“Why do you think King David killed Uriah in cold blood?”

Kills me that this doesn’t get more attention, such an impressive and summery project reminiscent of Frank Ocean to me. Love his voice and the experimentation on display here, not a single song feels misplaced or lacking. Deserves his flowers, one of the biggest hidden gems I’ve come across.

Favourites: King David, Gem, Motherland
Least favourites: N/A

This was like a litmus test for how much my music taste has changed. Reminds me a lot of the NewDad release last year in which it was solid soft indie rock, but god we’ve got enough of it already. I wouldn’t even be against listening to this again, there’s just little reason to and I would inevitably zone out. Would’ve loved it a couple years ago though, but this sound has been quite oversaturated for me. Nice sounding album overall, even though nothing really jumps out ... read more

“Will I find beauty again in this life?”

This album crept up on me as an algorithm recommendation a while ago and I thought I’d give it a go with low expectations. Those expectations were blown out the water. This is such a soft and endearing blend of genres that really feels in tune with nature above all else. Can’t praise this enough for how well it functions and is crafted, every guitar piece is brimming with life and personality. A very special album (that was also ... read more

“Isn’t like I do this on purpose, I just forget the second I’ve learned it”

Juliens best record, and probably my second favourite album overall from the acclaimed Boygenius trio. I think this more rock oriented style fits her so nicely, the depth of her vocals are framed very well by it, and the vocals themselves are outstanding. Very vulnerable and soothing, must listen for anyone remotely interested in this sort of indie scene popularised by Bridgers and ... read more

“You know our bodies move in unison, the answers within that”

Pinegrove hold an important place in my heart, and I’m not even entirely sure why. Like many, I heard “Need 2” and was intrigued, so I played this compilation in hope that more of that sound would lie within it. I initially rejected the almost country/folk sound, but grew warmer and warmer to each track over time. Incredibly alluring lyricism set to wistful, campfire instrumentals, absolutely love these ... read more

“I guess it’s fair, we look nothing like we used to”

Where I mark the “end” of RKS, or at least the turning point for them as a band. A good send off, short and sweet, I have a soft spot for it.

“Morning in America and I don’t know what this started”

Very solid indie rock I’d fit into a similar vein to the scenes front runners (Fontaines and Wunderhorse), nothing much out of the ordinary here, but they have a sound they want to make and they make it damn well.

Favourites: Pumpkin, Scream, Shimmer
Least favourites: N/A

I didn’t really get much from this :( None of these tracks did anything I found to be very interesting, and I somehow found its short 29 minute runtime to drag a little. Inoffensive background music that feels without much passion.

Favourites: N/A
Least favourites: N/A

“Freefall back onto something sound; common ground”

Was completely hooked on their prior 2019 release, so was very excited upon finding out this was releasing. I don’t think this really hits any of the highs I appreciate about the band, the vocals feel a little lacking and the songs don’t feel completely sure of themselves? Well crafted and intentioned, sure, but I found myself slightly underwhelmed across the board, despite quite a few stand out moments. It just feels ... read more

“I’m in your city, can you show me around it?”

I was not expecting to fuck with this so much, similar to the underscores release last week. I think in ways that album eased me into this, I might even prefer this in some areas. Really adore the more abrasive, brash and confident atmosphere this takes on, very catchy and indescribably addicting. The lyricism isn’t anything profound, but that’s not typically why anyone comes to this genre, it simply just sounds ... read more

"Threw his head back like a pelican and straightened his tie"

Semi-controversially, I think this is an all round improvement over their debut, each song feeling like it bears a purpose. The breach into a more grungy and punk sound is also far more up my alley. I hope they continue coming into their own, as they still sound a little conventional in their approach, but the improvement and potential is clearly visible.

Favourites: Midas, Silver, July
Least favourites: N/A

"I've got something to live for, and so much to give"

Wunderhorse are one of the best bands in the indie scene at the moment, and their first album showcases a good amount of why that is. Encapsulating the 90's, there are some high highs here amongst quite a bit of filler. Very pretty filler, but nothing that stands effectively on its own two feet. You can tell this is an indie bands debut by its overall unwillingness to do anything out of the ordinary, bar ... read more

"A tales a ton you take for fun when I'm your queen"

I'm shocked at how low this is rated, it may be my Vernon bias, but this is such an interesting and enveloping album that had me hooked from first listen. Drenched in 80's nostalgia, I love the communitive nature of the album and the sheer volume of genres touched on here, it makes for a very joyful and summery listen.

Favoourites: Gaudy, Cry, No Sweat
Least favourites: N/A

"Surface splits to prism, a chorus-less rhythm"

Vernon just always had it. A beautiful collection of pre-Bon Iver songs that showcase the DNA of "For Emma". The slow finish here leans more into a tailing off effect than a cathartic finish, but on a whole, this project is extremely good for such an early release. "hazelton", "frail sail" and "liner" are some of Vernons best, even today.

Favourites: hazelton, frail sail, liner
Least favourites: ... read more

"What does it mean to see him, now all this time has passed?

After just seeing her live, I'm reminded of how great this album is. I didn't expect to even remotely like, never mind love it at first. The mix of quite endearing and relatable lyrics about youth in the age of the internet combined with glimmers of my fathers EDM taste created a unique sense of nostalgia that really stuck with me. I love how grounded the project feels despite its fairly chaotic soundscape, and how ... read more

What did you hear when the lights were almost out? What of the final flicker at the crux?

A project that sinks its claws right into my chest, these sounds loiter and stray and meander, they hover and simply exist, as if they've been writhing all along under the silt. I feel so infinitely small when listening into this collection, yet so firmly a part of all that is. A crushing and freeing experience.

There is a machine abandoned someplace unfindable that splutters and barks this ad ... read more

"Opened my eyes and forgot all of the notes, by any chance, do you know how it goes?"

Was quite excited for this since my friend recommended me Aprils past album, which I enjoyed though found a little disjointed and varied in quality. My friend then showed me "Do It" which got me hooked. This album delivered on pretty much every front I wanted it to. My one gripe was how short it feels, and it could've used another song in a similar vein to "Do It" as it ... read more

A fun project that didn't really stick with me much, nothing was glaringly bad, but nothing really intrigued me either. It felt a lot like throwing a lot of ideas to see what sticks, and the amount of people here made it feel a little clustered at points, though I did like this "large" feeling of many contributors. This collective do show a fair bit of potential here, though.

Favourites: PHONY, HOOPTY
Least favourites: THE SCYTHE, UP

"Les chimères auxquelles on souscrit pour simplement survivre"

Very heavy hitting release from the French melodic hardcore one-man band. At some points, it begins to sound very similar to itself, but it's a great sound so I don't mind the homogeneity too much, and there's enough quirks to ensure there's always something to grab your attention. An extremely devastating album and experience, sure to stick with you.

Favourites: Château de cartes, ... read more

"If we stand here long enough, the sun will move around us"

Really fantastic album, my favourite release of 2026 so far, it has very interesting delivery at points, with great sounding arrangements. Adore the variation of sound here while still remaining consistent. All round energetic and clearly tentative release that reminds me heavily of spring.

Favourites: Today Was Worse, Harry, Spicy Pt.1
Least favourites: N/A