New Music Monday: Five Tracks to Start Your Week

Monday, 17 August 2026 07:25

Fresh spins from Red Vox, Porch Light, Deltamanic, Michelle Branch, and Neil Young & The Chrome Hearts

August is rolling along, and as the mid-summer momentum keeps building, the airwaves are serving up an exceptional mix of brand-new sounds to refresh your playlist. Pulled directly from the latest rotation on The Countdown with Aaron Hall, this week's lineup spans genre-bending indie rock, evocative alt-rock atmospheric soundscapes, infectious groove-heavy funk, timeless pop-rock nostalgia, and legendary roots-rock storytelling.

Whether you are tackling a busy week, cruising along local backroads, or unwinding by the lake, these five essential releases deliver all the right energy for late-August listening.

Red Vox – "Rotten Apples and Sour Grapes"

Indie-rock outfit Red Vox deliver a razor-sharp title track with "Rotten Apples and Sour Grapes," leading off their ambitious 2026 release. Built on driving basslines, gritty guitar riffs, and front-man Vinny Vinesauce's signature deadpan lyricism, the song tackles thematic frustration and cyclical cynicism with an undeniably catchy hook. Blending classic alternative sensibilities with a modern garage-rock edge, the track shifts effortlessly from brooding verses into an explosive, distortion-drenched chorus. It stands as a defiant, energetic anthem that punches straight through the mid-summer heat.

Porch Light – "Under"

Rising alt-rock group Porch Light continue their swift ascent with "Under," a deeply evocative single that showcases the band's remarkable atmospheric depth. Anchored by lush, reverberating guitar layers and an intoxicating, slow-burning rhythm section, the track explores themes of emotional weight, isolation, and coming up for air. The dynamic build from intimate, whispered vocal melodies to a cathartic, wall-of-sound climax highlights their fine-tuned chemistry. "Under" is an immersive, cinematic cut custom-made for late-night drives and quiet reflection.

Deltamanic – "Midas Touch"

Scottish funk-rock outfit Deltamanic bring an irresistible burst of groove to this week's lineup with "Midas Touch," released via Lucidia Records. Driven by a locked-in 125 BPM tempo, crisp horn accents, and a slinky, slap-bass groove, the track radiates pure, unadulterated energy from the very first beat. Penned alongside songwriter Dean Oliver, the song layers smooth, soulful lead vocals over a sparkling, danceable production that feels both retro and brilliantly contemporary. It is a gold-standard party track designed to get listeners off their feet and keep the summer vibe alive.

Michelle Branch – "The Game of Love"

inger-songwriter icon Michelle Branch offers a welcome dose of timeless pop-rock magic as her celebrated collaboration "The Game of Love" continues to captivate new generations of listeners. Powered by sunny acoustic guitar strumming, vibrant brass flourishes, and her unmistakable, warm vocal delivery, the track balances lighthearted romantic playfulness with rich, soaring melodies. Its irresistible, radio-ready bounce and nostalgic charm make it a quintessential summertime staple that feels just as fresh and uplifting on today's airwaves as it ever has.

Neil Young and The Chrome Hearts – "Second Song"

Rock icon Neil Young reunites with his backing band The Chrome Hearts for "Second Song," the title track from their upcoming warm, analog-recorded album produced by Lou Adler and The Volume Dealers. Rooted in acoustic textures, gentle keyboard melodies from Spooner Oldham, and Young’s hauntingly reflective voice, the track echoes the wistful, deeply personal territory of classics like Comes A Time. Looking back on time, memory, and creative renewal, Young proves that his capacity for poetic storytelling remains unmatched. It is a quiet, stunning masterpiece that lingers long after the final note fades.

That wraps up this week's featured round-up from Aaron Hall's latest countdown. From driving garage-rock grooves to lush alternative textures, infectious funk, and legendary roots storytelling, these five cuts are guaranteed to elevate your late-summer rotation. Turn up the volume, pass along your top picks, and check back next Monday for another fresh batch of essential tracks.

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