• Bitter Branches - Let's Give the Land Back to the Animals

I didn’t have high expectations for this week, as there weren’t many albums on my watchlist for March 6th (especially after last week was stacked), but the one I did know of met my high expectations. Then, as always, there were a couple surprises AND a couple of surprise benefit album announcements. So, it ended up being a pretty good week after all.

This week’s featured album is Let’s Give the Land Back to the Animals by Bitter Branches. Bitter Branches is a veritable 90’s hardcore supergroup, with members of Calvary, Deadguy, Lifetime, Lighten Up, Kiss It Goodbye, No Escape, Paint It Black, and Walleye.

Bitter Branches may have the 90’s hardcore background, but their sound is squarely in the Black Flag crossed with The Jesus Lizard realm of hardcore and post-hardcore. The lyrics are everything you’d expect from Tim Singer writing about our current world. It’s a powerful combination.

Anyway, head over to the full review for more.

Benefit Albums

This week was also a really good one in terms of high quality benefit albums: one a compilation and one a legendary abandoned recording session from a legendary band and producer… both releases benefiting some very worthwhile charities, so please be generous!

HELP(2) from War Child Records

→ Purchase on Bandcamp

From War Child Records:

HELP(2) is a brand new collaborative album, inspired by the landmark 1995 release ‘HELP’, which brings music lovers together in support of War Child’s vital work delivering immediate aid, education, specialist mental health support, and protection to children affected by conflict around the world.

All proceeds from album sales support War Child UK to protect, educate, and stand up for the rights of children living through conflict around the world.

HELP(2) features music by Anna Calvi, Arctic Monkeys, Arlo Parks, Arooj Aftab, Bat For Lashes, Beabadoobee, Beck, Beth Gibbons, Big Thief, Black Country, New Road, Cameron Winter, Damon Albarn, Depeche Mode, Dove Ellis, Ellie Rowsell, English Teacher, Ezra Collective, Foals, Fontaines D.C., Graham Coxon, Greentea Peng, Grian Chatten, Kae Tempest, King Krule, Nilüfer Yanya, Olivia Rodrigo, Pulp, Sampha, The Last Dinner Party, Wet Leg, and Young Fathers.

An impressive collection of musicians and from a couple listens, a charity album that’s worth your purchase and support.

Highlights for me include:

• “Strangers” by Black Country, New Road
• Beth Gibbons covering “Sunday Morning” by The Velvet Underground
• “Parasite” by English Teacher
• beabadoobee covering “Say Yes” by Elliott Smith
• “Obvious” by Wet Leg
• Olivia Rodrigo covering “The Book of Love” by The Magnetic Fields

Albini Sessions by Fugazi

→ Purchase on Bandcamp

Next up is Fugazi’s recording of In On The Killtaker with Steve Albini. From the band:

In the fall of 1992, the members of Fugazi were deep in the process of finishing up the songs that would eventually come out as the “In On The Killtaker” album the following year. The band had been working on the songs for a couple of years and had gotten as far as recording a few of them at Inner Ear as well as making numerous practice recordings, but by late October they seemed to have hit a bit of a wall. In an attempt to shake things up, it was decided that they would take up Steve Albini’s standing invitation to do a free recording at his Electrical Audio Studio, which at the time was located in the basement of his house on North Francisco in Chicago.

The band only planned to record a couple songs with Albini, but everything – from hanging out to the recording process – went so well, they ended up doing all of the songs.

Initial playbacks were positive, but the band (and Albini) continued to listen after the session ended and ultimately came to the same conclusion: the songs felt flat.

Fugazi ultimately went back to Inner Ear Studio to record the official In On The Killtaker with producer Ted Nicely, which was released by Dischord in June 1993.

The band on releasing the recordings now:

To honor Steve, who died in 2024, and to support the work that he and his wife, Heather Whinna, have done with the non-profit Letters Charity organization, Fugazi has decided to make Steve’s entire original mix officially available for the first time in transfers pulled directly from the master tapes.

This is a digital-only release and the band is donating its share of the proceeds to Letters Charity – a nonprofit organization on a mission to use Art as a conduit to transform passive compassion into immediate assistance through the distribution of money given, without expectation or judgment, directly to families experiencing poverty.

