release radar '26

Well, let's get into it. In this volume I wax poetic about Static Dress, listen to new Mitski, and encounter my first "just give it a chance, haha" album of the year...

human props, Static Dress

Static Dress are the best band in the world and have launched into 2026 with an explosive new single, 'human props', released under their new record label, Sumerian Records (Vana, Poppy, Smashing Pumpkins, Bad Omens). Hopefully, this new collaboration with Sumerian means they're in better hands now, as they've been rather vocal about their distaste for their former label. Static Dress have worked hard to maintain their creative authority for a decade now, I hope this means they will be given the trust and the means to execute their ambitious vision.

human props is a criticism of the corporate machine, a fitting single to welcome a brand new chapter of their career. It is also their longest, most technical single to date. Frontman Olli Appleyard is a vocal powerhouse, seamlessly shifting between tender vulnerability and ear-splitting anguished screams in a single breath. Sam Ogden, George Holding and Vincent Weight aren't pulling punches here; their instruments crash through the speakers with concise, layered chaos.

Though is still an element of familiarity through moments of imperfection, vocal effects and glitchy feedback, human props is about evolution. The band ventures into experimental territory as the song winds down into a surreal trip-hop infused bridge before winding up towards an explosive finale. This is also the first single where Holding's back-up vocals are featured so promimently, creating a much fuller sound. I hope this means we get to hear more cleans from him going forward, his voice compliments Appleyard's incredibly well.

The music video as expected, written and directed by the band themselves. If you have a keen eye, you might even spot a cheeky dig at their former label, Roadrunner, rounding out the message behind the song. Looks like they're making the most of that new budget!

Once you tune into this strange world Static Dress have built for themselves, you might feel like you're caught in an ARG, or like you're part of a deeply voyeuristic experiment. And maybe that's all we are, who knows. They are a band enshrouded in mystery, Static Dress are nothing if not consistent, drip feeding their fans updates through cryptic puzzles that sometimes lead to exclusive merch drops, tours announcements and new music. It's such a clever way to keep the fans engaged as they eagerly await new music, but most of all, fosters a sense of community. They're so remnisicent of myspace era emo, with a DIY-ethos and strong emphasis on re-igniting a love of physical media - you can even see Olli Appleyard sporting a DVD logo belt buckle in the video.

Speaking of DIY: did I mention they made a video game, released on Gameboy cartridges? The plot of the game explores the mysterious lore behind their album, Rouge Carpet Disaster , and the levels are riddled teasers and secret messages hidden in braille which sent fans on a code-cracking hunt for days on end. The highlight of that experience was uncovering a secret only to find out you needed a GameBoy printer to unlock...you guessed it...more secrets! At this point, I'm half expecting them to release a straight-to-VHS feature length film someday. If that's the case, I better look into obtaining a CRT.

Static Dress are one of the most innovative post-hardcore bands on the scene, and if this is the direction they are headed with a more evolved sound, we're in for a real treat. I highly recommend giving them a chance, especially if you're into bands like Underoath, Deftones, Alexisonfire, and At The Drive-In.

Where's My Phone?, Mitski

Whenever I'm on the brink of a nervous breakdown, Mitski announces a new album. Funny how that goes.

Where's My Phone? is a manic roller-coaster from start to finish, and my first thought was, "wow, welcome back 'Pretty. Odd.' era Panic! At The Disco". Considering that record was on heavy rotation at some point in my life, that is a compliment, if you can believe it.

Mitski returns to her stripped back Puberty 2/Bury Me At Makeout Creek slacker-rock sound, blending it with baroque pop to create an overwhelmingly claustrophobic symphony of noise which simply fizzles into an uncomfortable silence.

Admittedly, I fell off Mitski around the time of Be The Cowboy, but this single left me feeling rather optimistic about this album!

days, binsad

binsad are one of my favourite Triple J unearthed discoveries in quite some time. days is a wonderful shoegaze song which lures you into false serenity before sweeping you into wave of frustration.

I'm hoping to catch some of binsad's set at the upcoming King Street Crawl, the coolest event in Sydney where a whopping 200+ bands play FOR FREE at various pubs and clubs!

binsad | triple j Unearthed

★ grungy pop-rock in Eora ★

The First Step, STEP 2 THIS

This is an INSTANT CLASSIC! The First Step is a love letter to hardcore, punk and hip-hop with a strong 00s Boston hardcore influence - it's bouncy, with groovy basslines and catchy lyrics that want you shouting along.

I can't wait to see where this band goes.

I Just Might, Bruno Mars

Another Bruno Mars commercial hit for primary school discos, major retail stores and Bondi Beach mums still stuck in the 2010s. It's a harmless disco moment, even if it isn't for me. Great for kid friendly pop playlists though, queue this up with APT, alongside Daft Punk's Get Lucky and Around The World you'll be right as rain for hours!

Secret Love, Dry Cleaning

I heard a lot of mixed opinions about Secret Love amongst my friends, so I decided to give it a spin. I can see why people struggle with the monotonous, off-beat vocal delivery here, spoken word post-punk isn't for everyone.

I don't even know how to describe this album other than it sounds exactly the way it feels to play Disco Elysium at 3am, so make of that what you will. It's extremely atmospheric with oddly groovy riffs which effortlessly carry you on a stream of consciousness.

I quite enjoyed it! I grew up listening to artists with a strong sense of lyricism, but alternate between singing and spoken word delivery, such as The Velvet Underground, Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds, HTRK and Talking Heads. Secret Love felt like an old blanket, frayed but oddly cosy.

Dry Cleaning might be my Geese. This is lyrical genius, "just give it a chance, haha!"