Teppen’s May 2026 Playlist

Cover photo of Torqued Ellipses by Richard Serra, on exhibition at Dia: Beacon in Beacon, NY. Taken by Rich.

Another month full of great music. We got some great shoegaze, noise, folk, and much more. Check it out on Youtube below (other than OPT OUT by DUNZA, which is embedded below – or you can check it out here.) Also, like always, this is a mix of singles and albums that had our attention, easy cheat code here is the italics are the albums.

Listen to our May 2026 Playlist on YouTube

iVy – セプタム (Septum)

Dreamy track with a mix of electronics and guitar and an infectious beat. iVy is the project of guitarist/vocalist Fuki (Cephalo) and keyboardist/vocalist Pupu

Cephalo – 時化空 (Stormy Sky) (Live)

A live video from their Gloaming Point show, which we were at, showcasing Cephalo’s unmistakable gazey sounds.

雪国 (Yukiguni) – 海月 (Kurage/Jellyfish)

Yukiguni released Shion in November of last year, but they just dropped a gorgeous video for the equally gorgeous “Kurage” earlier this month.

Tokyo Shoegazer – Remains

Legends doing legend stuff. Tokyo Shoegazer released Remains at the tail end of last month but somehow it didn’t get on our radar until they dropped “Missing” which is a perfect teaser for a sublime record.

Mei Semones – Donguri

If we kept track of times artists make these lists, Mei Semones might top the list. Animaru was released a year ago, but “Donguri” was released as a single for the occasion. A great jazzy tune with Semones’ inviting voice. Creative and warm.

Hovvdy – Try Try Try

Hovvdy are releasing their next album, Big World, in August, and shared the charming “Try Try Try” in May.

Caroline Rose – Yip Yip Yow

You never have any idea what a new Caroline Rose release may bring. And “Yip Yip Yow” only reenforces that. Loud rock and roller Rose wrote 10 years ago finally getting a release.

Paul McCartney & Ringo Starr – Home To Us

A fun look back from two legends, and somehow the first duet between Paul and Ringo. From McCartney’s new record The Boys of Dungeon Lane. Not something that would normally make a Teppen list, but honestly, it’s Paul and Ringo, so why not?

Aldous Harding – Train on the Island

Aldous Harding at her best. Strange, haunting, beautiful. A fantastic record from a boundary-pushing artist who challenges her listeners in important ways.

Hannah Evelyn & The Handmades – Ferris Wheel

Another catch-up single for a record released last year, “Ferris Wheel” is taken from their fantastic 2025 EP The Midnight Bike Ride. Powerful, gorgeous indie-folk.

Sad Happy Birthdays – Sad Happy Birthday

Debut record from Sad Happy Birthdays, the project of Katie Ford. A wise, but youthful record with a pretty interesting range of vibes, from jangly guitar pop (2013) to upbeat rock n’ rollers (“Tracking it Down”), to jazzier sounds with saxophone (“Never Romantic”). It even features a recording of “Happy Birthday” to start things of.

Kevin Morby – Little Wide Open

Another fantastic record from one of this generation’s great American songwriters. Described as “the big sky and small lives” of everyday life in the Midwest. Produced by Aaron Dessner and features some big names as guests, Amelia Meath (Sylvan Esso), Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), Meg Duffy (Hand Habits), and Lucinda Williams among others.

Widowspeak – Soft Cover

From upcoming record, Roses, due out in June. Shimmering combination of Molly Hamilton’s breathy voice and Robert Earl Thomas’ hazy guitar mastery.

Jordana – I Wanna Be

Wonderful, folky track with lush harmonies rooted in Jordana’s powerful voice. Originally from her 2025 Jordanaland EP and seeing a single release.

villlagerrr – Carousel

Incredible record right from the opening moments of “Full Nelson”. The title track also is just killer. My favorite moment on the record has to be “Crystal Ball”, switching effortlessly from it heavier guitar moments to beautiful acoustic clarity, but never losing its edge.

リーガルリリー (Regallily) – ニコの涙 (Nico’s Tears)

Powerful track from one of Japan’s most powerful bands. A relatable songs about complicated feelings, underscored by epic cinematic dreampop, a bit of shoegaze, and Honoka Takahashi’s powerful vocal performance front and center.

Spinning Plums – Monochrome Syndrome

A single with some buzz from their March EP Spinning Hours. Really cool stuff, great combo of guitar and keys that’s just so inviting. Fun track from a fun band with a fun music video, what more could you want?

zoo zoo sea – Regret

The fourth single from zoo zoo sea, which is actually the first track they wrote as a band. zoo zoo sea are a band to keep an eye on, in just 3 years they’ve gone from forming in a high school music club to pristine production and releasing a really neat music video.

