It is hard to believe we’re already at the end of February, but what an eventful month it has been. This month has gifted music fanatics with some terrifically splendid albums and singles to help soundtrack the slow transition into warmer weather. February isn’t going out without one last statement piece, and that statement comes in the form of an electrifying New Music Friday. We’ve cooked up a classic here in the Caustic kitchen with fantastic releases from innovative voices in pop and veteran bands marking their welcomed return. This week’s Caustic is something to behold, so allowing the soothing sounds of freshly released music ease you into what will hopefully be a relaxing weekend for everybody.
Check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new music and be sure to follow our Caustic Spotify playlist to explore a wild month of music.
Panda Bear – “Just As Well”
Sinister Grift
There was a lot of excitement leading the path to Sinister Grift, the new solo effort from Panda Bear. When expectations are this high, it can be difficult for an artist to live up to them. Thankfully, Panda Bear is not your typical artist. These ten songs showcase the maturity of frontman Noah Lennox as he crafts breezy ballads with lighthearted melodies and loose tempos, all while delivering pure poetry in motion. “Just As Well” is an early favorite from the album, and only a slither of the prowess on display. Subtle grooves parade around soaring harmonies for a surf-rock-tinted anthem, and a proper introduction to this new side of Lennox’s artistry.
Mdou Moctar – “Oh France”
Tears of Injustice
Following up on the success of their 2024 LP, Funeral for Justice, psych-rock phenoms Mdou Moctar stripped down their sound for their latest release. Tears of Injustice features nimble acoustic takes on songs from their previous release, allowing the full power of their mesmerizing vocals to crash through your speakers. The acoustic version of “Oh France” is an early favorite from the new album. Carefully layered harmonies hit you in the chest as complex guitar work gives the smooth tune a jagged feel, allowing the intricacies of Mdou Moctar’s signature sound to come to life.
The Devil Makes Three – “The Devil Wins”
Spirits
This week, the innovative Americana of The Devil Makes Three makes its triumphant return with their first new album since 2018. Spirits is oozing with refreshing takes on traditional Americana as the band blends folksy storytelling into their rootsy sound, giving Spirits its irresistible atmosphere. “The Devil Wins” sounds like it is taken right from a bonfire jam session on the side of a dusty highway. The tune details falling victim to your addictions and vices while attempting to stay in a positive mindset. Animated acoustics and toe-tapping drums act as the perfect canvas for the band’s vivid storytelling.
Aloe Blacc – “Not On My Watch”
Stand Together
Singer/songwriter Aloe Blacc has had a career filled with massive radio singles and cult classics, and his latest release looks to find the middle ground between these two worlds. Stand Together has Blacc flexing his diverse sound across 12 tracks that explore pop subgenres like electro-dance and acoustic balladry. “Not On My Watch” leans to the latter as Blacc’s baritone voice beautifully juxtaposes the gentle acoustic plucking for an emotionally palpable performance from a veteran writer.
Everything Is Recorded & SAM MORTON – “You Were Smiling”
Richard Russell Is Temporary
Producer and XL Recordings founder Richard Russell’s third album under the Everything Is Recorded moniker is his boldest and most daring yet. The slightly self-titled effort features the likes of Florence Welch and Bill Callahan navigating Russell’s atmospheric production that touches on jazz just as much as it leans towards off-kilter electro-pop. The SAM MORTON-assisted “You Were Smiling” is an intoxicating ballad with no bells or whistles, just splashes of horn melodies, ambient bliss, and an unforgettable vocal performance.
Deep Sea Diver – “Always Waving Goodbye”
Billboard Heart
For their first album in five years, the Jessica Dobson-led Deep Sea Diver holds nothing back. Billboard Heart is a sprawling and vulnerable return for the band as they seemingly fight back tears to deliver 11 staggering examples of their control over the indie rock space. The writing is poetically honest and the arrangements are stadium-sized, and “Always Waving Goodbye” only scratches the surface of Dobson’s return. The high-flying instrumentation softens the blow of the heartbreaking lyrics as the band pens an ode to longing for the past.
Okonski – “Lakebridge”
Entrance Music
The improvisational jazz trio of Okonski looks to capture the same magic that made their debut such a genre-shattering success. They say lightning never strikes the same place twice, but on Entrance Music, the band’s chemistry can stand up against any colloquialism that dares challenge them. The nine-song LP has the band crafting stormy piano ballads that are captivating in their mystique yet welcoming with their warm tones and swaying melodies. “Lakebridge” is an early favorite from Okonski’s sophomore effort. The highlight captures the gentle way raindrops cascade down car windows as twinkling keys accent thick basslines for a nostalgic, low pressure jazz.
