It is hard to believe we’ve arrived at our first Caustic of April, but thankfully, for both our loyal readers and us, the release schedules have kept up with the ever-increasing speed at which the sand of time trickles to the bottom of the hourglass. Yes, 2026 is moving by at lightspeed, which makes the ancient practice of digesting new music all the more necessary, as these albums and songs seem to be the only consistency in these times. This week, we have magnificent returns from some of the music world’s most beloved contributors, anticipated releases that lived up to every second of the wait, and a few singles from some albums that are set to keep this hot streak of New Music Fridays alive.
You can check out Glide’s picks for the week’s best new music, and be sure to follow April’s Caustic Spotify playlist to keep updated on busy Fridays like this one.
Thundercat – “What Is Left To Say”
Distracted
Arriving exactly six years to the date of his last studio album, 2020’s It Is What It Is, the latest studio effort from Thundercat is a mesmerizing display of artistic maturity and poetic empathy. Distracted tackles the idea that being so isn’t always a bad thing, and how the concept of being unfocused advances at the same rate as technology, as the artist brings his signature falsetto across 15 spellbinding examples of contemporary neo-soul that are stubbornly present. “What Is Left To Say” employs hints of yacht rock and nostalgic Brit-pop to emphasize Thundercat’s warm vocals and heartfelt songwriting.
Joe Pernice – “Is It Serious”
Sunny, I Was Wrong
On Sunny, I Was Wrong, his first solo project in six years, Pernice Brothers’ Joe Pernice reenters the spotlight on his own for a confessional LP. The veteran songwriter continues to expand his colorful career with eleven uncompromising examples of his profoundly poignant poetry paired with Americana instrumentation. “Is It Serious” is a soulful highlight that takes the things haunting Pernice and spins them into a longing-fueled ballad.
Bruce Hornsby – “Alabama”
Indigo Park
Iconoclast Bruce Hornsby pulls his legendary career into yet another new chapter with the release of Indigo Park. The beloved solo musician and sought-after keyboardist emerges with more cheeky, playful compositions that prove his creativity has remained untouched throughout his fruitful career. “Alabama” toys with expectations, as Hornsby’s nimble vocals navigate unpredictable piano melodies and subtle ambiance.
Charley Crockett – “Lonesome Dove”
Age of The Ram
Over the past year, acclaimed country troubadour Charley Crockett has released two albums that are a part of something he’s calling The Sagebrush Trilogy, and the third and final installment has arrived. The Shooter Jennings-produced Age of the Ram is the ethereal, twenty-song, mixtape-style finale of this trilogy, delivering the artist’s vibrant storytelling through a dream-like lens while harkening back to his roots. “Lonesome Dove,” an early favorite, is an incredibly moving performance with Crockett’s vocals dancing around twangy simplicity with charm and grace.
Arlo Parks – “Nightswimming”
Ambiguous Desire
The highly anticipated third studio album from pop provocateur Arlo Parks has finally arrived, and the championed artist is diving headfirst into subdued dance anthems. Ambiguous Desire captures the essence of a low-key nightlife scene, opting for more nuanced grooves that still glimmer under the sullen atmosphere of these 12 songs. “Nightswimming” takes you on a ride to a secluded hangout spot, where Parks’ hushed vocals are free to roam around the somber, danceable energy.
Sun O))) – “Does Anyone Hear Like Venom?”
Sun O)))
Metal experimentalist Sun O))) have found a new home on Sub Pop Records, yet their debut for the legendary label proves to be a return to form for the established innovators. Their self-titled LP, the first to credit the original duo as the only musicians, is as bare-bones as their droning, guitar-driven sound gets, sporting only six compositions that stretch to an hour and a half. “Does Anyone Hear Like Venom?” pounds from the speakers with a low, unignorable hum that quickly wraps around the listener, providing a warm blanket made of alien fabric.
Maria Taylor – “Be Careful What You Want”
Story’s End
Singer/songwriter Maria Taylor has officially released Story’s End, her first collection of new music in seven years, and the pop-tinted folk ambiance is the immersive listen we’ve been waiting for. These 10 songs mark the beginning of a new era for Taylor and her career, as she makes her label debut with Million Stars with a cinematic LP that is as captivating as it is intricately delicate. “Be Careful What You Want” employs nuanced jazz influences that emphasize Taylor’s expressive lyrics.
