Janky Smooth Central Command

Janky Fresh Friday: New Releases From A$AP Rocky and Sleaford Mods

Janky Smooth Central Command January 16, 2026

The beginning of each year can often feel a bit stagnant for new albums with many artists waiting until the Spring or Summer to release their work to the public, especially in genres based around youthful party cultures such as hip-hop. With how crazy the world feels in 2026 however, there isn’t a better time to completely subvert audience expectations and act as a trailblazer within your genre. The world needs art more than ever, and it’s needed as soon as possible. Thankfully, we have two very unexpected hip-hop releases to kick off the year with A$AP Rocky and Sleaford Mods blessing us with two albums full of unpredictable excitement just when we need it the most. A$AP Rocky: Don’t Be Dumb (released January 16, 2025): AWGE, A$AP Worldwide, RCA Records Hip-hop is almost completely unrecognizable from the 2010’s when A$AP Rocky first rose to prominence. At the time, it was almost hard to keep up with new releases every month from both veteran rappers and brand new artists seemingly coming out of nowhere. In 2025 however; this is nowhere near the case considering the major gap between Gen Z’s Soundcloud generation and the DatPiff mixtape culture that came

Janky Fresh Friday: New Releases from Dry Cleaning and Bad Beat

Janky Smooth Central Command January 9, 2026

This January is a pretty fun month for new releases which makes it harder to choose what to disseminate for our very first Janky Fresh Friday of 2026. We thought we had it easy with Dry Cleaning releasing new music and we decided to go with Bad Beat’s Xmas day release as the split single of this article. But it’s not always easy when you have mixed feelings about something new from a band you love and that is a first for Janky Fresh Friday…. I’m sure it’s not the last. related: Top Artists to Watch in 2026 Dry Cleaning: Secret Love (released January 9, 2026): 4AD Records The kings and queens of deadpan post punk are back with Dry Cleaning’s kickoff to 2026, Secret Love. When Dry Cleaning first appeared on the scene, I was all about it, making it a point to catch their highly anticipated Teragram Ballroom introduction to Los Angeles. Seeing them again at Primavera Sound, they had refined their music by then and fully manifested everything anyone could’ve wanted from a deadpan, vocal driven post punk band. That style of vocal was something I was wanting to hear from a modern band for a long

Janky Smooth Top 10 SHOWS of 2025 Rated by Contributors

Janky Smooth Central Command December 30, 2025

Live shows, concerts, clubs and festivals have always been the life blood of Janky Smooth and that was no different in 2025. That’s why Top 10 shows are always on our year end lists… But 2025 was a relaunch in many ways for us after almost clicking our last click on this music blog through the pandemic. This year felt like we were back at full strength for the first time. A skeleton crew has grown skin that has been filled with the blood, sweat and tears of such a diverse group of contributors- all with their own taste. Taste, and the lack of it, at times is what we celebrate on our music blog. Here are the Top 10 Shows of 2025 from 7 of our contributors. Up next- The Top 25 Artists To Watch In 2026. *All highlighted picks are linked to reviews* related: Janky Smooth Top 10 Albums Of 2025 Rated By Contributors Publisher, Danny Baraz Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds at Cruel World, Rose Bowl Nine Inch Nails at The Forum Lip Critic at The Lodge Room Fleshwater and Chat Pile at The Fonda Theatre Marilyn Manson at House Of Blues Anaheim L7 and Lunachicks

Janky Smooth Top 10 ALBUMS of 2025 Rated by Contributors

Janky Smooth Central Command December 22, 2025

Year end lists don’t define many music publications anymore. But we’d like to change that. The Janky Smooth Year End Lists are personal to each of our contributors that participated and our contributors define the focus of our music blog. And while everyone can post their personal year end lists on social media with varying degrees of traction, it’s the collective that has always defined Janky Smooth and what we cover. It’s hard to tell if 2025 was a banner year for Independent Music or if Janky Smooth covered it in a way that we never have in the last 11 years. It would be strictly rhetorical to ask if the volatile times we live in were feeding artists inspiration that led to their most seminal works of art, but it would not be if we asked if we covered more new releases than we ever had in our history. In the latter half of 2025 we introduced Janky Fresh Friday to focus on artist in the studio as much as we spotlight the artists onstage. As a result, the contributors at Janky Smooth have felt like we have been able to offer a more holistic view of bands and

