Maria BC has announced a new album, Marathon, which is set for release on February 27 via Sacred Bones. The follow-up to 2023’s Spike Field is led by the title track, which introduces a sludgier dynamic to Maria BC’s hauntingly spare songwriting. Check out F. Saber Sutphin’s video for it below.
“There was a Marathon gas station at the end of the street I lived on as a kid,” Maria BC said in a statement. “Its big, glowing sign was a landmark for me – when I could see it from the window of my mom’s car, I knew we were about to be home. Its iconic ‘M’ – on the rare occasion I encounter one these days -still brings up that old feeling, the familiarity of homecoming, and a twinge of nostalgia. There’s something perverse about this, I think. The oil company’s branding is, or at least was, exceptionally patriotic, what with its red, white and blue color scheme and idealized Midwestern imagery, all dusty roads, cowboys and wild horses that harken the brand’s slogan, ‘Fueling the American Spirit.’ I once heard someone refer to advertising as ‘satanic poetry’—I have to agree. That this logo, even with all the evil it connotes, can invoke nostalgia—can be a beacon—is very sinister to me.”
“For this record I decided to spend less time on production and recording and more time on songwriting,” Maria BC explained. “The result, I think, is more thematically consistent, lyrically speaking, and more concise… I set out to make something more dynamic and varied.”
1. Marathon
2. As the earth turns
3. Peacemaking
4. Safety
5. Rare
6. Port authority
7. The sound
8. Sabotage
9. June
10. Night & day
11. May this rain
12. Channels
13. Miami
Cate Le Bon and St. Vincent have teamed up for a new single called ‘Always the Same’. Their voices meld woozily on the track, which was made during the sessions for Le Bon’s last album Michelangelo Dying. Check it out below.
Le Bon, who produced St. Vincent’s 2024 album All Born Screaming, also appeared on that LP’s title track. “‘Always the Same’ needed a little more elbow room than the album would allow but it is cousin to the song cycle of Michelangelo Dying, coming into formation in the same breath,” she said in a statement. “Special to me because it features dear friend and mighty artist St. Vincent who occupies the space around me with composure and gravitas whilst I kick around in the dirty waters of love.”
Things are not over for Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby or the rest of the Birmingham gang, as Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is bringing him and his criminal allies back into the fold. Series creator Steven Knight is returning to the Shelby universe with The Immortal Man, a new Netflix feature film set to pick up where the series left off and move the saga into a new phase.
Set during World War II, the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie will revisit Tommy at a point when his attempt to walk away from the world he built has clearly failed, setting the stage for another reckoning. Netflix has already treated us to a new trailer, alongside first-look images of the star-studded ensemble lineup, and a locked-in release date, so here is everything we know so far about Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, including its release date, plot, cast, trailers, and more.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man: Release Date
The wait for the Shelbys’ return finally has an end date. Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is set to open in “select theatres” on March 6, 2026, giving the series its first big-screen outing before landing on Netflix on March 20, 2026.
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man: Cast
Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man will reunite several familiar faces from the original series while also introducing a slew of new characters into the Shelby orbit. Leading the cast once again, Cillian Murphy returns as Tommy Shelby in the franchise’s first feature-length chapter. Other returning cast members include Sophie Rundle as Ada Thorne, Ned Dennehy as Charlie Strong, Ruby Ashbourne Serkis as Agnes Shelby, Packy Lee as Johnny Dogs, and Ian Peck as Curly.
The movie also expands its ensemble with several high-profile additions. Rebecca Ferguson, Tim Roth, Barry Keoghan, Jay Lycurgo, and Stephen Graham join the cast, alongside Sam Baker-Jones as Jake. We still do not know who they will be playing, but their casting suggests new power players entering an already volatile world.
Here is the current cast for Netflix’s Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man:
Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby
Sophie Rundle as Ada Thorne
Sam Baker-Jones as Jake
Ned Dennehy as Charlie Strong
Ruby Ashbourne Serkis as Agnes Shelby
Packy Lee as Johnny Dogs
Stephen Graham as Hayden Staff
Ian Peck as Curly
Rebecca Ferguson
Tim Roth
Jay Lycurgo
Barry Keoghan
Image Credit: Netflix
What Will Peaky Blinders: The Immortal ManBe About?
