So much music, so little time to review everything, but that doesn’t mean I haven’t been listening. 2026 has been a great year for music so far, and I would like to take this opportunity to spotlight some albums I didn’t get a chance to review.
Genre is Death – Attractive People
Though a myriad of modern Post-Punk bands incorporate elements of No Wave, very few bands fully epitomize the genre that had its heyday in late 70s-early 80s New York like “Genre is Death.” Taking the dissonant nature of No Wave, and combining it with heavily distorted guitars and minimal drum machine, the band’s second full-length album Attractive People is the sign of band that has no interest in being trendy, but has all the interest in bringing an uncompromising sonic experience to the world of modern Post-Punk, all while being melodic enough to hold every listener’s attention instead of pushing them away with abrasiveness.
Crooked Man – Crooked Stile
House music is in late-stage broism. Many of us yearn for something less formulaic, and something with more personality. Though there are some outliers, the EDM-ification of Electronic music continues to reign supreme, which spawns an exhausting number of DJs and producers playing it safe by vomiting out the most commercial sounding music. Leave it to a veteran like Richard Barratt to bring us back to what makes House music so infectious. Most famous for being one half of the duo “Sweet Exorcist,” Barratt knows Electronic music and its various subgenres such as House and Acid Techno inside out, so it’s no surprise that his new album Crooked Stile under his “Crooked Man” moniker is pretty great. This album is refreshing.
Pond – Terrestrials
Australian band “Pond” describe their 11th studio album Terrestrials as “goths at the pub,” and this is the truest description of the album. Much like what “MGMT” did on their album Little Dark Age, “Pond” departs from “Pink Floyd shit,” and incorporates 80s-driven New Wave, Goth, Post-Punk, and a dash of Glam Rock on Terrestrials, and they nail it!
IDK – E.T.D.S.
A celebration of Hip Hop. New school and old school. Inspired by the immediacy of mixtape culture of the 90s and 2000s, IDK has released a mixtape that’s quite possibly the most ambitious and interesting Hip Hop release I’ve heard in years. If there’s a release that can bridge the gap between old heads and new heads, this is it. Blending Boom Bap with modern Pop Rap hooks, and let’s not forget the fantastic breakbeat of the track “Stigma,” IDK is shaping himself to be one of the most interesting rappers today.
Odor Eater – But For Who?
Saying I like 80s-tinged music is like Robert Smith saying he likes eyeshadow, yeah no shit! So it’s no surprise that a band like “Odor Eater” has my attention. The Portland, Oregon-based duo wear their “Devo” and “Depeche Mode” influences on their sleeves, but also channel something distinctly their own on their debut album But For Who? Bands that go this route often sound like a pastiche of the beloved era of teased hair and synthesizers, but “Odor Eater” sounds natural doing it. This music is catchy, fun, political at times, and features some killer clarinet.
Earth Tongue – Dungeon Vision
New Zealand’s own “Earth Tongue” aren’t afraid to spotlight their “Black Sabbath” worship, but aside from some Doomy and fuzzed-out guitar riffs, the band resides in their own world filled with Dark Fantasy, Horror, Sci-Fi, and just about every nerdy thing you can think of. This music packs a punch, and there’s only two members!
Genesis Owusu – REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE
Using the term “genre-defying” is a bit of a cliché at this point, but in the case of Australian rapper Genesis Owusu’s music, there isn’t a more appropriate term. Fusing Hip Hop, Punk, Post-Punk Revival, Indie Rock, Funk, and New Wave, REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE is Owusu’s most eclectic album yet, and God damn it’s his best! It’s a political album that critiques the current state of propaganda, systems of inequality, the rich, and alt-right extremism. This album couldn’t have arrived at a better time.
The Healing Power of Horses – Summer Indoors (or outside wearing black)
Blending Trip Hop, Indie Pop, Industrial, and Experimental with deadpan vocals, UK band “The Healing Power of Horses” sounds like a band out of the “Windmill scene” in Brixton. Though they weren’t part of this scene, they take the PVA-style to the next level and show much promise on their new E.P. Summer Indoors (or outside wearing black). Hopefully there’s a full-length album on the horizon.
Written By: Steven Sandoval
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