I'm genuinely loving the trip-hop and downtempo revival we're getting in 2026. There is something about that dark, ethereal energy living in the mystical space between electronica, indie, dream pop, and shoegaze that I missed in my life. It brings me back to the start of the 2010s, when life was about Massive Attack, Portishead, and Nightmares On Wax.
Personally, what I find exciting about this new wave is how artists are bringing back the hazy textures, hypnotic rhythms, and cinematic atmosphere of classic trip-hop while giving them a fresh, more contemporary identity. It feels less like nostalgia and more like a whole new generation discovering the beauty of slowing things down, embracing the shadows, and getting lost in the mood. Partially, that nostalgia return does feel like a consequence of the overstimulation and rise of AI, but I might be wrong.
Anyhow. One of those exciting new artists (to me) is LA-based 4-piece 16 Underground. Comprised of Hannah Campbell (vocals), Andres Sanchez (guitar), Edward Barraza (guitar, bass, keyboards), and Christian Ramos (drums), the band explores a rawer, grittier side of trip-hop, weaving in plenty of heavy rock elements. I recently discovered their music, and I might be late to the party (their debut album Drifting Deeper was released in 2024), I'm really trying to catch up. Today's spotlight, "Glimpse of You", is the opening track to their latest EP, Without a Trace.
The band has been pretty clear about not liking being pigeonholed into the trip-hop (only) wave, and I have to say, the new EP and this song are prime evidence of that. That's the beauty of their music - they bring in so many varied influences, which I absolutely love.
While I have you here, if you enjoyed this sound, I also highly recommend exploring Vegyn.