Netflix’s Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man picks up after the events of the series finale, which saw Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby survive what he believed was a terminal illness and walk away from his family, riding off alone with his future unresolved. The upcoming film will build on that open ending, pushing the story into a far more volatile chapter. Set in 1940, as Britain enters World War II, the upcoming Peaky Blinders movie will see Tommy drawn back from a self-imposed exile that never truly lasted.
The official synopsis for Netflix’s upcoming Peaky Blinders movie reads, “Birmingham, 1940. Amidst the chaos of WWII, Tommy Shelby is driven back from a self-imposed exile to face his most destructive reckoning yet. With the future of the family and the country at stake, Tommy must face his own demons, and choose whether to confront his legacy, or burn it to the ground. By order of the Peaky Blinders…”
According to creator Steven Knight, the movie brings the Peaky Blinders story to a wartime escalation that has been developing since the beginning. “The country is at war, and so, of course, are our Peaky Blinders,” Knight told Netflix. “It will be an explosive chapter in the Peaky Blinders story. No holds barred. Full-on Peaky Blinders at war.”
Knight also hinted that the Peaky Blinders movie will represent a significant shift in scale, tone, and consequence. While specific plot details have not yet been revealed, Knight has said the film follows a Tommy Shelby stripped back to something closer to the man he once was, forced to confront both old enemies and new powers emerging in wartime Britain.
The story will centre around legacy and reckoning, asking whether Tommy can finally face the damage he has caused or whether his only option is to burn everything to the ground. Moreover, Knight has also described The Immortal Man as a watershed moment for the franchise. In previous interviews, he characterised the film as “a fitting conclusion to the story told so far,” likening it to the final chapters of a novel, which allow the narrative to be rounded off while preparing audiences for what comes next.
Cillian Murphy has echoed that sentiment, suggesting the film represents a farewell to Tommy Shelby, even as the wider Peaky Blinders universe continues beyond it. So it looks like Netflix’s Peaky Blinders movie may be a farewell to Cillian Murphy’s Tommy Shelby, though we will have to wait and see how it ultimately plays out.
Is There A Trailer For Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man?
Yes, there is a trailer forPeaky Blinders: The Immortal Man. Netflix recently released a one-minute teaser for the film, which offers a moody, visually charged glimpse into Tommy Shelby’s return to a reckoning he had previously walked away from. As he confronts his demons, he must decide whether to face his legacy or burn it all down.
The teaser trailer for the Peaky Blinders movie opens with Cillian Murphy’s Shelby moving through a forest, as a ringing phone cuts in and a voice asks, “Whatever happened to Tommy Shelby?” We then see a rapid montage of images, some violent, some blood-soaked, and others hinting at the growing Nazi presence during the war. As Shelby responds, “I’m not that man anymore,” the sequence cuts to images of a massive building explosion, a red scarf draped over a headstone, and a coin spinning across a surface.
Another voice urges him, “You gotta come back,” just before Shelby slams his hands down on a table. The trailer also treats us to a glimpse of Barry Keoghan, one of the film’s new cast members, before ending on Cillian Murphy’s Shelby, back in his iconic outfit and walk.
Are There Any Other Films Like Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man?
If you’re looking for something to scratch the same itch as Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, the best place to start is the Peaky Blinders series itself. It’s streaming in full on Netflix and lays the groundwork for everything the film will build on.
Beyond that, you can check out HBO’s Boardwalk Empire or Yellowstone (though it’s more modern and set in the American West). On the film side, Martin Scorsese’s Gangs of New York remains an enjoyable companion piece, and the Coen brothers’ No Country for Old Men provides a quieter but equally unsettling counterpart.
Christmas gifts carry more meaning when they reflect shared memories. Personal photos transform everyday objects into emotional keepsakes that celebrate connection, memory, and identity. Since they’re deeply personal, these gifts make recipients feel truly seen and heard. Keep reading to see how you can use personal photos as excellent Christmas gifts.
Why Personal Photos Matter More at Christmas
Christmas is closely tied to nostalgia. Family traditions, shared meals, and old stories all rely on memory. Photos naturally support this emotional dynamic. They freeze moments that might otherwise fade with time.Personalised Christmas gifts also feel more intentional. Unlike generic items, they show effort and reflection. They’re also tangible and long-lasting. A photo chosen for a gift usually represents a shared experience, which strengthens emotional impact.
