Teddy Thompson – So This Is Heartache

It must be tough being the son of a music legend, trying to establish a career and identity of your own. Teddy first emerged over twenty-five years ago in the shadow of father Richard, and for a while looked like he might be forever living in the shadows of his relative. But over the years Teddy has wrestled this problem to the ground in the best possible way, by repeatedly writing very good songs in a specific kind of UK Americana vein that, by this point in 2026, have seen him built up a very credible and explorable catalogue of his own. This exemplary take on the classic country heartbreak song, albeit through the filter of someone who has heard Wilco and The Byrds, appears on his forthcoming ‘Never Be The Same’ album which can be pre-ordered here: https://amzn.to/4cqqaaC

Little Barrie – More Bad Miles Of Road

This is totally infectious, a track that is set to appear on Barrie’s forthcoming ‘Gravity Freeze’ album on Easy Eye Sound. It makes me think about that second Stone Roses album, the one they got harshly knocked for at the time because it leant more into electric blues than indie-dance rock but, given time and all the noise around it having dissipating, now just plays like some of the sexiest, bluesy grooving music you have heard in your life. This taps into the exact same vibe which should not come as a surprise because, for many years now, Barrie has been the go to guy for anyone wishing to uncork that impossible to define, plugged-in energy he possesses. He is like a Ronnie Wood for the 21st century with many an act known for having a good ear (from Primal Scream and Paul Weller to Liam Gallagher and The The) calling upon Mr. Cadogan to sprinkle some of his uniquely electric dandelion seeds over their work. The album can be pre-ordered here: https://amzn.to/3PU1qPd

Jalen Ngonda – Doctrine Of Love

This is the title track from an album that is set to be released in June on Daptone Records. One look at the image fronting this clip coupled with all the great retro soul associations you might have with the label might lead you to assume you know what is being delivered here. And whilst there is a lot of truth in that assumption, you cannot casually anticipate just how superbly this is executed. Everything from the tone and energy of the production, that hard-to-nail vintage/modern avenue it exists in, to the “taking it to the bridge” impassioned vocal and craftsmanship that has gone into the writing of this brand new song, gives us a much needed springtime lift that should not be ignored. It was written by Jalen Ngonda himself together with Vince Chiarito and Michael Buckley and the full album can be pre-ordered here: https://amzn.to/48cANLG

Aldous Harding – One Stop

Aldous Harding returns with ‘One Stop,’ the first glimpse of her upcoming fifth album, ‘Train On The Island.’ Due for release on 8 May 2026, the record marks her follow‑up to ‘Warm Chris’ and once again pairs her with longtime collaborator John Parish. ‘One Stop’ sets the tone with a sparse piano motif and a gently shifting, if a little haunted by its own memories, offering which gives us a characteristically enigmatic entry point into the new album. The album can be pre-ordered here: https://amzn.to/3Q2DZmP

Low Cut Connie – Livin’ In The USA

I am pleased to find that it is not just the old guard of Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young (as great as they are) reflecting on life in America today with a critical, questioning eye whilst maintaining a hope that maybe a brighter day will come. That Low Cut Connie do it with such a natural, bluesy bar-band swagger only adds to the authenticity. Furthermore, the ease of the songs structure lends it really strong anthem potential in much the same way that ‘Born In The USA’ evolved but the big difference here is the tragedy of the tale is not deflected by fist pumping. No, with ‘Livin’ In The USA,’ this increasingly vital band are inviting us to share a lament over a cold beer before slapping us on the back and saying “OK, let’s keep going.” The new album is available for pre-order here: https://linktr.ee/lowcutconnieofficial

Deadly Spirits – Can’t Take It

We finish this week with some scorching new garage rock on 7″ vinyl released on the Rogue Records label. There is nothing borrowed in the sounds these Swedish renegades are playing, for me it is the noise made by EDM and autotune fodder that instantly sounds dated, something played with this kind of intent just enters the realms of the timeless. That organ riffing alone, used so potently by the likes of ? And The Mysterions right through to the Inspiral Carpets, is enough to pin your ears to the wall; Deadly Spirits are paid in full members of the ‘Get Primitive’ form of rock/pop energy and they know exactly how to deliver. With a black vinyl record and Sixties Beat sensibilities all over the cover art, what is not to like? Do yourself a favour and get this one pre-ordered right here: https://roguerecords.bandcamp.com/album/cant-take-it