The months of Summer have come and gone, but the music released during the inescapable heat of a brutal summer will last much longer than any sunburn picked up over the long weekend. We here at Caustic hope everyone had a safe and relaxing holiday, but it’s time to get back to business. We’re kicking off September with an action-packed new music Friday, firing up the finely tuned machinery of the old Caustic factory to bring you select cuts from a busy release day. This week, we have modern legends making triumphant returns, icons from the past finding new ways to present themselves, and a collection of refreshing pop that will bring you right back to that three-day weekend.
Check out Glide’s selections for the week’s best new music, and be sure to follow September’s Caustic Spotify playlist to stay updated on the month’s latest releases.
Shame – “After Party”
Cutthroat
On their highly anticipated fourth LP, post-punk poster child Shame reimagines their urgent songwriting via blistering tempos and fearless experimentation. Cutthroat finds the five-piece band toying with their established sound to include the raw aggression of punk and the freeing, left-field antics of art-rock for an immersive LP that cements what most already knew: Shame is one of the most exciting bands working right now. “After Party” is a stunning example of the band’s growth as they navigate a wonderfully clunky arrangement with infectious melodies and unpredictable energy.
Big Thief – “Happy With You”
Double Infinity
The world has been awaiting the next move of Big Thief since their Grammy-nominated, Americana LP Dragon New Warm Mountain I Believe In You, and the moment for their triumphant return has finally arrived. Double Infinity finds the trio stretching their folk roots and love for Americana to new dimensions with sprinkles of electronic bliss and lovely improvisation. “Happy With You” is an unforgettable highlight from Big Thief’s latest creative breakthrough, with cascading vocals blanketing jumpy acoustics and thudding drum patterns.
grandson – “BELLS OF WAR”
INERTIA
The third album from modern alt-rock hero grandson has finally arrived, and the raging torch-carrier of rap-rock proves he still has plenty left to say. INERTIA is 10 face-melting, protest-ready anthems that speed by like a runaway train and encourage everyone to speak up more often, as the artist tackles societal topics with palpable aggression. “BELLS OF WAR” comes crashing in with an undeniable gusto, as grandson’s punchy vocals battle with dense, booming tempos for a tune that plays like a marching army.
Jerry Joseph and the Jackmormons – “Way Too Loud”
Panther Tracks Vol. 1
Legendary live act and prolific Americana genre-blender Jerry Joseph teams up once again with the Jackmormons for an album filled with fan-favorites from Joseph and the band’s legendary live sets. Panther Tracks Vol. 1 finds the band bringing their road-tested tunes to the studio for a 7-song outing that brings the jam-band-style improv of Joseph’s concerts right to your local streaming service. “Way Too Loud” is a rebellious, twangy highlight with vocals that soar over clean, shiny Americana bliss.
Tchotchke – “Skipping Around”
Playin’ Dumb
Welcome to the playful, passionate pop of Tchotcke as they whisk you away on a cloud of stunning harmonies and heartfelt songwriting. The trio’s new album, Playin’ Dumb, is produced by The Lemon Twigs and features 11 nimble examples of Tchotchke’s ability to borrow from nostalgic pop without sounding like their influences, creating a niche lane for the band in modern times. “Skipping Around” dances along with awe-inspiring charisma as the trio lays down a modern pop marvel with bouncy tempos.
Brian Dunne – “Graveyard”
Clams Casino
On his latest release, Brian Dunne shows his love for country tradition as the artist pieces together a love letter to the genre that he happily makes his own. Clams Casino finds a balance between the modern country-pop explosion and the tropes that allow the genre to redefine what pop music can be. This is far from an artist cashing in on a trend, as Dunne makes it abundantly clear that this is a pure expression of himself, especially on moments like “Graveyard.” Dunne croons of being misunderstood over a crawling arrangement with off-kilter drum tones and glowing acoustics, allowing the artist to unleash a plethora of emotions.
David Byrne – “I’m an Outsider”
Who Is The Sky?
