Noteworthy New Releases October 2026

The Noteworthy new releases are a collection of songs, EPs and albums reviewed by The Note crew that appear in our monthly print mag. To make sure you digital fiends don't miss out, we've published the reviews online.

Read on and discover this month's collection of new releases from KT Olsson, Pearly Stars, Sofia Menguita, effie isobel, Druid Fluids and The Mushniks.

KT Olsson – 'Everytime I Run'

This yummy, soulful track blends R&B, jazz and pop into something tender, funky and deeply groovy. There’s an ease that makes this one instantly inviting, while its vulnerability gives it intimacy. Olsson’s soft vocals and layered harmonies feel almost like she’s in conversation with herself, intimately capturing the restlessness of being caught in your own thoughts, questioning yourself and trying to outrun the things you can’t switch off. The dissonance in the chord progressions gives this song depth and tension, reflecting the inevitable discomfort that comes with feeling vulnerable and exposed. This song is beautifully produced and really leaves you craving more of Olsson’s velvety, soulful sound.

Sounds like: Sinking into a moment of ease amongst the chaos.

By Choeying Mackirdy

Pearly Stars – 'Perfect Weather (for a love confession)'

Pearly Stars captures something truly raw and authentic with 'Perfect Weather (for a love confession)'. Hazy vocals mixed with jangly guitars; each instrument commands space while conversing with one another. Lyrically, 'Perfect Weather' encapsulates wanting to say everything on your mind yet second-guessing the thoughts before they are spoken, every word heavier than the last. Pearly Stars let tension linger with this track, their tender confessions nervous, yet honest, and palpable within every aspect of the music.

Sounds like: Finally letting go of bottled feelings, when saying them out loud feels terrifying.

By Kyle Jones

Sofia Menguita – 'Writing, Mourning'

Oh, how I yearn for new Sofia Menguita music the way she yearns for whoever these songs are about. Sofia’s recent single, 'Writing, Mourning', is the perfect way to end the colder weather. The guitar throughout the song is beautiful, creating a soft and intimate atmosphere that perfectly complements Sofia’s clear and effortless voice. There’s something incredibly comforting about the track, while the lyrics still carry that sense of longing and emotional vulnerability; this song feels like the kind of song you want to listen to on a quiet afternoon, wrapped up in a blanket, thinking about someone you probably shouldn't be thinking about. It’s delicate, dreamy and undeniably easy to fall in love with.

Sounds like: If Phoebe Bridgers and Clairo had a softer, more romantic Adelaide cousin.

By Tiana Gibbin

effie isobel – 'Honey Drunk'

The idea of being drunk off honey is an odd premise, referring to bees or mead or wild honey. But Effie Isobel runs with that symbolism on her song from the new EP Libra Rising. The track is full of playful imagery and lyrics dripping with sticky, sweet concepts. "Pure and clean...like bleach and ice" – similes and metaphors litter the lyrics, leaving you with plenty of meanings to create for yourself. In the short space the song arrives in our world, isobel uses a vocoder, drum machine and synth pads to create a summery ballad of love lost, or maybe won.

Sounds like: A summer love that will never be forgotten.

By Brad Pine

Druid Fluids – 'Needles In Strawberries'

Druid Fluids make a strong return with the first single from their forthcoming album. Needles In Strawberries marks a more immediate direction for the band, pairing a faster, forward-moving tempo with their familiar hypnotic textures that lure you into their psychedelic atmosphere. Jamie Andrews' lyrics leave plenty of room for interpretation, riddled with surreal imagery and cryptic warnings that give the track an eerie, almost prescient quality. Combined with its restless momentum, there is a real cinematic feel to the production that invokes suspicion and anticipation. 'Needles In Strawberries' feels like the opening scene to a much larger prophecy.

Sounds like: Realising you’ve been trapped inside a warped storybook.

By Choeying Mackirdy

The Mushniks – 'Best Life'

Just like the title of their latest single, The Mushniks are living their best life. The three-piece garage punk act has been an item for over five years now and shows no signs of slowing down. Following this year's 'Words to the effect of…', The Mushniks have followed up with new tune 'Best Life', which expresses the fun side of the band and living your life to the fullest, even when you can’t afford it! With an upbeat feel and gritty guitars, they fuse together a summery feel-good track featuring a funky solo at the two-minute mark, highlighting the song into one final big chorus! It’s fun, it’s energetic, it’s the perfect entry to the spring season.

Sounds like: Coming home with –200 dollars, knowing it was worth it.

By Asher Hammat