I don’t have any thoughts on the FIFA World Cup 2026 halftime show. But I do have thoughts on the great new releases that need to be on your radar. There’s a bit of everything in this week’s What’s Going On: heavy rock, fresh rap, and soulful folk. No matter your vibe, we’ve got you covered. As always, if you dig what you hear, be sure to follow and stream these artists.
Evil Island – Underground rock heavyweights unite in Evil Island. The supergroup features members of The Blood Brothers, Glassjaw, OFF!, and …And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead. Wow! Their debut album, Terraform The Afterlife, is due out August 14 and promises a breakneck mix of post-hardcore, noise rock, and art punk. Evil Island’s blistering new single “King Death” delivers the most exhilarating three minutes of chaos that I’ve heard in a while.
Listen to Evil Island’s new single “King Death” below.
Stand Atlantic – I’ve somehow managed to stay really tapped in on what’s happening in pop-punk. Few bands out there are having as much fun with the pop-punk sound as Stand Atlantic. The Australian quartet recently dropped their new single “LUCID,” along with the announcement of their fifth album GODBREATH. Blending massive hooks, emotional honesty and explosive energy, the band refuses to be boxed in. They’re playing dates in Long Beach, CA and Orlando, FL, on the Vans Warped Tour 2026 this summer. Check them out!
Listen to Stand Atlantic’s new single “LUCID” below.
The Suitcase Junket – The Suitcase Junket returns with To Go On, a deeply affecting project that reflects on love, loss and resilience. Led by the stirring “One More Mile,” Matt Lorenz‘s seventh album turns personal grief into something quietly universal, pairing weathered folk intimacy with poetic storytelling. Few songwriters capture heartbreak and hope with such haunting grace. Have your tissues on standby.
Listen to The Suitcase Junket’s new single “One More Mile” below.
Emily Steinwall – If you’re feeling anxious about the state of the world today, Toronto’s Emily Steinwall has got the song for you. The singer and multi-instrumentalist channels frustration, urgency and existential unease into “Human Anymore,” her cathartic new single that confronts a world consumed by technology, capitalism and fading connection. Who can’t relate to that? We’ll keep you posted with more info to come on Steinwall’s forthcoming album, but, there’s beauty in the fall from grace.
Listen to Emily Steinwall’s new single “Human Anymore” below.
Casper TNG – Fresh off the Platinum success of “The Market,” Toronto rapper Casper TNG isn’t easing off the gas. “Trap 4 A Year II” is the rising star’s latest brash statement that pairs razor-sharp street stories with relentless momentum. His forthcoming album Draft Day is due out soon. Stay tuned for more on that! With global ambition and hometown authenticity, Casper is steadily proving that he’s one of Canada’s most compelling new voices in hip-hop.
Listen to Casper TNG’s new single “Trap 4 a Year II” below.
