The Best New Music of the Week: Courtney Barnett, Mitski, and More

February 27, 2026

By Lila Roberts, Entertainment Editor

The week’s most compelling new releases span indie rock, alternative, and beyond, offering a diverse sonic landscape for music lovers. From Courtney Barnett’s introspective new album to Mitski’s critically acclaimed return, here’s a look at the tracks making waves this week.

Courtney Barnett Announces ‘Creature of Habit’ with “Mantis”

Courtney Barnett is set to release her new album, Creature of Habit, on March 27 via Mom + Pop. The album follows her 2021 release, Things Take Time, Take Time, and a 2023 instrumental album, End of the Day. Barnett shared two new songs from the upcoming album, “Mantis” and “Sugar Plum,” with “Mantis” standing out as the stronger of the two.

Barnett described “Mantis” as the “microcosmic centerpiece” of the album, explaining in a press release that it embodies the album’s core message. She recounted a moment of inspiration while making coffee, noticing a praying mantis and interpreting it as a sign for patience and direction. Under the Radar

The album’s opening track, “Stay In Your Lane,” was released last October, and the second single, “Site Unseen,” features Waxahatchee. Barnett relocated to Los Angeles and closed her label, Milk! Records, before writing Creature of Habit.

Mitski’s ‘Nothing’s About to Happen to Me’ Receives Rave Reviews

Mitski released her eighth album, Nothing’s About to Happen to Me, today, February 27, via Dead Oceans. The album is already garnering critical acclaim, with one reviewer calling it a “rave” worthy release. Under the Radar While “If I Leave” accompanied the album’s release, “That White Cat” has emerged as a standout track.

Patrick Hyland produced and engineered the album, with mastering by Bob Weston. Mitski wrote all the songs, performed all vocals, and was supported by her touring band and an orchestra. Her previous albums include 2023’s The Land is Inhospitable and So Are We, 2022’s Laurel Hell, and 2018’s Be the Cowboy.

Also Worth Listening To

• The Twilight Sad: “Attempt a Crash Landing – Theme” from their upcoming album, It’s the Long Goodbye, due March 27 via Rock Action. The album features Robert Smith of The Cure.
• American Football: “Poor Moons,” the first single from their new album, American Football (LP4), set for release May 1 via Polyvinyl.
• TV Star: “Out of My Bag” from their debut album, Music For Heads, arriving April 24 via Father/Daughter.
• Cheekface: “Hostile Street,” a new song described as a “survival anthem.”

These releases, alongside honorable mentions from artists like Modern Woman, The Slow Country, and WU LYF, demonstrate the vibrant and diverse landscape of new music this week.