Glide is happy to welcome everyone to 2026. We hope you all had a fun, safe, and relaxing holiday, and that the slow transition back into reality isn’t overwhelming. With the holiday break and 2025 in our rearview mirror, we spent our break revamping our machines at the Old Caustic factory to bring you the first Caustic Commentary of the year, and we couldn’t have asked for a better lineup of releases. This week, we have singles from some enticing upcoming albums and fresh LPs from beloved names, ranging from artsy rock to acoustic pop. 2026 is starting with a bang, and we are overjoyed to be back and bringing you the news of some incredible music.
You can check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new releases below. Be sure to head over to our Spotify page and follow our January playlist to stay updated on the freshest releases.
Dry Cleaning – “The Cute Things”
Secret Love
London’s Dry Cleaning has achieved mystique in a digital age, taking their time between releases to squeeze out every last opportunity stemming from their lofty visions. Secret Love, the band’s first album since 2022, is an 11-song outing built on patience, fearlessness, and vivid imagery. The band marks their return with subtle melodies that skate over glistening guitars, all wrapped in a layer of unpredictability. “The Cute Things” is an off-kilter love tune with a fluttering hook that easily transitions into abstract lyrics.
The Cribs – “Self-Respect”
Selling A Vibe
The guitar-driven indie rock of The Cribs has echoed throughout the genre since the early 2000s, and their legacy continues to grow in 2026. Selling A Vibe is the first LP from the beloved trio in six years, and the cinematic excellence of it all makes every second of that wait worth it. “Self-Respect” is an early favorite from this triumphant return, an anthemic, glistening tune that finds the band battling with expectations.
The Kid LAROI – “NEVER CAME BACK”
BEFORE I FORGET
The Kid LAROI has been one of the most watched and refreshing voices in contemporary pop over the past few years, and he only seems to be getting started. On his highly anticipated new album, BEFORE I FORGET, the artist stretches the limits of his voice to achieve blissful acoustic balladry and R&B-tinted performances, all while searching for answers to love’s riddles. “NEVER CAME BACK” shines with its soft guitars and subtle ambiance as LAROI wrestles with his decision to leave.
Viagra Boys – “Therapy II”
Viagr Aboys (Japanese Deluxe Edition)
Viagra Boys are one of the brightest and most innovative stars in contemporary punk, and their terrifically off-kilter 2025 album just got expanded. Viagr Aboys (Japanese Deluxe Edition) adds four additional tunes to the 11-song outing, with “Therapy II” sounding right at home. Vivid storytelling is delivered with cartoonish vocals over chugging distortion, the perfect recipe for an essential Viagra Boys track.
Tyler Ballgame – “Matter of Taste”
For The First Time, Again
Tyler Ballgame’s singular, soulful sound has been bubbling just underneath the surface of the genre for a while now, and now it’s time for the young artist to achieve the shine he was destined for. For The First Time, Again, Ballgame’s much-buzzed-about debut album is set to arrive on January 30 via Rough Trade Records. This week, Ballgame released the latest single, “Matter of Taste,” a lively acoustic number that captures the spirit of a rambling man and spins it into a modern soul marvel with pure poetry.
Parlor Greens – “Eat Your Greens”
Emeralds
After releasing a statement piece of a debut album in 2024, the soulful instrumental trio, Parlor Greens, is set to make their return in 2026. Emeralds will arrive on March 27 via the illustrious Colemine Records, and the band dropped off a stunning single to accompany the announcement. “Eat Your Greens” bursts with slick organ runs and animated melodies, creating a danceable atmosphere while maintaining a level of soulful sophistication.
Bonnie “Prince” Billy – “They Keep Trying To Find You”
We Are Together Again
One of the most celebrated and beloved singer/songwriters of his time, Will Oldham, returns to his Bonnie “Prince” Billy moniker for another exciting addition to his solo discography. We Are Together Again is set to arrive on March 6, and the artist has already dropped off an emotional preview of the LP. “They Keep Trying To Find You” is an emotional, acoustic folk track that delicately highlights Billy’s acrobatic vocals and vulnerable poetry.