Honorable Mentions

HELLHOUND by VIAL

• 💿 Released: 6 March on CandyShop Recordings
• 🤘 FFO: grunge X punk, Mannequin Pussy, Hole, Nirvana, Pinkshift, Destroy Boys
• 🎧 Your first song: “IDLE HANDS”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

Strictly 4 The Scythe by Denzel Curry

• 💿 Released: 6 March on Loma Vista Recordings
• 🤘 FFO: southern hip hop
• 🎧 Your first song: “THE SCYTHE (feat TiaCorine & A$AP Ferg)”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

Tough Touch by Scout Gillett

• 💿 Released: 6 March on Slouch Records
• 🤘 FFO: alt country x indie rock; Bully x Lucinda Williams x Japanese Breakfast
• 🎧 Your first song: “Song Name”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

• Buck Meek - The Mirror
• Mitski - Nothing's About to Happen to Me

I’m slowly catching up on all the new music from February after re-launching the Crucial Tracks blog here on the main domain.

This week’s releases were quite stellar. I saw February 27th on the New Music Watch calendar and knew it was going to be a good one, with Mitski and Buck Meek, not to mention Iron & Wine, Nothing, and all of the other new albums that fly under the radar. (Including a very late entry courtesy of friend of Crucial Tracks, and a web zine you should be following: foofaraw)

I’m happy to report all of these albums live up to expectations, with Mitski and Buck Meek meeting my criteria for Featured status. Both are very good. Links to the full reviews can be found above!

Don’t miss the Honorable Mentions below, there are seven solid albums for you to check out!

Honorable Mentions

My Days of 58 by Bill Callahan

• 💿 Released: 27 February on Drag City Records
• 🤘 FFO: folk, lo-fi, Smog, Bonnie Prince Billy, Kevin Morby, Silver Jews
• 🎧 Your first song: “Pathol O.G.”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

The Mountain by Gorillaz

• 💿 Released: 27 February on Kong
• 🤘 FFO: Blur X Tyler
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

Hen’s Teeth by Iron & Wine

• 💿 Released: 27 February on Sub Pop Records
• 🤘 FFO: folk, Bon Iver, Sufjan Stevens, Jose Gonzalez, Fleet Foxes, CSNY
• 🎧 Your first song: “In Your Ocean”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

a short history of decay by Nothing

• 💿 Released: 27 February on Run for Cover Records
• 🤘 FFO: My Bloody Valentine, Cloakroom, heavier shoegaze
• 🎧 Your first song: “never come never morning”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

Amaro by Bibi Club

• 💿 Released: 27 February on Secret City Records
• 🤘 FFO: darkwave x avant pop
• 🎧 Your first song: “Amaro”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

Highway to Heavenly by Heavenly

• 💿 Released: 27 February on Skep Wax Records
• 🤘 FFO: jangle pop, indie pop, twee, Belle & Sebastian, The Smiths, The Modern Lovers, Velocity Girl
• 🎧 Your first song: “Excuse Me”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

And the Voice Said by Tōth

• 💿 Released: 27 February on Egghunt Records
• 🤘 FFO: Rubblebucket, indie / bedroom pop, psych pop, chamber folk, Brian Wilson, Alex G
• 🎧 Your first song: “Spiraling”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

• Worry Club - I'm Freaking Out

The February 20th release week didn’t have any particular album I was looking forward to, but (as always) I found a few projects I found interesting, including I’m Freaking Out by Worry Club, which I am really enjoying. Head over to the full review, linked above.

In terms of Honorable Mentions, I’ve got 5 albums for you… everything from folk and shoegaze to hip hop, R&B, and jazzy art pop. A little something for most folks who follow this blog!

Enjoy!

Honorable Mentions

Dedication by Mirah

• 💿 Released: 20 February on Double Double Whammy
• 🤘 FFO: Thao, Cat Power, Mitski, indie pop X folk X jazz X soul
• 🎧 Your first song: “After the Rain”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

Ca$ino by Baby Keem

• 💿 Released: 20 February on Columbia Records
• 🤘 FFO: Kendrick, JID, Tyler, Vince Staples
• 🎧 Your first song: “Good Flirts”

All Monsters by MX Lonely

• 💿 Released: 20 February on Julia’s War Recordings
• 🤘 FFO: TAGABOW, Prize Horse, heavy shoegaze
• 🎧 Your first song: “All Monsters Go To Heaven”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

Petal Rock Black by Willow

• 💿 Released: 20 February on Three Six Zero Recordings
• 🤘 FFO: Dirty Projectors, Joni Mitchell, Alice Coltrane, Saya Gray, art pop X jazz
• 🎧 Your first song: “vegetation”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

Heaven Ain’t Sold by Choker

• 💿 Released: 20 February on Jet Fuzz
• 🤘 FFO: Frank Ocean, Sufjan Stevens, Bon Iver, psychedelic soul/R&B
• 🎧 Your first song: “Proof”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

• PONY - Clearly Cursed
• Converge - Love Is Not Enough

What a fun week for new music! I’ve got a handful of new releases I think you should pay attention to… and I don’t think you could possibly pick two featured albums as different from each other as these two records.