CRAZY BLUES – ライトソング (Light Song)

Just some great indie flavored J-rock from a band firing on all cylinders.

あの娘 (Anoko) – 窓から(From The Window)

The kind of track that just sticks with you. Jangly rock that channels Radiohead at times, with an explosive conclusion. A track and artist that deserves way more attention.

Kelsey Lu – Comfort

From Lu’s upcoming record So Help Me God, out June 12th. Gorgeous track with an incredible vocal performance. It’s a perfect slow build, with its stunning, floating early moments, and an epic climax before returning back to earth.

Widemouth – No Gasoline

Debut record from indie-folk band Widemouth. Layered vocals, gently strummed guitar, and cutting lyrics. Absolutely love the dynamic of the two vocalists throughout the entire record.

sundayclub – Blue Wave

Sublime dreampop from sundayclub’s upcoming debut record SUNDAYCLUB.

Shannon Lay – Past The Veil

Dreamy track with wonderful instrumentation. A creative, wandering bassline and some great drumming keep things moving under Shannon Lay’s breathy vocals.

Johanna Samuels – Circles (Feat. Tyler Ballgame)

Few artists capture a vibe like Johanna Samuels. No exception here with this throwback track featuring Tyler Ballgame. From Sorry, Kid, out August 14.

Dent May – The Big One

Title track from Dent May’s upcoming record. Maybe the most soothing apocalyptic song we’ve heard. It may be exactly what we need right now.

Kiwi Jr. – Blowin’ Up

Title track from Kiwi Jr.’s upcoming record. Charming with an infectious keyboard part. Explodes, or more fittingly, blows up into a joyous release. Perfectly paired with their other single from the record, “Hard Drive, Ontario”. Keep this one on your radar.

Car Seat Headrest – Teens of Denial (Joe’s Story)

A controversial 10th anniversary rerelease and rerecording of Car Seat Headrest’s breakout record. Some lyrical changes, most notably the removal of expletives, but Will Toledo sees it as a new introduction and new perspective of the subject material. And even with its changes, whenever I can shove “Drunk Drivers / Killer Whales” into a playlist, I’m taking that opportunity. (Mostly so I can relive that time I cried at Market Hotel)

Swapmeet – 2 C U

Don’t be fooled by the track’s folky intro, as it erupts almost instantly into a brilliantly, distorted layered rocker. It’s a hell of a ride in just over 2 minutes. Hell yeah. Keep an eye out for Mount Zero, out July 17th.

Rachel Bobbitt – Where Do You Want To Be?

Absolute stunner. Bobbitt’s voice is the main focus here, but it simple instrumentation, including a perfectly executed drum machine, adds so much to the vibe.

Will Sheff – Always Everything

Powerful, building single from Okkervil River’s Will Sheff. From his upcoming record Extra Mile, out July 10th. Its gently played guitar and drums give way to an incredible, massive guitar solo that whips the song into a complete whirlwind.

Lowertown – Ugly Duckling Union

A fantastic record from Atlanta based duo Lowertown. Ugly Duckling Union never stays in one place long. It starts out folky but by the third track the vibes turn, and even get a bit intense during “Forgive Yourself”. There’s the charming “Cover You” with some truly wonderful instrumentation. And then there’s “DIPSH*T” which is completely unhinged in the best way possible.

Katie Pruitt – Same Boat

Cause they don’t care that we’re yelling, if we’re buying what they’re selling
And they don’t care if the world goes up in smoke
They’ll ride off in their rockets
And they’ll raise the price of hope
Meanwhile you & I are sinking in the same boat

Árný Margrét – In A Dream

One of the most beautiful tracks to ever hit a Teppen playlist. Margrét’s voice is incredible throughout with just a hint of gently strummed guitar underneath. There’s times where Margrét’s voice gives way to Harmonica, and those moments are just incredible.

mmj – nobody knows

Debut solo single from MJ of Purity Ring. Folky and undeniably beautiful. We can’t wait to hear more.

Hannah Cohen – Golden Chain

Cinematic track that sounds like it could have been recorded 70 years ago. With an authenticity that only Hanna Cohen can achieve. Even if she sings the line “I wanna matter more to you than those internet girls you do”.

Kurt Vile – Philadelphia’s Been Good To Me

A record that’ll always be close to my heart. The title is a sentiment Vile and I share. I moved to the Philly area 5 years ago and it’s been a place that’s given me so much. Beyond that, this is a truly heartfelt Vile record, one he came back home to record exactly how he wanted to, and the first after the death of his long-time Violators bandmate Rob Laakso.

Cheekface – I Don’t Work Here

Cheekface might be the band we need right now. Witty, strange, surreal, politically charged, sarcastic, and undeniably a fun listen. Lyrics range from Andrew Cuomo to Noah’s Ark, but its most notable line is probably when Greg Katz sings “You can put away the cuck chair, It’s just you and me tonight”.

