Alex Gallacher

Madeline Kenney’s new single, “Semitones,” from Kiss from the Balcony (July 18th, Carpark Records), delves into the erosion of trust. This latest track showcases Kenney’s evolved sound, a product of collaboration and personal growth. Balancing dark lyrical themes with a hopeful melody, “Semitones” offers a compelling preview of her anticipated fifth album, affirming her unique voice.

Rocket Recordings is set to launch Rún’s self-titled debut on August 22nd. This powerful Irish trio—Tara Baoth Mooney, Diarmuid MacDiarmada, and Rian Trench—unleashes their lead single and video, “Terror Moon,” today. The track is a visceral maelstrom of thunderous percussion and potent chants, confronting themes of inhumanity. Expect a cathartic, elemental journey from this spiritually intrepid outfit, whose diverse influences converge to create something truly unprecedented.

Nadia Reid’s new stand-alone single, ‘Moment By,’ drops ahead of her Glastonbury Acoustic Stage slot on June 27th. Born from strolls through Dunedin’s Chingford Park during the pandemic, reflecting on childhood and a world in flux, it’s a powerful, nostalgic rumination, proving creative sparks can ignite even in the most unexpected times.

Cairo’s The Dwarfs Of East Agouza join Constellation Records for their new album, Sasquatch Landslide, out early October. Maurice Louca, Alan Bishop, and Sam Shalabi expand their telekinetic fusion of North African rhythm, free jazz, and psychedelic groove. New single, “Neptune Anteater,” offers a captivating preview of their kinetic trance sound.

On his 90th birthday, minimalist titan Terry Riley has gifted the world an ethereal new Raga, “Komal Reshab Asavari.” This profound piece, co-presented by Red Hot Org and the Kronos Quartet, reflects on the teachings of Riley’s guru, Pandit Pran Nath, with the core essence that “nothing will remain.” It’s a timely artistic response to existential challenges, released ahead of a Kronos Quartet project speaking out against nuclear war.

Matthew Sage, under his M. Sage moniker, has always cultivated a unique sonic garden, but his latest offering, “Tender / Wading,” feels different. The album and lead single, “Tender of Land,” are less a departure and more a deep, resonant breath drawn from the Colorado foothills.

Mac DeMarco announces his new album, Guitar, to be released on August 22, 2025. He called it “a true representation of where I’m at in my life today as I can manage to put to paper.” His lead single, “Home,” a reflective tune about personal space, on which he sings “These days I’d much rather be on my own, ” is out now with a self-shot video.

Jens Kuross’s Crooked Songs, his Woodsist debut, is a revelation. Once an LA session musician and Idaho cabinet maker, Kuross now offers a mysterious, warm, and heart-stirring sound. Watch the video for his lead single Beggar’s Nation. Hayden Pedigo says, “Kuross has tapped into something people need to hear.”

The latest Monday Morning Brew playlist features new tunes from Cass McCombs, Anna Tivel, Jeremy Tuplin, The Wood Brothers, Noura Mint Seymali, Gard Nilssen Acoustic Unity, The Fishermen Three, SunYears (Peter Morén), Fletcher Tucker, Fruit Bats, Cory Hanson, The Deep Dark Woods, Poor Creature, múm, Carson McHone, Herman Düne, Steve Gunn, Hayden Pedigo, Alice, Chris Staples and Joseph Allred.

North Carolina’s Joseph Decosimo, a respected figure in Appalachian old-time music, is releasing his new album, Fiery Gizzard, on August 15th via Dear Life Records. This third solo effort fuses traditional folk with contemporary indie and experimental influences, sparked by a prompt from MC Taylor of Hiss Golden Messenger to imagine old-time fiddle music with an Albion Country Band/Fairport Convention treatment. Listen to the first single, Ida Red.

Elijah Minnelli’s unique blend of folk and dub gets a vibrant makeover in The Alien Dub Orchestra: Plays the Breadminster Songbook. This album sees his cumbia-infused dub reggae reborn through a full band, with instruments like sousaphone and accordion. Born from a collaboration with The Notwist, it’s a joyful exploration of Minnelli’s songwriting, culminating in chaotic, one-take dub versions that push the boundaries of sound.

Sharpie Smile, the reimagined duo of Dylan Hadley and Cole Berliner, unveil their debut album, The Staircase, on June 27th. Formerly Kamikaze Palm Tree, they’ve embraced a lush, contemporary pop sound. Showcased in their new video for “The Slide,” the album promises a dream-like expedition through “minimal/maximal electronic production and deep feels.” Get ready to ascend.