ALBUM OF THE MONTH—MARCH: John Dwyer revives his solo project Damaged Bug for the fifth LP ZUZAX. It’s a refined and diverse LP that’s full of gems, weirdo bops and the experimentation he is known and appreciated for.

James Blake’s Trying Times is a beautiful and mature record that embraces love amid chaos— it’s also a brilliant showcase for the many sides of its author.

GUM’s seventh LP Blue Gum Way is all about the psychedelic journey— it builds in atmosphere and tension until it delivers thrilling conclusions.

Mitski explores vulnerability with a set of stunning arrangements on Nothing’s About To Happen To Me.

ALBUM OF THE MONTH: Gorillaz - The Mountain - Gorillaz explore gorgeous soundscapes, India and the afterlife to make their most excellent opus since Demon Days and Plastic Beach.

Baby Keem's highly anticipated sophomore effort Ca$ino is an exciting, concise and potent record that binds sonic diversity and raw truths together seamlessly for one hell of a ride.

Altın Gün’s Garip zooms in on their roots and expands their sense of atmosphere with some diverse and often brilliant arrangements.

Earth Tongue’s Dungeon Vision is purely satisfying heavy psych-rock that comes fully equipped with fuzz-smothered riffs, odd time signatures, fun medieval themes and some fresh new sounds for the band.

Our review recap of January 2026’s releases that caught our attention— before we launch our full year in February.

Snooper’ sophomore LP Worldwide has plenty of the hook-heavy, adrenaline-filled appeal of their debut with a few fun new tweaks.

Automatic’s third studio album Is It Now? is a fantastic record that scoffs at modern society's pitfalls while encouraging you to tear up the dance floor. It is joy within an act of resistance, and it might be their finest yet.

ALBUM OF THE MONTH: September- Geese return with their third album Getting Killed — it’s a unique record where chaos, dark humor, melancholy and beauty all coexist in harmony.

Season of The Peach by The Black Lips is a fun, diverse, ragged, good-old-time. It feels like twisted little trip through the late 60s.

Something To Consume by Die Spitz is a bold, impressive showcase of shifting vocalists and many heavy rock sub-genres all in one explosive debut.

You Heartbreaker, You finds Jehnny Beth harnessing her most ferocious spirit– the energy is palpable and the highlights are huge.

Who is the Sky? is a vibrant, accessible and joyous celebration of David Byrne’s optimism and unique perspective.

​​Guitar is a sparse and hazy scrapbook of riffs and moods where Mac DeMarco turns imperfection into its own subtle kind of beauty.

ALBUM OF THE MONTH: AUGUST - Osees return with a seriously loud, bizarre, and awesome record— Abomination Revealed At Last is a face-melting ripper that combines their 2020’s punk approach with their OG garage rock detours and quirks. (photo by Oliver Halfin)

With Alfredo II, the duo of Freddie Gibbs and The Alchemist deliver a cinematic, smooth and fully-satisfying sequel to their original, cult-classic collaboration.

Folk Bitch Trio’s debut album Now Would Be A Good Time is a harmonious, delightful and often stunning record. It’s a perfect introduction for a significantly talented group with a promising future.

by Beau Croxton