Pitchfork

Topshelf Records Drops Ekko Astral

Topshelf Records announced it is ending its relationship with Washington, D.C. punk band Ekko Astral and will not release their forthcoming album *The Beltway Is Burning*. The label cited the ongoing feud between frontwoman Jael Holzman and former drummer Miri Tyler, along with other undisclosed issues, as reasons for the split and will refund pre‑order customers. Holzman confirmed the album will still be issued independently, while a court‑issued peace order keeps Tyler away from Holzman until August. The dispute follows multiple lineup departures since the band’s 2024 debut *Pink Balloons*.