We’re propping open the doors and cracking the windows to the Old Caustic Factory for the first day of Spring. We first want to congratulate anyone who pushed through the brutal winter weather, but it’s all in the past, and that sun that someone promised us would come out tomorrow has finally arrived. The blinding joy of the sun, though, is not breaking our focus; the Caustic Factory is still here to fire off some fresh new releases to kick off your Spring. This week, we have refreshing contemporary fusion, youthful rock bands carving out a lane, and triumphant returns across the genre spectrum. Take some time to go outside today, feel the sun on your skin, and let some new tunes soundtrack this fresh start.
Check out Glide’s picks for this week’s best new music, and follow our Caustic Spotify playlists to keep updated on the newest releases.
Ringing – “moria”
Another Cycle in the Cosmic Wash
The highly anticipated studio debut from noisy solo project turned innovative trio Ringing has arrived in a splash of poetic songwriting and explosive arrangements. Another Cycle in the Cosmic Wash solidifies what long-term fans of the band were already aware of: Ringing is one of the more exhilarating rock acts to emerge in years. The band’s warping take on a contemporary love ballad, “moria,” introduces the balance this band struck between sonic exploration and far-too-real emotions.
Son Little – “It’s Your World”
Cityfolk
The incomparable fusion techniques of Son Little have returned on the artist’s latest LP, Cityfolk. The introspective, moving 11-song LP features the artist’s signature blend of Southern blues and nostalgic soul, while Son Little highlights his maturity through empathetic songwriting. “It’s Your World” is an incredibly touching moment from Cityfolk, a love ballad written from afar and drenched in longing.
Tedeschi Trucks Band – “Under The Knife”
Future Soul
The ever-rotating cast that backs band leaders Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks takes the form of a Southern orchestra on Tedeschi Trucks Band’s new album, Future Soul. The rootsy outing continues the band’s exploration of the middle ground between tradition and lofty visions, as they have an existential crisis and morph it into 11 spellbinding performances. “Under The Knife” is an early favorite with jazzy undertones that add a swing to the blues-inspired rock, creating an immersive tune from an impressive LP.
Grace Ives – “Garden”
Girlfriend
The lo-fi alt-pop of Grace Ives gets a fresh perspective on the artist’s third LP, Girlfriend. Ives has never strayed away from tough conversations, and Girlfriend is brimming with harsh reality checks on love, tinted with passionate moments of yearning for simplicity when our thoughts remain complex. “Garden” is a blissful, ambient ballad with vivid imagery that deals with mortality.
Inara George – “Undreamy Dreams”
Songs Of Douglass & Littell
On her fifth studio LP, Inara George flips through the thirty-year-old songbook of her close friends Eliot Douglass and Philip Littell to put together a minimalistic, jazzy vocal outing. Songs of Douglass & Littell is a mesmerizing nine-song outing from a seasoned musician, connecting with music from years ago and bringing it into the present via lavender-tinted, soft pianos. “Undreamy Dreams” closes out the album with a wistfulness that elevates George’s silky vocals.
Jacob The Horse – “Red Rain Boots”
At Least It’s Almost Over
On their apocalyptic new LP, power-pop-punk outfit Jacob The Horse look forward to the end of the hecticness on a bleak, melodic outing. At Least It’s Almost Over features 12 explosive anthems that peel back the mystique of this band, only to find them in a sullen mood, looking around and realizing that too much is out of their control, besides the music. “Red Rain Boots” bursts from the speakers with chanting harmonies that depict disheartening imagery yet spin it into passionate punk.
Ladytron – “Solid Light”
Paradises
The longevity of synth-pop band Ladytron should come as no surprise, as they quickly established their nostalgic yet urgent singularity during the early 2000s electronic boom. Over two decades later, the band remains a beacon of dancing light for the genre on Paradises, their ambitious eighth studio album. The mesmerizing 16-song LP glistens with innate grooves conjured up by wizardry only masters of their craft can achieve, as Ladytron returns to their roots. “Solid Light” is a sleek example of the hypnotic LP, with subdued vocals battling with bright tones and deep grooves.