Research indicates that personalised products can increase emotional engagement and perceived value compared to standard gifts, especially during seasonal celebrations. Recipients will especially find them thoughtful if they live far away from their loved ones.
From Digital Files to Tangible Memories
Most photos now live on phones or cloud storage. Turning them into physical objects gives them new life. Printed images invite interaction in a way screens rarely do. This transformation also changes how memories are experienced. A photo book, framed print, or custom object becomes part of daily life. It may sit on a desk, a shelf, or a wall, quietly reinforcing emotional bonds.
Within this context, platforms that offer personalised Christmas gifts make it easier to convert digital memories into tangible forms. Companies such as Photobox are examples of services that enable this process without requiring technical expertise.
Choosing the Right Image for Emotional Impact
Not all photos carry the same emotional weight. The most effective images often capture authentic moments rather than posed scenes. Small details, such as expressions or settings, can trigger strong memories.
The role of storytelling in photo selection
A single image can suggest a wider story. A childhood snapshot, a travel moment, or a quiet family scene invites interpretation. This narrative quality is what makes a photo gift resonate. It is also important to consider the recipient’s perspective. An image meaningful to both the giver and receiver strengthens the emotional exchange. Keep in mind that context matters as much as visual quality.
The Cultural Shift Toward Meaningful Gifting
Over the past few years, consumers have increasingly valued experiences and meaning over accumulation. Personalised photo gifts align with this cultural trend. They emphasise connection rather than consumption. This shift is particularly visible at Christmas, when emotional expectations are high. Photo-based gifts respond directly to this desire for sincerity.
Conclusion
Turning personal photos into Christmas gifts is more than a creative choice. It reflects a deeper desire to preserve meaning and strengthen relationships. In a season defined by memory and connection, photo-based gifts offer a lasting emotional presence beyond the holidays. Remember that you don’t need technical expertise to create excellent photo gifts. You can use online services to transform your digital photos into physical gifts.
Reinventing is hard. And perhaps not always necessary. Who even needs new designs when you can successfully just repeat the same logo for over a century? Those Ls, Vs, and little flowers outlived both World Wars, the Great Depression, and Covid-19, I thought my great-grandma had seen it all, but Louis Vuitton has seen more. By January 11th, the monogram turns 130, and I’m sure we’ll keep counting, so what better way to celebrate than a new, a very flexible definition of new by the way, mini bag collection?
Back in the day, 1896 to be exact, Vuitton had one tiny problem. Everyone and their dog kept copying their trunks. So naturally, Georges Vuitton did what any logical heir to a trunk empire would. Endlessly slap letters and flowers on everything. And just to be thorough, he made sure the monogram could go on any material imaginable, from leather to paper. The guy basically patented what every brand now calls “logo placement strategy”. Years down the line, creatives poked that tradition awake and gave it a few of their own spins. Like Takashi Murakami’s brightness, Pharrell Williams’ colorways, Nicolas Ghesquière’s shapes, Richard Prince’s beat-up jokes, Stephen Sprouse’s graffiti, Marc Jacobs’ silvers, and the list goes on.
The anniversary collection brings us three special-edition bags, the “Origine”, the “VVN”, and the “Time Trunk”. Speedy, Noé, and friends are back, now dressed in a linen-cotton jacquard blend with a trompe-l’oeil print. In other words, a 21st-century salute to the original trunk textures. And that’s the thing about Louis Vuitton, a 130-year-old past including a never-ending parade of “fresh” designs and slightly tweaked classics, and sometimes this is still exciting. Not because it’s revolutionary, it’s not, but because we’re kind of hardwired to admire old charm when modernized, especially if it stings the wallet.
For those interested in a unique viewing experience, consider exploring platforms that showcase real-time adult entertainment featuring a diverse array of performers. These services allow viewers to engage with models in various formats, providing an opportunity for interaction that goes beyond traditional adult content.
No longer confined to simple video clips, these interactive experiences—often found on live porn cam platforms—enable users to communicate directly with performers, request specific activities, and enjoy personalized shows. The rise of such platforms is a response to the growing demand for authenticity and relatability in adult entertainment. This shift presents a fascinating dynamic, as audiences seek deeper connections with their favorite entertainers.
When participating in these experiences, prioritize understanding the types of performers available to cater to individual preferences. Many sites offer filtering options, allowing users to find models who align with their interests, whether it be specific genres or personal attributes. Such features enhance the overall experience and ensure that users find exactly what they are looking for.