Puscifer – “ImpetuoUs”
Normal Isn’t
We are now only weeks away from the release of Normal Isn’t, the wildly anticipated new album from Puscifer, but you won’t have to wait any longer to get another taste of what’s to come. “ImpetuoUs,” the third single from the album, is a brooding tune with hushed vocals that slow dance with stadium-sized riffs and sturdy drum patterns. Normal Isn’t is set to be released on February 6.
Buck Meek – “Gasoline”
The Mirror
Big Thief’s Buck Meek returns to the solo spotlight for the first time in three years with the announcement of The Mirror. The artist’s latest solo endeavour will arrive on February 27 via 4AD and feature the hypnotic lead single “Gasoline.” The first preview of the album comes on a cloud of subdued yet colorful acoustics, creating an unassuming yet immersive atmosphere for the listener to get lost in.
Cate Le Bon – “Always The Same” (Feat. St. Vincent)
Single
Indie rock genre-bender and long-standing innovator Cate Le Bon is set to tour North America in 2026 to support her 2025 album, Michelangelo Dying. Before her tour kicks off, the artist releases the St. Vincent-assisted “Always The Same,” a mesmerizing collaboration drenched in densely layered, slow-burning synths. Le Bon’s 2026 North American tour kicks off on January 12 in Washington, D.C.
Geologist – “Government Job”
Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights?
Animal Collective’s Geologist is gearing up for his proper solo debut in 2026, and he’s kicking off the year with a single that should have everyone sprinting to mark this release date in their calendars. “Government Job” is the second single released from Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights?, which is set to arrive on January 30 via Drag City. The new single is an eerie yet welcoming instrumental piece that leans on the space left between its sparse acoustics and crawling tones.
Joyce Manor – “I Know Where Mark Chen Lives”
I Used to Go to This Bar
2026 marks the return of Joyce Manor, as they prepare fans for their first LP since 2022. I Used to Go to This Bar will arrive in all its pop-punk glory on January 30, and the quick yet potent “I Know Where Mark Chen Lives” is the third single. An anthem just waiting to be discovered, the new Joyce Manor single signifies that the band’s new album is both a return to form and an expansion of a sound they solidified over a decade ago.
The Twilight Sad – “DESIGNED TO LOSE”
IT’S THE LONG GOODBYE
For the first time in over seven years, fans of the legendary post-punk outfit The Twilight Sad have new music to look forward to. The iconic band is set to release IT’S THE LONG GOODBYE on March 27, asking fans to wait a short few weeks before their full return. In the meantime, The Twilight Sad deliver “DESIGNED TO LOSE,” a bright and hectic single with soaring vocals and colorful riffs, all combining for a cacophony of fiery solace.
Iron & Wine – “In Your Ocean”
Hen’s Teeth
In 2024, Sam Beam released Light Verse under his Iron & Wine moniker. Two years later, the artist prepared a sibling LP in the form of Hen’s Teeth. The long-awaited follow-up will be released on February 27, and the announcement is accompanied by an infectious lead single. “In Your Ocean” blends intimacy with whimsical undertones, making the single feel radio-ready.
The Reds, Pinks and Purples – “New Leaf”
Single
As of now, the only information we have about the eagerly anticipated new album from The Reds, Pinks and Purples is that it is arriving sometime in 2026. While we wait for more official information on the return of the Glenn Donaldson-led project, the artist releases “New Leaf.” The latest single from the acclaimed indie pop project is a weeping acoustic number with swaying melodies that stick to the side of your brain, thanks to heartfelt songwriting and plush textures.
The Black Crowes – “Pharmacy Chronicles”
A Pound of Feathers
Blues-rock icons and 2025 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees, The Black Crowes, have announced a brand new album. A Pound of Feathers is set to arrive on March 13, and the legendary rockers released a double lead single to celebrate the news. One of the singles, “Pharmacy Chronicles,” is a bluesy slice of storytelling that washes the listener with vibrant images and sliding guitar melodies, hinting at yet another stellar LP from the legendary Black Crowes.