Telehealth – Green World Image

Algorithmic Rock and Roll designed to optimize profits. There’s definitely a demand for a “Kokomo 2”. Seriously, though, a creative, sarcastic mirror pointed at the completely fucked world we’re in right now. The album’s description on Bandcamp even uses Kalshi’s own words to make a case against them. It’s a great read to go along with a great record.

TVOD (Television Overdose) – Rerun

Smart, witty track with a killer groove. Asks the most important question in its opening moments, “What the fuck and I still doing here?”. And those arent even the song’s best lyrics…

I don’t really care who I am
As long as I’m not a business man
Kill my landlord just for fun
I’ve already seen this rerun

Hell yeah.

Porches – HABIT

From the mixtape Mask. Lo-fi and just makes you wanna get up and move. Don’t just take our work for it, check out the video, which includes long-time friend of Teppen, Chris B dancing on a roof.

Shearwater – Daydream Unbeliever

Jonathan Meiburg’s distinct voice on top of some beautiful piano is always a great combo. Especially when it builds into something huge, both musically and lyrically. Despite its instrumentation of piano, strings, acoustic hinting something bright, the track has quite a menacing hypnotism to it.

Way Dynamic – Miffed It

A honest folk track getting an official release outside of Australia. From the album Massive Shoe which will have its international release on Jagjaguar in October.

真舟とわ (Mafune Towa) – なみだのうみ (The Sea of Tears)

Fingerpicked acoustic guitar on a beach. Live version of a track from her recent concept record 海を抱いて眠る (Sleeping With The Sea In My Arms). Showcases an intimate connection between Towa’s music and the seaside town that shaped her.

Jens Lekman – CHAPTER 07 – We Were Here

From a follow-up record for 2025’s Songs for Other Peoples’ Weddings. Gorgeous piano led track that showcases Lekman’s brilliant storytelling.

Lambchop – Weakened

From the upcoming record Punching The Clown. Kurt Wagner is truly one of the greatest songwriters ever. A bit of a return to where he truly shines compared to recent record, just Kurt, a guitar and occasional harmonies.

Josaleigh Pollet & Crowd Shy – The Witness

From Pollet’s upcoming record If I Let It Quiet, out July 24th. Pollet’s songwriting just strikes at the core, and the instrumentation on “The Witness” only makes it hit harder.

Francis of Delirium – Run, Run Pure Beauty

Incredible sophomore record from Luxembourgish rocker Jana Bahrich. Kicks off in a huge way with “Aliens”, and “Out Tonight”. Things slow down a bit for the title track, which is just gorgeous. So many tracks start off as these gorgeous soundscapes, erupting in huge huge ways.

Pictoria Vark – Live at TNK

Fantastic 3 track live release from Pictoria Vark. Features a pair of tracks from 2025’s Nothing Sticks, and a cover of “It’s Okay” by Land of Talk. Pictoria is someone you simply need to catch live, and this is irrefutable evidence.

feeble little horse – doorway

dynamic. quiet. loud. dreamy. incredible. From their upcoming record bitknot.

she’s green – empty house

Gorgeously understated track from Swallowtail, which will be out in July. Mostly just vocals and acoustic. Briefly, some gently played drums and bass join, but not for long, with just fingerpicked guitar bringing “empty house” to a close.

IAN SWEET – Jilian

A brutally honest track from IAN SWEET’s Jilian Medford, addressed to herself. Medford says, “Jilian’ is about the small mistakes that somehow make life feel both cruel and hilarious at the same time”. She’s always been a heavy hitting songwriter, and perhaps unsurprisingly one of her most laid-back sounding tracks is among her heaviest lyrical content.

Frankie Cosmos – Fool (Demo)

From the 10th anniversary re-release of Next Thing. “Fool”, surprisingly, went gold earlier this year, so we’re treated to the demo version of just Greta Kline and her guitar.

ゆうさり (Yuusari) – はためきのしくみ (The Wonder of Fluttering)

A stunning record released on the first of the month by Yuusari, the project of Riko Niikawa. Powerful stuff that’s among the year’s best records. On the 18th, Niikawa released a music video for “Fluttering” that adds even more to the nostalgic vibe of the record.

Bellows – “Give You All My Love”

One of the recent batches of tracks Bellows has released from their upcoming record, Que Bello!, out June 12th. A track that’s distinctively Bellows, and only gets us more excited to hear the full record in just a couple of weeks.

ear – Ne Plus Ultra

Glitchy, synth-led infectious pop track.

Boards of Canada – Prophecy At 1420 MHz

Scottish electronic legends proving they still have new soundscapes to explore after 40 years. Exactly what you’d want to hear from them.

