Slowly Drowning – Inside Out
Release Date: 14th July 2026
Irish outfit Slowly Drowning have carved out a delightful little niche for themselves following the release of their debut single, Slowly Drowning. Self-described as atmospheric alt-metal, this doesn’t quite paint the full picture though. The duo’s first song doesn’t burst out of the blocks or anything quite as cliched; instead, it catches your ear with a simple yet catchy beat and engaging vocals. It’s not until the first chorus hits after 90 or so seconds that you realise you’re engrossed. Rarely do five-and-a-half-minute songs feel too short as this does. What’s for sure is the wait for more music is going to feel too long.
Nol K – I can’t do it alone
Release Date: 20th July 2026
Our favourite Brunei Darussalam export is back again with another earworm of a track. ‘I can’t do it alone’ is more of the same from Nol K, with a catchy and very 90s intro that peaks with each chorus. There’s little doubting the meaning behind the song, even from the track title, but as the phrase “when will it end” gets repeated it becomes clear that this is a track written from the heart. Not a surprise from an artist that can’t help but talk about his love for his wife and cat. This is music made with passion, like all music should be.
Uragh – Tempest
Release Date: 31st July 2026
Some music really evokes a period or event. Some, like ‘Tempest’, the latest single from Irish metal mob Uragh, gives vibes of games like the Playstation 2’s iconic Need For Speed Most Wanted (the 2005 version, obviously). Proggy, metally goodness that hits that primal part of the brain that really just wants to run through walls and try and break one’s own neck by twirling your hair in a circle. Booming throughout, whether that be the drumming or vocals, ‘Tempest’ changes style constantly for a touch over five minutes. Plus, who doesn’t want to hear about psychotic wolves?!
Prompts – Drowning
Release Date: 15th June 2026
Japanese metalcore that brings in a touch of math and a healthy dose of nu to supplement an already chaotic sound? Yes please and thank you Prompts. ‘Drowning’ may be almost two months old by now, but there’s a chance that even with multiple listens you don’t notice every element that the track throws at you. Multiple vocal styles, bouncy drums, meandering guitars. Respite doesn’t exist when you’re listening to Prompts and we’re here for it.
All Now – Winter Coats
Release Date: 24th July 2026
Sometimes when you listen to a band you can just tell that at least one member was born to do what they’re doing. With Winter Coats you just feel the soulfulness in the vocals almost instantly. Taken from their EP The Beautiful Living & The Glorious Dead, the track is everything the alternative scene stands for. It’s a group of people coming together and blowing away the cobwebs caused by the daily grind. ‘Winter Coats’ is an anthem, one that you’ll wind your windows down to and sing out of your car window…while also contemplating the life you’re living and what else you could have done. Good luck dealing with that in yet another heatwave.
LUNG – Isolated Gun
Release Date: 5th August 2026
With a proper old school, raw as hell vibe, Kiwi punks LUNG are throwing us back many a decade while still managing to sound as contemporary as any of the peers that they’ve outlasted since the 80s. The trio are continuing their trend of releasing tracks that belie the fact there are just the three of them, with a huge bass-y sound that provides the perfect backdrop for frontman Dave White’s unique vocal style and cutting lyrics. A groovy track that surprises throughout.
EMNW – LOVING TO GET US BY
Release Date: 30th July 2026
EMNW have been around for a couple of years now, honing their craft with singles until March ’26 saw them release a self-titled album which got them some major label attention. ‘LOVING TO GET US BY’ is the first single released on their new label and with the support of Wargasm’s Sam Matlock in the studio, brings a track that you’ll find it impossible to sit down to. Bouncing guitars are supported by ridiculously catchy vocals with the odd touch of EDM thrown in for good measure. This feels like the start of something.