10 Albums to Look Forward to in November 2026

Things are starting to wind down, and while November is technically a full month for new releases, the depth isn’t quite there. In anticipation of the seasonal market, there are countless heritage rock releases, reissues, and live albums, but we’re here to serve and have managed to pick out ten highlights to consider before you finalise your Best of 2026 lists. You do make those, right?

6 November

Oso Oso – An Exchange of Information (Feral Twin Records)
[Bandcamp] Indie rock 🇺🇸

Is it emo, pop-punk, or indie rock? When it comes to Oso Oso, does it even matter? The Jade Lilitri-led project seems poised for the spotlight, as his sixth album features some of his most radio-ready singles yet. Following 2024’s Life Till Bones, which felt like a slight step backwards, Lilitri’s shift toward a more unabashedly power-pop sound feels like a revitalisation. As always, a tinge of melancholy lingers beneath the hooks, keeping the songs catchy and heartfelt. (JR)

Sylvie – New Season (Ghostly International)
[Bandcamp] Americana/Folk 🇺🇸

From the moment I first listened to Sylvie’s self-titled 2021 release, the project led by Ben Schwab, I couldn’t put it down. When I learned that Schwab had a debut full-length album on the way, I immediately told David how deeply his musical touchstones resonate with me, whether it’s The Byrds, Matthews Southern Comfort, or Judee Sill. Schwab’s effortless songwriting makes even more sense when you consider his earlier work as one half of the dream-pop duo Golden Daze. Though distinct in sound, both projects share an unhurried breeziness that seems perfectly suited to the majestic San Gabriel Mountains overlooking Schwab’s Northeast LA home—a landscape I know well myself as a fellow resident. (JR)

Twisted Teens – The Holy Cross Tigers (Sub Pop)
[Bandcamp] Alternative / Rock 🇺🇸

How did we get to three albums in one year from Twisted Teens already? While the prospect of artists releasing too much music in too short a span can raise concerns, the New Orleans duo may just pull it off with their Sub Pop debut. More can often mean merrier, especially when it comes from a band that knows who they are and stays true to what put them on the map in the first place. (JR)

Shygirl – Swallow! (Because)
[Bandcamp] Alternative/Electronic 🇬🇧

We were big fans of Blane Muise’s first Shygirl record, 2022’s Nymph, which we ranked #28 on our Best Albums of 2022 list. While Nymph tapped into UK garage, trip hop, and experimental pop, promo material for Swallow! hints at a pivot to indie-inspired bedroom songwriting. I’m not the three available tracks quite support this directional shift, but Shygirl sounds as good as ever. (DC)

13 November

Aesop Rock and Blockhead – Trouble Mountain (Rhymesayers)
[Bandcamp] Hip Hop 🇺🇸

The creative relationship between Aesop Rock and Blockhead dates back to their Boston University days in the mid-’90s, and while Blockhead has contributed beats and production throughout Aesop Rock’s career, Trouble Mountain is only their second official collaborative LP, following 2021’s well-received Garbology. Inspired by childhood advertisements for trips to the Poconos, Trouble Mountain promises plenty of smooth, nostalgic boom bap cuts, illuminated by inventive rhymes. In other words, expect a treat. (DC)

U2 – Carnaval de Luz (Island)
[Label] Rock 🇮🇪

After about nine years of a significant drought of new material, the Dublin institution has been more than generous as of late. What started as two EPs, one of which I especially enjoyed, became a jumping-off point for the band to tease their first album since 2017’s Songs of Experience. As expected, Carnaval de Luz offers a more globally conscious approach that will once again test their enduring legacy. (JR)

Fucked Up – Year of the Rooster (Tankcrimes)
[Bandcamp] Punk 🇨🇦

25 years into a storied career, Toronto punks Fucked Up still have plenty of tricks up their sleeves. Year of the Rooster is the third and final act of their Grass Can Move Stones trilogy. (DC)

20 November

Desperate Journalist – Gilding the Lily (Fierce Panda)
[Bandcamp] Post-punk 🇬🇧

There’s a faintly gothic flavour to Desperate Journalist’s moody brand of post-punk. They also sit squarely at the genre’s more pop-focused pole, which is absolutely fine. For northern hemisphere readers, the dark nights are closing in and Gilding the Lily’s sombre minor chords should fit the bill rather nicely. (DC)

Lael Neale – As Killers Do (Consensual Sound)
[Bandcamp] Indie rock 🇺🇸

Lael Neale’s fifth album is the indie rocker’s first via her new label Consensual Sound, and follows a strong three-album run on Sub Pop. Recorded entirely on a Tascam 8-track, it promises to be a raw, minimilist treat. (DC)

27 November

Purple Pilgrims – Given to the Night (AD 93)
[Bandcamp] Dream pop 🇳🇿

New Zealand-based sisters Clementine and Valentine Nixon make up ethereal dream pop duo Purple Pilgrims. Having earned their stripes at venerable NZ label Flying Nun, Given to the Night marks their first release for London’s AD 93—and it sounds pretty promising to me. (DC)