Washington, D.C. post-hardcore band Regulator Watts have returned with their first new music in nearly 30 years. The trio has released the new single, “It’s Gonna Happen,” offering listeners an early look at their upcoming EP, kWh, which arrives August 14 through Solid Brass Records.

Originally formed after the breakup of the influential Dischord Records band Hoover in 1994, Regulator Watts brought together guitarist and vocalist Alex Dunham, bassist and vocalist Cret Wilson, and drummer Areif Sless-Kitain. The group quickly built a reputation for pushing beyond the limits of traditional post-hardcore.

Drawing from punk, experimental rock, and dub influences, Regulator Watts developed a sound defined by unusual guitar tunings, shifting rhythms, and atmospheric production. Their recordings balanced tension and melody while creating a dark, immersive listening experience.

During the band's initial run, they released several records through Slowdime Records, including The Mercury EP and the full-length album The Aesthetics of No-Drag. Although the group remained inactive for decades, their music continued to resonate with fans of the Washington, D.C. underground scene.

“It’s Gonna Happen” captures the energy that made Regulator Watts stand out in the first place. Fueled by rapid-fire riffs, dynamic tempo changes, and Alex Dunham’s distinctive guitar tone, the song blends urgency with introspection. Its lyrics take aim at modern economic pressures while channeling the intensity of classic post-hardcore.

Produced by Kurt Ballou of Converge, kWh marks the band's first new release since the 1990s. The five-song EP pairs heavy grooves with spacious textures and the moody atmosphere that has long been a key part of the band's identity.

kWh will be available digitally and on limited-edition transparent sea blue vinyl through Solid Brass Records on August 14. Alongside “It’s Gonna Happen,” the EP features “Scotch Blue,” “kilowatt-hours,” “Lefty’s Deceiver,” and “Ode To Dorothy.”