Montreal’s The Fake Friends are officially kicking off the rollout for their debut LP, ‘Let’s Not Overthink This’, with the high-octane lead single “A Sucker Born Every Minute.” Released via Stomp Records, the track is a sharp jolt of post-punk energy that weaves dance-punk rhythms into a gritty, early-2000s alternative backbone. Frontman Matthew Savage leads a six-piece lineup of Montreal scene veterans whose roots bridge the gap between frantic hardcore and melodic power-pop. Recorded at Mixart studios with producer and engineer Jordan Barillaro, the single captures a restless, rhythmic focus, grounding its jagged guitar work in the kind of emotional honesty and self-recognition that has become a hallmark for the band.
Arriving in full on February 13, 2026, ‘Let’s Not Overthink This’ expands the band’s scope with bigger arrangements and a heavier emphasis on the interplay between keys and guitars. The project grew out of the tight-knit, collaborative ecosystem of Montreal’s indie scene, featuring guest spots from various local “Good Friends” to enhance its raucous, community-driven sound. Having built a reliable reputation on the road alongside acts like the Buzzcocks and Wine Lips, the band is now stepping fully into their identity with a record that feels intentional even in its messiest moments. It’s a bold first chapter for a group that prefers to keep moving forward, reminding listeners that the best music usually happens when you simply stop overthinking it.
Finnish heavy rock outfit Rugged Butcher is back with their second single, ‘Lobotomy’, a track that hits with the relentless force of a steamroller. Emerging from the Helsinki metropolitan area, the band—led by long-time collaborators Mikko Aittola and Timo Vilén—continues to build on the straightforward, hard-hitting sound established with their debut, ‘Payback’. The new song dives into the dark thematic territory of mental entrapment, delivered through a wall of crushing riffs, haunting vocals, and a driving rhythm section. To ensure the highest sonic impact, the track was mixed by Teemu Aalto and mastered by the renowned Tony Lindgren at Fascination Street Studios. After three decades of playing together in various lineups, Aittola and Vilén are finally bringing their focused vision of “rugged” Finnish metal to a global audience.
Rising pop-rock sensation Alemeda is taking her raw truths and unapologetic sass on the road this spring for the ‘But Where The Hell Should I Go Tour’. Following the release of her sophomore EP ‘But What The Hell Do I Know’ via Warner Records/TDE and high-profile sets at Tyler, The Creator’s Camp Flog Gnaw, these dates mark the singer’s first-ever headline run. The “quickie” tour kicks off on February 18th in Atlanta and moves through major hubs like Brooklyn and Toronto before a final show at The Roxy in Los Angeles on February 26th. Fans looking for the full experience can grab a VIP package that includes a meet-and-greet and access to a pre-show soundcheck. With her reputation for high-energy festival performances already established, these intimate club dates offer the “Alemeda Army” a chance to see her headline sets in their purest form.
“But Where The Hell Should I Go Tour” Tour Dates:
02/18 – Atlanta, GA – Vinyl 02/20 – Washington, DC – The Atlantis 02/21 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg 02/23 – Toronto, ON – TD Music Hall 02/24 – Chicago, IL – Backline 02/26 – Los Angeles, CA – The Roxy
Anderson Cooper and Andy Cohen are back for their ninth year, and if you’ve watched them before, you know the drill: expect some tequila, a few live television mishaps, and a lot of genuine chemistry. Broadcasting from Times Square, the duo remains the gold standard for New Year’s Eve because they actually seem to be having as much fun as the crowd behind them. This year’s lineup is particularly massive, moving from the pop spectacle of Shakira and Robyn to legacy acts like Bryan Adams and Patti LaBelle. It’s a smart mix that handles the nostalgia of the 90s with Brandy and Monica while keeping things current with RAYE and Florence + The Machine.
The sheer scale of CNN’s global reach is what really sets this broadcast apart from the usual ball-drop coverage. While Anderson and Andy hold down the fort in New York, the network is deploying correspondents everywhere from the Arc de Triomphe to Bangkok to capture the world ringing in 2026. They’ve also leaned into the digital shift this year, offering the entire show through their new subscription platform—a move that acknowledges how many of us have ditched traditional cable but still want to see if Andy will finally cross a line that Anderson has to apologize for the next morning. It’s comprehensive, it’s slightly chaotic, and it’s the best way to feel connected to the global celebration from your couch.
As the night winds down in Times Square, the party shifts to Austin, Texas, where Sara Sidner and Cari Champion take over for the Central Time Zone countdown. Featuring performances from Vince Gill and The Head and The Heart, this late-night leg ensures the energy doesn’t dip after the ball falls in New York. With a guest list that includes everyone from Stephen Colbert to Flavor Flav, CNN has managed to curate an evening that feels like a true variety show for the modern age. It’s the kind of programming that reminds us that no matter how fractured the media landscape gets, we still want a central place to gather, laugh, and watch the clock strike midnight together.
