Bad Takes Make Joe’s Stories (or, People Freaked Out About Car Seat Headrest’s ‘Joe’s Story’)
Car Seat Headrest issued *Joe’s Story*, a full rerecording of the 2016 album *Teens of Denial*, adding two new tracks and rewriting lyrics to follow an alter‑ego’s sobriety journey. Fans quickly criticized the mix, the removal of profanity, and a drummer’s comment that linked the changes to the singer’s religious interests. The backlash escalated into speculation about Will Toledo’s faith and accusations of bigotry, despite his long‑standing queer identity. The episode highlights how algorithm‑driven outrage can turn a modest anniversary release into a reputational crisis.
Review: Turnover – ‘Down on Earth’
Turnover released their new album *Down on Earth*, which critics hail as the band’s strongest work since the 2014 breakthrough *Peripheral Vision*. The record blends dream‑pop, shoegaze, and indie‑rock textures while retaining the emotive lyricism that defined their early sound....
Review: Wild Pink – “Round of Applause at the End of the World”
Wild Pink’s new single “Round of Applause at the End of the World” opens their forthcoming sixth album *Still Coming Down* with a noisy, guitar‑driven assault that still nods to their roots through pedal steel, harmonica and accordion. Frontman John...
The Alt Weekly Roundup (5/25/26)
The Alternative Weekly Roundup (May 25, 2026) spotlights five fresh releases across the indie spectrum. Cleveland noise‑rock outfit honeybee debuts the LP *Only Dark Shit*, merging abrasive riffs with space‑rock ambience. Polish jazz collective Jutra drops *A Mid Size Universe*, a dreamy,...
Review: Genesis Owusu – ‘REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE’
Genesis Owusu’s new album *REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE* is being lauded as one of the best rap releases of the 21st century. The record fuses vibrant synths, genre‑bending production, and polished engineering to create a sonically rich experience....
The Alt Weekly Roundup (5/11/26)
The Alt Weekly Roundup (May 11, 2026) spotlights several indie releases: above me’s shoegaze‑electro hybrid album “soften the blows,” Turnover’s two dream‑pop singles “Nightjar” and “I See You and Realize” ahead of their May 29 album Down on Earth, she’s green’s pared‑back single...
Sleeping With Sirens Live In Nashville with House & Home
Sleeping With Sirens returned to the stage after a year‑long hiatus, delivering a sold‑out show at Marathon Music Works in Nashville. The concert featured the live debut of the title track “An Ending In Itself,” previewing their new album slated...
Review: Lip Critic – ‘Theft World’
Lip Critic’s sophomore album *Theft World* translates the band’s notorious live chaos into a studio record that fuses digital‑hardcore aggression with surreal, horror‑themed lyricism. Produced by Connor Kleitz, the album features twin drummers Danny Eberle and Michael Sandvig, creating a...
10/10 You’re Great: ‘Believes in Patterns’
The latest episode of the "10/10 You’re Great" podcast featured Alternative critic Elias Amini discussing the underrated screamo album *Believes in Patterns* by I Would Set Myself on Fire for You. The hosts also examined why teenagers should move beyond...
Review: Grace Ives – ‘Girlfriend’
Grace Ives drops her second studio album, “Girlfriend,” marking a bold evolution from 2022’s “Janky Star.” The record features four standout singles—“Avalanche,” “Dance With Me,” “My Mans,” and the fan‑favorite “Stupid Bitches.” Produced in part by Grammy‑nominated John DeBold, the...
Interview: Houses We Die In
Texas metalcore outfit Houses We Die In released their latest EP, "A Brief Glimpse of Solace," in May 2026, showcasing a more melodic yet still aggressive sound. The band’s three‑guitar configuration and collaborations with local artist Lauren Hua give the...
Music as a Mirror: Kurt Cobain & Nirvana ‘Unplugged’
The piece reflects on the 1993 MTV Unplugged performance by Nirvana, describing how Kurt Cobain’s raw, acoustic set left a lasting imprint on a 21‑year‑old viewer and, a decade later, on her child. It weaves personal memories with cultural observations,...
10/10 You’re Great: ‘Weezer (Blue Album)’ Ft. Kory Gregory of Prince Daddy
The Alt Editing podcast episode "10/10 You’re Great" featured Kory Gregory of Prince Daddy & the Hyena discussing Weezer's iconic 1994 Blue Album while previewing his upcoming solo record, Hotwire Trip Switch. The conversation blended nostalgia for the Blue Album’s...
Review: Prince Daddy and the Hyena – ‘Hotwire Trip Switch’
Prince Daddy and the Hyena released their fourth LP, Hotwire Trip Switch, on April 21 2026 via Counter Intuitive Records. The album reunites emo‑producer Joe Reinhart, whose raw‑yet‑warm production recalls the band’s early sound. Musically, the record leans into 1990s alt‑rock and power‑pop,...
10/10 You’re Great: ‘Return to Love’
The latest episode of “10/10 You’re Great” features Zac from The Alternative, who champions LVL UP’s under‑appreciated 2016 album *Return to Love*. The hosts riff on the record’s lyrical depth, while also noting a J. Mascis sighting and a tongue‑in‑cheek Slobodan chant....