First Listen: New Releases for February 27, 2026
Album: Carnival
Quick Thoughts: I believe this is my first exposure to the alt-rock stylings of Vona Vella, but my goodness what an introduction it is. Carnival mixes alt trappings with a power pop sheen in songs as catchy as "Bear Trap" and "You Can Be So Ugly" with other great tracks that show the breadth of their talents. An amazing listen.
Songs of Note: "Bass Driver," "You Can Be So Ugly," "Over and Over," "Settle Down," "Brand New Boy," "Selfish Dogs," "Bear Trap"
Album: Doomsday...Don't Leave Me Here
Quick Thoughts: Rosie Carney leans into dreampop a lot with this latest album, and it works really well. I find her work consistently compelling; she offers a type of musical perspective that sets her apart from others, and it shows in songs like "Sixteen," one that stuck with me for a while after hearing it for the first time. A great album this week, don't miss out.
Songs of Note: "Everything is Wrong," "Fragile Fantasy," "In My Blue," "The Evidence," "Sixteen," "Down"
Album: Existence is Bliss
Quick Thoughts: I don't know if I've ever listened to Deadletter before, but this album ensures that I will listen again. The baritone vocals and dancable music are definitely reminiscent of a number of acts out there, but Deadletter sets themselves apart with what I can best describe as clarity? I don't know for sure, but I do know that every time a song from this came on it grabbed my attention. Give this some time.
Songs of Note: "Purity I," "It Comes Creeping," "Cheers!" "(Back to) The Scene of the Crime," "He, Himself, and Him"
Album: Gained / Lost
Quick Thoughts: When this album hit my queue, I thought back to the first song I remember from them, "I Love You Like a Madman." I was then reminded that a song I thought was merely a few years old came out in 2008. Needless to say, The Wave Pictures have been at this for a while now and this album both highlights their indie veteran status while also reminding me how underrated they are. "You're My Patient Now" is a real highlight, as is the self-referential "Faded Wave Pictures T-Shirt," but this would work as a truly solid introduction to the band for anyone.
Songs of Note: "Alice," "Sure and Steady," "You're My Patient Now," "Faded Wave Pictures T-Shirt," "Samuel"
Album: a short history of decay
Quick Thoughts: 2026 continues its "year of shoegaze, kinda" with the latest from NOTHING. This truly leans a little more alt than fuzz, to be clear, but NOTHING has a strong fan base specifically because they pull off songs like "toothless coal" with ease. Loved this record, check it out.
Songs of Note: "a short history of decay," "the rain don't care," "toothless coal," "essential tremors," "nerve scales"
Album: The Mountain
Quick Thoughts: It will never stop amusing me that Damon Albarn will be known in the United States more for Gorillaz than Blur, and the fact that we're 25 years into this project is insane. The Mountain isn't perfect, but it's got more than enough going for it over its runtime to be one of the better late-era Gorillaz records. Of course, many will flock to this for the guest spots, and the Sparks-featuring "The Happy Dictator" and "The God of Lying" with Idles are both really solid songs on their own right. Make time for this one.
Songs of Note: "The Happy Dictator," "Orange County," "The God of Lying," "The Manifesto," "The Plastic Guru," "Casablanca," "The Sad God"
Album: Rockie
Quick Thoughts: This album came out a few weeks back but "Do You Want To Take Me To Heaven" was sent over to me and it's a really great, Twin Peaks-y song that got me to listen to the whole album. Rockie Rode jumps genres and concepts throughout its runtime, but what's really compelling about this is that the chaos has order to it. "Rockie Karaoke" doesn't sound a lot like "Sexy," but they both work really well together. This was absolutely my cup of tea, and might be yours, too.
Songs of Note: "Do You Want To Take Me To Heaven?" "Rockie Karaoke," "On Our Knees," "Sexy," "I'm So Wasted"
Of Note:
* FORAGER - Even a Child Can Cover the Sun With a Finger
* Kingdom of Birds - Vermin
* Heavenly - Highway to Heavenly
* Bicep - Motion Override
* ShitKid - The Essential
* Buck Meek - The Mirror
* 2charm - star scum city
* Bill Callahan - My Days of 58
* David August - Hymns
* Anthony Naples - In Studio Magic
* Jupe Jupe - King of Sorrows
* Star Moles - Highway to Hell
* Ria Rua - S C A P E G.O.A.T.
* Maria BC - Marathon
* Cootie Catcher - Something We All Got
* Mitski - Nothing's About to Happen to Me
* Voxtrot - Dreamers in Exile
* Iron & Wine - Hen's Teeth
* Lala Lala - Heaven 2
* Hannah Schneider - In This Room
* BRUX - Halycon Phase
* deathcrash - Somersaults
* Kwes. - Kinds
* Will Dailey - Boys Talking
EPs:
* Ken Park - Ken Park
* Grace Inspace - Heavy Hair
* Fleur Electra - Strike the Match
* Old 97's - One More Ride: Old 97's Perform the Songs of Johnny Cash
* Common Holly - They Will Draw Halos Around Our Heads
Live Albums / Compilations / Reissues:
* Clem Snide - Suburban Field Recordings Volume 4
* Pet Shop Boys - Dreamworld - The Greatest Hits Live
