Release Recap: 3/3/2026 – 3/10/2026

Here are some new releases and music news from the past week.

Reality Stars – Surfbort
Genre: Garage Punk, Pop Punk
RIYL:

I was very unaware of Surfbort until one of my friends recommended one of their singles, but this album is super fun. This album is a queer, high energy punk album with some faster, grittier moments that remind me a lot of late 70’s surf punk. If that description sings to you, or even if it doesn’t, I highly recommend giving this a listen. It WILL get stuck in your head!
-Z

Strictly 4 The Scythe – The Scythe
Genres: Southern Hip Hop, Trap
RIYL: Denzel Curry, Project Pat, Three 6 Mafia

I honestly had higher hopes for this one. The supergroup led by Florida rapper Denzel Curry came out with some great singles in the lead up to this project, but a lot of the actual mixtape kind of blends together, especially in the last few tracks. The idea of making a collection of hard-hitting 2000s southern hip hop style bangers is also something Curry already revived (and executed better) on his mixtape KOTMS Vol. 2, and this feels like more of the same, even a bit watered down. Even with my criticisms, however, it’s still a good project with some great tracks. The first five tracks from “The Scythe” to “Hoopty” all have something fun to offer with great features from the likes of BKTHERULA, TiaCorine, FERG (formerly A$AP Ferg), and LAZER DIM 700. The project’s not the step forward or the switch-up I expected from as versatile a rapper as Denzel Curry, but it’s still worth a listen.
-Brian

“Donnie Darko Polo” – Arcadia Grey
Genre: Emo-pop
RIYL: Mom Jeans., TRSH, Prince Daddy & The Hyena

Chicago-based Arcadia Grey’s new single “Donnie Darko Polo” is energetic, catchy, and proof that this band deserves your attention. Each new release from them cements their place in the 5th wave emo movement, and this single is no different. Before the end of your first listen you’ll find yourself singing along and adding it to your playlists.
-Kathryn

I Just Kept On Forgetting – Dear Maryanne
Genre: Midwest Emo, Emo
RIYL:

Most known for their song “Natty Ice,” Dear Maryanne have become a staple in many emo, and Loser Radio, fans rotations. When I heard this EP was being released, I was a little shocked, given I’m not a huge follower of the band, and only knew it was out because of an Instagram story. After just one listen I was kinda hooked, the single, “No One is Gonna Love You” is honestly addicting. Like I told Julian, Loser Radio Graduate, “Ep is rlly good.”
-Z

Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally – Harry Styles
Genres: Alt-Pop, Dance-Pop
RIYL : Imagine Harry Styles but with dance and electronic influences

I agree, there must not be disco often. Harry Styles’ new album isn’t bad, but it suffers from a kind of blandness I didn’t anticipate, given how much I enjoyed “Harry’s House” (I wrote my first ever article on it). A lot of the songs on here sound more gloomy in tone and not in a way that really stuck with me, and the dance grooves generally only inspired a slight tapping of the toes at best. On his last album, I thought Styles did a good job of nailing a lot of catchy choruses and hard-hitting emotional moments, but I feel like a lot of that appeal just isn’t as present here (apart from “Season 2 Weight Loss” and “Dance No More”). That said, I do respect his decision to switch things up and move in a more electronic/dance inspired direction (it seems he also got into LCD Soundsystem recently). I don’t think it’s common to see pop stars change their sound this much, and so though I appreciate the concept, I just think the execution was lacking. It’s not a bad project, just underwhelming.
-Brian

Half Blood (BloodLuxe) – slayr
Genres: Digicore, Rage
RIYL: Jane Remover, Frost Children, Lil Uzi Vert, Ken Carson

What a fantastic deluxe. slayr’s 2025 project Half Blood was already exciting enough, but this deluxe elevates it even higher. This is a rage/hip-hop project, but it has strong hyperpop and EDM influences, with the kind of colorful energy you’d find in the late 2010s Soundcloud era, and it’s such a breath of fresh air. The booming bass and jittery synths on here are so rejuvenating, and slayr’s mix of beautiful pop melodies and hungry rap flows show off his versatility very well. That’s not even to mention the incredibly smooth transitions between songs. This project is absolutely worth your time if you’re into rage and/or hyperpop.
-Brian

“Big-Box Store Heart” – Prince Daddy & The Hyena
Genre: Emo-pop
RIYL: Fountains of Wayne, PUP, Remo Drive

“Big-Box Store Heart,” the first single released in anticipation of Prince Daddy & The Hyena’s upcoming album Hotwire Trip Switch, highlights everything the band does best: power chords reminiscent of early 2000s power-pop, relatable lyrics, and hooks that you can’t get out of your head. While the single steers away from the darker themes of their past album and instead focuses on missing a lover, the band sounds more mature and focused than ever, leaving much to be anticipated for their next release.
-Kathryn