Engagement through chat features not only fosters a sense of community but also allows for real-time feedback. Many performers appreciate interaction and may tailor their shows based on viewer requests. This direct communication can enhance the connection between the viewer and the performer, making the experience more enjoyable and immersive.
Choosing the Right Platform for Live Porn Cam Experiences
Select a site with robust user reviews to ensure reliability and satisfaction. Look for platforms that foster a respectful community, focusing on performer rights and user safety.
Compatibility with various devices is key; check for mobile-friendly options to access performances on your smartphone or tablet. A seamless experience across devices enhances enjoyment.
Consider the variety of content offered. Platforms that feature diverse performers and genres cater to a broader range of preferences, allowing for a more personalized experience.
Payment options matter; prioritize services that provide flexible payment methods, including credit cards, cryptocurrencies, or subscription models. Transparency in fees is crucial for avoiding unexpected charges.
Evaluate the availability of additional features such as private shows, chat options, and interactive tools that enhance engagement with the performers. These elements contribute to a more immersive experience.
Assess the customer support system of the platform. Responsive and helpful support improves user experience, especially when technical issues arise.
Lastly, prioritize security measures. Ensure that the site uses encryption and data protection protocols to safeguard personal information, enhancing trust and comfort while enjoying the content.
Understanding Privacy and Safety Measures on Trans Sex Cams
When engaging in adult entertainment, including trans sex cams, ensuring your personal security is paramount. Always utilize a unique username that does not connect to your real identity. This prevents unwanted tracking and exposure of your personal information.
Choose a platform that offers robust privacy protections, including options to hide your viewing history and participate anonymously. Verify if the service uses SSL encryption to protect your interactions during sessions. Familiarize yourself with the website’s privacy policy to understand how your data is collected and used.
Managing Personal Information
Never share identifiable information, such as your location, email, or phone number. Use a secure email address that does not reveal your identity. Consider using a VPN to obscure your IP address, adding an extra layer of anonymity during interactions.
Engaging in adult content should be consensual. Respect the performers’ boundaries and report any suspicious or harmful behavior, ensuring a safer environment for everyone involved. Regularly update your passwords and consider enabling two-factor authentication wherever possible.
Understanding Legal Considerations
Different regions hold varying laws regarding adult content. Always stay informed about local regulations to avoid any legal issues. Consenting parties should ensure they are of legal age and understand their rights.
By applying these guidelines, users can enjoy a secure experience while partaking in adult entertainment, minimizing risks associated with privacy and safety.
Tips for Engaging with Performers on Live Sex Cams
Respect boundaries. Always acknowledge the limits set by performers. Pay attention to their rules, which may be outlined on their profiles, to ensure a comfortable environment for both parties.
Initiate conversation. A friendly greeting can go a long way. Start with light, genuine compliments or questions that show you’re interested in them as individuals rather than just performers.
Utilize Tokens Wisely
Allocate your tokens strategically. Show appreciation for engagement by tipping when you feel the interaction deserves it. This not only reinforces positive behavior but also fosters a better connection.
Participate actively. Engaging in the chat and responding to questions asked by the performer can create a more dynamic experience. Your input can enhance the atmosphere and make the session more enjoyable.
Respect Privacy
Abide by confidentiality. Avoid asking personal details that the performer may not wish to share. Always prioritize their comfort and ensure that discussions remain within the agreed boundaries.
Provide feedback. If a performer asks for opinions or suggestions, voice your thoughts respectfully. Constructive feedback helps them understand what viewers enjoy while also establishing rapport.
Exploring Payment Options and Subscription Models in Adult Cam Sites
Consider utilizing credit cards or e-wallets for quicker transactions on various platforms. These methods often facilitate immediate access to exclusive content.
Credit/Debit Cards: Widely accepted and offer immediate gratification.
E-wallets: Services like PayPal or Skrill provide additional privacy.
Cryptocurrency: Increasingly popular for discretion and security.
Subscription models often vary significantly, with options catering to different user preferences:
Monthly Memberships: Standard model allowing access to various features continuously for a set fee.
Pay-Per-View: Users pay for specific shows or interactions; suitable for occasional viewers.
Bundles: Some sites offer discounted packages for multiple shows or features upfront.
Be mindful of promotional offers; many sites provide trial periods or discounted rates for first-time users. This can help gauge the service’s quality before commitment.