Maria Taylor has officially released her cover of the Counting Crows classic ‘Colorblind’ today, featuring a collaboration with Chris Carrabba of Dashboard Confessional. This atmospheric recording, produced by Mike Bloom, actually began as a private birthday gift for Adam Duritz two years ago before Taylor decided to share it with the public. The track features dreamy guitars and layered vocals that highlight the natural chemistry between Taylor and Carrabba, who first met at Duritz’s New York apartment years prior. With single artwork provided by artist Alvaro Ilizarbe, this release serves as a bridge to 2026 as Taylor prepares to unveil a full slate of new original music for the first time since 2022.
Desertfest London has officially completed its 2026 lineup, revealing the day and stage splits for its fourteenth year of rock fury. Taking place from May 15th to 17th across Camden, the festival is set to feature a massive collection of stoner rock, doom, and underground heavy music. Friday night kicks off with a heavy stoner set headlined by the legendary John Garcia and Hermano at the Electric Ballroom, while Florida sludge pioneers Cavity mark their reunion by headlining the Black Heart stage. Saturday shifts the focus to “Best of British” talent, with local favorites Green Lung headlining the Roundhouse alongside new additions like Wytch Hazel and Church of the Cosmic Skull. The weekend concludes on Sunday with the highly anticipated festival debut of Clutch, who will finally take the Roundhouse stage for an exclusive UK performance.
The 2026 edition is particularly notable for its series of historic reunions and UK debuts. Beyond the return of Cavity, fans will witness the exclusive reunion of stoner legends The Sword and underground doom icons Capricorns, who return to the stage for the first time in nearly two decades. The final wave of additions also includes Inhuman Nature, Moloch, and Daufødt, rounding out a bill that balances legendary status with rising underground voices. With day tickets now available and the stage splits confirmed, the countdown is on for one of the most comprehensive celebrations of riff-culture the UK has seen.
New additions to Desertfest 2026: CHURCH OF THE COSMIC SKULL WYTCH HAZEL INHUMAN NATURE CAVITY MOLOCH DAUFODT KUSHTHULU IRON SLUG TROLL MOTHER
It’s not every day that a fifty-year-old classic gets its first official music video, but George Harrison’s “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)” just received a stunning visual treatment directed by Finn Wolfhard. This 1973 anthem served as the cornerstone of ‘Living in the Material World’ and captured the quiet, spiritual transition following the high-octane success of ‘All Things Must Pass’. Wolfhard decided to skip the digital shortcuts and instead collaborated with a massive team of twenty stop-motion artisans from Toronto based Nobody Told Me Studios and Tye Down Pictures. Every frame of this project feels remarkably tactile because each element was constructed by hand to reflect the meticulous care Harrison famously put into the gardens of his Friar Park estate.
The video serves as a beautiful trip through that private sanctuary and features several hidden references to the storied career of the Quiet Beatle. Dhani Harrison and David Zonshine executive produced the project with a focus on ensuring the visual world felt like a genuine homage to George’s lifelong passion for gardening and peace. Animation director Akash Jones guided the frame-by-frame process to create an emotionally driven environment that feels both fresh and timeless. Dhani has shared that his father would have absolutely loved the creative and heartfelt ideas Finn brought to the table to help the track reach a brand-new generation of listeners.
This release follows the recent arrival of the 50th anniversary editions of ‘Living in the Material World’ which were lovingly overseen by Dhani and Olivia Harrison. The album received a significant sonic upgrade from triple Grammy Award winning engineer Paul Hicks who went back to the original tapes to deliver a mix that is brighter and more dynamic than ever before. Hearing the clarified vocals on “Give Me Love (Give Me Peace On Earth)” alongside this handcrafted animation reminds everyone why this song remains such a definitive article of faith. It is a perfect example of what happens when young talent respects the legacy of a master and creates something that keeps the magic of art alive in a crowded digital landscape.
Lomor is bringing a wild burst of energy to the global metal scene with the release of their latest single “Tantine Lo Clou” today. This fast and aggressive track finds the Réunion Island power trio transforming an awkward real-life encounter from their 2023 French tour into a razor-sharp thrash anthem. The song serves as a fantastic preview of their upcoming sophomore album ‘Sabouk Rouge’ which is currently scheduled for a February 6, 2026 arrival via Rockshots Records. Eric Castelnau, Gurvan Cambrai, and Mathieu Michalina successfully blend old-school thrash influences with a biting punk attitude to create a sound that feels both nostalgic and incredibly fresh. Between the frantic rhythms and the technical precision of the riffs, it is clear that the band is operating with a massive amount of confidence as they prepare for an extensive European tour.
