Appalachian songwriter Darrin Hacquard has released his highly anticipated album ‘Weights & Measures’, out now on all major platforms. The record is spearheaded by the single “Drunken Philosopher,” a soulful ode to the “drunken sage” archetype that blends Hacquard’s signature wit with the gritty, autobiographical storytelling that has made him a cult favorite in the Kentucky songwriting circuit. Drawing from a life that includes time in a string band with John R. Miller as well as stints in rehab and county lock-up, the album serves as a masterful “soundtrack to doing something you’ll regret.” From jail cells in Pennsylvania to the quiet hope of a long ride home, Hacquard’s lyrics explore the repercussions of hard living and the pursuit of self-actualization. Accompanied by a music video that mirrors Plato’s allegory of the cave using local tavern regulars, ‘Weights & Measures’ solidifies Hacquard’s place in the upper echelon of contemporary songwriters, delivering a poignant and honest reflection on the face of desolation.
G Flip Unleashes ‘80s Nostalgia on New Studio Album ‘Dream Ride’
Australian powerhouse G Flip has officially released their new studio album, ‘Dream Ride’, a project the artist describes as an “’80s Butch Springsteen fantasy” born from over 100 demo sessions in Los Angeles. Out now, the ten-track collection is celebrated with a vibrant music video for the standout track “Bed On Fire,” an anthemic exploration of queer identity and defiance against the artist’s Catholic school upbringing. Produced alongside Aidan Hogg, the record leans heavily into the cinematic theatrics of the 1980s, featuring massive drum tones, epic solos, and bright, nostalgic soundscapes designed for high-energy dancing and long drives. G Flip intentionally blended the “larger-than-life” aesthetics of the past with modern, present-day vulnerability to create a sonic world that feels both familiar and entirely original. From the soaring production to the deeply personal lyrics of “Bed On Fire,” ‘Dream Ride’ marks a bold evolution for G Flip, inviting listeners into a world where big emotions and high-octane musicality take center stage.
Winona Fighter Expands Their Debut with ‘My Apologies To The Chef Deluxe’
Nashville-based punk trio Winona Fighter has released the digital deluxe edition of their acclaimed debut album, ‘My Apologies To The Chef’, out now via Rise Records. This expanded version features the new single “(Don’t Get) CLOSE” alongside high-energy covers of Beastie Boys’ “Sabotage” and Violent Femmes’ “Blister In The Sun.” Most notably, the deluxe set includes raw acoustic reinterpretations of every track from the original release, with frontwoman Coco Kinnon describing the recordings as intimate sessions featuring the band gathered around a single microphone. By incorporating live elements that have naturally evolved on stage, the project aims to showcase the group’s versatility as musicians beyond their high-octane studio sound. Kinnon hopes the release encourages both fans and fellow artists to step outside their comfort zones and embrace the raw joy of simply playing together.
Primal Fear Reclaims the Throne with New Album ‘Domination’
German metal titans Primal Fear have released their crushing new studio album, ‘Domination’, out now via Atomic Fire Records. The 13-track record is spearheaded by the anthemic single “I Am The Primal Fear,” a relentless showcase of the band’s signature power metal engine. Featuring the soaring vocals of Ralf Scheepers and the debut of the band’s new “guitar dream team,” Thalia Bellazecca and Magnus Karlsson, the track serves as a fierce declaration of resilience. Bassist Mat Sinner and drummer Andre Hilger provide the thunderous foundation for an album that Scheepers describes as a “worst nightmare” for those who doubted the band’s longevity. After nearly three decades, ‘Domination’ proves the eagle has returned with renewed strength, delivering an uncompromising statement that solidifies their place at the top tier of the international heavy metal scene.
Joseph Arthur and Peter Buck Reunite for ‘Arthur Buck 2’
Arthur Buck, the acclaimed partnership of singer-songwriter Joseph Arthur and R.E.M. guitarist Peter Buck, has released their much-anticipated sophomore album, ‘Arthur Buck 2’, out now via Lonely Astronaut Records. Marking their first new collection since 2018, the duo joined forces with Grammy-winning producer Jacknife Lee and an all-star lineup including Scott McCaughey, Linda Pitmon, and Gregg Foreman. The album is highlighted by the single “Fall In Love With Me,” a track Arthur describes as a fun tune about winning someone over. The release cements the pair’s reputation for blending inventive arrangements with raw rock energy, featuring contributions from Buck’s longtime collaborators in The Minus 5 and The Baseball Project.
The album’s release is accompanied by a striking music video for “Fall In Love With Me,” filmed in Clermont-Ferrand, France. Director Amelie Chopinet captures Arthur in a split-screen visual as he attempts an ambitious underwater breath-hold, a performance that added a layer of physical intensity and “internal claustrophobia” to the shoot. Clad in silver pants and surrounded by artifacts submerged in a rain-soaked pool, the video serves as a cinematic companion to the track’s upbeat narrative. By combining Jacknife Lee’s polished production with the duo’s signature experimental spirit, ‘Arthur Buck 2’ stands as a vibrant and sophisticated evolution of their musical partnership.