Watch for seasonal sales or limited-time discounts to lower initial costs.
Referral programs can also yield credits or discounts through friend recommendations.
When selecting a payment method or subscription type, assess how often you plan to engage with the service and whether privacy is a concern. Using varied options can enhance your overall experience.
Digital casinos aren’t just slapping games onto screens anymore. They’re crafting entire worlds, layering video game elements, a splash of luxury branding, and a hint of social media pull into their platforms. Lizaro casino has carved out its own space in this growing realm; its interface and branding are tuned for a kind of digital glamour, blending spectacle with absolute ease of entry.
Behind the curtain, the tech fades, letting the showy, frictionless activity take center stage. Play, risk, entertainment, they start to look and feel like the same thing. Step in, and it’s like waking up somewhere else. It is placeless, borderless, always humming with potential. This is digital escapism dialed up, not just about chasing a single big opportunity, but about entering a stream where self-improvement and thrill are always within arm’s reach.
Portal to a contained elsewhere
First impressions hinge on the interface. Lizaro casino online has no native app, but a mobile-optimized site with a “Create Shortcut” function. This makes entry fast; just one tap from any home screen, shrinking the distance between ordinary life and the virtual casino floor. responsive browser-based design guarantees that the visual environment, tables, jackpots, and lobbies, remains stable and immersive on any device.
The shortcut icon is not just functional but symbolic. It acts as a doorway: a persistent, branded invitation to step into another reality. Inside, legal disclaimers and regulatory details sit in the background. The foreground is a frictionless, gamified surface where money and time are reframed as chips to play with. The casino is both everywhere and nowhere, offering a deliberately placeless, borderless sovereign space.
Superabundance and the spectacle of endless choice
There’s no real shortage here; if anything, the opposite. The platform drops players into an enormous catalog: over 13,200 games, dozens of providers, a seemingly endless scroll of options both live and digital. Browsing feels more like exploring a compressed virtual Vegas than picking out a favorite slot. Film & TV News & Reviews create a kind of living backdrop; the “Gold Saloon” zone, for example, imitates high-stakes floors.
Hosts chat, games stream constantly. There’s motion and sound everywhere, all tailored to sustain excitement. One click never drains the well. The entire setup encourages the idea that fresh possibilities are only ever a swipe away. It’s designed so curiosity never stales, and there’s always one more room to explore.
Gamified progression and player experience
Beyond simple choice, Lizaro Casino places emphasis on continuity and familiarity within the playing experience. Rather than highlighting explicit reward figures or bonus milestones, the platform frames progression through ongoing interaction and access. The structure suggests a gradual enhancement of the user journey, where returning players encounter smoother navigation, clearer account tools, and a more personalized environment over time.
Elements commonly associated with game design, such as level-based interaction cues, recurring activities, and time-limited events, are used to introduce variety and rhythm into regular play. These mechanics echo patterns found in digital entertainment and interactive gaming, encouraging engagement without tying progress to guaranteed financial incentives.
The overall approach avoids focusing on isolated outcomes. Instead, it presents participation as cumulative, where familiarity with the platform and continued use unlock broader functionality and a more refined experience. Progress is communicated through usability and access rather than explicit promises, positioning the platform as one that values long-term interaction over short-term promotion.
Tempo, instantaneity, and the fantasy of “always on”
Time morphs. Reviewers describe it as the “fastest paying” online casino in certain markets, reinforcing an outer narrative of speed and instant consequence, according to Escapist Magazine NL. Live tables pump at a brisk clip; payouts process quickly, cutting out delays that plague other casinos.
Push notifications and real-time stats layer on urgency, giving every session a now-or-never feel. Waiting disappears. You play, things happen, outcomes hit immediately. This tempo supports the fantasy that you control momentum, not just riding luck but generating your own rhythm. It becomes less about escaping reality and more about remaking it, minute by minute.
Responsible play in the digital escape
Of course, the escape isn’t meant to be limitless. Lizaro casino foregrounds self-exclusion tools, clear terms, and privacy policies. Callouts to responsible gambling and transparent user controls are prominent, aiming to contain risk inside the visual and narrative boundaries of the site. These aesthetics reassure, suggesting that even within high-velocity, immersive play, discipline is possible.