Featured Picks

First up is the new PONY record, Clearly Cursed, out on Take This To Heart Records. Clearly Cursed is their third full length record, following up 2023’s Velveteen and their 2021 debut, TV Baby. Fans of indie pop like Beach Bunny, Velocity Girl, and Charly Bliss will love this record.

The second featured record is Love Is Not Enough from metalcore/mathcore legends Converge. Their 11th (!!!) full length record since 1994, it’s my favorite from them in over a decade and definitely a top 5 record in terms of their entire discography. If you love the genre, you most definitely know Converge… but don’t sleep on this release regardless.

Honorable Mentions

The Refrigerator by Remember Sports

• 💿 Released: 13 February on Get Better Records
• 🤘 FFO: alt-country x indie rock, Ratboys, Adult Mom, Cayetana
• 🎧 Your first song: “Across the Line”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

Icon by Brent Faiyaz

• 💿 Released: 13 February on ISO Supremacy
• 🤘 FFO: R&B/soul, Daniel Caesar, Frank Ocean
• 🎧 Your first song: “wrong faces.”
• 💰 Support: Official Site

Buckaroo by Katzin

• 💿 Released: 13 February on Mexican Summer
• 🤘 FFO: Sword II, Dirt Buyer, Cardinals, atmospheric indie rock
• 🎧 Your first song: “Wild Horses”
• 💰 Support: Official Site

• Ratboys - Singin' to an Empty Chair

This week was a special one, with the new Ratboys immediately hitting all the right chords. Not only do I think it’s got a really good chance to be a top 10 record for the year, it was an immediate purchase on this Bandcamp Friday. (And I got the limited edition signed version!)

Beyond that top notch release, we have some experimental indie rock with Ulrika Spacek, some emo/slowcore/lofi in Dirt Buyer, and two hip hop records for you to check out this week. Enjoy!

Honorable Mentions

This month also had a few good releases worth exploring. Stay tuned for more discoveries.

Expo by Ulrika Spacek

• 💿 Released: 6 February on Full Time Hobby
• 🤘 FFO: caroline, Squid, Omni, SPIRIT OF THE BEEHIVE
• 🎧 Your first song: “Square Root of None”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

Dirt Buyer III by Dirt Buyer

• 💿 Released: 6 February on Bayonet Records
• 🤘 FFO: slowcore, emo folk, indie rock, Current Joys, Surf Curse, Horse Jumper of Love
• 🎧 Your first song: “Bullshit Fuck”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

The Fall-Off by J. Cole

• 💿 Released: 6 February on Cole World / Dreamville
• 🤘 FFO: hip hop
• 🎧 Your first song: “The Villest”
• 💰 Support: Official Site

Piss in the Wind by Joji

• 💿 Released: 6 February on Palace Creek
• 🤘 FFO: Tyler the Creator, XXXTENTACION, Frank Ocean
• 🎧 Your first song: “PIXELATED KISSES”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

Just Missed

First up I have a trio of records that just missed making it into the Featured section for this issue. I suspect all three will make it into the top 50 or 60 for the year, so don’t sleep on these releases if the teasers sound good.

Death in the Business of Whaling by Searows

• 💿 Released: 23 January on Last Recordings on Earth
• 🤘 FFO: alt folk, if Phoebe Bridgers fronted a post-rock band, Soccer Mommy, Ethel Cain, Lizzy McAlpine
• 🎧 Your first song: “Dearly Missed”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen Official Website

My Heart Is A Room With No Cameras In It by Victoryland

• 💿 Released: 23 January on Good English Records
• 🤘 FFO: Animal Collective, Pavement, experimental indie rock/pop
• 🎧 Your first song: “No Cameras”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

e.t.d.s. A Mixtape by .idk

• 💿 Released: 22 January on broke records
• 🤘 FFO: Childish Gambino, Kendrick, JID, Vince Staples, Kanye, late 90s/early 2000s hip hop
• 🎧 Your first song: “DEVIL”
• 💰 Support: Listen

Honorable Mentions

Valentine by Courtney Maria Andrews

• 💿 Released: 16 January on Loose Future
• 🤘 FFO: alt-country, folk, Fleetwood Mac, Adrianne Lenker, Cassandra Jenkins
• 🎧 Your first song: “Keeper”
• 💰 Support: Official Shop | Listen | Bandcamp