DUNZA – OPT OUT

Dunza is the dreamy, dub-wise electronics of James Toth, and he brought out some drifting zones perfect for your commute on the train or bus, watching a city pass by. Big synth sounds help you reset after a day of being among the din of humanity. He’s been building sounds for 30 years and is a heavy hitter that knows a thing or two about making a tape.

Lightning Bug – Song for a …

Gorgeous, haunting track from an upcoming EP. Programmed drums under a lush dreamscape.

Alex Lahey – You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me (feat. Tegan and Sara)

Another big anniversary – Alex Lahey’s B-Grade University has reached 10 years old. To celebrate, a reimagined version of the record is on its way, including a new version of “You Don’t Think You Like People Like Me” featuring Tegan and Sara. The duo add synth, kick the tempo up and truly create a new perspective on the previously guitar-heavy track.

Harmony Tividad – Mulholland Drive

On its surface, a gorgeous track led by acoustic guitar and former Girlpool member Harmony Tividad’s voice. But the lyrics paint a different picture. Really great, honest stuff.

Pinkshift – when we were friends

Hard charging rocker about a friend becoming a stranger. Does make you want to run through a wall so be careful. Pinkshift are about to embark on a tour celebrating the 5-year anniversary of Saccharine.

NEW IDEA SOCIETY – Fire On The Hill

Probably the most intense folk record you’ll hear this year. At times it’s bright and beautiful (“Nightbirds”) and heavy handed (“Lantern”) at others.

The Garden – 5 Mile Ponytail

Maybe the coolest track on this playlist, with an even cooler music video. That synth. From their upcoming record Bootleg, out July 10th. The duo (who are twin brothers Wyatt and Fletcher Shears) describe the record as “a compilation of songs written and recorded over time with no particular intent or goal in mind”. If “5 Mile Ponytail” is any indication, this is going to be unrestrained and unpredictable.

They Are Gutting A Body of Water & Horse Jumper of Love – Charter Spec

Loud, immense, incredible collab from Philly gazers TAGABOW and Boston’s Horse Jumper of Love. Builds to an insane ending that vanishes before you even realize what happened.

Show Me The Body – No God

Kickass, sludgy single from post-hardcore band Show Me The Body from their upcoming record Alone Together.

Gilla Band – Giraffe

Released physically as a 7″ picture disc. Goes from heavy and distorted to an industrial, electronic beat.

LOCKSTEP – Ash In The Water

Killer doomgaze track. Loud, aggressive, distorted, crushing, immense. From their upcoming record I Know What I Saw Here.

sadplanet – please

Fantastic gazer from one of London’s finest bands. Its early moments are soothing on the surface, but there’s a pleading. There’s a dreamy groove that enraptures listeners before loosening its grip. Its light, airy bridge only lasts so long before the listener is overwhelmed with a huge wall of sound. What a fucking track.

Chanel Beads – Dust in the Wind

More super creative, interesting stuff from Shane Levers. Probably the most beautiful song about pissin’ on a porch. From the upcoming Chanel Beads record Your Day Will Come. (Not to be confused with their previous release Your Day Will Come).

Shye – The Doves Came Home

A record that lives somewhere between the 90’s and early 00’s. At times it feels like the radio pop that defined that era, (“If Today Was Yesterday”, “Signs”) then it flips a switch and becomes barnburning shoegaze (“In The End”, “I Always Knew”). Its music videos also hit that sweet spot.

くらやみ-ざか (kurayamisaka) – sagittarius / RAY – sagittarius (live)

“sagittarius” was initially released as a song for shoegaze idol group RAY, arranged and written by Shotaro Shimizu from kurayamisaka. RAY is collaborative at its core, enlisting some of the most notable names in shoegaze, from Japan and beyond. kurayamisaka released their own version of “sagittarius”. I feel like this will result in decades of debate on which version is the “original”. That aside, RAY also released a live version of the song. This pair is a perfect example of both how incredible kurayamisaka are, and how RAY’s choreography and multi-vocalist attack can transform songs into something massive.

Spit Lulu’s – weird world (live)

Sometimes you just stumble upon a sick live performance. A track from their first EP, Minrumono Subete?, which came out on May 27. It’s four great tracks, but this live performance should undeniably show that Spit Lulu’s are a force of nature.

Trooper Salute – 絶縁 (Zetsuen / Insulation)

What a journey this track it. Its captivating, complex, jazzy early moments give way to a powerful, cathartic ending. From their upcoming debut record, 友達がいました (Tomodachi ga Itama / I Had Friends).

Bonus: iVy – ユーガッタメール (You’ve Got Mail) / any nOise (live)

We started with a single from iVy, and now we close with 10 minutes of live iVy. This is a fantastic live performance that shows off exactly what iVy are about. Gazey moments, electronic noise, pop, and an incredible vocal performance from Fuki as the song draws to a close.