The first Michigan album review round-up of 2026 spans the state and several genres. Check out the Local Spins takes on these fresh releases and listen to music from each recording.
Empress Eyes: The Grand Rapids artist leads this month’s roundup of new Michigan releases. (Photo/Chelsea Whitaker)
Welcome to the first Michigan albums round-up of 2026, with plenty more to come as local and regional artists unfurl new music in the new year.
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Today’s featured artists hail from Grand Rapids, Muskegon and Petoskey, with music ranging from dream pop to hip hop.
Check out previous Local Spins reviews of albums and EPs by Michigan artists online here.
Empress Eyes
“Press Reverse”
What Stands Out: Grand Rapids indie dream-pop project Empress Eyes builds a world of dreamy synth-pop soundscapes that allows listeners to get swept away right from the very first note. Led by vocalist and lyricist Clare Crumback, Empress Eyes is a project that embraces its magical, whimsical side just as much as it opens itself up to vulnerability and heavy emotions. Beneath vibrant synth melodies and otherworldly vocals, there are hints of something darker looming in the muffled sounds of conversation in “Running in Circles” and the pleading repetition of “Missing (Again).”
Digging Deeper: “Press Reverse” was mixed and produced at Beacon Studio by Alec Avery who is also credited as a featured artist as 16 Psych on the track “Arcanum.” Each track carries a crisp, polished feel thanks to the expansive synth soundscapes that give everything a rich, warm sound. The EP moves at a steady pace, but never rushes to get its point across. According to Crumback’s recent interview with Local Spins, these tracks focus on the theme of returning to oneself after working through grief and the healing process that follows. Crumback sings about confusion, one-sided feelings, and the disappointment of realizing that something was never as real as you thought it was.
Perfect For: Anyone looking for a dreamy world of synth to escape to and maybe even get lost in for a while if you keep the album on repeat. – By Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://www.facebook.com/empresseyesmusic
Listen: “Running in Circles”
N8ure
“Loves Me Not”
What Stands Out: “Loves Me Not” is an R&B/soul/hip hop EP from Muskegon artist N8ure (Nathan Purchase) that leans into emotional subtlety rather than big statements. The project is short, focused and cohesive, with each song contributing to a larger narrative about the uncertainty of love. Tracks like “Show Me” and “U” stand out for their direct lyrical approach, while songs such as “Marble Sky” and “The Unknown” rely more on atmosphere and mood. The EP’s strength lies in its consistency. There are no abrupt stylistic shifts, and the features from S!sta Strange and DKson add perspective without disrupting the project’s emotional tone.
Digging Deeper: What makes “Loves Me Not” compelling is also what may limit it for some listeners. The lyrics rarely provide resolution, which is clearly intentional, but that emotional restraint can feel repetitive if you are looking for a strong narrative payoff. Several songs circle similar themes of doubt and emotional distance, and the EP never fully breaks out of that space. However, that repetition also reinforces the project’s central idea: living inside uncertainty surrounding love.
Perfect For: Modern R&B fans who prioritize mood, vulnerability and honesty over high-energy hooks. – By Brayden Flodin
Website: https://www.facebook.com/nathanpurchasemusic
Listen: “Marble Sky”
Radio Vision
“Wuz Here”
What Stands Out: Petoskey-based psych-rock band Radio Vision delivers a debut project full of genre-melding tracks that evoke nostalgia and memories of another era without getting lost in the past. By blending bluesy guitar riffs, funky basslines and psychedelic effects and filters to create laidback rhythms that evolve and change as they progress, Radio Vision creates something that is uniquely their own. Influences from iconic bands such as Led Zeppelin are apparent throughout the record, but never enough to detract from the band’s own original spin on the genre.
Digging Deeper: According to the band’s description of “Wuz Here,” the album was “live recorded with minimal overdubs.” This method brings out the rawness of the band’s sound, but can also prevent each instrumental part from achieving its proper balance, resulting in a sound that comes across a bit muddy on some tracks and renders the lyrics on songs like “Faux Business” unintelligible. The tracks in the middle of the album are where this project really thrives and leans into more precise arrangements. On tracks like “Candy” and “Secret Garden,” distinct grooves and melodies emerge amid the fuzz and distortion that create the unique, textured sound that defines Radio Vision’s style.
Perfect For: Reliving summer memories of being in the crowd at a late-night festival set. – By Holly Holtzclaw
Website: https://www.facebook.com/Radio.vision69
Listen: “Secret Garden”
Larry D
“FEEL.”
What Stands Out: “FEEL.” unfurls as a thoughtful and emotional album from Larry D, a hip-hop artist from Grand Rapids. The project represents the final chapter in a trilogy that includes “THINK.” and “MOVE.”, completing a three-part journey focused on mindset, action and emotion. “Dear Rap” and “GR Attitude” immediately stand out for their honesty and calm confidence. Larry D prioritizes storytelling and meaning, letting the lyrics lead while the production stays smooth and supportive with producers such as Chasin’ Summer, Kevi Morse, RedJon and Pablo Eskobear all adding a own unique flair to each beat.
Digging Deeper: Being part of a trilogy means “FEEL.” holds more weight than a stand-alone release. The album feels like a moment of reflection after movement and thought, especially on the tracks “Home Is Where My Heart Was” and “Closed Door.” Larry D leans into vulnerability and self-awareness, making the project feel personal and complete. The sound stays consistent, which helps tie the trilogy together and reinforces its overall message.
Perfect For: Listeners who enjoy hip-hop albums that focus on growth, and enjoy full project storytelling rather than just individual tracks. A great album for taking time to reflect. – By Brayden Flodin
Website: https://www.facebook.com/larry.dickson.104
Listen: “Home Is here My Heart Was”
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