The early morning sun is bleeding through the dusty windows of the Ol’ Caustic Factory, as we tirelessly tinker away at narrowing down this extensive list of new releases. If you feel like 2026 has started on a slow note, this might be the week when you change your tune. Our machines are spitting out releases ranging from exhilarating collaborations with legends, reinvigorating jazz that enchants, and triumphant returns from some of contemporary music’s most beloved figures. It’s a jam-packed New Music Friday, the perfect recipe to get you to the weekend.
Check out Glide’s selections for this week’s best new music, and tune in to our Caustic Spotify playlist to keep up to date on the latest releases.
Angel Du$t – “Jesus Head”
COLD 2 THE TOUCH
Baltimore-based hardcore punk supergroup Angel Du$t emerges with their first new album in three years with COLD 2 THE TOUCH. The 11-song explosion of genre-pushing punk blends a natural knack for infectious melodies with emotionally palpable lyrics and unpredictable songwriting, highlighting a new sense of maturity for the band. “Jesus Head” is an early favorite that showcases the abstract yet potent songwriting of Angel Du$t, while it is only one slice of this stunning portrait of punk fusion.
Gogol Bordello – “State of Shock”
We Mean It, Man!
Long-standing punk provocateurs Gogol Bordello are back with some of their most urgent and colorful music in years. We Mean It, Man! is a restless outing from the punk veterans, one that keeps a foot in harsh realities to pen these protest anthems, while the other foot stays in an otherworldly atmosphere to land on these honed yet frantic arrangements. “State of Shock” is just one example of the unrelenting sound this band employed on their ninth outing, as searing strings battle with chugging tempos and acrobatic vocals.
The Nude Party – “Not That Bad”
Look Who’s Back
For the first time since 2023, we have new Nude Party music to talk about, and much like the tracklist of Look Who’s Back, those conversations will be brief yet emotionally fulfilling. The Nude Party returns with a mesmerizing nine-song outing that continues to push the limits of the band’s sound, featuring moments of vulnerability and storytelling in a beautiful set of southern rock. “Not That Bad” finds the band, not shying away from their reality, but embracing every moment of it, even the bad, as they attempt to navigate complex emotions with a breezy disposition.
Melissa Aldana – “Imágenes”
Filin
Jazz is entering an incredibly exciting period of innovation, and saxophonist Melissa Aldana continues to expand her presence in the scene with the release of her third album for the renowned Blue Note Records. Filin is eight spellbinding yet unassuming pieces of smoky, retro jazz that still feel present despite their gentleness, creating an LP that toes the line between nostalgia and Aldana’s deeply personal playing style. “Imágenes” is a romantic cut that evokes a gentle sway in the listener, placing them in a trance-like state that encourages deep thought and relaxation simultaneously.
The Olympians – “Hollywood Cold”
In Search of a Revival
Ten years ago, the world was introduced to cinematic, immersive retro-soul orchestrations by The Olympians, the Toby Pazner-led instrumental group. Finally, the band has released their sophomore effort, and it was worth every second of that decade-long wait. In Search of a Revival is a stunning reintroduction to The Olympians’ effortlessly lovely sound, combining different eras of soul and melting them into something they can call their own. “Hollywood Cold” is a moving, noir-style, horn-led highlight, brimming with emotion and jazzy flair, creating a welcoming atmosphere that washes over the listener.
Mariachi El Bronx – “Gambler’s Prayer”
Mariachi El Bronx (IV)
The fourth installment of Mariachi El Bronx’s self-titled album series is all yours, and seemingly, the band’s mission was to make an album that was exactly that. Mariachi El Bronx (IV) is the type of album you hold on to, as the band honors their tradition while highlighting their artistic evolution, no easy task for any musician. Still, this band seems right at home facing the challenge. “Gambler’s Prayer” features a rambling character who comes to realize that his actions affect those around him, and they plead to make it all right.
Chet Faker – “A Level of Light”
A Love For Strangers
A Love For Strangers, Nick Murphy’s second album since his return to his beloved Chet Faker pseudonym, proves to be some of the artist’s most daring work to date. The heartbreaking 12-song outing finds Murphy recontextualizing his lo-fi soul in more palpable terms, introducing subtle experimentation that lets the songwriting truly come to life. “A Level of Light” winks with jazzy undertones that are buried beneath whirling, atmospheric synths, creating an ambient ballad.
