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C.ROSS Pairs Psych-Folk and Cosmic Rock on New Solo Effort ‘Future Site of C.ROSS’

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Canadian psych-rock veteran C.ROSS (Chad Ross) has officially released his newest solo album, ‘Future Site of C.ROSS’, through Echodelick Records. Known as a pillar of the Canadian underground for his work with Quest for Fire, Comet Control, and The Deadly Snakes, Ross utilizes this seven-song collection to dive deeper into a “mellowfuzz” blend of psych-folk and cosmic rock. Recorded and mixed by Joshua Wells (Destroyer, Black Mountain) at The Mango Pit in Chicago, the project serves as a sophisticated evolution of his 2022 debut ‘Skull Creator’. The record features a collaborative spirit, with Wells contributing drums and keys, Aaron Goldstein providing evocative pedal steel, and Eiyn Sof adding ethereal backing vocals. Written largely in “hermit mode” while Ross was living in the woods of Ontario, the album balances fuzzed-out guitar riffs with delicate acoustic arrangements.

The lead single “Plant Your Eyes” encapsulates the record’s grounded yet otherworldly aesthetic, pairing “Crazy Horse fuzzed-out riffage” with lyrics exploring the constant vibration of the unknown. Other standout tracks like “Faster Than the Light” lean into a more traditional band energy, bridging the gap between Ross’s heavy psychedelic past and his more recent, introspective solo work. Critics have praised the album’s structure and the seamless interplay between Ross and Wells, noting that while it incorporates the pastoral, misty atmospheres of his previous projects, it also introduces a more cinematic and cinematic drone-heavy finish on tracks like “Unnatural Light.” ‘Future Site of C.ROSS’ stands as a factual and atmospheric document of an artist successfully navigating the space between gritty garage-rock and cosmic folk.

Ispíní na hÉireann Redefine Modern Trad On Their Raucous New Album ‘Poxtail Soup’

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Dublin trad-rock firebrands Ispíní na hÉireann have released their final single, a blistering rendition of the Cork classic “Johnny Jump Up,” ahead of their highly anticipated sophomore album ‘Poxtail Soup’. Originally written by Tadhg Jordan in 1934 and famously performed by Christy Moore, the track serves as a darkly comic warning about the chaotic effects of a potent batch of cider. The band—led by frontman Tomás Mulligan along with Paahto Cummins, Pádraig Óg Mac Aodhagáin, Aongus MacAmhlaigh, and Declan Gillen—originally performed the song at their very first gig. This latest version, released via Faction Records, replaces the acoustic simplicity of traditional covers with a raucous, high-energy arrangement that has become a staple of their “musicianship and mayhem” style.

‘Poxtail Soup’, which arrived in November 2025, follows the critical success of their 2022 debut ‘The Hard Working Men’ and the 2023 EP ‘Worse Things Than Dying’. The ten-track album features guest appearances from traditional music royalty, including Sharon Shannon on the tracks “Eileen Ní Riordain’s” and “The Kings Of Kerry.” Produced with a focus on capturing their live intensity, the record balances foot-stomping anthems with sharp social commentary and moments of raw intimacy, such as the duet “A Health to the Company.” Following a massive album launch tour that wound through iconic Irish venues like DeBarra’s and Bank Lane, the band continues to redefine the contemporary trad scene. This record stands as a factual testament to their evolution from a “silly name” to a premier force in Irish alternative-traditional music.

GG Magree Explores Trauma and Liberation On Her Ferocious Debut Album ‘Spit Love’

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Australian producer, vocalist, and multi-hyphenate artist GG Magree has released her highly anticipated debut album ‘Spit Love’. Following the acclaim of singles like “Wet Dreams” and “Run,” the 12-track project serves as a raw, multi-sensory exploration of self-acceptance and the reclamation of power after years of toxic relationships and emotional abuse. Co-produced by Magree alongside her longtime musical collaborator Duncan Murray, the record seamlessly blends high-octane electronic production with punk-rock ferocity. The album arrives as a companion piece to a 12-minute short horror film of the same name, which Magree wrote, co-directed, and starred in. The film—a gruesome tale of a cannibalistic exotic dancer—mirrors the album’s themes of defiance and the refusal to be silenced by societal expectations.

‘Spit Love’ is a sonic documentation of Magree’s personal metamorphosis, trading hollow vulnerability for an aggressive, liberated sound she describes as “art that bleeds.” Tracks like the title track “Spit Love” and “Bleed” showcase her dynamic vocal range, shifting between delicate, haunting passages and forceful screams. The album also features a high-energy collaboration with Silly Goose on “2 Hot 2 Handle,” further cementing Magree’s place at the intersection of the EDM and rock scenes. Having previously toured with legends like Steve Aoki and Zeds Dead, Magree uses this debut to shatter shame around female rage and sexual freedom. The instrumentation relies on thick distortion and layered arrangements, creating an immersive listening experience that fulfills her mission to hold space for the marginalized and the “too loud.”

