Latest Posts

Big Sleep – “Bruiser”

February 27, 2026

“Bruiser” is the current single off of Holy Show, the latest album from Dublin’s own Big Sleep. It felt like one of those recipes my girlfriend tells me I need to “keep at a simmer, Chris.” While I can’t quite point out the difference betwixt a low boil and a simmer, Big Sleep obviously can because this track simmers *perfectly*. Tight drums combine with flittering guitar with moments of focus where the whole band comes together. Vocally, I was reminded of (younger) Isaac Brock of Modest Mouse fame and in general just loved the hyper focus of the track.   If you’re simmer challenged like I am, let “Bruiser” guide your way. It has nothing to with cooking, but you’ll enjoy it nonetheless. The album is available wherever you stream music; we have it below from Soundcloud and the Spotify link here.   Big Sleep · Bruiser

Bleary – “bug”

February 26, 2026

Nashville based Bleary bring us their latest single, “bug” (with a lower-case b) but with capital letter quality sound. “bug” features heavily what feels like a wall of guitars in multiple flavors that will pique the interest of shoegazers anywhere, with four minutes that feels like just enough but leaves me waiting for the next track. Luckily there IS another track – the equally catchy yet subdued “sugar splint.”   Fans of Mitski may already be familiar with the band, as they have opened for her on her tour.   You can hear “bug” below courtesy of Soundcloud or Spotify. Their debut full length “Little Brain” is due out May 15 (yk records) but until then have plenty of back catalogue for your listening pleasure. I particularly enjoyed 2019’s “Ghost” but I’m sure you’ll have your own.   yk records · Bleary – bug

Kalii – “UNIVERSAL”

February 26, 2026

Hip hop artist Kalii is growing a following off the strength of a sprouting spree of singles, most recently with his newest track “UNIVERSAL.” His experimental wall of smokey sound brings a maximalist energy that’s impressive for an artist at the onset of their output. Kalii’s vocals are layered with the signature modern trap autotune, but they’re paired with a hypnotic siren of a beat that make you want to turn this volume up to 11 and get lost in its sounds. If you’re into the housier remixes of modern rap tacks, this is one for you. Keep an eye out for more releases from Kalii on their Spotify account. While you’re there, check out our Best of 2026 Hip Hop list, featuring Kalii and other fresh new sounds in the scene.

Romcom Victims – “Alaska”

February 26, 2026

Are there any bugs in Alaska? Is that a dumb question? Because Romcom Victims are buzzing hard, and their latest single, “Alaska,” is indication why. The band’s been an unstoppable force in the last year or so, putting out jangly college rock vibes that make use of twinkly guitars, lilting vocals, and blistering paces. “Alaska” seems like a step forward for the group – excellent production values certainly help, but the song itself is a neurotic listen through jangle-pop bliss. The bass guitar is thumping, the guitars are plucky and spry (thanks Rickenbacker), and the tempo is fast enough to make this a must-hear on your next trip to Milkie’s or Nietzsche’s. The video itself is a good time too – music videos are notoriously tricky, but the live performance captured is all-smiles and on point, while a CRT tv provides just enough vintage charm to keep it cool and[...]

‘Multo’ Stripped Down: Looking at Why Vulnerability is Terrifying Through the Lens of Cup of Joe’s Song

February 24, 2026

Filipino band Cup of Joe has been making waves in the OPM (Original Pinoy Music) scene since 2019, with hits such as “Alas Dose,” “Mananatili,” and “Estranghero.” But in 2025, the Baguio-based group dominated international music charts with “Multo,” a track from their album, “Silakbo.” The song hauntingly explores grief, regret, and healing, themes that resonate with any human being with a beating heart—despite it being in Tagalog. And if it wasn’t enough for it to gnaw at people’s emotions for months, Cup of Joe released a stripped-down version of the song in January 2026, yet again stirring emotions.   To Strip Down a Ghost   ‘“Multo”’ is described by music critics as a synth-pop, pop-rock ballad that evokes a melancholic sense. At first listen, you wouldn’t think the song is about reminiscing, regret, and introspection because of its lively and welcoming beginning beat. That is, until the lyrics begin,[...]

