Classic Rock's Tracks Of The Week: July 20, 2026
The latest edition of Classic Rock's Tracks of the Week features a diverse range of artists and genres, showcasing the best new music from around the globe. This week, the top three spots are dominated by English bands, with Juliet's Not Dead, Massive Wagons, and Kris Barras & The Band taking the podium. But the competition is fierce, with challengers from Greece, New Zealand, and the Turkish precinct of Los Angeles also making their mark.
A World Cup of Music
Juliet's Not Dead, a band from the North East, triumphs in this week's tournament, showcasing their unique blend of rock and pop. Massive Wagons, from Lancaster, follows closely behind, while Torquay-born Kris Barras & The Band takes the bronze. It's like an England-dominated World Cup, but in the realm of music.
Global Challenge
As the competition heats up, the usual Brits and Americans are challenged by international acts. Greece, New Zealand, and Los Angeles-based Turkish band Ölüm bring their unique flavors to the mix. Ölüm's 'Yılan Kadın (Snake Woman)' is a standout track, with its mysterious and exotic vibe, complete with a video straight out of an underground shisha lounge in Istanbul.
The Year of the Solo Acts
2026 is shaping up to be the year of solo albums, with Scott Holiday's 'Veridream' from his new project, following in the footsteps of Jay Buchanan's Americana-inspired singer/songwriter album. 'Veridream' opens with 70s prog synth textures, evolving into a psychedelic yet hooky adventure. It's a strange, trippy beauty, setting the stage for the full album, 'Topology', coming later this year.
Heavy Metal and Punk
Split Dogs' 'Suffer' takes a turn towards beefier heavy metal territory. The song starts with pure Sabbathian doom, but then Harry Martinez's vocals kick in, transforming it into a bouncier, rough-throated, and theatrical experience. The lyrics deal with personal struggles and the power of letting go, ultimately about taking control and moving forward.
Lo-Fi Alternative Sweetness
Queens of the Stone Age returns with 'Easy Street', a catchy swirl of lo-fi alternative sweetness, psychedelia, and shadows. Josh Homme's croon blends with Nikki Lane's countrified harmonies, creating a unique sound. The video features oddball characters, adding to the song's quirky charm.
Rock 'n' Roll with a Twist
Ricky Warwick's 'Seek Zen Destroy (feat. Phil Collen)' is a bright yet dirty strutting rock 'n' roller with a touch of Prince. The album, 'Fire & Vengeance', captures the essence of rock 'n' roll, its power to bring people together, and finding hope in chaos. It features Def Leppard's Phil Collen on guitar and backing vocals.
Country-Fried Rock 'n' Roll
Eddie 9V's 'Blowin' Up' is a Dan Auerbach-produced Southern groove machine with a laidback funky blues kick. The video showcases the artist's journey, from a musing on breaking through to an actual 'blowing up' situation. It's a fine summer holiday tune.
Angry Riffs and Savage Stomps
Powder Chutes' 'Rivers' is an absolute beast of a song, driven by the angriest riff you'll hear this week. The New Zealand band delivers a savage, lurching stomp that will make listeners question if Godzilla is rampaging through their neighborhoods. It's the first new song from their debut album, promising big noise to come.
Personal Commentary
As an expert editorial writer, I find this week's tracks fascinating, showcasing the diverse and evolving nature of rock music. The international challenge adds an exciting twist, with each band bringing their unique cultural flavors. The solo albums and collaborations showcase the power of artistic expression, while the heavy metal and punk tracks remind us of the genre's raw energy. This week's music is a testament to the endless creativity within the rock universe.
In my opinion, the tracks from Juliet's Not Dead, Massive Wagons, and Kris Barras & The Band are particularly strong, capturing the essence of English rock. The international challenge is a welcome addition, adding a global perspective to the scene. Overall, this week's Tracks of the Week is a celebration of the diverse and dynamic world of classic rock.
