rise Against) recalled that the band seemed to arrive "fully formed" with remarkable musical ability. Tim Kasher (Cursive) added, "nymb was a great band, great people. We loved playing shows with them back in the day!"

The reissues aim to introduce one of the Midwest's hidden gems to a new generation while preserving an important chapter of Chicago's independent music history.