Sheryl Kaskowitz Reveals a Secret New Deal Era in ‘A Chance to Harmonize’
In ‘A Chance to Harmonize: How FDR’s Hidden Music Unit Sought to Save America from the Great Depression—One Song at a Time’, author and music scholar Sheryl Kaskowitz reveals a fascinating, long-forgotten chapter of American history. Released by Pegasus Books, the narrative follows the Music Unit of the 1930s, a government initiative led by figures like Charles Seeger and Margaret Valiant. This group traveled to federal homesteads across Appalachia and the rural South, recording over 800 folk songs to boost morale and foster a sense of cooperative identity among those devastated by the economic collapse. Though the program was eventually shuttered by a conservative Congress wary of its “socialistic” leanings, Kaskowitz argues that its efforts effectively laid the foundation for the 1960s folk revival and the careers of icons like Woody Guthrie and Pete Seeger.
Drawing on previously unreleased archival materials and the unit’s complete collection of field recordings, Kaskowitz provides an intimate look at how music was weaponized as a tool for social cohesion. The book highlights the work of Sidney Robertson, who captured the raw sounds of a struggling nation, and illustrates how the Roosevelt administration viewed cultural heritage as an essential resource for national recovery. By exploring this “undiscovered chapter,” ‘A Chance to Harmonize’ offers a poignant reflection on the power of song to provide hope and belonging during the darkest periods of the American experience, making it an essential read for history buffs and musicologists alike.
Keith Cameron Chronicles the Legacy of Manic Street Preachers in New Definitive History
Acclaimed author Keith Cameron has released 168 Songs of Hatred and Failure: The Music of Manic Street Preachers, a definitive hardcover history of the legendary Welsh rock band, out now. Written with the band’s full co-operation, the book traces their unique trajectory from the mining communities of South Wales to global stadium stardom. Cameron utilizes many hours of new interviews to dive deep into their vast discography, exploring the intellectual and emotional “geometry of contempt” that defined their early years with Richey Edwards and the remarkable commercial rebirth that followed his 1995 disappearance.
The narrative spans from their 1988 debut single “Suicide Alley” to the creative peaks of their 2025 album ‘Critical Thinking’, framing the band’s music as the catalyst for their survival and cultural relevance. Cameron masterfully charts an artistic universe where Karl Marx, The Clash, and New Order coexist, capturing what bassist Nicky Wire famously dubbed “the fabulous disaster.” This exhaustive study offers fans an intimate look at the restlessness and working-class pride that fueled multi-million-selling records like ‘Everything Must Go’, serving as a majestic soundtrack to three decades of history, loss, and creative redemption.
Fredo Bang Confronts His Past on Raw New Single “Traumatized Child”
Baton Rouge artist Fredo Bang has released his latest single and cinematic visual, “Traumatized Child,” a vulnerable lead-in to his new 11-track EP, ‘Kreature Muzik’, out now via EMPIRE. Filmed in his hometown, the music video provides a dreamlike yet unflinching look at the streets that shaped him, perfectly mirroring the song’s themes of betrayal, survival, and melodic honesty. The project serves as a powerful tribute to his roots, notably featuring posthumous contributions from his late collaborators Da Real Gee Money and Blvd Quick.
Ava Della Pietra Embraces Independence with Vibrant New Single “Single for Life”
Singer-songwriter Ava Della Pietra has released her latest single, “Single for Life,” accompanied by a high-concept music video that blends personal storytelling with cinematic humor. The track explores the shifting dynamics of friendship and the surreal comedy of modern dating, sparked by the relatable tension that arises when a best friend prioritizes a new relationship. From a slumber party opening to a montage of disastrous speed-dating encounters—featuring everything from shirtless posers to iguana enthusiasts—the visuals capture a lighthearted jealousy spiral and the eventual embrace of self-identity. Choreographed with a playful “friends goofing off” energy, the video builds on the stylistic foundations of Della Pietra’s previous work, such as ‘Marionette’ and ‘Moon Over Capri’, while marking her most accessible and narrative-driven release to date. With a final wink toward the fluidity of relationships, “Single for Life” serves as a bold anthem for anyone navigating the joyful chaos of being on their own.
PRESIDENT Issues a Call to Resistance with New Single “Destroy Me”
Anonymous collective PRESIDENT has released their powerful new single “Destroy Me,” a track that has quickly become a standout fixture in their high-intensity live sets. The single serves as the final preview of their debut EP, ‘King of Terrors’, which arrived on September 26 via King of Terrors / ADA. Taking its title from biblical imagery, the EP explores the intersections of darkness, religion, and mortality through a blend of heavy music, electronic experimentation, and cinematic atmosphere. The release has propelled the group into a busy touring season, beginning with a series of high-profile “U.S. Rallies” this December and an Australian run supporting Architects. Looking ahead to 2026, the band will embark on “The Campaign Trail,” their inaugural headline tour across the U.K. and Europe, which has already seen several dates sell out instantly. Described by the band as a “march” rather than a mere performance, this movement aims to unite listeners under a banner of volume and resistance, transforming their philosophical inquiries into a visceral, live-action statement.