Alex Gallacher

RAKEL, a singular presence in the Icelandic music landscape, has released “rescue remedy,” the lead single from her forthcoming debut album, a place to be. Set for release in October on Ólafur Arnalds’ OPIA Community label, the single offers a compelling introduction to an album that promises not resolution, but a space for being—a room, a landscape, a place to be.

Montreal’s The Barr Brothers have released “Run Right Into It,” a propulsive new single featuring fellow Montrealer Elizabeth Powell of Land of Talk. It’s the second glimpse into their long-awaited fourth album, Let It Hiss, which arrives on October 17th. Inspired by The Raveonettes, the track is a vibrant, kinetic ode to embracing change head-on, showcasing the duo’s renewed creative fire after an eight-year hiatus.

Junior Brother has unveiled “A Lot of Love,” the potent final single from his forthcoming album, The End. The track showcases his unique ability to blend rich lyricism with a raw, expressive energy. Watch the accompanying chaotic single-take music video by Ellius Grace in which the protagonist reaches “an ecstatic nirvana, clutching six glasses of wine, passed out face-down in a plate of cold spaghetti.”

High Lonesome Plains is about Hayden Pedigo – a musician, performance artist, politician and model from Amarillo, Texas. Homeschooled from an early age, Hayden found community and inspiration in avant-garde music and art online as a teenager. Influenced by figures like performance artist Chris Burden, guitarist John Fahey, and director Harmony Korine, Hayden’s persona often blurs the lines between reality and performance.

Chris Staples unveils “A Cold New York Morning,” the new single from his album Don’t Worry. Born from a 15-minute writing session, the song explores a “morally ambiguous choice,” akin to the trolley problem. The track, accompanied by a Colin Earner-directed video, introduces an album shaped by stillness and reflection, recorded in Staples’ home studio and offering a gentle, reassuring sound rooted in life’s quiet moments.

Electronic trio Bitchin Bajas announce their new album, Inland See, arriving September 26th on Drag City. Mostly written on the road and recorded live at Electrical Audio, the album captures the band’s raw, spacious sound. Watch the visualiser for their lead single, “Skylarking”. The band will support the release with an extensive North American tour, including dates with Stereolab.

Orkney-born musician Merlyn Driver releases “Onto Something” today, the captivating first single from his highly anticipated debut solo album, It Was Also Sometimes Daylight, which is due out on October 10th. The track, accompanied by a video (premiering on KLOF Mag), offers a tantalising glimpse into a record shaped by a unique, nature-immersed upbringing and a deep-seated passion for intercultural musical exploration. It features leading UK fiddle player Owen Spafford.

Back in 2019, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, the moniker of Will Oldham, released I Made a Place, a significant release at the time, being his first collection of new, original songs since 2011’s Wolfroy Goes to Town. One of the album’s videos, “In Good Faith,” was created by Timothy Morton, using footage from his documentary on contemporary Sacred Harp singing practices. Watch it here.

Grammy-nominated artist Madi Diaz delves deeper into heartbreak with her newly announced album, Fatal Optimist (out 10 October 2025 via ANTI-). The lead single, “Feel Something,” offers a poignant glimpse into what promises to be her most sparse and haunting record yet. Positioned as the final chapter in her heartache trilogy, the album was born from a period of intense, solitary introspection.

Critically acclaimed singer-songwriter Josienne Clarke is set to release her new album, Far From Nowhere, on 17 October via her own Corduroy Punk label. Watch the video for her latest single, ‘What Do I Do?’. This is Clarke at her most raw and elegant, spinning vulnerability into a complete and compelling artistic statement.

Listen to the latest Monday Morning Brew Playlist featuring Cyril Cyril, Cicada Rhythm, Strange Pilgrim, Pino Palladino & Blake Mills, Big Thief, Jeff Tweedy, Dean Johnson, Georgia Harmer, Anna St. Louis, James P Honey, Nicolai Dunger, Ishaaq Aarkistra, Floreana, The Innocence Mission, Winter McQuinn, Kyle Morgan, Steve Gunn, Iona Zajac, Carson McHone, Fruit Bats, Whitney, Josh Ritter, Ann Annie & Frankie Cosmos, Rosie Miles, Naima Bock, Spafford Campbell and more.

2025 marks KLOF Mag’s 21st Anniversary. The challenges that face us today have changed significantly since 2004. Meeting them has always required considerable time and effort, but the financial difficulties are now far greater. With your support, we can continue to bring you some musical joy; therefore, starting July 25th, KLOF Mag will transition to a membership model.