Drug Church and White Reaper Team Up For Massive Co-Headlining Tour
Drug Church, White Reaper, SPY, Death Lens, Public Opinion, Concord Music Hall, Majestic Theatre, Fine Line, Delmar Hall, The Bottleneck, Summit Music Hall, Neumos, Aladdin Theatre, August Hall, The Fonda Theatre, The Observatory North Park, Area15 Portal, Walter Studios, Ferris Wheelers, Mohawk, St. Andrews Hall, The Roxy, Spirit Hall, Opera House, Warsaw, Paradise Rock Club, Union Transfer, Canal Club, Eulogy, The Basement East, The Albatross, The Abbey, The Orpheum, Terminal West, Mercury Ballroom
Blog Post:
Drug Church and White Reaper are hitting the road for a massive North American co-headlining tour in 2026. This spring run brings together two of the most energetic live acts currently touring, and the lineup includes a solid collection of support from SPY, Death Lens, and Public Opinion. Drug Church is continuing their heavy touring schedule in support of the 2024 full-length ‘PRUDE’ while White Reaper is celebrating their recently released album ‘Only Slightly Empty’. Both groups have built their reputations on delivering big guitars and massive hooks that consistently resonate in a live setting.
The tour kicks off on March 14th in Chicago and winds through more than thirty cities across the United States and Canada. Fans can expect a relentless evening of music as the bands travel from the Midwest to the West Coast before heading back toward the East. The inclusion of diverse opening acts ensures that every show offers a wide-ranging experience for the alternative rock and punk community. Recording big sounds for the studio is one thing, but hearing these tracks live and loud is where the energy of these two bands truly flourishes.
Tickets for the tour go on sale this Friday, December 19th, and many dates are expected to move quickly given the reputation of both headliners. Whether you are catching the show at The Fonda in Los Angeles or the Warsaw in Brooklyn, the combination of these two powerhouses is a perfect match for any spring calendar. The bands have managed to stay busy with individual projects, but coming together for this co-headlining run highlights a shared commitment to the spirit of modern guitar music.
Tour Dates:
03/14 – Chicago, IL @ Concord Music Hall % 03/15 – Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre ^ % 03/16 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line ^ % 03/18 – St. Louis, MO @ Delmar Hall ^ % 03/19 – Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck ^ % 03/20 – Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall ^ % 03/23 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos ^ % 03/24 – Portland, OR @ Aladdin Theatre ^ % 03/25 – Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Fest ^ % 03/27 – San Francisco, CA @ August Hall ^ % 03/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda Theatre ^ % 03/29 – San Diego, CA @ The Observatory North Park ^ % 03/31 – Las Vegas, NV @ Area15 Portal ^ % 04/01 – Phoenix, AZ @ Walter Studios ^ % 04/03 – Dallas, TX @ Ferris Wheelers^ % 04/04 – Austin, TX @ Mohawk ^ % 04/24 – Detroit, MI @ St. Andrews Hall # 04/25 – Cleveland, OH @ The Roxy # 04/26 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Spirit Hall # 04/28 – Toronto, ON @ Opera House # 04/30 – Brooklyn, NY @ Warsaw # 05/01 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club # 05/02 – Union Transfer # 05/06 – Richmond, VA @ Canal Club ^ # 05/08 – Asheville, NC Eulogy ^ # 05/09 – Nashville, TN @ The Basement East ^ # 05/11 – Jacksonville, FL @ The Albatross ^ # 05/12 – Orlando, FL @ The Abbey ^ # 05/13 – Tampa, FL @ The Orpheum ^ # 05/14 – Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West ^ # 05/16 – Louisville, KY @ Mercury Ballroom ^ # ^ w/ SPY % w/ Death Lens # w/ Public Opinion
Jon Anderson is proving once again that the creative spirit never really rests, even when the industry tries to pigeonhole you into a single legacy. He has teamed up with Frontiers Music Srl to bring two fascinating chapters of his solo career back into the light on March 27th with the re-release of ‘Earth Mother Earth’ and ‘Survival & Other Stories’. These aren’t just standard reissues for the shelf; they are part of the Record Store Day Essentials Program with some beautiful colored vinyl options like green and gold marble. It is a reminder that Anderson has always operated on his own frequency, moving from the intimate, home-recorded folk textures of the late nineties to the global, collaborative experiments that defined his return to the scene over a decade later.
The contrast between these two records tells you everything you need to know about his artistic range. ‘Earth Mother Earth’ is a quiet, acoustic-based journey that feels like a deep breath of fresh air, leaning into environmental themes with a stripped-back production that lets his signature voice carry the weight. Then you have ‘Survival & Other Stories’, which was born from a period of intense health challenges and transformed into a worldwide collaboration after Jon invited musicians to send him their tracks via the internet. It is a triumphant comeback story that shows how a visionary can find inspiration in the most difficult circumstances. Whether you are spinning the new visualizer for “Time Has Come” or diving into the expansive sounds of “New New World,” it is clear that Jon Anderson is still finding new ways to share his message of hope and connection.
