Every quarter, The Junction stops to take stock of new album releases (here are my picks for my faves of 2025 and from the first quarter of 2026). As I’ve disclaimed many times over: I have no itch to moonlight as a music critic. I just like to share new albums I’ve been loving, hoping that at least one of them gives you the feels.
This time I will try something different. Rather than write a blurb about each album, I will just embed music from Bandcamp (and Spotify when Bandcamp is not available). We’ll let the music speak for itself this time.
I already posted a piece about the piping hot debut drop from Devlin and the Harm. I even interviewed Devlin.
And if you dig the Dev vibe, you’ll absolutely want to check out this new Duane Betts LP, Isle of Hope.
Staying put in the friendly fields of Americana, I’m grateful to share Grateful by The Red Clay Strays out of Alabama.
In that same salt of the Earth spirit, check out Cat Out of Hell, by Fantastic Cat. And yes, they did openly purloin, if you will, the album title from the Meatloaf. Bat out of Hell, meet Cat out of Hell.
Haylie Davis sang me to sleep countless nights over the past months with her Dolly Parton vibes.
From the psychedelic fields of my youth comes a new-ish jamband out of Canada. I keep coming back for the keyboard parts.
I’m People is another compelling lyrical showcase from Hiss Golden Messenger. If you never sat quietly with their 2019 release Terms of Surrender, take that hot tip from your pal, DL.
The only new album that grabbed me this quarter that isn’t steeped in Americana is this steaming funk drop from the supergroup trio, The Breaks. Come for the organ stay for drums, or vice versa.
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Here are five LPs that I really dig, but need to spend more time with. Angine de Poitrine, Vol. II American Football, LP4 Ella Langley, Dandelion Goose, Big Modern Josiah and the Bonnevilles, As Is
I hope you give some new music a shot. Most of these bands are touring this summer. Go hit a show!
Oh, and hit Kevin Poindexter with a follow on Substack. His recent Best Jazz of 2026 (So Far) is 100% on point!
Yours,
DL
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