[January 2026] Summary of the Latest Western Music Releases

No TouchSleaford Mods Ft. Sue Tompkins

Sleaford Mods Ft. Sue Tompkins – No Touch (Official Video)

Sleaford Mods are a post-punk duo based in Nottingham, in the English Midlands.

Known for their uncompromising style that vents social frustration with Jason Williamson’s searing spoken delivery and Andrew Fearn’s minimal beats, they released a collaborative track with Sue Tompkins, formerly of Life Without Buildings, in December 2025.

The song is a lead single from their album “The Demise Of Planet X,” slated for release in January 2026, and its creation—shaped through exchanges of voice memos—offers an intriguing backstory.

The music video, directed by Andrea Arnold of the film “Fish Tank,” is also generating significant buzz on the visual front.

Recommended for those who want to revel in the buoyant groove born from the chemistry of two acts that wield the rhythm of words as their weapon.

BellinghamHeadie One

Headie One – Bellingham (Official Video)

As a rapper representing UK drill, Headie One rose from Tottenham in North London to the world.

His debut album Edna, released in 2020, reached No.

1 in the UK, making him an iconic figure of a street-born artist at the peak of the mainstream.

His new track, released in December 2025, bears the name of football superstar Jude Bellingham.

Anchored by the heavy basslines characteristic of drill, its buoyant, baile funk–like rhythms set bodies in motion, achieving a danceable aggression.

The mellow shade added by sampling Future’s “Solo” also lands nicely, resulting in a balance where hardness and emotion coexist exquisitely.

A winner’s mentality—staying at the top from a young age—runs through the lyrics.

It’s a perfect track for the club or a workout, whenever you want to elevate your mindset for a decisive moment.

The Dream of a Ridiculous ManMIRAR

The Dream of a Ridiculous Man

There aren’t many artists who transform the guitar into such an alien object.

MIRAAEL is a duo of French guitarist Leo Watremez and Norwegian producer Marius Elvestad, drawing heavy influence from the post-Vildhjarta “thall” context while using guitar to recreate even electronic textures in a distinctive style that’s gaining attention.

Released in December 2025, this track—its title inspired by Dostoevsky’s short story of the same name—lands with a cold, almost prayer-like chiaroscuro.

As a follow-up to the January 2025 album Ascension, it compresses rumbling low end and razor-sharp riffs into four and a half minutes.

If you’re drawn to inorganic sonic sculpture or want to probe the boundary between metal and electronic music, this is a must-hear.

FDOPooh Shiesty

Pooh Shiesty – FDO [Official Music Video]

Rapper Pooh Shiesty from Memphis is signed to Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records.

He shot to prominence when his February 2021 mixtape “Shiesty Season” reached No.

3 on the Billboard 200.

However, his career was interrupted by a stint in federal prison.

He was released in October 2025, and this track marks his long-awaited comeback.

Built on TP808’s heavy 808 bass and hard-edged drums, the song is structured around a single long verse that barrels straight through.

Rather than crooning melodically, he leans on a gritty voice and forceful flow—an outright declaration that he’s back.

In the simultaneously released music video, footage of him right after his release and words from his family create a homecoming feel.

If you’re into Southern hip-hop or trap, definitely give it a listen.

Hop Skip Jump (feat. Braxton Cook)Nate Smith

Nate Smith “Hop Skip Jump” (feat. Braxton Cook) – Visualizer

Nate Smith, a drummer from Chesapeake, Virginia, is a leading figure in the contemporary jazz scene and is renowned as a master of the deep, heavy groove known as the “pocket.” This work, created with saxophonist Braxton Cook, lives up to its title: a tune where irresistibly buoyant rhythms fuse with refined melodies.

Beyond his drum virtuosity, the song’s structure is outstanding.

The track was pre-released in December 2025 ahead of the deluxe edition of the album “LIVE-ACTION,” which came out in August 2025.

It’s a must-hear not only for jazz fans but for anyone seeking a groove that makes your body move.

Back AgainMiss Construction

Miss Construction – Back Again (Official Visualizer)

Miss Construction is an electro/industrial project based in Berlin.

Launched in 2008 by Chris Pohl—known for Blutengel and Terminal Choice—the unit has carved out a unique presence in the gothic/dark electro scene with an aggressive yet humorous sound centered on EBM and industrial electro.

After remaining silent since their 2013 album “United Trash – The Z Files,” they are releasing a new track for the first time in about 12 years.

The song is a dance track driven by a clinical four-on-the-floor kick and razor-sharp synth bass; its lyrics vividly depict a pounding bass taking control of the body and a melody invading the mind, boldly proclaiming the project’s full-scale comeback.

The release is out via Out Of Line Music in December 2025.

Recommended for those who want to move on the club floor or immerse themselves in the world of dark electro.

HA21 Savage

21 Savage – HA (Official Music Video)

21 Savage, the rapper representing Atlanta, has continued to stay at the forefront of the trap scene, and in December 2025 he released his fourth album, “What Happened to the Streets?”.

The second track on the project is produced by veteran beatmaker Zaytoven and is marked by a piano loop and dry drums that evoke the Atlanta sound of the 2000s.

With touches like sampling from a 2007 Gucci Mane mixtape, you can feel the respect for the genre’s roots.

The structure, which uses a sardonic laugh as the hook, pairs with his characteristically mechanical flow to create a distinctive tension.

A promotional campaign tied to the art event Art Basel also drew attention.

This is a must-listen for heads seeking dark, minimal trap.