Don’t Be Dumb by A$AP Rocky

• 💿 Released: 16 January on RCA Records
• 🤘 FFO: Experimental hip hop, psychedelic
• 🎧 Your first song: “Punk Rocky”
• 💰 Support: Official Site

self-titled by Jana Horn

• 💿 Released: 16 January on Cole World / Dreamville
• 🤘 FFO: alt-folk, Florist, Naima Bock
• 🎧 Your first song: “It’s alright”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

Also considered:

• Perfect by Immaterialize
• 656 by Roc Marciano
• Not Like Everybody Else by The Damned
• Visions by Alice Merton
• I Am by Lexa Gates
• The Demise of Planet X by Sleaford Mods
• Stand On My Shoulders by Ya Tseen

• Sault - Chapter 1
• Dry Cleaning - Secret Love

Happy New Year! Welcome to the first issue of Crucial Releases for 2026. In case you missed it, we have my favorite records from 2025 and a special guest list from my part time collaborator and oldest friend, Chris.

In terms of new releases, last Friday was January 2nd so there were very few new releases for that day… making this week the first substantial release week of the new year. And we’ve got a number of records for you to check out this issue!

There’s a wide variety of genre this issue (I love when this happens)… soul/funk, alt-country, post-punk, melodic hardcore, power pop, indie rock – a little something for everyone.

Featured Picks

Let’s dive in with Sault and Chapter 1.

I was introduced to Sault by way of Cleo Sol’s solo albums (she’s the main vocalist on Sault albums) despite Sault putting out records before her solo work. Regardless of the direction or how, Sault operates in the world of alt R&B, soul, and funk that I love… such a good vibe. This record is good from top to bottom, so check out two of my favorite tracks below, then dig into the whole thing.

Dry Cleaning are a post-punk band from London and Secret Love is their third full length album and first since October 2022. This latest album was produced by Cate Le Bon, who put out a critically acclaimed album herself in 2025.

Dry Cleaning combines the angular post-punk of a band like Wire with almost spoken word poetry from vocalist Florence Shaw. Shaw excels in deadpan humor, surrealism, and commentary on mundane life. This gives the band one of the most unique sounds in punk today and when they are hitting on all cylinders, like on Secret Love, it makes for their best work to date.

Honorable Mentions

Within Dreams by Feels Like Heaven

• 💿 Released: 9 January on Scheme Records
• 🤘 FFO: melodic hardcore, Samiam, Fiddlehead, Have Heart, Anxious, Rites of Spring
• 🎧 Your first song: “World Clock”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

With Heaven on Top by Zach Bryan

• 💿 Released: 9 January on Warner Records
• 🤘 FFO: melancholy alt country
• 🎧 Your first song: “Runny Eggs”

Selling a Vibe by The Cribs

• 💿 Released: 9 January on [PIAS] Records
• 🤘 FFO: The Strokes, The Libertines, UK influenced alt rock
• 🎧 Your first song: “Dark Luck”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

Below by Glom

• 💿 Released: 9 January on Nettwerk Music Group
• 🤘 FFO: lo-fi X indie rock, Alex G, Porches, oso oso, Wild Nothing
• 🎧 Your first song: “Glass”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

A Binding Life by Home Star

• 💿 Released: 21 February on Born Losers Records
• 🤘 FFO: power pop x emo, Weezer
• 🎧 Your first song: “Milk & Honey”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp

• quickly, quickly - I Heard That Noise
• Viagra Boys - viagr aboys
• Bon Iver - SABLE, fABLE

Lots of good music this month – Bon Iver, Quickly Quickly, Viagra Boys, Momma, Speedway, Casper Skulls, Blu, Ribbon Skirt, Black Country New Road, Florist, Scowl, Bedridden, Julien Baker & TORRES, Superheaven, The Convenience, and Valerie June.

Welcome to Crucial Releases: April edition!

Anyway, I’ve got a few superb releases for you this issue. The first of which is a serious contender for album of the year: viagr aboys by Viagra Boys – their fourth full length album, following Cave World (2022), Welfare Jazz (2021), and Street Worms (2019). I’ve been a fan since the first live video I saw of them on YouTube, probably in the Street Worms era.

