The Daily Drop: April 9th 2026

Welcome to The Daily Drop, your roundup of the latest news from the rock, metal, punk, emo, hardcore, and alternative scenes.

Today’s round-up sees MONO announce their first album since the passing of producer Steve Albini, XCOMM detail their debut record, and Haggard Cat preview their forthcoming third album. There are also new tracks from Midrift and Hanry, plus 19 new additions to our ‘Newish Music’ playlist.

Here’s everything you need to know for April 9th 2026.

New MONO Album Set for June Release

Influential Japanese post-rock band MONO will return on June 12th with the release of their new album, ‘Snowdrop’. Released through Temporary Residence, it marks the band’s first album since the passing of longtime collaborator and producer Steve Albini, who passed away in 2024. The album was produced by Brad Wood (Touché Amore, The Smashing Pumpkins), a friend of Albini’s.

In a statement announcing the album, MONO shared:

“The language of flowers for the Winter Daphne is ‘the final surge of life’, ‘glory’ and ‘eternity’.

In the looming moment of the final parting, life erupted with a sense of pride. Our shared memories surged back like a revolving lantern. Then, a stillness slowly arrived and you transformed into light, departing peacefully for heaven.

Without exception, everyone will eventually depart this world and face the parting from their loved ones. Through this album, we wished to express our “eternal gratitude” to those precious people who walked alongside us on the journey of life. We believe this sentiment is the only thing capable of filling the void left in our hearts and easing the profound sorrow and pain of loss.

Every flower carries its own unique language. For this album, we incorporated the messages imbued in flowers given to those who have passed into the titles of our songs.

Our hope is that this album serves as a source of light and hope for those who have lost someone dear.”

The announcement also sees a track titled ‘Winter Daphne’ be made public. Having built a legacy of producing compelling post-rock, ‘Winter Daphne’ is no different, capturing the enveloping and intimate sound that ‘Snowdrop’ is set to contain.

XCOMM Detail Debut Album and Share New Single

Hotly tipped hardcore unit XCOMM have confirmed their debut album will be released next month. It’s titled ‘Time To Burn’ and is due for release on Friday, 22nd May via Blowed Out Records.

Produced by Ross Robinson (Korn, The Cure, Slipknot, Glassjaw, At The Drive In), the album will include past singles ‘Reasons,’ ‘Hot Pursuit / One And Nothing,’ and ‘Fake Id’. It’ll also include their latest track, ‘Borrowed Happiness’. The explosive number captures XCOMM‘s energetic sound with an underpinned rawness.

“‘Borrowed Happiness’ is one of my favourite tracks on the record, shooting the music videos with Darren and all the dudes in the van was super cool, and I love when we play this one live,” says frontman Michael Gatto. He also commented on the album, saying “I’ll forever be grateful for having the opportunity to record this album; the whole process from tracking to mixing was truly incredible.”

XCOMM drummer Revel Ian also shared his thoughts on the making of ‘Time To Burn’: “We sat behind our instruments, shared our deepest darkest secrets, and then continued to beat our instruments with each strum and stroke packed with unfiltered emotion. Ross Robinson transformed us into musical weapons that will blow your head off when you play our record.”

Haggard Cat Tease New Album with ‘Halcyon’

With the release of their third album, ‘The Pain That Orbits Life,’ fast approaching, Haggard Cat have shared another track from the record. Their latest offering, ‘Halcyon’, sees the Nottingham duo blend their anthemic hard rock sound with progressive flourishes. It results in a swaggering number that feels right at home for Haggard Cat.

For vocalist/guitarist Matt Reynolds, it lyrically allowed him to be introspective. “Halcyon combines layered vocal harmonies, unshakeable groove and massive guitar riffs that simulate the feeling of better days, juxtaposed with bittersweet lyrics that conjure the unmistakable feeling of regret and anxiety after a big night out,” Reynolds says. “It’s a song about masking your own feelings and over-compensating by acting like you’re the best you ever have been and the realisation that the bravado will ultimately fade and you’ll eventually have to confront your demons.”

‘The Pain That Orbits Life’ is released on May 8th via Church Road Records.

Midrift Confirm Debut Album (‘Silhouette’)

Emerging San Francisco trio Midrift have revealed details of their debut album. It’s called ‘Silhouette’ and will be released on June 5th.

Comprised of Gus Mehrkam (vocals, guitar) and brothers Manoa (bass) and Kai Neukermans (drums), Midrift have been gathering praise for their blend of shoegaze and alt-rock.

The announcement sees them share ‘Silhouette’‘s opening track, ‘over anything’. It demonstrates the trio’s urgent drive with hints of half-time shoegaze and punk-fuelled outburst.

Hanry Preview New Album with ‘Remains’

French post-rock collective Hanry recently revealed plans to release a new album, ‘What Came From Silence’ (Pelagic Records), on May 29th. As a teaser, they’ve shared another track from the record, ‘Remains’.

Opening with a wall of electronic synths, the track takes a contemplative approach, drawing you in along the way. As it unfolds with sharp transitions, it showcases Hanry‘s nuanced, layered capabilities.

“‘Remains’ explores this constant tension between two states, a fragile balance that, after many transformations, eventually found its final form,” the band states. “‘Remains’ originated from a demo we had set aside for a long time. For months, the track resisted us, and we rewrote its opening several times without ever finding the right direction. It was only after all the album demos were completed that we returned to it one last time. At that point, something clicked in a clear, almost instinctive way, and the track finally revealed itself as it was meant to be. That was the moment ‘Remains’ truly came to life.”

Today’s New Songs

Here’s a rundown of the latest additions to our ‘Newish Music’ playlist.

American Football – No Feeling (ft. Brendan Yates)
Haggard Cat – Halcyon
I Am The Avalanche – I Miss California and Every Dog I Ever Met
MONO – Winter Daphne
XCOMM – Borrowed Happiness
Hanry – Remains
Port Noir – Burst
VANA – In Your Name
Bodysnatcher – Plague of Flies
Gilt – How Do You Kill An Angel, Barry?
Junius – Initiatrix
Midrift – Over Anything
Catalysis – Serpentine
Muhnday – Liquid Whispers
Trial Tapes – Slowpoke
Jayler – Need Your Love
Sungrave – The Mirror
Human Issue – Vice
Black Rose Riot – Not Like You

Keep up to date with all the latest rock, metal, punk, and beyond, by following AlreadyHeard‘s ‘NewishMusic’ Playlist.

Find the playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.