Jill Scott – “The Math”
To Whom This May Concern
Jill Scott, Philadelphia’s own neo-soul innovator, is back with her first album since 2015’s Women. To Whom This May Concern is an exploratory effort from the songwriting veteran, as she directs her energy toward a plethora of modern issues, while never sticking to a singular sound, leaping from enticing Hip-hop collaborations to emotionally layered jazz balladry. “The Math” finds Scott attempting to make sense of modern times by exploring how we got here, and she does so with silk-lined melodies over a simplistic, ambient instrumental.
Clay Street Unit – “Freightline Blues”
Sin & Squalor
The long-awaited debut album from the refreshing bluegrass outfit Clay Street Unit has arrived in all its glory, and it’s the nuanced outing we all hoped it would be. Sin & Squalor is 11 songs of contemporary folk bliss, with the band’s diverse backgrounds yielding moments of blazing bluegrass, Americana balladry, and folksy undertones. “Freightline Blues” is a toe-tapping, relatable standout with a distinctive acoustic tone that emphasizes the pain and longing in the lyrics.
The Infamous Stringdusters – “Looking for Something Good”
20/20
It is hard to believe that The Infamous Stringdusters have been jamming their way into hearts for twenty years now, but the band wants everyone to celebrate with them. In honor of their two decades, the bluegrass jam band releases 20/20, a 20-song LP overflowing with reasons why this band has earned its longevity. “Looking for Something Good” draws the listener into an exhilarating, relatable story as the band searches for something worthwhile in a dark world.
Converge – “Amon Amok”
Love Is Not Enough
Metal icons Converge are back with Love Is Not Enough, their first collection of new songs since their 2021 studio album and the 2023 deluxe edition of their 2017 classic The Dusk In Us. Past releases do little to contextualize these songs, but Converge has never been the band to repeat themselves. The 10-song outing is warped, unforgiving, and undeniably beautifully executed, with “Amon Amok” being an early standout. The explosive tune features cascading textures that wash over the sandpaper-like vocal performance, while the lyrics convey a more uplifting message of self-preservation and overcoming.
Ransom, Boldly James & Nicholas Craven – “FORGIVENESS”
Salvation for the Wicked
Three of the most forward-thinking and prolific additions Hip-hop has seen in years team up on the 7-song LP, Salvation for the Wicked. Ransom and Boldy James trade verses filled with vivid imagery and wild storytelling over Nicholas Craven’s menacing, left-field instrumentals. “FORGIVENESS” finds the duo reminiscing over a psychedelic guitar loop, relishing their newfound luxury while never forgetting what it took to get these accoutrements, and reminding everyone why they’re two of the most exciting voices in contemporary Hip-hop.
Luke Temple – “Loose White Paper”
Hungry Animal
Despite the title, the latest LP from singer-songwriter and Here We Go Magic member Luke Temple is a meditative, relaxed outing from a tremendous talent. Hungry Animal features 11 examples of Temple’s jovial, poetic approach to folk-rock, with the artist’s passion for minimalist production complemented by soulful vocals and intricate whimsy. “Loose White Paper” dances in the wind kicked up by the bouncy guitar riffs and nimble percussion, allowing Temple’s vivid imagery to roll across the mind like a clay stop-motion production.
Knocked Loose – “Hive Mind” (Feat. Denzel Curry)
Single
The collaboration the universe wanted us to hear arrives in the form of screeching, blistering hardcore metal. Forerunners of the genre, Knocked Loose, teamed up with Hip-hop artist and known metal fanatic Denzel Curry for the unrelenting “Hive Mind.” Curry delivers a head-spinning verse that further proves his range as a vocalist, while Knocked Loose performs an onslaught of cathartic metal.
Melvins & Napalm Death – “Tossing Coins Into The Fountain Of Fuck”
Savage Imperial Death March
Two titans of industry collide on Savage Imperial Death March, as Melvins and Napalm Death combine forces for an 8-song LP. The album is set to arrive on April 10 via Ipecac Records, and the lead single is the cacophony of prowess it promised. “Tossing Coins Into The Fountain Of Fuck” finds the two legendary bands butting heads in a joyous yet dark preview of what is shaping up to be a landmark release for rock music in 2026.
Hiss Golden Messenger – “In the Middle of It”
I’m People
Michael Taylor, better known by his moniker Hiss Golden Messenger, returns with the announcement of I’m People, his first new album in three years. The 12-song outing arrives on May 1, and the folk-pop tune “In the Middle of It” is our first preview of the project. The punchy acoustics complement Taylor’s introspective lyrics beautifully, creating a radio-ready single bursting with lovely simplicity.