Next up is another of my favorite albums of the year, Bon Iver’s SABLE, fABLE (Listen)… Bon Iver is one of those artists that I think can do no wrong. I’ve enjoyed every one of his records and have certainly enjoyed the progression from For Emma, Forever Ago (2007) to 22, a Million (2016), and I, I (2019)…

Finally, a surprise favorite: I Heard That Noise by quickly, quickly (Listen). Written, performed, recored, produced and mixed by Graham Johnson - aka quickly, quickly. Absolutely beautifully arranged lo-fi folk, complete with orchestral elements (horns, strings, keys) and quirky electronic elements. Highly recommended.

As I mentioned in my last post, I’ve been building out a cool little side project for the Crucial Tracks community and music fans, in general. Please check out the new Crucial Tracks app, if you haven’t already!

This post, however, gets us back on track with new music… including a lot of honorable mentions to cover!

Honorable Mentions

Insert text introduction

A Life’s Refrain by Speedway Speedway are from Stockholm, Sweden and do the later Bold sound very well. Part youth crew, part metal, part melody. Looking Back (Listen) from Bold is one of my favorite hardcore records and this one may be up with it one day. (It’s even on the same record label - Revelation Records)

• 💿 Released: April on Revelation Records
• 🤘 FFO: Bold, youth crew hardcore X metal X melodic hardcore
• 🎧 Your first song: “Passion Play”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Welcome to My Blue Sky by Momma

Momma is pretty much the new Veruca Salt to me – one of my favorite bands from the 90s. It’s not just the band make up either – Momma write serious earworms and shred on the guitar, just like Nina Gordon and Louise Post.

Welcome to My Blue Sky is their fourth album and second for Polyvinyl Records, home to bands like Alvvays, Ian Sweet, The Get Up Kids, Jeff Rosenstock, Squirrel Flower, and others. Their last album Household Name (2022) was on my favorite albums finalist list for that year. It’s well worth checking out too.

• 💿 Released: April on Polyvinyl Records
• 🤘 FFO: 90s alt rock, Veruca Salt
• 🎧 Your first song: “Rodeo”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Kit-Cat by Casper Skulls

The Toronto band’s second album. Led by a husband-wife duo, they harness the 90’s alternative nostalgia to capture 11 high quality songs. A new-to-me band prior to this album… I liked the album so much, they will be a highly recommended new-to-you band as well. 😄

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: 90s alt rock, Pavement, Velocity Girl
• 🎧 Your first song: “Milk & Honey”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Forty by Blu

One of my favorite indie hip-hop MCs who released classics with DJ/producer Exile: Miles (2020), Give Me My Flowers While I Can Still Smell Them (2012) and Below the Heavens (2007). Over 20 years of records and this one is a celebration of him turning 40. One of my favorite hip-hop albums of the year so far.

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: alt and indie hip-hop, Slum Village, Oddisee, J Dilla, eLZhi
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Bite Down by Ribbon Skirt

The Hole/Mannequin Pussy influence is obvious, but this album stands above the rest that follow those bands with great, honest songwriting. Worth your time, for sure.

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: Hole, Mannequin Pussy, Sonic Youth, Japanese Breakfast
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Forever Howlong by Black Country, New Road

This band gets all the hype, especially for their sophomore album Ants From Up There (2022)… which took some time for me to understand. Anyway, their lead singer left and the rest of the band made this album… which I actually like a lot more. It’s orchestral indie rock/pop that you’d imagine every band nerd friend group tries to do, but this one succeeds at… in the best way. 😄

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: honestly no idea, it’s that eclectic - folk, chamber pop, twee?
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Jellywish by Florist

Florist’s fifth album and first since 2022. Very sweet, earnest (and some times a little off kilter) indie folk similar to Adrianne Lenker. Well done and highly recommended if you are into the genre.

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: indie folk, Adrianne Lenker, Lomelda, Haley Heynderickx
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Are We All Angels by Scowl

Scowl leveled up in the same way Turnstile did a few years ago, taking their hardcore punk sound to a new level. This band will be huge soon, if not already…

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: GEL, DRAIN, Militarie Gun, SPACED, Turnstile
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Moths Strapped to Each Other’s Backs by Bedridden

The debut album from Bedridden. Heavy, fuzzy shoegaze – but great hooks and melodies. Excited to see where this band goes.

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: Hotline TNT, Swervedriver, Hum
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Send a Prayer My Way by Julien Baker & TORRES

Queer country (or Cuntry as they put it) – it’s everything you’d expect from these two artists making a country/folk album. A little too country for me at times, but it’s a well done album that’s worth your time if you like the genre.

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: Julien Baker, TORRES, country, folk
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

s/t by Superheaven

Heavy shoegaze in the vein of Hum and Deftones. Their first album in 10 years! Worth a listen, if you enjoy the sound.

