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24 February 2026

Here's how it works: The Recent Releases chart brings together critical reaction to new albums from more than 50 sources worldwide. It's updated daily. Albums qualify with 5 reviews, and drop out after 6 weeks into the longer timespan charts.

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Albums to watch

RatboysSingin' To An Empty Chair

"Ratboys have earned their seat at the top table" (9/10 - DIY). "Their most emotionally affecting and compositionally advanced songs to date" (8.4/10 - Pitchfork)

Joyce ManorI Used to Go to This Bar

"The Californian trio’s exhilarating, bittersweet seventh album marks a vital evolution" (8/10 - musicOMH). "They keep up their uninterrupted streak of never releasing a bad album" (8/10 - Under The Radar)

Westside CowboySo Much Country ‘Till We Get There

"So Much Country ‘Till We Get There is barely 15 minutes long; it is scarcely believable how much promise they’ve packed into it. Believe the hype" (10/10 - The Skinny)

Dove EllisBlizzard

"With shades of Jeff and Tim Buckley, the Galway-born artist writes tunes so strong they seem as familiar as old friends" (10/10 - The Guardian). "The sound is entirely his" (8/10 - DIY)

SnocapsSnocaps

"They are back playing pop that is pretty darn unmatched" (8.6/10 - Northern Transmissions). "A hailstorm of warm, exceptionally-written country-rock bangers backed by MJ Lenderman and Brad Cook" (8.5/10 - Paste)

HORSE the band

Desperate Living

Californian one-time Nintendo-core pioneers, now focusing on a more post-rock metal sound on their fifth album

Label: Vagrant
UK Release date: 05/10/2009

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7.0 1142
7.0 | Drowned In Sound

There is no lack of technical imagination on Desperate Living, with an exciting mesh of timbres and complex structures to keep you fixated. This gives HORSE enough distinction to stand out in their field
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7.0 7412
7.0 | PopMatters

Bristles with raw power and isn’t afraid to take chances
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7.0 7491
7.0 | PopMatters

Desperate Living illustrates that there’s a lot more going on with HORSE the Band than simply a crazy live show
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