The Alternative's weekly roundup on January 19, 2026, highlights fresh music from emerging artists in the indie and alternative scenes. Featured releases include EPs, albums, and singles that blend rock, punk, and electronic elements. The column covers works from London and New York acts, emphasizing dynamic songwriting and emotional depth.
The Alternative's staff-curated weekly roundup, published on January 18, 2026, provides a concise overview of recent music drops, focusing on albums, singles, and videos from the prior week. This edition kicks off with Westside Cowboy's EP So Much Country ‘Till We Get There, described as evoking summer vibes despite the January release. The London-based indie group delivers cheerful tracks with wild guitars and strong vocals, reinforcing the vibrant output from the city's Windmill scene, as noted by contributor Jules Kelly.
Next, New York's Kelly Bowman, under the moniker dutchmasters, unveiled the album untitled at the start of 2026. Elias Amini praises it as a showcase of melody and rage in lofi screamo-tronica, building on her 2024 release substation, my home. melancholy, my bride. The project experiments with emo, screamo, rock, and chiptune sounds.
A poignant highlight is By Storm's single “And I Dance,” the lead from their debut album My Ghosts Go Ghost. Formed by former Injury Reserve members Parker Corey and RiTchie, the track addresses grief following the 2020 death of bandmate Stepa J. Groggs. It offers a dreamier tone, suggesting dance as a response to tragedy.
Ferris Wheel Regulars' third LP, Back in the Jetstream, evolves from their 2023 album Distance Holds the Past. Zac Djamoos points to more layered alt rock, with tracks like “Moves Like Clouds” and “Just Like Stars” echoing Jimmy Eat World’s Clarity.
Finally, New York fantasy-punk band Gummy? released single “Zipper,” ahead of their EP Eternity Under Me Is Static on January 23. The EP features sharp guitars, urgent drums by Liminal Man, and commanding vocals from Gummy, creating heavy-hitting anthems.
The roundup also promotes The Alternative’s New Music Friday playlist and encourages reader support via Patreon.