Doves – “In The Butterfly House”
Constellations For The Lonely
It is not everyday we get to celebrate a new release from Doves, but when the Britpop band decides to make a return, it is always worth the wait. The band’s new album, Constellations For The Lonely, proves the established band is far from done toying with their sound as subtle nods to lo-fi creep into their experimental indie rock. “In The Butterfly House” sends you into a vortex of complicated emotions and warping sonics as the band creates a drowsy yet invigorating space-aged anthem.
Boldy James & Chuck Strangers – “Birds Eye View”
Token of Appreciation
The prolific and ever-impressive Boldy James returns with his third LP of 2025, the Chuck Strangers-produced Token of Appreciation. The 11-song LP has the duo crafting quaint yet venomous examples of their natural chemistry, with Strangers’s production leaning towards jazzy minimalism and James’s booming vocals effortlessly delivering head-spinning rhyme schemes. “Birds Eye View” is the swaying outro to the new album. Gentle, almost jovial keys tip-toe around silk-lined flows for a nostalgic yet urgent anthem that will have you running to hear more from the duo.
Catbite – “Die In Denver”
Doom Garden
The powerful and explosive ska punk band Catbite have announced their first new music in over three years. The band’s new project, Doom Garden, is set to be released on May 9, and the pop-tinted “Die In Denver” is our first preview of the anticipated release. The deep ska grooves collide with the infectious vocals for an onslaught of youthful punk that will flip the biggest critic into an instant fan.
Sports Team – “Maybe When We’re 30”
Boys These Days
All eyes are on the British indie rock band Sports Team as they gear up to release their highly anticipated new album, Boys These Days. The ten-song album is set to be released on May 23, and this week, the band released the fourth single from the LP. “Maybe When We’re 30” features hypnotic harmonies that coil around the warm guitar tones for a moving, slow-burning ballad, hinting at a more mature side of Sports Team.
Goose – “Lead Up”
Everything Must Go
Goose has established themselves as far more than your average jam band, and they look to continue to break the mold with their latest release. The band’s new album, Everything Must Go, is set to be released on April 25, and Goose took some time to deliver the second single this week. “Lead Up” is a psychedelic indie rock tune with acrobatic melodies that swing from one groove to the next with Goose’s signature charm and grace.
Nathaniel Rateliff & Gregory Alan Isakov – “Flowers”
Single
It’s the duet that was always meant to happen, and now that it has arrived in all its glory, it is even better than it seems on paper. Nathaniel Rateliff and Gregory Alan Isakov pair up on “Flowers,” a poetic and acoustic ballad that was originally intended for Rateliff’s last solo outing. After keeping it on the shelf for five years, the duo premiered the song with a stirring Jimmy Kimmel Live appearance. “Flowers” is no-nonsense Americana with poetic undertones that allow the nuances of the duo’s chemistry to flourish in stunning fashion.
Sparks – “JanSport Backpack”
MAD!
The legendary discography from California natives Sparks is about to get a new addition, and it is already sounding like a daring effort from the veteran band. Their new album, MAD!, is set to be released on May 23, and the electro-pop fusion of “JanSport Backpack” is the new single from the project. Sparks’s jaw-dropping harmonies are dominant on this outing as their playful melodies cascade around the sparse yet potent bounce from the synth-driven instrumentation.
Mercury – “Faster”
Single
After establishing their name in 2024 with a string of acclaimed and awe-inspiring releases, Nashville-based Mercury, led by Maddie Kerr, is already looking to the future. Today, the band released “Faster,” their first new piece of music in 2025. Kerr’s natural knack for making her infectious melodies feel quaint takes center stage on this grunge-inspired single. With dense guitars and thudding drums rounding out the instrumentation, “Faster” is nuanced folk-rock driven by a passionate prowess and restless creativity.
One Response
In the world of music, as in business, one must recognize quality when it presents itself. The latest offerings from Panda Bear, Okonski, Deep Sea Diver, Doves, and Mdou Moctar demonstrate a mastery of their craft, each bringing a unique sound to the table. Their work is a testament to the relentless pursuit of excellence. Such dedication is not just admirable; it’s essential.