Janky Fresh Friday: New Releases from Nas w/ DJ Premier & Danny L Harle

Janky Smooth Central Command December 12, 2025

Here at Janky Smooth, Friday’s are for nerding out on new releases. This week, we dive deep into new music from Nas and DJ Premier VS Danny L Harle w/ Rachika Nayar-artists that are rarely mentioned side by side. In contrast to the two reviewing them, Rob Shepyer and Danny Ryan should ALWAYS be side by side- especially when discussing new music. Nas and DJ Premier: Light-Years (released December 12, 2025): Mass Appeal Nasir bin Olu Dara Jones aka Nas is one of hip hop’s most legendary and authentic children. His seminal album Illmatic still slaps, sounding like it was recorded in ancient history, 1994, yet carrying forward through time like a hip hop heirloom. Something passed down from generation to generation, almost like an oral bible or a survival guide to help people endure the insanity that is New York City. Illmatic remains true so long as New York remains chaotic, and as America’s greatest city, neither will ever change whether it is Giuliani or Mamdani as mayor. This is 2025 though, and Nas’ relevancy far surpasses his classic efforts. When paired with producers from newer generations he inspired, Nas shines to new audiences that may not have been

Take This! Win Tickets to See Teen Mortage at The Roxy

Janky Smooth Central Command December 1, 2025

Teenage Mortgage and The Mainliners are playing The Roxy on Tuesday December 10 2025 in a benefit for the Union Rescue Mission This is a benefit for the Union Rescue Mission so please buy tickets here or enter our giveaway below if you too are in need this holiday season The Teenage Mortgage sound pairs blown out garage rock guitars with confrontational vocals and a tightly wound rhythm section that hits with both grit and adrenaline. The Roxy is the perfect place to feel that intensity up close. The Mainliners will be supporting Teenage Mortgage for a raucous night on Sunset Blvd. related: Teen Mortgage and Spoon Benders Tear Zebulon Apart!- Night 1 Recap The December 10 show marks another milestone for the band as they continue their climb from DIY chaos to national attention. How to Enter the Teenage Mortgage Giveaway Tag a friend on our Teenage Mortgage Ticket Giveaway post on our socials @jankysmooth and make sure you both like the post. Make sure you are both following us @jankysmooth Winner will be announced on Sunday December 8 at noon Pacific time. One lucky winner will score two tickets so bring a friend and get ready for a

Melt Banana Rain Harsh Noise in Los Angeles at Teragram Ballroom

Janky Smooth Central Command November 27, 2025

Revisiting the vibrant streets of Los Angeles, California on November 13 on behalf of their “2025 SlinGShot Tour,” Melt Banana crusades across the west coast of the United States in celebration of their latest album, 3 + 5. 11 years of pure creative flow led to the birth of their ninth LP (3 + 5) in 2024, which channeled in raw elements including hardcore punk, noise rock, and experimental electro themes. Joining the duo on tour are Deaf Club and Dream_Mega – both honorable features that beautifully complemented the energy Yako and Agata curated on stage at the Teragram Ballroom. The initial chaotic rush left by the presence of the opening acts left the crowd hungry for more action. A lingering sense of exhilaration fills the venue as crowds of rabid fans flood the scene in classic punk-rock regalia. Overhanging strobe lights and the smell of rebellion energized every individual who dared to attend. Words by Max Molina Photos by Auburn Sky click to expand truncated photos related: Three One G Radiation – Deaf Club at The Echo As Yako and Agata aka Melt Banana made their way on stage, fans erupted in a flurry of excitement, laced with mosh

Take This: Win 2 Tickets to Habak at The Roxy on Nov 29

Janky Smooth Central Command November 25, 2025

November 29th at The Roxy marks a powerful opportunity for Tijuana’s own, Habak to bring their intense, tightly wound sound back across the border to Los Angeles. The Roxy’s intimate room is built for the kind of catharsis they traffic in — every shout, every tremolo line, every hit landing right in your chest. Limited tickets still available to buy now at The Roxy- or to enter our Ticket Giveaway, see details below. related: Powerviolence is BACK- Nothing Less Mini Fest w/ Hong Kong Fuck You at 1720 Habak has carved out a fierce, emotional space in modern screamo and post-hardcore, weaving melodic chaos with raw political conviction. Their recent work finds them sharpening their sound into something both crushing and cathartic — layered guitars, shouted confessionals, and explosive dynamic shifts. Expect a mix of fan favorites and new material to erupt inside the Roxy’s walls. Supporting acts include Barrio Slam, Quiet Fear and Futura 1 lucky winner will score two tickets — pair up, bring someone who can scream along with you or that you can turn onto Habak’s music, and let the riffs, breakdowns, and emotional fire carry the night. How to Enter the Habak Giveaway 1. Tag a

