THE LATEST
RatboysSingin’ To An Empty ChairNew West Records [2026] “A slow-burn triumph that proves sometimes the bravest thing a band can do is let the silence… “Jangle-Pop With a Pulse and a Soft Spot for the Past“ The Reds, Pinks & Purples are back with another gentle gut-punch of a song…. Joyce ManorI Used To Go To This BarEpitaph Records [2026] “Twenty minutes, nine songs, hooks that stick — I Used To Go To This Bar… Friko Turn Up the Heat on “Seven Degrees” — Big Feelings, Bigger Hooks Chicago’s own Friko are back and swinging for the rafters. The band… Shaking HandShaking HandMelodic Records [2026] “Six-minute grooves, glowing guitars, and zero wasted motion — this one hits like a midnight walk with the volume all… “Basement hooks, big heart, and power-pop glow ups“ There’s something extra satisfying about hearing a songwriter loosen the tie and just have fun. That’s exactly…
Ratboys: Singin’ To An Empty Chair [Album Review]
Fire Track: The Reds, Pinks And Purples – “Heaven Of Love”
Joyce Manor: I Used To Go To This Bar [Album Review]
Friko – “Seven Degrees” [Video]
Shaking Hand: Shaking Hand [Album Review]
Weird Nightmare – “Might See You There” [Video]
VIDEOS
Suitor – “Factory” [Video]
“Cold guitars, hot nerves — Cleveland gloom done right.“ Feel It Records is kicking off 2026 strong. Cleveland’s Suitor are back with Saw You Out With The Weeds, dropping March 20, and lead single “Factory” is the perfect first punch. The album was tracked live in Lawrence, Kansas with Caufield Schnug and Lira Mondal of…
Friko – “Seven Degrees” [Video]
Friko Turn Up the Heat on “Seven Degrees” — Big Feelings, Bigger Hooks Chicago’s own Friko are back and swinging for the rafters. The band just dropped the video for “Seven Degrees,” the first taste of their new record Something Worth Waiting For, due April 24 via ATO Records. “Seven Degrees” starts loose and bright,…
Weird Nightmare – “Might See You There” [Video]
“Basement hooks, big heart, and power-pop glow ups“ There’s something extra satisfying about hearing a songwriter loosen the tie and just have fun. That’s exactly the energy on Hoopla, the new Weird Nightmare record that lands May 1. It’s bright, hook stuffed, and full of the kind of melodies that stick around long after the…
HEADPHONE APPROVED MUSIC (4.5+ Reviews)
Ratboys: Singin’ To An Empty Chair [Album Review]
RatboysSingin’ To An Empty ChairNew West Records [2026] “A slow-burn triumph that proves sometimes the bravest thing a band can do is let the silence…
Shaking Hand: Shaking Hand [Album Review]
Shaking HandShaking HandMelodic Records [2026] “Six-minute grooves, glowing guitars, and zero wasted motion — this one hits like a midnight walk with the volume all…
Goon: Dream 3 [Album Review]
GoonDream 3Born Losers Records [2025] “Dream 3 shimmers, howls, and stuns—Goon’s unexpected masterpiece of the year.” Album Overview: It would have been one of my…
Sharp Pins: Balloon Balloon Balloon [Album Review]
Sharp PinsBalloon Balloon BalloonK/Perennial Records [2025] “A 21-track jangle-pop shimmer with the heart of Alien Lanes and the glow of a lost ’60s classic.” Album…
