There are more wantlist-worthy releases than time to cover them all. Starting this year, Loose Ends is our monthly fix for the great records that slipped through the cracks. Expect a key track and quick take on each release, and a link to add it to your shelves.
A Pile Fabric Primer || EP
This debut EP was released a couple of months ago. RIYL: a mix of Hüsker Dü, Leatherface, and early Goo Goo Dolls sounds like something you would be into. I am definitely putting this Norwich (UK) duo on my bands-to-watch list.
Michael Des Barres || Kiss or Kill Me b/w I Was Saved in ’64
Rock veteran Michael Des Barres released a glam rock-tinged 7″ single, Kiss or Kill Me, backed by the spoken word track I Was Saved in ’64, via Rum Bar Records, marking his latest return to raw, 70s-inspired rock ‘n’ roll.
Care || Women in Love
Sometimes it feels like we covet ALL the Melbourne bands, but it is not true. However, we cannot pass on the scrappy indie pop charm of Care’s Women in Love album.
Cryogenic Division || Cryogenic Division
Seven tracks of Cleveland mutant punk dubbed “freezecore” by a cast of comic book characters that includes The Collector, The Doc, Goons and Hector Heat (aka fucking bitch). Cold, fast, and absolutely ridiculous.
Crystal Ball || Demo Tape
“We have seen the future and it shite,” states Shrewsbury punks Crystall Ball. Based on their music, you just know they are not lying.
Koos van der Hoeven || Back On The Tracks
Netherlands-raised/Scotland-based guitarist/songwriter Koos van der Hoeven collects eleven blues-rock tracks from three EPs—VERTi-Go, After the break(s), and After 40—on one LP: “Guitar music for guitar lovers.”
It’s You! It’s Me! And There’s Dancing! || Tell Me All About It
For a band named after a Los Campesinos! song, I did not expect to hear hardcore punk this ferocious. Favorite song: Softer Synaptic, which sounds a like Avail and Los Campesinos! teaming up.
Landowner || Assumption
The press release may use minimalistic punk in their description, but Landowner has way more to offer on their powerful and intriguing new LP Assumption (Exploding in Sound Records).
Mach Pelican || A Secret Session
Don’t call it a come-back? If the first new music in twenty plus years from this legendary Australian/Japanese combo sounds this good, we can only take a bow.
The Murderburgers || Turning 35 Was An Embarrassment
Surprise! The Murderburgers went on hiatus when Fraser started (the very good) Wrong Life. But here are two new songs of the band, which will be available on 7″ and coincide with a tour by the band. This is how you do fast and melodic punk rock!
Muttering || Love, Keep Me Afraid
Anthemic emo leaning punk rock with a heartbeat and a soul. Can’t stop, won’t stop playing the opening track (Somehow).
Perfectly Lethal || LP
I once called Perfectly Lethal (Boston) one of the best kept secrets in underground rock music. Well, they’ve decided to stop being so damn secretive about it. They’ve compiled their excellent two EPs (reviews here and there) with five new songs on a single full-length, and now there’s no excuse not to know about them.
Nick Piunti || Solo…ish
Nick Piunti takes a slightly different approach in creating his latest record, which further solidifies his status as creator of top notch power pop and owner of one of the sweetest voices in the genre.
Proton Packs || Visions From The Void
The new album by these pop punks from Italy finds it origins in a sleepless night, and will now keep up you up all night as well. Out on Mom’s Basement and Striped Music, so you know it worth your time.
Sababa 5 || Ça va Ça va
The Paris-based quartet channel the ecstatic spirit of Middle Eastern wedding celebrations through psych-drenched guitars, cosmic synths and uplifting grooves, captured in nine danceable instrumentals.
Sex Mex || This Will Be Repackaged III Eventually
I am still waiting to hear a song by this one-man machine that I don’t like, but it appears he ups the contagion with each new release, making his songs even more infectious, even though this is presented as a premature EP that will end up on a future release I guess.
Shooting Losers || Fun Times & Energy Drinks
California garage poppers Shooting Losers have a wild start to 2026 with a compilation of their early recordings and this fun 4-song EP. For a band that loves to play the role of underdog, they sure show a lot of potential.
Station Model Violence || Station Model Violence
This Sydney band (ft members of Total Control, DEN and R.M.F.C) provide almost forty minutes of intriguing and idiosyncratic (post) punk, showing they can be accessible and dissonant depending on your mood.
Stoop Kid || Office Overdue
Jangly laid back indie rock from Belgium that is extremely likeable.
Tacoblaster || Digital Fun-Zone!
Bordeaux, France-based garage rock project Tacoblaster returned with their fifth album, Digital Fun-Zone!, showcasing 90s-inspired, melody-driven songs exploring nostalgia, identity, and vulnerability.
Texas Two || Chronovisor
Solo indie pop project out of Indonesia, with fuzzy buzzsaw-y guitars. RIYL: Shop Assistants, The Vaselines.
Top Secret Nicho || Lands EP
Pretty cool psych-y protopunk from Argentina on Fake Sex Tape. The EP is comprised of three originals and a cover of an Electric Eels song.