Chewbeats ft. Dylan Gray – “End of Times”

February 24, 2026

UK beatmaker Chewbeats cooked up an wasteland of desolate drones on his latest track “End of Times,” joined by the baron of barren in his countryman emcee Dylan Gray. Chewbeats‘ atmosphere is distinctly grey, cold, post-human. Dylan’s lyrical motifs lean into the steely drones, “thinking ’bout the end” as he contemplates antisocial behavior. The track comes in tightly under 2 minutes, and does damage in its time. The liminality Chew crafts with the layers of drones and beeps will suck you in, and the you can’t tell if the exit is nearby or if that’s the same corner you already took. Be sure to check back in with Chewbeats on March 17th, for the release of  Classe 90 out on 17.03.2026 via Rhinestone Cowboy. YouTube might not let you in – make sure to watch these visuals on YouTube and look for the song on streaming soon.

Mother Nature’s Son – “Angel Attack”

February 23, 2026

Buffalo’s Mother Nature’s Son has just shared a new single, “Angel Attack,” from their upcoming album, The Seven People You Meet In Heaven. Taking queues from sardonic-but-literate emo/pop-punk acts like Say Anything, Motion City Soundtrack, and Ludo before them, “Angel Attack” threads the needle between sneering and smiling – pairing squiggly keyboard tones and crunchy guitars with lyrics that touch on demons, ego death, and being kissed suddenly on the cheek. Musically, the song’s synth-smooched approach gives it a uniquely airy mouthfeel – and the slightly-swung, guitar-driven backbone culminates in a cool, phaser-laden solo. At any rate, MNS knows how to craft a catchy hook, and if “Angel Attack” is any indication, The Seven People You Meet In Heaven is going to be full of inescapable melodies.   Check out “Angel Attack” via the YouTube embed below. Other ways to stream/support can be found here.    

sad alex x Grayson Foster – “Eyes First”

February 21, 2026

sad alex and Grayson Foster teamed up for this super tasty indie-pop jam they’re calling “Eyes First.” An ode to falling in love with your eyes first (instead of your heart, which we can’t in good faith totally recommend), “Eyes First” is a perfect duet between alex/Foster that encapsulates that feeling of being overwhelmingly attracted to someone. I know our society questions love at first sight (and rightfully so), but if it did/does exist, the bubbling indie pop that these two crafted together is just about as close to what happens in your brain when you see your new beau.   “Eyes First” is available on YouTube (below) and Spotify.    

The Dahmers – “Underdog”

February 21, 2026

The Dahmers are no doubt inspired by horror films (and the DIY spirit, which I suppose could also be tied to their namesake in a sick way), but their latest song, “Underdog,” is a blast of sunshine-y power pop. Trading bloodied knives for infectious hooks and a wry smile, “Underdog” is a blast of refined Swedish energy, complete with chiming guitars, nimble basslines, and enough vocal hooks to keep it stuck in your head for a week.   You can find “Underdog” on bandcamp (below), or, on Spotify.   CREATURE FEATURE by The Dahmers

Tōth – “Thoughts Are Like Clouds”

February 20, 2026

Tōth is the brainchild of Alex Toth and holy fuck is “Thoughts Are Like Clouds” the weirdest/funniest trip I’ve had in a minute! It meanders with a sense of whimsy with smooth as fuck bass and guitar, with some surprise trumpet thrown in for good measure. Gave me some Andrew Bird vibes but only slightly; Tōth is on a whole ‘nother plain of existence. Speaking to the track, Toth said:   “I’m pretty sure I was in a recovery meeting and a friend of mine shared with the group in a thick New York accent ‘thoughts are like clouds in the sky of your brain or whatever’ and it tickled me deeply.”   You can see the music video below from YouTube as well as the usual suspects of Spotify, Apple Music, and Bandcamp (but definitely check out the video). It cleverly turns into a sort of lyric video with[...]