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: heavy shoegaze, Hum, Deftones, Cloakroom
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Like Cartoon Vampires by The Convenience

The band has evolved from more of a 80s synth pop sound to a more angular, post-punk sound. If you like any of the bands below, you’ll dig this… it’s well done.

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: post-punk, Wire, Franz Ferdinand, Gang of Four, Television
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Owls, Omens, and Oracles by Valerie June

I remember checking out her Pushin’ Against a Stone (2013) but not much in between. Feel like that might have been a mistake – this album is very good. Not many artists do the soul/folk/blues thing as well as her.

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: soul, folk, blues, American roots
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Weirdo by Emma-Jean Thackray

Super into this… it’s weird, off-beat funky soul and R&B, with a side of jazz and bedroom pop. Thackray seems like an interesting person: multi-instrumentalist, DJ, producer, beat maker, radio host. Love hearing people who you’d never expect playing a genre, doing it well and in their own way.

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: off-beat soul, jazz, funk, R&B, indie/bedroom pop
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Bloodless by Samia

Another great album for this week. One that would be a feature most weeks. Bloodless is her third full-length album and each one is improving on the last. Samia is really becoming an elite singer/songwriter – great voice, melodies, and lyrics – and I’m here for it.

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: Indigo De Souza, Squirrel Flower, Soccer Mommy, Gracie Abrams, Angel Olsen
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Tunnel Vision by Beach Bunny

Beach Bunny is great and one of my kids’ first concerts. We saw them in Cleveland on the Honeymoon tour back in 2021. Pop-punk influenced indie pop, with great melodies and lyrics. This is another great album from them…

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: Ratboys, The Beths, Charly Bliss, Diet Cig
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Black Samson, the Bastard Swordsman by Wu-Tang Clan & Mathematics A new Wu-Tang album in 2025. Originally released a couple weeks ago as a super limited edition 2-LP vinyl set, the album hit streaming this week. It’s classic Wu-Tang, though not as good as their old stuff. The record does feature Griselda, which has definitely tried to fill the Wu-Tang hole in the rap universe the last ten years.

• 💿 Released: April on
• 🤘 FFO: uh it’s Wu-Tang. They are for the children, remember.
• 🎧 Your first song:
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

• Lambrini Girls - Who Let The Dogs Out

Welcome to the new year and what I consider the first full New Music Friday of 2025. I have a few releases for you to check out this week, starting with my top selection, Perverts by Ethel Cain.

I want to start off by saying Perverts is not for everyone, in fact it’s not an enjoyable music experience at times. It’s unsettling, haunting, and anxiety inducing in some aspects. And at other times it’s shockingly beautiful.

There were a number of times I almost stopped listening because I didn’t like the feeling I had, but I pressed on and that feeling was usually replaced by a beautiful segment of a song or her amazing voice. It’s a roller coaster ride that I envisioned as the soundtrack of a black and white horror film. I also haven’t stopped thinking about it since I listened yesterday. Simply put, it’s a magnificent piece of art.

Along those lines, I absolutely love the music video for the song “Punish” off the album. It fits exactly the feeling I had while listening to the album. And to top it off, it’s just a beautiful song.

I enjoyed Cain’s debut full length album, Preacher’s Daughter, released in 2022. It mixed folk, Americana, and pop through a sort of gothic lens. It also received a lot of critical acclaim, which seemed to be unexpected and unwanted based on my research for this post. Cain didn’t like the attention and fame, so it only makes sense that her follow-up album was an anti-success album, which unfortunately (for her) she did really well. It won’t garner the same kind of mass fandom that her debut delivered, but I think it will be one of those cult classic albums that people view as a piece of art over being an album you listen to casually.

I also don’t think you necessarily have to like most of the genres or elements associated with this album, like slowcore, ambient, drone, loops, etc. to appreciate or more importantly EXPERIENCE the album. Heck I don’t even like goth music, nor am I a huge horror fan. But, at an hour and a half long, it’s a commitment and I do ask that if you do listen, you give it the entire time. I’m interested to know if folks have the same experience I had!

My favorite tracks: “Punish”, “Vacillator”, “Amber Waves”

Weeks like this are why I like doing this column. There weren’t a ton of new records this week, but the ones that caught my ear were good AND I discovered three new (to me) artists/groups. Not to mention a sophomore followup from a band I like AND a solo album from the lead singer of one of my favorite bands from the early 2000s.

