Top New Tracks
5) MX LONELY – “ALL MONSTERS” (2026)
The band’s name comes from their track “Mr. Lonely”, a track inspired by a run-in with a sleep paralysis demon. Acting as the mascot for the band, members’ idea of a nightmarish MX Lonely guides the group’s tendency to put words to the shadowy feeling of the unknown. Since 2022, the four-piece group has been producing analog alt-rock and heavy noise. Their New York punk sound has developed as they have expanded their ranks, adding bassist Gabriel Garman and drummer Andrew Rapp to the original duo of lead vocalist Rae Haas and guitarist Jake Harms.
Off to a heavy start, “Big Hips” kicks off our Gems with a moody bassline and a slow build to some excellent overdriven guitarwork.
4) Lala Lala – “Heaven 2” (2026)
The brainchild of Lillie West, Lala Lala is a Los Angeles-based indie rock project. Daughter of “Con Air” filmmaker Simon West, West attended Los Angeles County High School for the Arts and followed up with enrollment in the Art Institute of Chicago but dropped out after a year to pursue her own artistic career. The band’s 2016 debut “Sleepyhead” and 2018 sophomore release “The Lamb” were both breakout successes, earning praise from outlets like Pitchfork. Since then, she has opened for a number of fellow indie artists, including Phoebe Bridgers and Death Cab for Cutie.
Our highlighted track, “This City” is energetically charged and perfectly representative of the free-spirited rock-tinged mid-2020s pop sound.
3) waterbaby – “Memory Be a Blade” (2026)
Bedroom pop artist waterbaby hails from Stockholm, Sweden and has been expanding on her alternative sound since her 2023 EP “Foam”. The EP featured her low-key vocals being applied to indie/R&B tracks, bordering multiple genres yet heralding a unique sound. Her latest release, “Memory Be a Blade” is the result of her work with collaborator Marcus White. Her songwriting on this album takes on a much more personal tone, reflecting on themes of nostalgia and growth.
“Beck n call” is a piano-centric groove with layered smoothed vocals and diverse but subtle instrumentation.
2) Alexis Taylor – “Paris In The Spring” (2026)
Most known as the multi-instrumentalist and vocalist at the helm of England synth group Hot Chip, Alexis Taylor’s solo career has explored the avant-garde side of his home genre. While his primary instrument of choice has often been the synthesizer (or, more often, his voice), he has brushed up on the guitar and drums in sequence with his involvement in indie rock band About Group.
This week, “Out of Phase” takes the cake, a track oozing with electro house sensibilities.
1) Gnarls Barkley – “Atlanta” (2026)
The chart-topping project Gnarls Barkley was born from the partnership of singer-songwriter and rapper CeeLo Green and record producer Danger Mouse. After their 2006 debut album and ensuing success of the release’s hit single “Crazy”, the duo created a second album in 2008 then took a step back to pursue their independent careers. The two accumulated a number of awards within this short two-year phase, including Best Alternative Album 2006’s “St. Elsewhere” at the Grammy’s and the 2007 BET Award for Best Group. “Atlanta” comes after their sixteen-year hiatus and was cited as their final album, capping off the project’s lifespan with a retrospective view of their sound’s evolution.
“Turn Your Heart Back On” is our pick from this release, where descending chord progressions accompany lively lyrical delivery.
Top Tracks of the Week
5) Paramore – “Paramore” (2013)
Active from 2004-2025, pop-punk legends and two-time Grammy winners Paramore is no stranger to the airwaves. Following their first introduction to the charts with their “All We Know Is Falling” debut in 2005, the group saw mainstream success with their next two releases in 2007 and 2009, “Riot!” and “Brand New Eyes” respectively. They have also appeared in the Sims universe, recording a Simlish version of “Pressure” for The Sims 2.
A top pick for DJ-athon, “Anklebiters” is one of today’s energetic springtime throwbacks.
4) Samm Henshaw – “It Could Be Worse” (2026)
Born and raised in South London, Samm Henshaw’s love for music originated the gospel music that scored his childhood. The son of a reverend, singer- songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Henshaw released his first EP in 2015. His work centers around pop-inspired R&B and soul, his earliest inspirations including Stevie Wonder and D’Angelo. He has supported both Chance the Rapper and Allen Stone on tour and his work has been featured in multiple artistic projects, including the 2022 film Hustle.
Today we’re showcasing a personal favorite from the album, “Hair Down”, an excellent and uplifting track.
3) Smashing Pumpkins – “Siamese Dream” (1993)
A group that needs no introduction, but we will introduce anyways because that is why we are here, Smashing Pumpkins has been at the forefront of the alternative rock and grunge scene since 1988. Led by inimitable frontman and guitarist Billy Corgan, the group saw massive success with their 1993 “Siamese Dream” and their alt-rock holy text “Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness” in 1996.
Taking it back, “Today” is the epitome of 90s alternative rock sensibilities, reverberated by a number of this week’s top charting releases.
2) Gorillaz – “The Mountain” (2026)
A mainstay in the alternative/hip-hop scene since their self-titled debut in 2001, Gorillaz consist of four cartoon band members. Behind the scenes, the creators of Gorillaz are none other than Blur frontman Damon Albarn and illustrator and artist Jamie Hewlett. Known for their specialty of scouring far and wide for unique features, this newest release features artists like Sparks, IDLES, and two returning artists who were previously collaborators on “Plastic Beach”: Paul Simonon and a posthumous contribution from Bobby Womack.
Our pick this week, “The Sweet Prince” opens with a mellifluous combo of flutes and the harp, leading into a buoyantly tempoed track.
1) Sword II – “Electric Hour” (2025)
Sword II is composed of three multi-instrumentalists and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. The post-punk group includes Certain Zuko, Mari González, and Travis Arnold. Originally dubbed “Evil Sword”, the trio has released two full albums in 2025 (“Electric Hour”) and 2023 (“Spirit World Tour”), as well as one EP in 2020. Their sound comes from a wide range of genres and eras, pulling from the Atlanta DIY scene as well as broader alternative rock artists. Though the group is still new, they have already opened for artists like feeble little horse and look to perform larger concerts in the coming years.
“Even if it’s Just a Dream” takes on an ethereal dreampop sound, leading to a more subdued close for the punk record.