Market East – “Italian Market Wine”
French Street
Since launching themselves into the contemporary soul pantheon with their 2010 EP, Philadelphia’s Market East has kept a low profile, but the whimsical magic contained on their anticipated debut might disturb the mystique. French Street is an elegant, breezy display of Market East’s singularity, as their 12-song debut from Eraserhood Sound reimagines the history of Philly soul through the lens of three daring musicians hellbent on creating something they can call their own. “Italian Market Wine” is the transportive highlight that transforms the room into a classy ballroom affair, capturing the essence of the moment you catch eyes with someone and ask for a dance, as blaring horns anchor the heavenly harmonies to reality.
Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE & SURF GANG – “Kirkland”
POMPEII // UTILITY
After scattering collaborations throughout their respective careers, Hip-hop pioneers MIKE and Earl Sweatshirt team up with producer collective SURF GANG for a double disc á la Outkast on POMPEII // UTILITY. With MIKE taking the first disc and Sweatshirt taking the latter, all under the watchful gaze of SURF GANG’s soulful trap instrumentals, the duo piece together a daring contemporary Hip-hop outing with the same fearlessness that pushed them to the forefront of their genre. The short yet potent “Kirkland,” from MIKE’s side, featuring Sweatshirt himself, scratches the surface of the sonic terrain this collection of trailblazers built, with SURF GANG’s signature drums bleeding into a lush atmosphere, creating the perfect canvas for the two vocalists.
Okonski – “Flying” (Feat. Cochemea)
Single
The improvisational jazz trio, composed of members of Durand Jones & the Indications, Okonski, returns with their second single of 2026. Along with fellow jazz innovator Cochemea, “Flying” is a moody example of Okonski’s poetic approach to instrumentation, while their guest delivers silky brass melodies to accompany the band’s now-signature tones. “Flying” arrives on the heels of February’s “Easy.”
face of ancient gallery – “Green Wood”
Like Kites
Bloodsports’ Jeremy Mock is gearing up for the release of Like Kites, the sophomore effort from his solo project, face of ancient gallery. With Like Kites set to arrive on May 1, the artist releases “Green Wood,” an atmospheric preview of this LP. The latest single is ambient folk at its most palpable, with the artist’s raw vocals pairing beautifully with the searing strings and glistening acoustic plucks.
Of Montreal – “When”
Aethermead
Beloved and long-standing indie pop outfit Of Montreal push into their 30th year as a band with the announcement of a new album and its lead single. Aethermead, Of Montreal’s 20th LP, is set to arrive on June 5, and the blistering, subtly sultry “When” is our first preview of the new album. The lead single is a noticeable sonic shift from the previous few LPs from the Kevin Barnes-led outfit, with a distinct punk twist and newfound blunt songwriting pairing beautifully with the artist’s consistently evolving vocals.
knitting – “I Want to Remember Everything”
Souvenir
After crashing onto the indie rock scene with a distinct style tinted with shoegaze and emo with the release of their 2024 debut, knitting have announced their long-awaited sophomore effort. Souvenir is set to arrive on June 26, and the lead single is already showing signs of a more mature, honed sound from the youthful band. “I Want to Remember Everything” is a poignant display of knitting, with their distant yet impactful vocals crawling over warping guitar riffs.
Futurebirds – “Sleepless in the Cage”
Far Out Country
In the nearly two decades since they emerged from Georgia with a refreshing psych-country sound, Futurebirds are set to return with their first double-album in 2026. Far Out Country, set to arrive on June 5, will feature two discs of new songs from the band and follow up on the release of 2024’s Easy Company. To accompany the announcement, Futurebirds released a three-song EP called Sienna Life, with “Sleepless in the Cage” standing out as an anthem for the restless, intertwined with Futurebirds’s jam-style approach to country.
Low Cut Connie – “Oh Yeah”
Livin in the USA
With the release of his new LP, Livin in the USA, set to be released on July 3, Low Cut Connie releases the third preview of the album. “Oh Yeah” is a nostalgic rock anthem with honky tonk tendencies, creating a ripping, jam-style single that is unforgettable and exhilarating. This is the third single from Low Cut Connie’s upcoming album, joining the politically-charged title track and the more radio-friendly “Little Freakers.”
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