The winter weather is beginning to really kick in over here at the old Caustic factory, but it’s nothing our fine machinery and the Old Caustic factory can’t handle. As it feels like the world is entering a hibernation period, the music continues to turn on its axis, unearthing fresh releases from exhilarating acts. This week, we have contemporary and legendary Hip-hop heroes making triumphant returns, electronic bliss that delicately dances into your ears, and explosive rock music with infectious melodies. Don’t let the brisk breezes and horrifying tales of impending storms get you down; there is plenty of music to escape into.
Check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new music, and be sure to follow our Caustic Spotify playlist to stay updated on the latest releases.
Archy Marshall – “When and Why”
Single
2025 marked the 10th anniversary of Archy Marshall’s (AKA King Krule) proper debut album, and the artist is celebrating with a proper revisit to not only the album, but that era of Krule as a whole. The instrumentals from Marshall’s 2015 LP, A New Place 2 Drown, are now available everywhere, along with the loose single, “When and Why.” The new song was recorded around the same time as A New Place 2 Drown, and its eerie, palpable textures and slow-burning tempos highlight all the intricate beauty of Marshall’s singular sound.
Nas & DJ Premier – “It’s Time”
Light-Years
One of Hip-hop’s most iconic duos is back, as Nas and DJ Premier unite forces for a full-length LP. The 15-song Light-Years is a reminder of how natural this genre feels to these two titans. Yet, it also highlights how the two have matured separately and how these older states of mind still miraculously flow so easily together. The Steve Miller-sampled “It’s Time” finds Nas’s veteran flows skating over sleek percussion with psychedelic undertones.
WKWP (HOMESHAKE & Kyle McCrea) – “Meeting God”
Wkwp
HOMESHAKE and Kyle McCrea have teamed up to form WKWP, and their ambient instrumental debut as a duo is an immersive, blissful listen. For 10 off-kilter productions, the newly minted team pieces together the world around them in collage style to create serene scenes for the listener to get lost in. “Meeting God” seems to be the duo’s interpretation of entering the afterlife, as subtle yet dramatic swells are brought on by haunting harmonies that evoke levitation.
Conway the Machine – “Mahogany Walls”
You Can’t Kill God With Bullets
Buffalo’s Conway the Machine has been one of the most impressive and prolific lyricists in contemporary Hip-hop, despite half his face being paralyzed from gunshots. All of that turmoil and triumph find a home to roam free on You Can’t Kill God With Bullets, the artist’s latest studio LP. The 18-song album balances Conway’s successes with the trauma he endured to achieve it, and the woozy “Mahogany Walls,” with its punch-drunk tempos and booming vocals, only scratches the surface of the magic Conway achieved on You Can’t Kill God With Bullets.
Oxis – “Fingerling”
Oxis 8
As we all eagerly anticipated Oxis 8, the eighth instalment of the artist’s self-titled series, the electronic, marine-influenced artist releases another single. “Fingerling” is a quaint, vulnerable tune that sways in its longing, not with despair, but with hope of a more welcoming tomorrow. Oxis 8 is set to be released on January 16.
Nothing – “purple strings”
A short history of decay
Philadelphia’s shoegaze giants, Nothing, are slowly approaching the release of a short history of decay, their first proper solo studio album since 2020. In anticipation of its February 27 release, the latest single is a gentle, cinematic, acoustic ballad that introduces a new side of Nothing’s artistry. Lush yet pain-filled vocals stumble over searing yet subtle strings and hard-hitting acoustics, creating a palpable new single from one of the most exciting releases coming in 2026.
Sweet Pill – “No Control”
Still There’s a Glow
2026 will mark the year Sweet Pill finally releases their sophomore LP, and the lead single is a chugging example of why this news should put a fire underneath indie rock fans around the globe. Still There’s a Glow is set to be released on March 13, and “No Control” is our first preview of the project. The raw single beautifully highlights the middle ground the band occupies: melodic hardcore with pop undertones, washed out by slamming drums and throat-scratching vocals.
Anna Tivel – “Swan Song”
Single
After celebrating over ten years of heartfelt folk music with the release of Animal Poem, her latest studio effort, Anna Tivel emerges to end the year with another reminder of her prowess. “Swan Song” is a freshly released B-side from the LP that glistens under the emotional weight, as Tivel’s vocals dance with rolling pianos and nuanced ambiance. This release marks the first of a series of B-side singles that Tivel will be releasing in the future.
GENA (Liv.e & Karriem Riggins) – “HOWWEFLOW”
The Pleasure is Yours
The newly formed duo of vocalists Liv.e and producer extraordinaire Karriem Riggins is now cementing its status with a proper debut album and a stellar new single. After debuting with “Circlesz,” the duo has announced that their album The Pleasure is Yours will drop on February 27. “HOWWEFLOW,” the new single, is a foggy yet potent tune with looped vocals that only emphasize Liv.e’s delicate melodies.
The Afghan Whigs – “Fake Like”
Single
Celebrated post-punk genre-pushers The Afghan Whigs return with a double single brimming with the individuality that made them one of the most memorable bands of the 90s. “Fake Like” and “Downtown” are colorful additions to a well-established discography and mark the band’s first release since 2022. “Fake Like” is an explosive tune with conventional vocals that collide with fuzzy textures.
Joe Jackson – “Welcome To Buring-by-Sea”
Hope and Fury
Sophisticated pop powerhouse Joe Jackson is readying a rock record for 2026, and the wonderfully weird lead single should have everyone excited about this release. Hope and Fury is set to be released on April 10, and the awkward yet unforgettable “Welcome To Buring-by-Sea” is our first single from the project. Vivid imagery crashing over a bubbly arrangement with a measured strike, as Jackson’s acrobatic vocals go toe-to-toe with heady instrumentation.
Joel Ross – “Wisdom Is Eternal (For Barry Harris)”
Gospel Music
Vibraphonist Joel Ross has announced his new LP, marking his fifth release with the iconic Blue Note Records. Gospel Music will be released on January 30, and the whimsical lead single is a head-spinning display of modern jazz. “Wisdom Is Eternal (For Barry Harris)” features climbing melodies that rise in waves of solace, as the other instruments enjoy the freedom to roam melodically from one mood to the next.
Jupe Jupe – “A Game of Wait and See”
King of Sorrows
Legendary rock act Jupe Jupe is preparing for the release of King of Sorrows on February 27, and while this date may seem worlds away, singles like this latest one will keep the anticipation for this release alive. “A Game of Wait and See” is a hauntingly beautiful, synth-drenched single with droning vocals that anchor the animated arrangement to reality. King of Sorrows will mark the band’s first album since 2023.
The Nude Party – “Honey for the Barflies”
Look Who’s Back
2026 will mark three years since The Nude Party released an album, but it will also mark the end of this long wait. On February 13, the bluesy rock outfit will release Look Who’s Back, and their bouncy, hazy new single should have everyone sprinting to pre-save this album. “Honey for the Barflies” features vocals that cut through nostalgic fuzz, colliding with simplistic yet colorful drum patterns.
The Format – “Boycott Heaven”
Boycott Heaven
The new year will bring with it the first new album from The Format in nearly two decades, and the band has gifted us the title track on this fine New Music Friday. “Boycott Heaven” is an explosive, technicolored single with dramatic crescendos that burst with emotion. Boycott Heaven is set to be released on January 23.