One of the most thought-provoking, revolutionary figures in music, both modern and past, has decided to drop off yet another addition to his statuesque legacy. David Byrne’s Who Is The Sky? finds the artist holding hands with the Ghost Train Orchestra for 13 waltzy, cinematic ballads that allow Byrne’s imaginative lyrics to roam freely. “I’m an Outsider” is just a taste of the icon’s latest LP, with subdued horn melodies performing a tango with the artist’s operatic vocal performance.
John Butler – “The Way Back”
PRISM
After personal and professional turmoil forced John Butler to step away from the recording of PRISM, the deeply personal and spiritually healing PRISM is finally here to uplift the general public. The revealing, anthemic LP highlights Butler’s true range and poetic nature as a songwriter, as the artist lets it all out in a cathartic release. “The Way Back” is a wavy, psychedelic, pop-tinted tune with Butler’s emotions driving the thudding crescendoes and stampeding tempos.
GHOSTWOMAN – “When You All Were Young”
Welcome to the Civilized World
The fourth album from modern rock scientists GHOSTWOMAN has arrived in all its off-kilter glory, and it is just as twisted and complex as you could’ve hoped for. Welcome to the Civilized World feels like a tongue-in-cheek title after listening to these 11 mind-altering anthems, as if the chaos of this tracklist is meant to reflect the modern definition of “civilized.” “When You All Were Young” is an early favorite with palpable textures as crunchy drums collide with blazing tempos, searing guitars, and chugging melodies.
Tame Impala – “Loser”
Single
In a surprise turn of events, the iconic Tame Impala released their second single of 2025. “Loser” arrives months after Kevin Parker’s project released “End of Summer,” but this latest single already feels like a hit comparatively. Parker croons over dense synths with an unwavering performance that delivers melting melodies and blunt lyrics, creating an anchor for Tame Impala’s soaring psychedelia.
The Last Dinner Party – “The Scythe”
From The Pyre
After their debut set off a chain reaction of media praise and left a meteor-sized hole in the indie rock world, The Last Dinner Party looks to recapture the magic on their upcoming LP. The band’s sophomore effort, From The Pyre, is set to be released on October 17, and their grief-stricken “The Scythe” is our latest single. The heartbroken single tackles death in an eerie light that is juxtaposed by the acrobatic vocal performance, although it is hard to escape from the spellbinding heartache of the lyrics.
Hatchie – “Lose It Again”
Liquorice
It has been three years since we’ve heard a proper full-length from Hatchie, but that wait is finally coming to a triumphant close. The modern alt-pop hero is set to release her third album, Liquorice, on November 7 via Secretly Canadian, and the dreamy “Lose It Again” is our lead single. The powerful anthem finds Hatchie in a more vulnerable state of mind, allowing her honesty to drive the single with acrobatic vocals and lush instrumentation.
Robert Plant – “Chevrolet”
Saving Grace
We are all fortunate to still be receiving music from legends like Robert Plant, and the artist is reminding us of our gratitude as we inch closer to the release of his new album. Plant will release Saving Grace on September 26, and the Americana-fueled “Chevrolet” is our latest single. With a lyrical refrain that evokes vivid imagery, Plant keeps it potent yet straightforward on this dusty single, hinting at an expansive listen for fans when it comes time for Saving Grace to enter the world.
Cate Le Bon – “About Time”
Michelangelo Dying
We are inching closer and closer to the release of Cate Le Bon’s first studio album since 2022, and the artist has decided to give us yet another imaginative single. “About Time” is our latest preview of Michelangelo Dying, Le Bon’s new album, which is set to be released on September 26. The new single is a hypnotic outing, with Le Bon’s harmonies falling over spacious guitars, creating an intoxicating atmosphere.
Say She She – “Disco Life”
Cut & Rewind
The funk-fusion trio Say She She is preparing the release of their third LP with a groove-laced single with neon-tinted melodies. “Disco Life” evokes the spirit of the genre it got its title from, as harmonies boogie next to toe-tapping tempos and warping synths. The single will be a part of the band’s Cut & Rewind album, which is set to be released on October 3.
One Response
Shame’s Cutthroat is a thrilling testament to their evolution, seamlessly blending punk’s raw energy with art-rock’s adventurous spirit, while Big Thief’s Double Infinity showcases their remarkable ability to innovate within the Americana genre, creating a rich tapestry of sound that captivates the listener.