And just like that – we’re back! We hope you all had a relaxing holiday break and got a chance to finally recover from the dumpster fire that was 2025. Whatever the case, let’s start 2026 off right with some fresh new tunes to occupy your playlist! Since we were off for two weeks, we’re also including a some music that came out while we were gone that shouldn’t be overlooked.
The first releases from our Most Anticipated Albums of 2026 list are from British rockers The Cribs, and alt. country megastar Zach Bryan – both out today for all to enjoy. And making sure it doesn’t get lost as it came out on NYE, Dexter and the Moonrocks dropped a new EP.
After being a go-to collaborator and doing Silk Sonic, Bruno Mars has finally finished his next album and dropped its first single. The always-dependable Thermals came back over the break with a solid cut, and we got a somber ballad from Echosmith‘s Sydney Quiseng. Sammy Volkov and Stephen Sanchez have dropped a new soul jams, and UltraBomb came back with an ultra-fast punk banger. MGK shared a b-side from Lost Americana, and The Format dropped one more song from their soon-to-come new album. Folk lovers will enjoy the new Iron & Wine, Mumford & Sons and Father John Misty tracks, as well as Rocky Votolato‘s Jeff Buckley cover.
The legendary Peter Gabriel is readying another new album, and shared its first single this last week, while Joyce Manor released the third song from their new album which comes out later this month. Other acts returning to the list this week include The Black Crowes, Joe Caruso, Bad Luck, Flora Cash, TJ Rosenthal, Six Going on Seven, Calling All Captains, Tessa Rose Jackson, Kurt Baker, Guv, Girl Scout, Tiger’s Jaw, Big Special, Ski Team, Endearments, Glassio, Ailbhe Reddy, Gran Moreno, A Wilhelm Scream, Seahaven and The Animeros.
And let’s bring on some new artists for the new year, like Stan Graham, Red Output, Brett Adam Sherman, Sunset Rebellion, The Wild Eyed Kids, Pressgang Mutiny, Solya, Coma Girls, Danz CM, Jason P. Woodbury, Sunnan, August Ponthier, Mon Rovia, Kashush Culpepper, Emmalee Rainbow, Lawson Rollins and Tiger Really.
If you don’t already, follow our New Music Friday Playlist and stream all the new tunes mentioned above.
The Indy Review 