Spring into Summer - May 2026 Music Box Staff Picks
Ivy - Realistic (1994)
Editor-in-Chief Cece Faulkner - My spring season has been entirely soundtracked by this album! It feels like the weather changing from gloom & doom to something brighter and more hopeful. My favorites are "Get Enough" and "15 Seconds"!
Kevian Kraemer- only if it matters (2026)
Staff Photographer Beth Evans - This 7 song EP is really unlike anything else in the music scene right now. Kevian is bringing the vibes for summer 2026!!!
Wunderhorse- Cub (2022)
Staff Writer Alexys Hadaway - This is easily one of the best debut albums I’ve listened to in a long time. The album is so deep with such a clear message, all topped off with an addictive rock sound. Jacob Slater’s voice is one in a million and the guitars on this album are so cool and innovative. “Teal” is obviously the standout on the album. With a release of only 4 years ago, it’s already become a staple in British rock. The way the bridge builds is intense, and the lyrics are incredibly meaningful. I love this album so much and truly can’t count the amount of times I’ve listened to it this month.
“you’ve mistaken my joy for a weakness”
Samia - Bloodless Tour - Live from First Avenue (2025)
Staff Photographer Mari Garcia - I've been on a huge Samia kick this month thanks to a friend reminding me of how incredible her songwriting is. I chose the live album because I really just couldn't pick between her albums "The Baby" and "Bloodless" - lucky for me, this one has my favorites from both. I find myself enamored by her detailed, odd, and mundane choices in lyricism. Lines like "picking leeches off white underwear" (“Bovine Excision”), "peace is a double-locked door, I'm the whore with the extra key" (“Lizard”), and "somebody gave you a knife for your birthday, I think I know who but that's not my affair (“Is There Something in the Movies?”) and many more throughout Samia's discography intrigue me, make me think, make me laugh, resonate with me. In addition to her songwriting, Samia's tunes are catchy and fun, with some mellower and introspective, giving a wide range of tunes to listen to depending on the mood. Favorite track of the month has to be Spine Oil, simply for the line "you've mistaken my joy for a weakness".
Jack Off Jill - Clear Hearts, Gray Flowers (2000)
Senior Writer Meg Lorich- I've been in a bit of a punk cabaret mood and with Amanda Palmer completely dethroned from my listening rotation (BOOOOOOOOOOOO), it's time to turn to the Dresden Dolls' punk cousin - Jack Off Jill. In addition to having the best band name possible, Jack Off Jill is perfect for anyone who likes the sound of Hole, but thinks they're "too mainstream." "Vivica" and "Strawberry Gashes" are two of their most popular songs, with "Vivica" being possibly my favorite track by them (if it ain't broke, don't fix it!). The album closes out with a practically screamo cover of "Lovesong" by The Cure. It's definitely not a cover that everyone will love, but if that sounds up your alley, definitely give it a spin.
Geese - Projector (2021)
Staff Writer Paulina Rochelle - I’ve been completely obsessed with Geese’s newest albums for months now, so it seemed about time that I checked out how they started. This album was, dare I say, my favorite of theirs. I listened to it countless times top to bottom, and still on each listen found new things to admire. “Opportunity is Knocking” is definitely my favorite on the record, it’s fun and the tempo change keeps you engaged and wondering what comes next. I’m still amazed that they found their signature sound at such a young age, but am eternally grateful for it.
Stevie Nicks - Trouble In Shangri-La (2001)
Staff Photographer DeAnna Garza - Stevie Nicks is my all time favorite musician, partially because we share our birthday, but also because I was raised with her music. This album was released in 2001 and I first remember hearing it when I was 6, so around 2010. My favorite song of hers is on this album, Candlebright, she wrote it at 22, same age I am now, about traveling and living a nomadic lifestyle to pursue dreams. She left Texas for California and the rest is history, so this album specifically holds a special place in my heart.
The Offspring - Americana (1998)
Staff Writer Mariah Gruber - Americana had been one of my favorite albums since I was younger. No matter how many other albums or artists I listen to I always find myself coming back to it. It is such a punch-y and fun rock album with pop-punk influence and a satrical social commentary that still holds up today. Although compared to their previous albums such as ‘Smash’ it is seen as a softer rock compared to their previous works it is still a testament to early 2000s rock with songs such as my personal favorite, “Pay the Man”
“Bobbies on the block ‘til a Redcorn suffers”
Genesis Owusu - REDSTAR WU & THE WORLDWIDE SCOURGE(2026)
Live Coverage Editor & Senior Staff Writer Kaitlyn Serafin - I always make an effort to listen to the opening acts. In my opinion, it's so interesting and enlightening to see what music and new artists the headliners think their fans will like. Also, y'know, I write for a music magazine, so I always want new recommendations. In 2023, I saw Paramore on their This is Why tour, and one of the openers at my date was Genesis Owusu. If you spoke to me in 2023, you already know of Genesis Owusu and one of my favorite albums, Struggler. This new album is another absolute banger, bringing about some instant favorites like "STAMPEDE", "HELLSTAR", and "BIG DOG". Owusu is effortlessly clever with lines like "Bobbies on the block 'til a Redcorn suffers" and so dynamic, shifting from funk to post-punk to rap without a second thought. If you're absolutely disillusioned with the state of the world and like what I've said, definitely give this album a spin.