P-Funk Keyboardist Daniel Bedrosian Chronicles Parliament-Funkadelic’s 1975 Breakthrough In New Book

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Daniel Bedrosian, the longest-tenured keyboardist in the history of Parliament-Funkadelic, has released his second book, Make My Funk the P-Funk: Parliament-Funkadelic’s Meteoric Rise in 1975 from Chocolate City to Mothership Connection. Published by Bloomsbury Academic, the monograph provides a deep dive into 1975—a pivotal year that saw the collective release three seminal albums: ‘Chocolate City’, ‘Let’s Take It to the Stage’, and the platinum-selling ‘Mothership Connection’. Bedrosian utilizes exclusive interviews with George Clinton and other key members to document the band’s transition from “underground darlings of the chitlin circuit” to global superstars. The book examines how Clinton’s Afrofuturism and the social climate of the mid-70s combined to crystallize the unique P-Funk sound that would later become a foundational pillar of hip-hop and modern popular music.

Beyond a mere discography, Bedrosian pulls back the curtain on the artistic processes and production styles that defined this epoch-making year. The narrative traces the group’s journey from the Washington D.C. tribute ‘Chocolate City’—which famously imagined Black people in the White House—to the cosmic movement of ‘Mothership Connection’, which launched them into space. The text also features contributions and accolades from industry heavyweights like Robert Glasper and Fred Wesley, who offer personal insights into the recording sessions and the group’s historical importance. As a historian and active member of the band’s “Third Generation,” Bedrosian provides a factual and immersive look at how 1975 served as the ultimate catalyst for the P-Funk paradigm shift.

Lauren Minear Confronts Betrayal and Resilience on Her Most Ambitious Album ‘Boxing Day’

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New York-based singer-songwriter Lauren Minear has released her third studio album ‘Boxing Day’, a transformative 11-track collection that explores the raw aftermath of betrayal and the eventual path toward liberation. Born from a period of intense self-reflection after cutting ties with a creative agency that had been stealing from her, the record moves through layers of anger, shame, and acceptance. Produced by Dan Weeks and featuring early sessions shaped by guitarist Dan Barracuda, the album was recorded across a series of creative retreats in New York and London, including a week-long session near Woodstock. The resulting soundscapes are both intimate and cinematic, blending alternative, pop, rock, and folk to create Minear’s most expansive work since her 2024 effort ‘Chasing Daylight’.

At the heart of the album is the lead single “Bruise,” an acoustic-driven track that highlights the fragility of the human spirit. Minear utilizes a haunting falsetto during the chorus to underscore the vulnerability found in loving someone who causes profound pain. This emphasis on honesty is a hallmark of the record, which was distilled from nearly 100 songs into a cohesive narrative of survival. With a vocal delivery reminiscent of Natalie Merchant and lyricism that echoes the depth of Joni Mitchell, Minear establishes herself as a fearless voice in the contemporary indie scene. ‘Boxing Day’ is more than a confessional record; it is a factual document of an artist successfully reclaiming her power and finding light within the shadows of personal conflict.

2ŁØT Reimagines Spiritual Grooves On ‘The Albert Harvey Mix’ EP

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Wichita-based collective 2ŁØT has released The Albert Harvey Mix, a four-track EP that reframes their signature “Electronic Jam Music” through the lens of acclaimed Dutch producer Albert Harvey. Reimagining standout tracks from their debut album Entropy, the project blurs the lines between soulful instrumentation and global dancefloor production. The closing track, “Arrow of Time,” exemplifies this transition, turning a meditation on cosmic impermanence into a propulsive, shared pulse. Harvey, known for his work with Avicii and David Guetta, was enlisted to dial in a club-ready sound that maintains the band’s identity as live instrumentalists. The result is a sophisticated balance of philosophical depth and rhythmic surrender.

The EP carries significant emotional weight, particularly with the inclusion of “Never Knew You,” originally penned by frontman Rudy Love Jr.’s late father, soul legend Rudy Love Sr. Rather than leaning into melancholy, Harvey’s remix transforms the track into a moody, club-ready cut that celebrates memory through movement. This release reinforces 2ŁØT’s mission as a band with a cause, using their platform to support addiction recovery and youth empowerment by encoding social commentary into a democratic, electronic space. Following recent collaborations with Aloe Blacc and Paul Oakenfold, this record marks a pivotal evolution in the band’s journey, proving that high-concept metaphysical ideas can be successfully translated into the universal language of rhythm.

New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton Unite For “The New Edition Way Tour”

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The Black Promoters Collective has announced a monumental R&B event for 2026: “The New Edition Way Tour.” This 30-city North American run features a powerhouse lineup consisting of New Edition, Boyz II Men, and Toni Braxton. The tour title pays homage to the legendary status of New Edition, particularly in their hometown of Boston, where a street was recently renamed in their honor to celebrate their decades of cultural influence. This series of shows offers a unique “360° view” stage design, specifically engineered to provide an immersive and intimate experience for fans in arenas across the continent. This tour serves as a factual celebration of three acts that defined the sound of contemporary R&B and soul.

