[January 2026] Summary of the Latest Western Music Releases

THE THINGNEW!TOMORA

TOMORA – THE THING (Official Visualiser)

Tomora, a powerful collaborative project by Aurora, one of Norway’s leading singers, and Tom Rowlands of The Chemical Brothers.

Having bonded after meeting at Glastonbury in 2016, they released their second single, “THE THING,” in January 2026.

Aurora’s mystical vocals fuse with Rowlands’ muscular dance beats, resulting in a masterpiece whose meticulously constructed soundscape overwhelms across a runtime of over five minutes.

Following their debut track, this release also delivers a floor-shaking groove, heightening expectations for their anticipated appearance at Coachella 2026.

It’s the perfect sound for nighttime drives or moments when you want to feel a rush—be sure to check it out.

2005NEW!The Academy Is…

The Academy Is… – 2005 (Official Music Video)

The Academy Is…, a Chicago rock band that epitomized the emo and pop-punk scene of the 2000s.

Many of you were probably obsessed with their music back then.

After breaking up once and later reuniting, they released this work in January 2026 ahead of Almost There, their first album in about 18 years.

The sound revives the atmosphere of their debut era with a modern clarity—rush-of-blood guitars and earnest vocals that hit straight to the heart.

The lyrics weave between past memories and present life, portraying what’s changed and the passion that remains—sure to resonate not only with longtime fans.

Highly recommended for anyone who wants to feel the heat of their youth again.

Be sure to check it out.

I Ran (So Far Away)NEW!The Beaches

The Beaches – I Ran (So Far Away) Official Audio

The Beaches are a powerhouse alternative rock band based in Toronto who won Group of the Year at the 2024 Juno Awards.

Released in January 2026, this track is their cover of a classic new wave hit made famous by A Flock of Seagulls in 1982.

While preserving the original’s distinctive sense of weightless atmosphere and propulsive drive, the song is reimagined with an arrangement that brings the guitar and bass grooves to the forefront, resulting in a superbly updated take as modern indie rock.

It’s a track that should appeal not only to those familiar with ’80s music, but also to anyone seeking a fresh rock sound.

Be sure to compare it with the original.

w-w-w-w-wNEW!Hemlocke Springs

hemlocke springs – w-w-w-w-w (Official Visualizer)

Hemlock Springs, known for her unique background with a master’s degree in medical informatics, began creating original pop music in a DIY style after a breakout on TikTok.

Her new track is an advance single from her debut album, “the apple tree under the sea,” set for release in February 2026.

It’s a highly addictive song that blends 80s-style tones with contemporary beats.

Her debut EP was selected among Rolling Stone’s Best Songs in September 2023, earning her strong acclaim.

This release, too, explores themes of breaking from conventions and self-discovery, wrapped in colorful soundscapes.

It’s a work I recommend to those who enjoy music that seems pop on the surface yet harbors something oddly eerie and unsettling.

Slumber PartyNEW!Brigitte Calls Me Baby

Brigitte Calls Me Baby – Slumber Party (Official Video)

Brigitte Calls Me Baby, a Chicago-based band that brings classic new wave and post-punk into a modern context.

Known for frontman Wes Leavins’s sultry vocals, their track “Slumber Party,” released in January 2026, marks a powerful step into a new phase for the band.

It’s the lead single from their upcoming album “Irreversible,” due out in March 2026, with standout production from the Rossmann brothers.

Driven guitars and a lush, sweet melody intertwine, and the music video directed by Alec Basse is also generating buzz.

Put it on when you’re feeling blue and it’ll lift you up, like it’s pulling you out into the world.

ThoroughbredsNEW!Poison The Well

Poison The Well – Thoroughbreds (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO)

Poison the Well is an American band that has been based in Florida since the late 1990s and helped lay the groundwork for the new-school hardcore to metalcore genres.

Known for a style that intersects hardcore ferocity with lyrical melodies, they’ve earned a uniquely high regard in the scene.

Their new song released in January 2026, “Thoroughbreds,” is a lead single from Peace In Place, their first full-length album since 2009—an eagerly awaited work that breaks a long silence.

Centered on the pain of eroding relationships, the track blends weighty breakdowns with emotionally stirring melodies, resulting in a tense, quintessentially Poison the Well composition.

It’s a must-listen not only for longtime fans but also for anyone who enjoys today’s loud, heavy music.

(Biding Time Is a) Boat to RowNEW!Band of Horses

Band of Horses – (Biding Time Is a) Boat to Row (Official Music Video)

Formed in Seattle, Band of Horses has won support for their grand sound that blends indie rock with Americana.

Known for Ben Bridwell’s soaring vocals and gorgeous melodies, their latest release, unveiled in January 2026, is actually a long-shelved track recorded around their debut that fans have been waiting to hear in an official version.

It brims with the fresh, driving energy and wistful emotion characteristic of their early days.

The music video—starring actor Josh Whitehouse and inspired by the “52-hertz whale”—has also become a talking point.

Included on the album Everything All The Time (20th Anniversary Edition), due out in March, this is a gem that leaves a deep afterglow—one you’ll want to savor alone on a quiet night.