With that all said, we will jump right into my pick for the week: into a pretty room by lots of hands. lots of hands is a new to me duo from the UK that combines lo-fi folk with slowcore, shoegaze, and glitchy electronic sounds. Fans of Alex G, Hovvdy, Chanel Beads, Elliott Smith, and Jay Som will appreciate this group.

lots of hands is longtime friends Billy Woodhouse and Elliot Dryden, who met at 16 through a school music program. Prior to this album, the duo self released three albums. into a pretty room is their debut for Fire Talk and their first fully collaborative album.

From the label:

into a pretty room exists in the tear-stained early mornings of adolescence, just as the sun makes its first appearance over the horizon and thoughts of the night before begin to subside. A collage of reworked demos, freewheeling session standouts, and swatches of instrumental electronics, into a pretty room offers a touching rumination of grief and loss, growing up and letting go.

The first of my 3+ listens got me interested in sharing this record, but with each repeat I picked up little elements I missed earlier and then this album grew to be something special. Whether it’s a glitchy recorded melody underneath a few songs or the meandering banjo on “backseat 30”, these songs keep giving with each listen. A highly recommended way to spend 40 minutes (or more!)

Fave songs: “game of zeroes”, “barnyard”, “masquerade”, “rosie”, and “backseat 30”

Another week, another new-to-me band earning the top spot. This time, it’s the band Ditz from Brighton, England. Ditz combines noise rock with post-punk and post-hardcore to create brutal, “ominous tension” as Stereogum writes in a recent feature on the band. And it’s damn good. Quite honestly, given how this year has started, I think more music like this is on tap for the foreseeable future.

Ditz formed in 2016 and has released one full-length (The Great Regression) prior to releasing Never Exhale this week. If you are a fan of IDLES, SPRINTS, Jesus Lizard, Shellac, TV Priest, Heavy Lungs, or McLusky you’ll find something of interest in Ditz.

Favorite tracks: “Taxi Man”, “Space/Smile”, “Four”, and “The Body as a Structure”

Never Exhale by Ditz

Bandcamp

Listen – (all streaming services)

Honorable Mentions

Insert text introduction

A Binding Life by Home Star

• 💿 Released: 21 February on Dirty Hit Records
• 🤘 FFO: power pop x emo, Weezer
• 🎧 Your first song: “Milk & Honey”
• 💰 Support: Bandcamp | Listen

Who Let the Dogs Out by Lambrini Girls (Listen)
Finally the debut full-length from the Lambrini Girls, who I’ve heard a lot about ever since Chris saw them last year. It’s a great album that combines the political, noise-y punk energy of SPRINTS and IDLES, with the snotty fun of Amyl and the Sniffers. Highly recommended.

FFO: snotty funny political punk, SPRINTS, Amyl and the Sniffers, IDLES

Spiral Your Way Out by zzzahara (Listen)
The third solo album from Zahara Jaime, the guitarist from The Simps and U.S. Velvet, combines three genres I like into a very solid release. I wasn’t familiar with them prior to listening, but glad I stumbled upon this record… particularly the song “In Your Head.”

FFO: melodic indie rock, shoegaze, dream pop, Johnny Marr songwriting

In Love Again by Ex-Void (Listen) - jangly, noisy indie rock with sweet melodies and fuzzy hooks. I enjoyed their 2022 debut *Bigger Than Before *and this release takes them to another level. Well done!

FFO: Bob Mould, Velocity Girl, The Tubs, Guided by Voices, Sloan, Illuminati Hotties

Swirl by Flora Hibberd (Listen) - rich, elegant folk that makes you feel like you are in a European cafe. A fantastic full-length debut from this UK singer-songwriter.

FFO: Nick Drake, Serge Gainsbourg, Cate Le Bon, Elliott Smith, Vashti Bunyan

Force Majeure by Delivery (Listen) - fun and energetic sociopolitical garage/punk rock from this Australian band. I missed their 2022 debut album, so I’m glad to finally be on board.

FFO: Fidlar, Wire, Omni, Parquet Courts, Courting

The Singing Winds Pt 3 by Kele (Listen) - from the singer/guitarist of Bloc Party, his third installment in a project born out of the pandemic. (See The Waves Pt. 1 and The Flames Pt. 2). More electronic-based than Bloc Party, but the songwriting, lyrics, and his voice remain to make something familiar, but new at the same time.

