The Alternative's editing staff released their weekly roundup on February 16, 2026, highlighting new singles and albums from various alternative artists. The column features concise reviews of releases including tracks from Lip Critic, Lowertown, and others. Readers are encouraged to support the site through Patreon or newsletters for more music coverage.
The Alternative's weekly roundup, posted on February 16, 2026, by the editing staff, compiles new music releases in a streamlined format, covering albums, singles, videos, and live sets. This edition spotlights a diverse array of alternative and indie acts, emphasizing originality and emotional depth in their work.
Lip Critic's 'Legs in a Snare,' the lead single from their upcoming album Theft World, delivers unrestrained digital hardcore sounds. The video, directed by Colter Fellows, portrays New York as a chaotic urban dreamscape. Lowertown returns after four years with 'I Like You a Lot' from Ugly Duckling Union, capturing the awkwardness of unspoken crushes through intimate lo-fi guitars and innocent vocals by Olivia Osby.
Ratboys' 'Burn It Down' appears on their debut for New West Records, Singin’ to an Empty Chair, featuring honest lyrics and guitar-rock elements that evoke conversations with absent listeners. Ekko Astral's 'lil xan goes to washington' from the beltway is burning blends post-punk chaos with political commentary, starring Lil Xan in its video as he dances in an oversized suit.
Other highlights include Angine de Poitrine's 'Fabienk,' a psychedelic groove that gained viral attention via a KEXP session; Knocked Loose featuring Denzel Curry on the nu-metal track 'Hive Mind'; Billy Gartrell's lo-fi 'Reminders,' released via his label nothing to exist; Asian Glow's shoegaze single 'A Portrait to Be Taken'; and Chat Pile's intense 'Masks,' with its evolving riffs and erratic vocals.
The roundup also promotes The Alternative's 'New Music Friday' playlist and invites reader support through Patreon starting at $2 monthly or newsletter subscriptions.
