Weird Nightmare’s latest release, ‘Hoopla‘ is like if a power-pop melody got into a friendly scuffle with a fuzzy distortion pedal, and on May 1, 2026 you can finally hear the glorious, high-energy result. Alex Edkins, taking a break from the more abrasive walls of sound in METZ, serves up a record that feels like a sugar rush at a basement show. Released on the legendary Sub Pop Records, the album is packed with hooks so sharp they should probably come with a warning label. It’s the kind of music that makes you want to drive slightly over the speed limit while drinking a milkshake, perfectly balancing grit with a genuine sense of playfulness.
The songwriting here is unapologetically fun, leaning into a maximalist garage aesthetic that sounds like it was recorded in a room lined with vintage comic books and empty soda cans. Edkins has a knack for taking simple, infectious riffs and layering them with just enough static to keep things interesting for the indie-rock purists. It’s a refreshing pivot that proves you can be a master of noise while still harboring a deep, secret love for a classic pop bridge. The tracks don’t overstay their welcome, instead popping in to deliver a quick dose of dopamine before vibrating off into the distance like a hummingbird on the bennies.
A few tracks stand out as the absolute crown jewels of this fuzzy collection. “Might See You There” is a masterclass in teenage nostalgia, featuring a guest spot from Julianna Riolino whose bright, soaring vocals provide a beautiful contrast to the gritty guitars. It brings back memories of meeting her the last time she played here in Milwaukee at Cactus Club; she was as kind as her music is catchy, and the coffee she sold us was genuinely excellent. “Pay No Mind” serves up a direct jolt of adrenaline, while “Where I Belong” rounds things out with a widescreen flourish. We’ve been spinning Weird Nightmare on the podcast since their very first release, and ‘Hoopla‘ is a vibrant celebration that makes us even more impatient to catch them live in Milwaukee soon.
Links of interest:
https://www.instagram.com/weirdnightmare/
https://weirdnightmare.bandcamp.com/album/hoopla
https://www.subpop.com/artists/weird_nightmare