The Saints at the Teragram Ballroom: Still Stranded After All These Years

Janky Smooth Central Command November 11, 2025

I never thought I’d ever get the chance to see The Saints live, especially after the passing of frontman Chris Bailey. When I heard the band was reuniting with a new lineup, I had my doubts. The Saints are a legendary Australian band whose influence shaped countless others. But seeing their current incarnation on November 5, 2025 at The Teragram Ballroom, featuring original members Ed Kuepper and Ivor Hay, proved that they truly do justice to the old classics. The lineup was rounded out by Mark Arm (Mudhoney), Mick Harvey (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds/The Birthday Party), and Peter Oxley (The Sunnyboys). Touring as The Saints ‘73-‘78, they focused on the band’s golden years-and it was everything a fan could hope for. Of course all the obligatory “hits” were played like “I’m Stranded” and “This Perfect Day.” The 90-minute set was perfect. related: Cruel World 2025 at The Rose Bowl – We’re Only Happy When It Rains Opening the night were The Chimers, an Australian guitar/drum duo who delivered a driving post-punk set that perfectly set the tone for what was to come. Words and Photos: Albert Licano The Saints at the Teragram Ballroom weren’t just a nostalgia trip-they

Janky Fresh Friday- Chat Pile by Evan Moses

Janky Fresh Friday- Chat Pile w/ Hayden Pedigo and Guided By Voices

Janky Smooth Central Command October 31, 2025

Welcome to Janky Fresh Friday- the busiest day of the week for artists and labels to drop newly released music. Check in every Friday for a fresh squeeze. As part of Janky Smooth’s Janky Fresh Friday series, we’ve been comparing two albums that come out on the same day. related: Janky Fresh Friday- New Releases From Militarie Gun and Tame Impala This week we have an album from a punk rock institution and a band creating an institution since no others exist that they can fit into neatly. related: Janky Fresh Friday- Record Release Shows for Spiritual Cramp and Patriarchy Danny Baraz gives us his thoughts on the unlikely collaboration between Chat Pile and singer/songwriter, Hayden Pedigo and Rob Shepyer delves into an all time personal favorite that’s back and still has something to say- Guided by Voices. Chat Pile and Hayden Pedigo- “In The Earth Again” Computer Students Once the initial shock of “In The Earth Again”, the full length collaboration album between Oklahoma City’s Chat Pile and Amarillo Texas’ Hayden Pedigo wears off, what’s left is a surprisingly cohesive concept album between kindred spirits. The contrast in bodies of work is miles apart in sound but the final product

Take This: Win Tickets To Substance Fest 2025 at Belasco

Janky Smooth Central Command October 27, 2025

Substance 2025 is being held at The Belasco Theater on November 7th and 8th and we are giving away 2 pairs of tickets to one of our favorite festivals of the year. You can buy tickets now or enter our giveaway below. Substance Festival is back for 2025, ready to return to Downtown LA’s most spectacular cathedral- The Belasco Theater. The two-day event celebrates the best in post-punk, darkwave, EBM, industrial, death rock and techno, merging legacy acts with the new blood both foreign and domestic. related: Becoming The Night- Substance 2019 Substance seems to be simultaneously reflecting and reshaping the underground. While having TR/ST play two iconic albums on back to back nights seems relatively safe compared to last year’s 3 weekend marathon of musical exploration at an iconic but now defunct venue, we couldn’t be more excited to see Qual and not wait half an hour to use the bathroom. related: Cruel World 2025 at The Rose Bowl- We’re Only Happy When It Rains Expect fog, strobe, sweat, and soundscapes to seed your dreams. This isn’t really a casual night out for most attendees. The Belasco’s art-deco bones, state of the art sound and gothic ambience make it

Janky Smooth Central Command

Subscribe to the Janky Newsletter

ticket giveaways, exclusive content, breaking news and of course- Music, Art & Activism