Spencer Thomas – “This Is Your Life Now”
Cynical Vision
Spencer Thomas’s alt-country songbook just grew 10 songs larger with the release of his urgent new LP, Cynical Vision. The tracklist ranges from acoustic arrangements that invite deep thought to alt-pop that showcases Thomas’s range, all coming together to create a stellar LP from one of the more invigorating songwriters alt-country has seen in years. “This Is Your Life Now” welcomes us to Cynical Vision with blissful acoustics that acknowledge everyone has a story to tell, underscoring the importance of perspective.
FOOTBALLHEAD – “Death To A Past Life”
Weight Of The Truth
On their anxiety-fueled, vulnerable new LP, FOOTBALLHEAD dives headfirst into nostalgic emo tropes and revives them through modern stresses. Weight Of The Truth would sound straight out of the emo heyday if it weren’t for the deeply personal songwriting, as FOOTBALLHEAD holds nothing back across 12 blistering, honed performances. “Death To A Past Life” explores letting go over searing guitars and crashing percussion, creating a dense wall of sound that the vocals navigate.
Terrace Martin – “Circuitry” (Feat. Hit-Boy)
PERSPECTIVE
Modern jazz pioneer Terrace Martin has reached new levels of prolificacy in 2026, already releasing three albums that showcase different sides of his artistry. The sultry, R&B-infused PERSPECTIVE marks the fourth album Martin has released since January, as the artist takes you on a mystifying journey through love-driven instrumentals. The Hit-Boy-assisted “Circuitry” finds Hit-Boy adding his West Coast bounce to Martin’s velvet horns.
Kid Cudi – “DROWN”
HAVE U BN 2 HEAVEN @ NITE? – EP
Recently, visionary Kid Cudi began streaming recording sessions from his house, working diligently on yet another evolution of his sound. His new EP, HAVE U BN 2 HEAVEN @ NITE?, is comprised of four of those original compositions, guitar-driven looks into an innovator’s current mindset, as Cudi mixes the pop of his 2025 LP with the melodic tendencies that made him such a leader in Hip-hop. “DROWN” features low, gurgling vocals that blanket thudding drums and light acoustics.
Mclusky – “fan learning difficulties”
i sure am getting sick of this bowling alley – EP
Beloved punk act Mclusky continues their resurgence with the quick yet lively i sure am getting sick of this bowling alley EP. The 6-song project runs around 14 minutes, but part of this band’s longevity is how much emotion they can pack into their bursts of industrial punk prowess, and these songs are no different. The stand-out moment, “fan learning difficulties,” finds Mclusky pleading for a change over jangly, metallic tones.
The Afghan Whigs – “House of I”
Single
For the first time since 2022, the legendary Afghan Whigs have released new music. The legendary rock act returns with “House of I,” a ripping new single with twisting vocals that coil around cascading percussion and palpable guitar riffs. The single arrives one month before The Afghan Whigs begin their 40th Anniversary North American Tour on April 25 in Woodstock, New York.
Cactus Lee – “Bad Luck”
Lee’s Dream
The prolific and poignant folk music of Cactus Lee seems to evolve on each release, and the latest single from his upcoming LP proves this sentiment. “Bad Luck” is a soft-spoken ballad centered around Lee’s wistful vocals that float over twangy simplicity. This single is the latest from Lee’s Dream, set to be released on April 10 via Western Vinyl.
SUSTO & Susto String Band – “Hard Drugs” (Feat. Morgan Wade)
Susto Stringband (Volume 2)
The Justin Osborne-led SUSTO returns with a follow-up to 2025’s self-titled LP with the second volume of Susto Stringband. The 11-song LP will be released on May 29, and the Morgan Wade-assisted “Hard Drugs” is our first preview of the anticipated album. “Hard Drugs” finds a character coming to the realization of their addiction issues and the battle not to succumb to their destructive tendencies.
One Response
Really like the contrast between the bleak themes and that energetic, melodic punk sound.