Shirehead – “Zero degrees”

February 20, 2026

The name may sound like my buddy who embraces the Hobbitcore lifestyle, but Shirehead is a Montreal based-band and not affiliated with him. “Zero degrees” is their latest release, based on the lead singer’s time living in a van in Spain during the winter. It sounds appropriately stressful and… lonely? Difficult to capture that but Shirehead delivers in spades with the mood. The synth tone they use gives a goth post-punk feel and if you pay any sort of attention, we love that shit and are here for it.   You can hear “Zero degrees” below from Bandcamp or on Spotify. The band’s first album is due out soon, so follow on the band’s IG if you haven’t already!   Zero degrees by shirehead

Lesser Birds – “Buffalo”

February 20, 2026

“Buffalo” is an oddly specific name for a song, is someone trying to curry favor with us?! Evidently not, but Lesser Birds has roots here as two members are University at Buffalo alums. You can argue for or against Boston being an upgrade, but I won’t wade into that; ask me about my khakis or my car keys but not both.   Aficionados of post-punk will appreciate the various smatterings of sounds that pop up (including some brassy sounding instruments). The track warps and shifts around and adopts a prog-ish experimental vibe – although, where post-punk ends and prog rock begins, who can say? Speaking to the track the band had this to say:   “Buffalo is a meditation on change, loss, and the quiet pull of home. The song captures the tension between nostalgia and escape, the reluctance of chasing a new life while still haunted by where you[...]

Caleb L’Etoile – “Gun”

February 20, 2026

Caleb L’Etoile brings us his latest with the incredibly relevant “Gun.” I won’t get super political, but I’m sure you’ll be able to guess which way Caleb leans within five seconds of watching his music video below. It starts off feeling like a folksy/sea shanty track but shifts the vibe and turns things up to 11. Caleb suggests that the performance below is critical to the overall reception of the track – luckily, we’re fans of the whole package, and have embedded for your convenience.   “Gun” is available streaming via Spotify or below with his Tiny Desk Performance submission. If you want to know more, he did also throw up his musings on Substack. I’m sure my editor takes this out (editor’s note – he didn’t), but the shit happening in Minnesota and around the country isn’t normal and you should vote and support local artists. Release the *redacted*[...]

Feedback Freud – “Hypnosis”

February 20, 2026

Self-described Swedish psycho-pop-rockers Feedback Freud have dropped their latest with “Hypnosis.” It was honestly a treat to listen to and we’ve added it to my big ole mix of songs. It’s truly a raucous affair, with both drums and bass really pulling their weight. Equal parts funk, pop, punk, and psyched-out-whatever really combine into a truly fun track that rewards you for a close listen or ten. You wouldn’t think a band named after guy who thought his mom was hot would write something this catchy… Or maybe they’re the best examples? We’re here for it.   You can hear “Hypnosis” embedded below or on Spotify. No true music video I could find, but that’s level of awesome that we just aren’t ready for as human race because it would probably melt our collective faces.          

Bobby JaGGerJacK – “I Regret It”

February 16, 2026

Cleveland hip hop artist Bobby JaGGerJacK deals with loss through reflection on his latest track, “I Regret It.” Break-ups and personal tragedy inspired JaGGerJacK to get it all out through his pen. Sometimes there are regrets, but sometimes there aren’t. Either way, it’s important to take a step back and look at the rewind. A delicate guitar crawls its way underneath Bobby’s raps on this track, serving as an emotional anchor for Bobby’s lyrics. Add this one to your conscious hip hop tracks – Bobby’s delivery sounds like it’d pair well with some of the best emcees of the alternative 90s hip hop scene. If you’re feeling “I Regret It,” check out our Hip Hop 2026 playlist on Spotify, featuring JaGGerJacK and other exciting rising artists.