Incoming Bangers v. 1.9.26
SAULT, Ellur, Ailbhe Reddy, Bruno, The Messthetics w/ James Brandon Lewis, and some gospel inspiration from The Mountain Goats.
Welcome to ‘26.
The floodgates of new music have definitely opened wide here in the new year, with new releases by the mysterioso British R&B band SAULT, the rocking punk of the jazzinistas The Messthetics w/ James Brandon Lewis, Bruno, Ellur & more.
The last few days SAULT has been teasing new music on their IG, and they just they released yet another terrific collection, Chapter 1, on which they continue to spread the R&B and neo-soul truth. I count myself amongst the many who wishes they’d tour the States.
Jazz punkers The Messthetics are bassist Joe Lally and drummer Brendan Canty of Fugazi, along with guitarist Anthony Pirog. They’re releasing a new album, Deface The Currency, with saxophonist James Brandon Lewis on 2/20/26 on the legendary label, Impulse! It’s been almost two years since their last album (and tour) together and I’ve already got my tickets for their show at Solar Myth in May. Dig in; here’s the first song from the album.
Bruno Mars is back with a new song that’s just ridiculously great. “I Just Might" is from his forthcoming lp, The Romantic, his first new record in a decade. Yeah, there’s gonna be a tour and I’m gonna break open all my piggy banks so I can afford to buy a ticket. I mean, seriously this is genius pop gold.
Since the early Oughts, Philly’s Don Giovanni Records has been banging out great records and great music by great musicians and new to the roster is singer-songwriter Ailbhe Reddy. Born in Dublin, Reddy’s new record, Kiss Big, is out 1/23/26. Super impressive so far are the few songs I’ve heard including “That Girl.”
At Home In My Mind is the debut full length by singer and songwriter Ella McNamara who records/performs as Ellur. Due in early February, there’s a sophisticated pop sensibility to the songwriting here that reminds me of Tanita Tikaram, EBTG, and Prefab, all with a modern touch. Ella has a warm, husky vocal style, and the songs have memorable hooks and lyrics that reflect the vulnerability of her 20-somethingness. She’s cited Sharon Van Etten, Dora Jar and Sam Fender as some of her favorites; her debut stands on its own terms of musical uniqueness and great songs.
Finally, shout out to The Mountain Goats for reminding me about the beauty and power of this song.
Thanks for listening. Go Birds!
PS - new Pat Metheny, too!
Excited for more Ailbhe Reddy - Endless Affair was such a great album