Release Roundup: Motörhead, Tortoise, Whitney New Albums and Tours Announced

Explore the latest from Motörhead tribute, Tortoise’s new orchestral album, and Whitney’s fresh indie vibes in this music release roundup.

Motörhead Tribute Unites Punk Legends and Metal Icons

There’s a special spark when punk meets metal, and this October 31st, that spark ignites with the release of Killed by Deaf – A Punk Tribute to Motörhead. This tribute album is a love letter from punk’s fiercest acolytes, featuring Rancid, Pennywise, Lagwagon, GBH, the Bronx, and FEAR all covering Motörhead classics. It’s a mashup that feels like a wild, high-octane party for fans of both genres.

The highlight? A previously unreleased 2002 collaboration between Motörhead and the Damned on the Damned’s iconic “Neat Neat Neat.” This track offers a glimpse into the raw energy and mutual respect between these two legendary bands. You can sample it and feel the adrenaline rush of that era.

Lemmy Kilmister, the late frontman of Motörhead, once mused on the band's place in the punk and metal scenes:

“The punks loved us. The only reason we weren’t in that lot was because we had long hair, so obviously we must be heavy metal… But a lot of kids heard us without seeing a picture, so they thought we were a punk band.”

It’s this blurring of lines that made Motörhead so iconic—they weren’t just a band; they were a bridge across musical frontiers.

Tortoise Returns with ‘Touch’—An Orchestral Adventure

If you’re craving something cerebral and expansive, Chicago’s instrumental maestros, Tortoise, are back! On October 24, they drop Touch, their first album since 2016’s The Catastrophist and their debut on the International Anthem/Nonesuch label after over three decades with Thrill Jockey.

Tortoise’s sound is a labyrinth of textures and moods, and their lead single “Layered Presence” reflects this perfectly, paired with a visually stunning video directed by Mikel Patrick Avery. If you love music that feels like stepping into a colorful dream, this is for you.

Their upcoming tour kicks off on October 18 at The Broad in Los Angeles, but the real treat comes on November 11, when Tortoise will perform with the Chicago Philharmonic at the Auditorium Theatre. This promises to be a landmark moment: debuting Touch material backed by a live orchestra for the very first time. Imagine the lush, intricate layers of Tortoise’s compositions swelling alongside a full philharmonic ensemble—pure magic.

Earlier this year, Tortoise unveiled the single “Oganesson” and followed it with a remix EP featuring artists like Broken Social Scene, Saul Williams, Makaya McCraven, and Heba Kadry. Each remix turns the original into something fresh and unexpected—a testament to the group’s collaborative spirit.

Whitney’s Indie Charm Shines in ‘Small Talk’

September 10 marks a joyous return for Whitney with their new single “Back to the Wind,” a taste of their upcoming album Small Talk, set for release November 11 via AWAL. This duo’s blend of warm, breezy indie rock always feels like a comforting conversation with an old friend, and this new track is no exception.

Small Talk also features a standout duet with Madison Cunningham titled “Evangeline,” bringing a fresh, soulful layer to Whitney’s signature sound.

Fans of live music have a lot to look forward to: Julien Ehrlich and Max Kakacek will be hitting the road in support of the album starting March 7 in Seattle. Plus, Whitney’s exciting slots include opening for Caamp on September 13 at New York’s Radio City Music Hall and a festive appearance at Chicago’s Empty Bottle on November 2, celebrating the venue’s 33 and 1/3rd birthday.

Why These Releases Matter

Each of these albums and tours represents something special in the current music landscape. Motörhead’s tribute reminds us of the enduring power of punk and metal’s shared roots. Tortoise pushes musical boundaries with orchestral collaborations rarely seen in post-rock. And Whitney captivates with intimate indie storytelling, proving that thoughtful songwriting continues to resonate deeply.

Whether you’re headbanging or lost in a sonic labyrinth or swaying to heartfelt melodies, this roundup covers all the bases.

FAQ

• Who is featured on the Motörhead tribute album?
  Bands like Rancid, Pennywise, Lagwagon, GBH, the Bronx, and FEAR contribute covers on Killed by Deaf – A Punk Tribute to Motörhead.
• When does Tortoise’s new album Touch release?
  Touch will be released on October 24, marking their first new album in seven years.
• What makes Tortoise’s upcoming November 11 show unique?
  They’ll perform with the Chicago Philharmonic, debuting Touch material with a live orchestra.
• When can fans expect Whitney’s album Small Talk?
  Small Talk will be released on November 11 through AWAL.
• Where is Whitney touring next year?
  The duo starts their tour on March 7 in Seattle and will also open for Caamp in New York City this September.

For those who want to keep the spirit of these releases alive at home, why not shop your favorite album cover poster at our store? It’s a warm way to bring the music’s vibe into your own space. Browse the collection here.