ArtistDirect News
War on Drugs Debuts Whos That Amid a Wave of 2026 Music Releases
The War on Drugs released a new single, “Who’s That,” on September 9, 2026, marking the band’s first studio track in four years. The song was written in ten minutes, according to a Pitchfork interview with frontman Adam Granduciel, who described the process as occurring “between first coffee and school drop‑off.” The track first appeared live in May 2024 and has been performed at every show since, according to an online news article that reported the official recording’s release date.
Granduciel’s composition follows the War on Drugs’ signature expansive sound. The song features layered synths and flanging guitars that build over five minutes, while the lyrics explore personal struggle: “There’s a lion hanging from my teeth / I can taste it but I can’t get close.” The band’s touring schedule for 2026 includes festival dates such as the Austin City Limits (ACL) festival, with performances scheduled through the end of October, as reported by Pitchfork.
The single arrives after the War on Drugs’ 2024 album Lost in the Dream and precedes a potential follow‑up. Granduciel’s production work in 2025 on Craig Finn’s Always Been and Sam Fender’s People Watching has been noted for its distinct sonic fingerprints, which critics say echo the War on Drugs’ style.
In the same week, Slayyyter released the track “crank 2,” a single from her forthcoming album WOR$T MAN IN AMERICA, slated for release later in 2026. The album is described as a track‑by‑track companion to her 2023 release WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA. According to the Paste staff, “crank 2” shifts from the braggadocio of the original “CRANK” to a more ominous tone, positioning the song as a revenge anthem.
Soul Glo, the Philadelphia hardcore band, announced that their new album NA I’M GON GRAB ALLAT will drop in January 2027. The band’s breakout LP Diaspora Problems was released in 2022 and was named one of the decade’s best albums by several publications. The Paste article highlights the track “February Theory,” which showcases the band’s aggressive riffing and intense vocal delivery.
New Orleans duo Twisted Teens also entered the 2026 release calendar with the single “When We First Met.” The track opens with scattered drums and fuzzed guitars before featuring lead vocalist Caspian “CJ” Hollywell’s soulful, ragged voice. The Paste review notes that the song reflects on the early days of a failed relationship.
Josh Johnson, known for his work with Jeff Parker’s ETA IVtet and the jazz supergroup SML, released the lead single “Reece” from his upcoming album Animative. The Paste review describes the track as smooth and layered, with horns and minimalistic instrumentation.
These releases illustrate a diverse range of styles—from the atmospheric indie rock of the War on Drugs to the hard‑hitting hardcore of Soul Glo and the experimental pop of Slayyyter. The 2026 music scene continues to feature artists who blend genre conventions with personal storytelling, as evidenced by the lyrical content of Granduciel’s “Who’s That” and Slayyyter’s “crank 2.”
The War on Drugs’ new single is the first new studio material from the band since 2022, and it signals a potential new chapter in their discography. The band’s upcoming tour dates and festival appearances will provide additional context for the song’s reception. Meanwhile, the other artists’ releases expand the musical landscape, offering fans a broad spectrum of contemporary sounds.
Overall, 2026 has seen a mix of long‑awaited releases and fresh material across multiple genres, underscoring the continued vitality of the independent music sector.
Granduciel’s composition follows the War on Drugs’ signature expansive sound. The song features layered synths and flanging guitars that build over five minutes, while the lyrics explore personal struggle: “There’s a lion hanging from my teeth / I can taste it but I can’t get close.” The band’s touring schedule for 2026 includes festival dates such as the Austin City Limits (ACL) festival, with performances scheduled through the end of October, as reported by Pitchfork.
The single arrives after the War on Drugs’ 2024 album Lost in the Dream and precedes a potential follow‑up. Granduciel’s production work in 2025 on Craig Finn’s Always Been and Sam Fender’s People Watching has been noted for its distinct sonic fingerprints, which critics say echo the War on Drugs’ style.
In the same week, Slayyyter released the track “crank 2,” a single from her forthcoming album WOR$T MAN IN AMERICA, slated for release later in 2026. The album is described as a track‑by‑track companion to her 2023 release WOR$T GIRL IN AMERICA. According to the Paste staff, “crank 2” shifts from the braggadocio of the original “CRANK” to a more ominous tone, positioning the song as a revenge anthem.
Soul Glo, the Philadelphia hardcore band, announced that their new album NA I’M GON GRAB ALLAT will drop in January 2027. The band’s breakout LP Diaspora Problems was released in 2022 and was named one of the decade’s best albums by several publications. The Paste article highlights the track “February Theory,” which showcases the band’s aggressive riffing and intense vocal delivery.
New Orleans duo Twisted Teens also entered the 2026 release calendar with the single “When We First Met.” The track opens with scattered drums and fuzzed guitars before featuring lead vocalist Caspian “CJ” Hollywell’s soulful, ragged voice. The Paste review notes that the song reflects on the early days of a failed relationship.
Josh Johnson, known for his work with Jeff Parker’s ETA IVtet and the jazz supergroup SML, released the lead single “Reece” from his upcoming album Animative. The Paste review describes the track as smooth and layered, with horns and minimalistic instrumentation.
These releases illustrate a diverse range of styles—from the atmospheric indie rock of the War on Drugs to the hard‑hitting hardcore of Soul Glo and the experimental pop of Slayyyter. The 2026 music scene continues to feature artists who blend genre conventions with personal storytelling, as evidenced by the lyrical content of Granduciel’s “Who’s That” and Slayyyter’s “crank 2.”
The War on Drugs’ new single is the first new studio material from the band since 2022, and it signals a potential new chapter in their discography. The band’s upcoming tour dates and festival appearances will provide additional context for the song’s reception. Meanwhile, the other artists’ releases expand the musical landscape, offering fans a broad spectrum of contemporary sounds.
Overall, 2026 has seen a mix of long‑awaited releases and fresh material across multiple genres, underscoring the continued vitality of the independent music sector.