Posted: by The Alt Editing Staff
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The Alternative Weekly Roundup is a column where our staff plugs a variety of new releases in a concise, streamlined format: albums, singles, videos, live sets. Check back every other Monday to see what we were jamming the week prior.
above me –soften the blows
With last year’s self-titled album, above me elevated their luscious shoegaze by shooting it through with electronic elements. On soften the blows, from earlier this month, the Bay Area project doubles down; the result might be the best shoegaze album of 2026 so far, one in a world completely its own.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
Turnover – “Nightjar” & “I See You and Realize”
Turnover have come out with two new songs, “Nightjar” and “I See You and Realize,” off their new album Down on Earth, out May 29th. This is the best they’ve sounded since the Peripheral Vision era; “Nightjar” is pure dream pop bliss, while “I See You and Realize” finds them channeling The Smiths as Austin Getz sings in a lower register. It’s amazing to hear the band finally explore the unique sound they cultivated on Peripheral Vision while still evolving, and it’s the version of the band I’ve been waiting to hear.
Matthew D’iorio | @loveisworry14
she’s green – “empty house”
she’s green pares things back on their new single “empty house,” the latest cut off their upcomingswallowtail, due out in July. The track is a pivot away from the lush dream pop palette they’re known for; instead, the band embraces softer tones and wispier layers.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
fingerswoventogether – As the Lie Became Truth
fingerswoventogether can fall under many genre labels. However, their core—the dynamic that seems to power the Jacksonville natives—is an appreciation and deep understanding of emotional hardcore in its truest essence. As the Lie Became Truth straddles metalcore, screamo, and most essentially emotional hardcore, placing a living beating heart at the center of it all.
Elias Amini | @listentohyakkei
In 2 Again – “New Miss Matic”
Compared to theirIt’s All Red to Me, In 2 Again adopts a harder-edged, more abrasive sound onCoins, Currency, Tokens, and Other Related Objects, drawing in particular from Glassjaw and Snapcase. On “New Miss Matic,” though, they refine the hookier, more straightforward style of that EP. It’s as good as anything on the debut, and a nice break from the chaos of their sophomore EP.
Zac Djamoos | @gr8whitebison
The Alternative’s ‘New Music Friday’ playlist
Each week we compile a playlist of songs our staff has been jamming. We post it on Fridays and then include it in each edition of the Weekly Roundup to make sure you don’t miss any of the great music we’re recommending.