Significantly, this tour marks the first time that New Edition and Boyz II Men will share a concert stage together. The two groups share a deep history, as New Edition’s Michael Bivins famously discovered and mentored Boyz II Men early in their career. Joining them is seven-time Grammy winner Toni Braxton, whose sultry vocals and iconic hits like “Un-Break My Heart” add a sophisticated layer to the supergroup lineup. The production promises a collaborative spirit, with all three acts performing together to create a seamless, high-energy musical experience. From the choreographed precision of New Edition to the flawless harmonies of Boyz II Men, “The New Edition Way” is set to be one of the most significant live events of the 2026 concert season.

The Melancholy Kings Deliver Jangly Power-Pop Energy On The New Single “Victoria”

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New Jersey quartet The Melancholy Kings have unveiled their latest single “Victoria,” a jangly guitar-rock track that serves as a centerpiece for their sophomore album Her Favorite Disguise. Resurrected from the band’s early archives and updated for the modern era, the song blends the influence of 1980s alternative legends like R.E.M. and The Replacements with a contemporary lyrical perspective. Frontman Mike Potenza describes the track as a “time capsule” that advocates for mutual kindness as a way to confront personal demons. Produced and mastered by Ray Ketchem at Magic Door Recording Studio, the recording captures the raw, unpolished energy of the band’s live performances with minimal overdubs and a driving, guitar-forward arrangement.

The duo of Potenza and bassist Scott Selig, who first met while working in a Manhattan law firm, have built a record that serves as a sophisticated nod to pre-grunge alternative rock. Her Favorite Disguise follows their self-titled debut and features an impressive roster of guest contributors, including trumpeter Mac Gollehon and vocalist Reneé LoBue. The single arrives alongside a music video that offers a factual look at the band’s studio process, including clips of the group discussing the take in real-time. This release cements The Melancholy Kings as a vital force for fans of authentic, high-wire power pop, bridging the gap between nostalgic college rock and the complexities of the digital age.

Keaton Henson Embraces Grunge-Tinged Nostalgia On Dual Singles “Past It” and “Loose Ends”

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Enigmatic polymath Keaton Henson has shared two new singles, the introspective “Past It” and the incisive “Loose Ends,” ahead of his ninth studio album, Parader. Out now via Play It Again Sam, the album marks a significant sonic departure as Henson sheds his “quiet boy” persona in favor of the grunge-infused sounds of his youth. The project was recorded with production duties split between longtime friend Luke Sital-Singh and Alex Farrar, creating a balance between intimate folk-rock and high-energy American garage-rock. This new chapter follows the success of his July comeback single “Lazy Magician,” co-written with Julia Steiner of Ratboys, which signaled a restless and romantic redefinition of his artistry.

The dual release of “Past It” and “Loose Ends” highlights the thematic breadth of the forthcoming record. “Past It” is a lo-fi, nostalgia-soaked reflection on aging as a musician, delivered with a crackling hum reminiscent of Christian Lee Hutson. In contrast, “Loose Ends” revisits the “musical snark” first teased on his previous single “Insomnia,” utilizing lurking distortion and a combative rhythm that channels early 2000s rock influences. Henson describes the latter as a sardonic and self-loathing track that contrasts its dark lyrical themes with the infectious energy of the music. These songs serve as the final preview of a twelve-track collection that bridges the gap between Henson’s classical compositions and his raw, distorted rock roots.

Angel Du$t Reunites With Producer Brian McTernan For The Ferocious New Album ‘Cold 2 The Touch’

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The ever-evolving punk innovators Angel Du$t have announced their new studio album, Cold 2 The Touch, scheduled for release on February 13, 2026. This 26-minute project marks the band’s debut full-length for Run For Cover Records and features a high-energy reunion with producer Brian McTernan, who was instrumental in shaping the group’s early sound on records like A.D. and Rock The Fuck On Forever. Frontman Justice Tripp describes the record as a definitive statement of intent, blending aggressive rock & roll with the fearless experimentation that has made the Baltimore collective a punk rock institution. The announcement is paired with the release of the title track, a hyperactive cut defined by galloping drums and razor-sharp riffs, accompanied by a tongue-in-cheek music video directed by Blaise Cepis.

Cold 2 The Touch also introduces a refreshed lineup featuring guitarist Jim Carroll and drummer Nick Lewis, whose backgrounds in storied hardcore acts like American Nightmare and The Suicide File add a new layer of intensity to the band’s sonic profile. The album is a collaborative powerhouse, boasting guest appearances from a wide array of hardcore luminaries including Scott Vogel of Terror, Wes Eisold of American Nightmare, and Frank Carter. Following the acclaim of their 2023 LP Brand New Soul, this new material leans back into the “ferocious” and “hyperactive” energy of their roots while maintaining Tripp’s signature melodic hooks. The instrumentation highlights a balance of raw, bluesy rock constructs and high-speed punk energy, ensuring the record stays true to the band’s goal of inciting movement and raw emotional connection.