For those about to rock, well, you know the rest. In this week’s instalment of What’s Going On, we’re kicking it loud. We’ve got five hot new rock tracks that are perfect for your playlist and shutting up anyone who thinks the genre is dead. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to stream and follow these artists.
PRESIDENT – Mysterious UK outfit PRESIDENT double down on their shadowy appeal with the lyric video for “MERCY,” a punishing yet melodic single that’s sure to go off at rock festivals this year. Fresh off a stint on the road with Bad Omens, PRESIDENT’s new track delivers their metalcore-meets-electronica sound in spades. Beneath the surface, “MERCY” is also an exploration of religion, division, and defiance. Who are they really? I don’t know for sure, but I am intrigued.
Watch the new lyric video for PRESIDENT’s “MERCY” below.
Kid Sistr – Turn it up! Los Angeles-based rock trio Kid Sistr swing hard on “Maniac,” a snarling kiss-off that turns bad decisions into catharsis. Fronted by Sabel Englert, the track is all razor-sharp riffs, big hooks, and brash attitude. Equal parts breakup anthem and tough-love pep talk, the track tees up the trio’s forthcoming EP American Teenage Prophecy, due out May 13, 2026, via Giant Music.
Listen to Kid Sistr’s new single “Maniac” below.
Atta Boy – Los Angeles-based quartet Atta Boy returns from a four-year silence with “Haven’t Yet.” The track has a warm, lived-in quality, which makes sense as it navigates the quiet distance that grows when communication breaks down and the fragile work of finding your way back. That’s deep. One has to wonder whether this is autobiographical.
Listen to Atta Boy’s new single “Haven’t Yet” below.
Marfa – Everything old is new again. Rock duo Marfa pull from the ‘70s on “If It Ain’t You,” their hazy new single. Co-crafted with Andrew DeRoberts, it wraps rich harmonies and easy melodies around love’s simplest moments, perfect for swaying and slow dances. Timeless without trying too hard, it’s retro-leaning without being pastiche.
Listen to Marfa’s new single “If It Ain’t You” below.
Orange Doors – Psych rockers Orange Doors are weird in the best way on “Gizmo Gadget,” a fuzzy, journey of a song. Born out of bedroom demos, the track balances a ‘90s grunge feel with an odd sense of humour and whimsy. It’s all about being defiant and playful while standing in the face of chaos. That makes sense, right?
Listen to Orange Doors’ new single “Gizmo Gadget” below.
