Local Music Singles Roundup: March 2026
Local Music Reviews
Aten-hut, you maggots! You’re about to go over into enemy territory — a vast jungle of mediocre, industry trash. We’ll be arming you with the best in local music! Out-of-this-world fantasy techno, smoker-jacket lounge music and many, many more! Fall out, piss stains! Read more of Local Music Singles Roundup.
Aeon August
“Alien Song”
Self-Released
Street: 10.25.2025
Aeon August = Future Islands + Mitski
The subject of UFOs and alien abductions is a coffee table curiosity of mine. I won’t initiate that conversation, but brother you can bet I’ll ride that bull for eight seconds. The latest contribution to the zeitgeist of extraterrestrial lore is Aeon August’s “Alien Song,” an intriguing narrative of an apparently “true” story of alien abduction. I’ll be honest, at my initial glance at the AI-generated artwork, I didn’t “want to believe.” However, I do like the song. Tetra (lead vocals) has this cool Lana Del Rey eerie blues vocal thing going, which nestles comfortably into the anti-gravity propulsion of rhythm and synth by producer Marc Jones. The closing line: “everything we know is absolute… nonsense,” is well-timed in its delivery. It’s giving Coast to Coast AM reruns in a smokey Winnebago all the way to Barstow vibes, and I’m here for it. —Cole Stocker
Clay Pigeons
“Methadone (DEMO)”
Alchemy Records Street: 01.06.2026
Clay Pigeons = Deftones + vocal tone of The Bloodhound Gang
On my initial listen to “Methadone,” I wasn’t too sure how I felt about the sort of monotone vocals that switch back and forth throughout the entire track, but it grew on me very fast. They fit incredibly well for about 90% of the track. However as the track progresses, the instrumental starts building and Clay Pigeons gives us an unexpected, but welcome melodic solo out of almost nowhere, and they keep the energy up with everything. As for the vocals, I was hoping to hear some more raw emotion come out in the vocals as the track progressed. I do, of course, love just how raw and rough “Methadone” sounds. It brings me back to the good ol’ days of seeking out and finding whatever demo tapes I would get my grubby little hands on, just to hear the raw, unfiltered talent of up-and-coming artists. —Skyler Montalvo
Icky Rogers
“Blue Diamonds”
Self-Released
Street: 12.05.2025
Icky Rogers = Sam Cooke + Teddy Swims + Dick Zimmerman
Either you love jazz, or just the mere mention of it triggers a visceral reaction and a bad aftertaste. Be not afraid — Icky Rogers brings a jazzy hit that has even the biggest non-believers involuntarily tapping their feet to the beat. Whether you leap into a musical montage of releasing inhibitions in underground speakeasies or even if it’s preferred playing on repeat during a creative hyper-focus session, “Blue Diamonds” delivers exactly what one hopes for from a new and tasty jazz single. Spicy brass instruments come through with an unexpected kick, building heat in the back of your throat, balanced by the buttery, smooth and sultry flavor of a seasoned, soulful voice. Tracks like this introduce real flavor to an acoustic, fry-sauce-loving population by expanding our palate in a way the local scene needs. “Blue Diamonds” is a satisfying testament to Rogers’ effortless skill, leaving us satiated, impressed and expectantly hungry for more “Icky jazz.” —Rebekah Shea Parke
Olympic Deth
“Oklahoma PEACE”
Big Shed Records & HUNDRED DOLLAR GLOBAL
Street: 01.08.2026
Olympic Deth = Deerhoof + Hella
No one’s doing it like Olympic Deth, and that’s never been more evident than on their lead single, “Oklahoma PEACE.” Simply put, this track kicks ass. A moody, looping set of electronics opens the track before you’re greeted by a snare drum, fast and energetic guitars straight out of the Washington D.C. post-punk scene and… a tambourine? What more could you ask for? The sonic layers of post-punk guitar and robust drums carry through the first verse before a switch in tempo brings in spacier drums with an emphasis on these really crisp cymbals and an all around full mix of sounds with the scuzzy guitars and tambourine jingles. The track wraps at just a little over two minutes as a full, engaged and stimulating track from beginning to end. Their record Peace Album was released on Jan. 29, and I couldn’t be more excited to hear more from what is one of my most anticipated local releases of the new year. —Hans Magleby
Shaking Paper
“What Matters Most”
Self-Released
Street: 11.07.2025
Shaking Paper = River Whyless + Tobacco City
“What Matters Most” is the kind of song that makes me want to drop everything and go on a road trip across the West or walk in the high desert pondering life’s greatest mysteries. Shaking Paper details their latest single about selling nearly everything in pursuit of their dreams, and you can certainly feel it. The cover art depicting a dog with its ears flying blissfully in the wind is exactly how you’ll feel when you, too, bless your ears with this track. This two-person band soulfully encompasses what it means to call the mountainous West home — the raw and folky duality of their voices creates a story told only possible by song. If you want to take this journey without leaving the comfort of your couch, give Shaking Paper exactly three minutes and 58 seconds, and you might find yourself up on your feet searching for more. —Joy Nelson
Secondhand Sun
“Noise Pollution”
Self-Released
Street: 08.31.2025
Secondhand Sun = STRFKR + Magic City Hippies
There’s a specific energy of music suited for sitting out on a summer evening with a glass of wine, relaxing under the stars as they sprinkle the night sky. That’s the mental image I’m transported to when listening to Secondhand Sun’s single “Noise Pollution.” The track welcomes you in with a chill, synth melody that sets an ethereal tone, amplifying the strong psychedelic essence throughout the song. Secondhand Sun incorporates mystic percussion and programming elements that aren’t as prevalent in their earlier tracks and EP, showcasing a clear evolution in their sound. Every good musician is willing to take risks with their creative expression, and hearing the band dabble in what I’d deem groovy alien-grunge reminded me of the iconic shift in music during the 1960s when artists like The Beatles and The Beach Boys started doing LSD, and their songs turned real funky, real quick. The experimentation is impeccable, creating a fully immersive, transcendent experience. —Heather Homewood
Read more editions of Local Music Singles Roundup:
Local Music Singles Roundup: February 2026
Local Music Singles Roundup: January 2026
