Welcome to your weekly dose of the best new indie, alternative, and experimental releases. This week brings heavy hitters from Radiohead's other band, Interpol's atmospheric return, Alvvays' dreamy singles, and IDLES' punk fury. Whether you're looking for art rock experimentation or straight-ahead indie anthems, there's something here worth your time.
This Week's Reviews
4.5
/ 10Cutouts · XL Recordings
Tracks like 'Zero Sum' and 'Eyes & Mouth' showcase the band's ability to build tension through repetition without ever feeling monotonous. Skinner's drumming is the secret weapon here, providing propulsive rhythms that push Yorke and Greenwood to explore different textures. If you've been waiting for The Smile to fully step out of Radiohead's shadow, Cutouts is that moment.
4
/ 10"Passenger" / "Here is the Thing" · Matador Records
Vintage Interpol — Paul Banks' baritone delivering cryptic lyrics over Daniel Kessler's angular guitar lines and Sam Fogarino's driving drums. 'Passenger' builds methodically, never rushing, trusting in the band's chemistry to create tension. The second track 'Here is the Thing' leans into atmosphere with a hypnotic bassline. For fans of: Editors, The National, She Wants Revenge.
4
/ 10"Belinda Says" · Polyvinyl Record Co.
Canadian dream pop darlings Alvvays return with their first new music since 2022's phenomenal Blue Rev, and 'Belinda Says' suggests they haven't lost an ounce of their melodic magic. Molly Rankin's voice floats over shimmering guitars, creating that signature bittersweet sound. The production by Shawn Everett is pristine. If this is a preview of album four, we're in for something special. For fans of: Beach House, The Sundays, Cocteau Twins.
4
/ 10"Grace" · Partisan Records
Bristol punks IDLES explore vulnerability without sacrificing intensity. Joe Talbot's vocals are more melodic than we've heard before, backed by the band's characteristic churn-and-burn instrumentation. Produced by Nigel Godrich (Radiohead, Beck), the production adds texture while maintaining raw energy. It suggests TANGK might be their most musically diverse record yet. For fans of: Shame, Fontaines D.C., Viagra Boys.
4
/ 10"Chosen to Deserve" · Dead Oceans
North Carolina's Wednesday follows up their breakout Rat Saw God with a song that takes everything great about that record and pushes it further. Karly Hartzman's distinctive talk-sing vocal delivery remains front and center, surrounded by layers of distorted guitars that recall both '90s shoegaze and Southern gothic storytelling. Wednesday has always excelled at making the mundane feel profound. For fans of: MJ Lenderman, Yo La Tengo, Pavement.
Editor's Pick This Week
If you're looking for a full album experience, The Smile's Cutouts is the clear winner — their most complete artistic statement. For singles, Alvvays' "Belinda Says" is pure dreamy perfection. What's striking about this week is how many established artists are delivering some of their best work. Interpol 25 years in, still writing compelling songs. IDLES evolving their sound without losing their edge.
Never Miss a New Release
Follow your favorite artists on MyFavoriteBands to get instant notifications about new music and tour announcements.