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- Poison the Well’s explosive return: “Thoroughbreds” (metalcore comeback)
- Kim Gordon’s playful grit: “Not Today” and the new solo era
- XCOMM’s youthful fury: “Fake ID” channels classic hardcore energy
- Waterbaby’s baroque-pop moment: “Memory Be a Blade”
- Surfbort’s unfiltered punk: “Jessica’s Changed” and the upcoming album
- Honorable mention — Carrion Vael: “Truth or Consequences” from Slay Utterly
This week’s New Music Friday arrived packed, with long-awaited comebacks, sharp punk singles, and a cinematic indie-pop gem. I narrowed the pile to six must-hear tracks that stand out for boldness, mood, and sheer musical craft. If you like new releases that demand attention, read on.
Poison the Well’s explosive return: “Thoroughbreds” (metalcore comeback)
After a long silence, Miami metalcore mainstays Poison the Well are back with a crushing new single called “Thoroughbreds.” It’s the lead cut from their upcoming album Peace in Place, their first full-length since 2009.
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- Why it matters: The song reclaims the band’s signature intensity while sounding current.
- What to expect: Heavy riffs, forceful vocals, and production built for loud speakers.
- Listen tip: Turn it up and let the dynamics hit you.
Kim Gordon’s playful grit: “Not Today” and the new solo era
Alt-rock icon Kim Gordon has announced a new solo album, PLAY ME, and released “Not Today” as a taste of what’s next. The track blends noisy textures with pop sensibilities.
- Genre blend: Noisy indie-pop with an experimental edge.
- Artist tone: Gordon sounds liberated and clearly enjoying the process.
- Why listen: The song quietly demands attention and rewards repeat plays.
XCOMM’s youthful fury: “Fake ID” channels classic hardcore energy
Venice Beach punks XCOMM drop a thrashy anthem called “Fake ID.” It’s about being kept out of shows as a teen and the frustration that fuels punk’s best moments.
Street-level punk with a message
- Vibe: Fast, direct, and riff-driven—think old-school hardcore spirit.
- Theme: Youth exclusion and solidarity for marginalized crowds.
- Why it lands: It’s raw, urgent, and rooted in punk’s community-first ethos.
Waterbaby’s baroque-pop moment: “Memory Be a Blade”
Waterbaby’s new single “Memory Be a Blade” unfolds like a small, immersive exhibition. Layers of sound and detailed arrangements give the track a refined, almost cinematic quality.
- Sound picture: Lush instrumentation and delicate production.
- Listening tip: Close your eyes and let each detail reveal itself.
- Why it stands out: It balances elegance with emotional weight.
Surfbort’s unfiltered punk: “Jessica’s Changed” and the upcoming album
For fans who already understand Surfbort, “Jessica’s Changed” will land immediately. The band’s new single is brash, catchy, and unapologetically punk.
- Album watch: The band’s LP Reality Star is due in March.
- Expect: Short, aggressive hooks and attitude-forward songwriting.
- Who will like it: Listeners who favor raw, authentic punk deliveries.
Honorable mention — Carrion Vael: “Truth or Consequences” from Slay Utterly
Tech-death outfit Carrion Vael released their album Slay Utterly today, and the track “Truth or Consequences” deserves attention. The musicianship is tight, complex, and heavy.
- Style: Technical death metal with precise execution.
- Notable: The band marries technical skill with visceral impact.
- Why it’s worth a listen: For fans of intricate metal that still hits hard.