For most users, effective escape should not mean disregard for limits. Game operators and users alike are reminded: responsible gambling tools exist to keep risk calculable and manageable. Escapism in this context means recognizing when to step back, not just when to play.
Minecraft is officially kicking off its 2026 run with a testing phase for its first game drop of the year. This continues its successful performance in 2025, which saw four game drops and a blockbuster movie adaptation. Now, Mojang Studios is starting the year with an offering that introduces eight new versions of baby farm mobs.
Eight Redesigned Baby Farm Mobs
At the heart of the “cutest drop yet” is the complete visual overhaul for every character, said Mojang Studios. Specifically, the upcoming game drop adds new versions of wolf pups, kittens, piglets, calves, baby chickens, baby ocelots, lambs, and baby rabbits. In the earlier edition, baby farm mobs were basically smaller versions of the adult models with bigger heads. This time around, the fresh designs give them unique textures and models. With the changes in place, Game Director Agnes Larsson said each baby mob now has its own look and identity.
One of the most noticeable differences is in the eyes. Before this, the tiny rascals had two-pixel eyes. Now, they have single-pixel eyes that give them a softer and more adorable vibe. Despite the size, all characters are chunkier and floofier. For players, this means they will need a larger place to fit them.
Name Tags and Custom Sounds for Baby Farm Mobs
According to the announcement, the developers understand that it will be hard for players to find baby mobs in a busier farm. That is why they added a new feature. Particularly, players can use paper and metal nuggets to make name tags for each baby farm mob. It is an improvement from the last version, wherein name tags were only obtainable through loot chests, fishing, or trading.
Besides the visual changes, Mojang has also added custom sounds for a few characters. Piglets, wolf pups, and kittens now have unique audio.
“Instead of the up-pitched versions of the adult sounds, I wanted to capture the uniqueness of a kitten meow and a puppy yapping to let them have their own personalities and bring more life (and cuteness!!) to the Minecraft universe,” said Audio Designer Sandra Karlsson.
Test Them Out!
Mojang Studios has not yet announced the official launch date of the update. It even emphasized that things are still being developed. This means that there could be changes in the future. For now, the developers invite players to test the new features. They can try them through Minecraft: Java Edition snapshots or Minecraft: Bedrock Edition previews/beta. Mojang also asks fans for feedback, highlighting it as the reason for the testing stage.
There’s so much music coming out all the time that it’s hard to keep track. On those days when the influx of new tracks is particularly overwhelming, we sift through the noise to bring you a curated list of the most interesting new releases (the best of which will be added to our Best New Songs playlist). Below, check out our track roundup for Tuesday, January 7, 2026.
Robyn – ‘Sexistential’ and ‘Talk to Me’
Robyn’s first new album in eight years is called Sexistential, and today we get to hear not one but two more songs from it, following November’s great ‘Dopamine’. ‘Talk to Me’, produced by Klas Åhlund and Oscar Holter, features Max Martin as a co-writer, marking their first collaboration since 2010’s ‘Time Machine’. “I wrote it during the pandemic when there was no way to be physical,” Robyn said. “I like talkers, that turns me on.” On ‘Sexistential’, Robynraps about looking for hookups while being pregnant via IVF. She wrote it after reading André 3000’s line about how nobody would want to hear him rap about a colonoscopy: “It was my cue. I have to do this, I have to write a rap about IVF.” Only someone like Robyn could pull it off.
Iron & Wine – ‘In Your Ocean’
Sam Beam is back with a new Iron & Wine album to follow up 2024’s Grammy-nominated Light Verse. Hen’s Teeth lands February 27 via Sub Pop, and it includes the previously shared I’m With Her collaboration ‘Robin’s Egg’. “To me it suggests the impossible. Hen’s teeth do not exist,” Beam explained. “And that’s what this record felt like: A gift that shouldn’t be there but it is. An impossible thing but it’s real.” New single ‘In Your Ocean’ fits that description, transcending physical boundaries through the language of love.
Bonnie “Prince” Billly – ‘They Keep Trying to Find You’
It’s only been about a year since Bonnie “Prince” Billly released his last album, The Purple Bird, and today he’s back with the announcement of his next LP. We Are Together Again may revolve around friendship and community, but ‘They Keep Trying to Find You’ addresses someone burrowing into loneliness: “Ignore everything that is frightening or strange/ Allow isolation to fully derange/ Becoming one with the darkness within.” It comes paired with a music video directed by Abi Elliott.
