Welcome to AP A-sides, where we’re highlighting the very best songs from the past week. Every Friday, the AP editors will wade through the daunting number of tracks released daily, narrow down their favorites, and give them to you in one playlist. Because the definition of alternative is constantly in flux, there are no rigid parameters to our selections — just tracks we’re obsessively talking about and listening to on repeat. This week’s playlist features artists diverse in genre but singular in sound, including Empty Shell Casing, Slayyyter reimagining Turnstile, Computerwife, Knifey, untitled (halo), and more.
Read more: 26 of the most exciting rising artists to watch in 2026
Check out our picks below, and stay informed about everything coming out in August with our monthly album release calendar.
AP A-sides – Aug. 28, 2026
- Computerwife – “Foreverrr”
- Empty Shell Casing – “MT”
- Greg Freeman – “Cahokia”
- Just Penelope – “Sister”
- Knifey – “WHERE I’M COMING FROM”
- Porch Light – “Paranoia”
- Turnstile – “BIRDS: SLAYYYTER VERSION”
- underscores – “The Peace” (Frost Children Remix)
- untitled (halo) – “aimee lou wood freestyle”
- Winter – “hide-a-lullaby – mixtape version” (feat. Peel Dream Magazine)