FFO: Bloc Party X LCD Soundsystem

Baloonerism by Mac Miller (Listen) - Miller’s second posthumous record, originally recorded in 2014. I re-stumbled upon Miller’s 2018 Tiny Desk concert recently, so this was a timely release. I wasn’t his biggest fan, but that performance was something special and I grew to appreciate him solely based on that…

FFO: if you know hip-hop, you know Mac Miller

You Are the Morning by jasmine.4.t (Listen) - Manchester UK singer-songwriter Jasmine Cruickshank’s debut album, produced by boygenius and released on Phoebe Bridgers’ Saddest Factory Records. Jasmine.4.t were recently named Billboard’s Rock/Alternative Rookie of the Month for January. I’d also like to point out the entire band is made up of trans women. I wish society was in a place where this didn’t matter, but January 20th (yesterday) made it even more important to support trans people, so please listen and share. 🏳️‍⚧️

FFO: indie folk/rock, boygenius, Julien Baker, Lucy Dacus

The Bad Fire by Mogwai (Listen) - Mogwai has been around for a long time –since 1995 to be exact. I got super into them while living in Seattle and saw them on their Rock Action tour. My wife claims she fell asleep during the show, but I was absolutely blown away by seeing “My Father My King” live. This record is closer to that period of the band the last few records, so I’m definitely glad to have them back in my life.

FFO: slowcore, post-rock, dynamic/cinematic instrumental guitar music. If you like bands like Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Explosions in the Sky, I’m sure you know Mogwai… but if not, there you go.

EUSEXUA by FKA twigs (Listen) - more dance pop & electronica than her previous albums. Still elements of that haunting, futuristic alt R&B she’s been known for since LP1 and Magdalene, though.

FFO: Kelela, Grimes, Charli XCX

Permanent Ink by Boldy James (Listen) - prolific to say the least, with two albums in 2025 already and four last year. Not sure James is breaking any new ground with any of these records, but they are a solid listen if you like grimy, gritty stories over inventive beats.

FFO: indie hip-hop, Freddie Gibbs, Griselda

Goyard Ibn Said by Ghais Guevara (Listen) - sociopolitical hip-hop from this Philly rapper/producer… AND a two-act concept album: “The first act highlights the triumphs of being a rapper, while the second act focuses on the tragedies.” Honestly, if I hadn’t missed this, it would be in serious contention for the album of the week… it’s that good.

FFO: underground hip-hop, billy woods, JPEGMAFIA, Armand Hammer; other influences: Andre 3000, Outkast, Earthgang, Mos Def/Yasiin Bey

Hurry Up Tomorrow by The Weeknd (Listen)
I’m not a super fan, but The Weeknd certainly knows how to craft songs and a vibe. At 22 songs and 85 minutes it’s a bit of an investment to get through the whole thing, but time passed quickly. Not a classic, but it’s another solidly good, not great album from The Weeknd. Something he apparently specializes in… Favorite tracks: “Enjoy the Show”, “Cry for Me”, “Timeless”

FFO: Michael Jackson, Khalid, Frank Ocean, pop, alt R&B… you know The Weeknd

• Big After I Die by Charlie Houston (Listen)
  I wasn’t familiar with Charlie Houston prior to listening, but I saw the release was on one my favorite Canadian record labels (Arts & Crafts, home to Broken Social Scene, Feist, Hannah Georgas, Hovvdy, and others), so I dug in with interest. Really well done indie pop, that I was pleasantly surprised with… I think if there were maybe a one or two more standout tracks, I’d have featured it this week. Favorite tracks: “Pink Cheetah Print Slip”. “Lewps”, “Lighter”, “Spiral”

FFO: Anna Burch, Clairo, Lorde, bedroom/indie pop

• Showbiz! by MIKE (Listen)
  MIKE’s 14th full length or mixtape and he’s been consistently growing with each release. His 2023 album with Wiki made #23 on my end of year list and this release may be even more consistent and high quality than Faith is a Rock. MIKE mixes soul samples and lo-fi beats with a sort of stream of conscious storytelling. If you are a fan of underground hip-hop, this is well worth checking out. Favorite tracks: “Lost Scribe”, “Bear Trap”, and “Then we could be free…”

FFO: underground hip-hop, Earl Sweatshirt

• The Purple Bird by Bonnie “Prince” Billy (Listen)
  A country themed album from the prolific Will Oldham, his 34th release since 1999. Known under the names Palace, Palace Brothers, Palace Songs, and Bonnie “Price” Billy, he’s been a mainstay in the alt folk & lo-fi genres. Much like another prolific band, Guided by Voices, I tend to find most of his records fall into the “has moments” category vs. a complete start-to-finish listen. The Purple Bird is one of his more solid releases, however. Favorite tracks: “London May” and “Tonight With the Dogs I’m Sleeping”

FFO: country/folk, Neil Young, Nick Cave, Smog, John Prine