Buck Meek – ‘Gasoline’
Big Thief guitarist Buck Meek has announced a new album, The Mirror, arriving February 27 via 4AD. The lovely lead single, ‘Gasoline’, is all about how infatuation has the ability to rush us into a language of its own. This woozily frenetic pace is echoed in the accompanying video from director Noel Paul.
The Twilight Sad – ‘Designed to Lose’
It’s the Long Goodbye, the Twilight Sad’s first album in seven years, “had to contain every element of emotion I was feeling,” singer/lyricist James Graham explained in a press release. On the nervy, epic new single ‘Designed to Lose’, that feeling is grief; the album was partly inspired by Graham losing his mother to early onset frontotemporal dementia.
Gladie – ‘Future Spring’
Gladie’s follow-up to 2022’s Don’t Know What You’re In Until You’re Out is called No Need to Be Lonely, and the cathartic new single ‘Future Spring’ feels like an elaboration of that title. According to the band’s Augusta Koch, it’s “about grappling with the isolation and loneliness that’s created by the cruelty of the world we live in. I wanted to capture the feeling of being in conversation with a friend, questioning why at times we can let outside influences shrink us. I think the world would be a lot better if we encouraged each other to be kinder to themselves and by extension others. It’s good to remind people that you are happy they’re here.”
Sassy 009 – ‘Someone’
‘Someone’ is the latest single from Sassy 009’s upcoming album Dreamer+, whose previous singles have featured Blood Orange and yunè pinku. It’s blurry yet enchanting.
PONY – ‘Swallowing Stars’
PONY have previewed their upcoming LP Clearly Cursed with another clearly excellent single, yet uniquely radiant, single called ‘Swallowing Stars’. “Swallowing stars is about being caught in the crosshairs of a relentless people pleaser,” singer Sam Bielanski explaned. “Drinking in every beautiful word they say, as if it wasn’t just a reflection of your own thoughts and ideas, and the ultimate let down when you finally see behind the curtain. It’s like the scene in The Wizard of Oz when the giant animatronic wizard’s head stops working and a little insecure man walks out from behind it.”
Mirah – ‘After the Rain’
Mirah has announced a new album called Dedication, which arrives on Febuary 20. The follow-up to 2018’s Understanding features Jenn Wasner of Flock of Dimes, Meg Duffy (aka Hand Habits), and Andrew Maguire as Mirah’s backing band, and its first single, ‘After the Rain’, is patiently stirring. “Turns out that I am the kind of person who can get almost nothing work-like done within the frame of a normal work-day but give me a week and I will write a whole album,” Mirah shared. “I was at the house in San Gabriel and this song just flew out of me. It wouldn’t have flown out in between school drop off and school pick up, with a bunch of errands and e-mails to deal with in between. This song needed the mountains in the distance, the weird suburban quiet of the days, the familiar strangeness of sleeping in not my own bed, the not my life life. I find a lot of truth in times like that, when I am just listening to me. What a gift.”
Rosie Carney – ‘Sixteen’
Rosie Carney has unveiled ‘Sixteen’, a poignant single from her fourth studio album, Doomsday… Don’t Leave Me Here. “It’s a song about false starts, feeling lost and lonely, and realising I’m better off leaning on my sisters than some idiot who probably wouldn’t give a shit anyway. It’s about making the right decision as opposed to the easiest one.”
Tigers Jaw – ‘Ghost’
Tigers Jaw have released an anthemic new single, ‘Ghost’, from their forthcoming album Lost on You. “The genesis of ‘Ghost’ was a chance run-in with a person I grew up with,” frontman Ben Walsh revealed. “A run-in that would have been warm, welcomed and cherished at one point in my life held no significance after the slow steady passage of time and growing apart. The quick flash of memories with this person felt like a glimpse into a past life, or like seeing a ghost. Some people don’t stay in your life forever and that’s OK, but it’s very interesting which memories get dredged up when you see a once familiar face.”
Searows – ‘Dirt’
Searows has unveiled a new track from his upcoming LP Death in the Business of Whaling, ‘Dirt’, which has a beautiful way of grounding its melancholy. “This song is about inevitability. We all have the knowledge that we and everything around us is finite, and we all have a different way of dealing with that fact. It isn’t something that has ever been comfortable for me, but I can’t spend my life uncomfortable with it. We all inevitably return to the dirt, but you can’t ease the anxiety over it by trying to dig the hole early. If we can acknowledge the end, maybe we can remember we’re alive now.”
