Jonathan Bree Returns With New Album 'Don’t Call It Love'

Jonathan Bree returns with the title track from his newly released sixth studio album, Don’t Call It Love, out this week. Featuring Adah Dylan on vocals, “Don’t Call It Love” unfolds as a dark, cinematic piece of art-pop, combining Bree’s deep baritone with atmospheric synths. Released on August 26, Don’t Call It Love is a 17-track double album featuring collaborations with Princess Chelsea, Bambi, Rachel Clarke and others. 

 

Next Wave: Paycheque

Paycheque are a new Los Angeles synth-pop duo bringing together Allison Goldfarb and Jackson MacIntosh, two musicians whose backgrounds already connect them to the city's and Montreal's alternative music scenes. Goldfarb is a musician and filmmaker from St. Louis, while MacIntosh is known as a member of TOPS.

The duo met in Los Angeles during in 2020 and bonded over a shared love of Sophisti-pop and Italo disco. Their subsequent experiments with synthesizers and drum machines eventually developed into Paycheque's unique sound.

Their self-titled debut album, Paycheque, was released in June 2026 and with only a handful of singles including "Heatwave" below, the duo has already made a name which intriguing enough to be featured here under Next Wave.

https://paychequemusique.bandcamp.com/album/paycheque

Interpol Return with Atmospheric New Single “This Mirror Weighs a Ton”

Interpol are back with “This Mirror Weighs a Ton,” the title track from their forthcoming eighth studio album. This Mirror Weighs a Ton arrives August 28 via Partisan Records, marking Interpol’s first album in four years and their debut release for the label. The album expands Interpol’s established palette with synthesizers, strings, acoustic guitars and experimental sound design while keeping up with atmosphere that have defined the band since their 2002 debut.

Small Pleasures Return with New Single “Driving At Night”

Victoria, BC post-punk duo Small Pleasures have returned with their new single “Driving At Night,” released July 21. The songs is the first preview of Small Pleasures’ forthcoming second album, following their 2025 debut Songs For Lovers. 

 

The Drums & Mareux Team Up for “It Didn’t Matter”

The Drums and Mareux have joined forces for a new song collaboration for “It Didn’t Matter.” The track blends The Drums’ indie pop sensibility with Mareux’s dark, synth-driven aesthetic. The song was released on August 19, 2026.

 

The Big Moon - Gravity

 The Big Moon have just recently announced the brand new single and video for the song "Gravity". The song will be taken from their fourth studio album Forever which is set for release in October.

Soft Cell Release Title Track From Final Album - "Danceteria"

At the end of last year, Soft Cell announced the release of what they described as their final album, Danceteria. Sadly, Dave Ball passed away shortly afterwards, making the forthcoming record the duo's final studio statement. The album is scheduled for release in September this year. The title track, "Danceteria", was released this week. This dazzling discotastic "Danceteria" was visualised by collage artist Vicki Bennett. 

WATCH: Duran Duran - Free To Love

Duran Duran is back with a new single "Free to Love" This leans into a glossy retro aesthetic, blending disco-funk grooves and vintage-styled visuals and also brings the collaboration with Nile Rodger and his signature rhythmic guitar and the nostalgic feel. 

Theo Vandenhoff - Wong Kar-wai

Earlier this year Theo Vandenhoff  released a new single titled "Wong Kar-wai" which was premiered with the music video below. The song is taken from their debut album, Saviour on the Spilled Blood and it is scheduled for release on April 10, 2026, via Artoffact Records. 

SRSQ - Born Alone, Die Alone

SRSQ has revealed a new single "Born Alone, Die Alone" marking a powerful start to 2026. The track was produced by both Ashlyn and Daniel, mixed by Mike Kriebel, and mastered by Carlos Ramirez. This single is available on Bandcamp and all major streaming platforms. 

Tempers - Who Says

 Tempers have revealed a brand new song "Who Says" that will be featured on their upcoming album Delusions which is set for release end of April this year.

Kim Gordon Announces a New Album Play Me

 Kim Gordon has just announced her third solo album, Play Me, set for release on March 13, 2026 via Matador Records. It follows her 2024 record The Collective and continues her evolution as a solo artist blending experimental rock and beat-driven grooves. Alongside the album announcement, Kim Gordon released the lead single “Not Today”, video below.

Next Wave: A Thousand Mad Things

Highlighted in our first Next Wave presentation of 2026 is A Thousand Mad Things, a project by British musician William Barradale, founded in 2023. Writing and performing everything himself, William draws from 80s synth-pop and new wave, pairing sharp melodies and layered atmosphere with a striking vocal range reminiscent of the great male voices of the era. 

While he has already been quite active — releasing several singles and an EP last year — we only recently stumbled upon his music. One thing is clear, though: A Thousand Mad Things feel very much here to stay, making for a strong statement at the kickoff of 2026, with hopes for a full-length album on the horizon. Below is the video for this debut single "Wide Awake".