SKORTS detail new EP, Muse and the Marquee, alongside "Bad Habit" single

Emerging from New York City's vibrant alt-rock scene, SKORTS are poised to expand their discography with the upcoming EP Muse and the Marquee, scheduled for release on November 13, 2026. This six-track project follows their debut album Incompletement, which made its mark in late 2025, showcasing the band's evolving sound and artistic growth.

Muse and the Marquee features a blend of material, with four of the six songs written and recorded after their initial album. Rather than signaling a sharp departure, the band frames this new release as a continuation and elaboration of their earlier work. This approach suggests a nuanced progression in their musical direction, maintaining their alt-rock roots while exploring fresh textures.

The lead single from the EP, "Bad Habit," is already available and reveals a deliberate stylistic shift. Unlike the predominantly rock-driven tracks of their debut, this song embraces a softer, more ethereal quality, reflecting the band's range and willingness to experiment beyond their established sound. Such a move appears intended to challenge listeners' expectations about the band's future trajectory.

SKORTS comprises vocalist and songwriter Alli Walls, who relocated from Denver to New York City in 2021. The formation of the band was somewhat serendipitous: Walls met guitarist Char Smith at a local guitar shop, and the duo began crafting early demos together. The lineup was completed with the addition of bassist Emma Welch and drummer Max Berdik, who joined after an encounter outside a bar, solidifying the quartet.

Their debut album Incompletement was recorded with a live, organic approach across three different Brooklyn rehearsal spaces. The production was helmed by their friend and producer Teddy O’Mara, whose involvement contributed to the album’s raw and authentic sound.

In support of Incompletement, SKORTS toured extensively in 2026, notably joining Brigitte Calls Me Baby on a sold-out US tour. This exposure helped them build a growing fanbase and eventually led to their first European and UK tours, marking an important step in their international presence.

To celebrate the release of Muse and the Marquee, SKORTS have planned an EP release show on November 19 at Brooklyn’s Saint Vitus Bar, a renowned venue for alternative and indie acts. The event will feature support from Paper Lady and Truman Flyer, adding to the night’s lineup of promising artists.

The tracks on Muse and the Marquee — including "Amy," "Headrush," "Bad Habit," "Western Skies," "Pretty One (Opposites)," and "Tomorrow Land" — promise a diverse listening experience. The band emphasizes the variety across these songs, highlighting their commitment to exploring different sonic landscapes while maintaining a coherent artistic identity.

Details about the themes and lyrical content of the EP remain limited, but the shift toward more dreamlike and softer compositions suggests a reflective and possibly more introspective tone compared to their debut. This evolution underscores SKORTS’ desire to balance intensity with nuance, expanding the emotional palette of their music.

With Muse and the Marquee, SKORTS continue to carve out their niche within the alternative rock genre, blending gritty live energy with an expanding musical sophistication. Their trajectory so far indicates a band unafraid to diversify its sound while staying connected to the rawness that defined their early work. As they prepare for the EP’s release and accompanying tour dates, SKORTS are poised to deepen their impact on the indie rock landscape.