The Reds, Pinks and Purples – ‘New Leaf’
The Reds, Pinks and Purples’ swooning new single, ‘New Leaf’, marks the first taste of a new album to arrive this year. “People read some of the more humorous lines in my songs as irony, but honesty is funnier,” Glenn Donaldson shared. “These songs are just me, even if the sentiments seem exaggerated. There’s enough abstraction in the images on this one that the listener can find their own messages”
Fotocrime – ‘Plowjob’
Fotocrime have announced a new album, Security – out March 13 – with the pulverizing new single ‘Plowjob’. The LP features contributions from Slipknot drummer Jay Weinberg, Napalm Death’s Barney Grenway, Young Widows’ Nick Theinman and Evan Patterson, Bleakness’ Nico and Phab, and all three members of Sumac. “The new album has some synth textures, but for ‘Security’ we had a different sort of goal,” Ryan Patterson expounded. “We recorded most of the music live, and what you’re hearing is primarily guitar, bass, and drum machine. So there are plenty of Soviet-era analog synths, but not anywhere near the amount that there has been with Fotocrime previously.”
MxLonely – ‘Return to Sender’
Previewing their debut album All Monsters, New York outfit Mx Lonely have shared a resonant new single, ‘Return to Sender’. “‘Return to Sender’ is about trying to understand the other side of someone feeling indifference towards you,” Rae Haas expounded. “When this sentiment has been expressed to me in my life, it has the capability to send me into an absolute spiral – I would much rather have an unambiguous emotion, like hatred, directed towards me. It’s easier to process. This song was written off the dome, and was me trying to write from a viewpoint outside of my own head. The repeated phrase ‘Return to sender’ that makes up the chorus was an attempt to accept this outside perspective. If you know that your side of the street is clean, others’ opinions are not your burden to carry.”
Joe Pernice – ‘The Black and The Blue’
Veteran singer-songwriter Joe Pernice has announced a new album, Sunny, I Was Wrong, which features contributions from Aimee Mann, Norman Blake, Rodney Crowell, and Jimmy Webb. It’s out April 3, and the straightforward lead single ‘The Black and the Blue’ is out now. “This is one of those songs that came to me so completely and quickly that it was almost like I was watching someone else write it,” Pernice commented.
Big Special – ‘SLUGLIFE’
Big Special have unleashed a new single, ‘SLUGLIFE’, which Joe Hicklin describes as “a song about living low to the ground and going slow. Feeling guilt for needing a bit of time to pull yourself up by your boot straps. It’s about working through the self hate that can come through hard times.”
Anna Tivel – ‘Memphis’
Portland, Oregon-based songwriter Anna Tivel has unveiled ‘Memphis’, an understated B-side from her 2025 album Animal Poem. “I started writing ‘Memphis’ on an airplane after meeting an electric eyed ex-convict heading to an evangelical gathering in Tennessee,” she recalled. “He was magnetic, ecstatic, possibly manic, and so in love with life. He got me thinking about the things we reach for when reality is too painful to accept.”
County Hall Pottery’s latest group exhibition uses ceramics and metalwork to explore undergrowth – both as a biological system and a metaphor for unseen forces shaping our world. Undergrowth opens to the public 13 January, following a private view on Monday 12 January, 6-9pm.
Curated by Royal College of Art alumni Elizabeth Jackson and Emily Stapleton-Jefferis, the show brings together seven artists working in clay and metal: Jo Pearl, Lisa Hellrup, Meichen Chen, Mingshu Li, Raphael Emine, Safia Hijos and Sisse Holst Pedersen. The works are arranged as a multi-dimensional, tactile installation.
Mingshu Li explores the unpredictability of clay, using a clay extruder to create tubular forms shaped by the material’s own resistance. As clay passes through the tool, air bubbles burst and leave traces of their movement on the surface.
Lisa Hellrup works with delicate, thin-edged ceramic forms featuring soft folds and subtle surface variations in muted greens, creams and earth tones. The hollow forms vary subtly in size, shape and glaze, evoking fallen seeds or botanical specimens.
Undergrowth will be running at County Hall Pottery from 13 January to 8 March, open Sundays to Tuesdays, 11am-6pm.
