Chuck’s Top 5 of 2026 So Far
1
Mrs. Magician – Spiritual Hangover
Swami Records
I gushed about the Mrs. Magician 7” that came out earlier this year. Well guess what? The full-length is even better than anticipated. Jacob Turnbloom remains the king of the surfy-garage-pop-punk sound. This might be my favorite album of the decade, although I have nothing quantifiable to back that up. I’m just saying, it’s real good.
2
Weird Nightmare – Hoopla
Sub Pop Records
This is the second album from the solo project of METZ’s Alex Edkins. While the first Weird Nightmare LP was good, this one leaps ahead by a wide margin. It’s full of catchy, fuzzed out earworms and worthy of repeat listens.
3
Drakulas – Midnight City
Dirtnap Records
After 6 long years, Savage Lord Mic (Mike Wiebe) and company are back with a vengeance. This latest album really leans into the sci-fi alternate universe sound of the band’s much underappreciated backstory. What am I talking about? Use the internet and read for yourselves. Safe to say, Drakulas fans will be very pleased with this latest effort.
4
War On Women – Time Under Tension
Smartpunk Records
The 6-year gap seems to be a theme, but the waits have been rewarded. The latest offering from War On Women is a more concise version of their technical-yet-melodic hardcore than past albums. I think it’s an evolution that suits the band very well. All killer, something about filler. No filler, that’s it!
5
Jalen Ngonda – Doctrine Of Love
Daptone Recording Co.
Pick a direction and throw a rock. You’re guaranteed to hit at least 14 modern soul artists trying to “make it”. Most aren’t the real deal, but Jalen Ngonda is. His songwriting and style harken back to the '60s while still sounding fresh. Pulling together some of the Daptone Family Players to record on his album also adds to the quality of the album. Highly recommended.
