From the UK South Coast, Portsmouth’s purveyors of apocalypse anxiety – NFU (Noise Factory United) – release their first single of 2025. “Ladyhammer” is a gnarly post-valentine skip into domesticity, DIY, and the beauty of brains over brawn. A riposte to tool-box misogyny, the song hammers home that size is not all that matters through a mixture of English and French lyrics. NFU’s trademark mix of guitar, synth, and socially driven lyrics resound with vocal interventions from an angry French version of The Velvet Underground’s Nico (aka Zena Ide), affirming the Lydon-PIL-like delivery of *Scott Soo.
Groundbreaking and seminal recording artist Block has turned heads and caught critics’ ears since his 1996 arrival in the national spotlight. The first artist signed to Capitol Records’ imprint Java, Block has toured with They Might Be Giants, Bob Mould, and The Brian Setzer Orchestra, and throughout a storied career, has worked with many of music’s most coveted record makers, from Glen Ballard to Bob Ludwig. But perhaps most significantly, he has created a body of work that’s unquestionably helped birth and define an entire genre: anti-folk.
Hailing from Yellowknife, NWT, Canada, Bryce Styan’s indie pop music captures life’s imperfections and the rugged beauty of Canada’s North. Through raw emotion and melodic sophistication, he explores themes of love, loss, and introspection, crafting songs that resonate authentically with listeners from the North and beyond.
Powers of the Monk, are based in the Pontiac-Detroit-Ann Arbor, Michigan area of the USA. POM released a demo version of “Firefly” and a 3 song EP called “Freight Train” in 2022. In 2023 the band started a relationship with producer Dani Macchi, founding member of Italian band, Belladonna. Dani produced a re-recorded version of “Firefly”, released in November of 2023. In 2024, POM and Dani Macchi wrote the song, “Switchin’ Rails”, that was released in 2 versions in February. The third single called Puffy Head (with bird legs), was released in May 2024.
Alt Pop Rock project Brendemere, the brainchild of visionary musician Christopher Pennison, is set to release its latest single, “Birds of Distinction”, on February 21, 2025. Following the success of the electrifying debut single “Just Don’t Ask Me To Dance”, this new track further cements Brendemere’s place in the rock scene with its evocative storytelling and powerful instrumentation.
“You Are My Breeze” is a musical ode to the joy and freedom of bicycling, inspired by the artist’s love for the activity and iconic songs about bikes from various artists. The track’s standout feature is the mesmerizing slide guitar opening and ongoing hook, leading listeners on a sonic journey that culminates in a powerful climax. Recorded in Calgary and Montreal, with mixing and mastering in Scotland, this release exemplifies TMPP’s commitment to delivering top-notch sound quality. With a radio edit and an extended version available, TMPP offers a versatile single that captures the essence of riding a bike in a melodic and captivating way, making it a significant addition to their discography.
Renowned producer and artist Lord Vanger (Anthony Vanger) returns with his latest single, Sky—a powerful pop-rock anthem exploring the highs and lows of love, vulnerability, and the inevitable fall that comes when trust is betrayed. ‘Sky’ is part of an extraordinary rediscovery process, last year, Lord Vanger unearthed a box of forgotten 90s song sessions recorded decades ago. Restoring and reimagining them, he breathed new life into unfinished tracks, blending past and present to create ‘THE BOX’ his seventh studio album.
Born in NYC, working in London and, as of 2020, residing in Los Angeles, Max Vanderwolf has recorded several albums and countless songs. Most of them remain unreleased. Notably, he was the vocalist and creative force behind the semi-legendary London band, Last Man Standing, whose sole album in 2008 received plaudits from many, including Mojo and Uncut.
For fans of dream pop, dark wave, goth, The Cure, The Glove, Chameleons UK, New Order, Cocteau Twins, Bauhaus, Joy Division, Sad Lovers and Giants. This is a driving, urgent song, with washed out chorus guitars, soaring synths, and life-affirming lyrics.
A jangly blast of happiness and nostalgia, “Hooch and Happiness” reminisces of a more carefree time, with a beautiful melody and story from singer Jody, supported with harmonies from Salma. The band hold the late great Kirsty MacColl close to their hearts, which you can hear on this release. Hooch and Happiness was recorded at Safehouse Studios in Oxford with Mike Bannard. Jody and the Jerms formed in 2020 in St Clements, Oxford and have already released 3 albums and performed 100s of shows and festivals across the UK and beyond.
“Get There Before Noon (LA Mix)” is a song about making the most of life in the moment while you can. Recorded across New York City featuring grammy winning synth player Leonardo Genovese and lending elements of indie, alternative and psychedelic rock.
Blending anthemic rock, cinematic production, and AI-driven innovation, DayEyez creates music that feels both futuristic and deeply human. With over 18K streams on “Bubblegum Pop” and a growing fanbase, the artist has evolved from AI-powered pop into a bold, emotionally charged soundscape – fusing Imagine Dragons’ intensity with Linkin Park’s raw energy.
Crowland is a haunted place. We scream as they try to take us back to the world of order, hierarchy, oppression and fear. The pendulum swings from light to dark, from freedom to dictatorship, from identity to conformity. If you are not truly terrified of 2025 you are just not paying attention.
“The Essentials” (out February now), encapsulates the chaos of a messy night out – impulsive decisions, fleeting highs, and raw moments of escapism. Produced by Andrea Cozzaglio (Inhaler, Wet Leg) at Narcissist Studios8, the track fuses the frenetic energy of noughties indie rock with a modern edge, drawing comparisons to *Bloc Party and The Strokes while carving out its own identity.
Aaron Miller introduced his Josie Lockhart moniker with the 2021 release of Santa Rosa, mixed by Chris Coady (Beach House, Grizzly Bear, Future Islands), the album went on to be featured on the BBC, KUTX, American Songwriter, Obscure Sound and Fresh On The Net, as well as picking up radio-play in the US, UK, Australia, Spain, and Brazil.
The past is an insistent presence for Duane Hoover. The Atlanta musician always has one ear turned toward distant history, finding refuge and inspiration in the sparked melodies of bands like The Kinks and The Animals. His innate sense of how to mix sunshine pop rhythms with something a bit wirier left him threading a path between genres, finding common ground between the mod scene of the ‘60s and the late ‘70s UK punk rock scene
Le Concorde, the brainchild of singer-songwriter Stephen Becker, proudly announces the release of its new single, “Corpus Christi.” This shimmering synth-pop gem draws inspiration from an array of influential 1980s icons, including Prefab Sprout, The Blue Nile, Aztec Camera, and Scritti Politti. This is no accident, as this is a collaboration with legendary Scottish producer Calum Malcolm (The Blue Nile, Prefab Sprout). With its lush textures, unconventional chromaticism, and intricate arrangements, “Corpus Christi” is a vibrant blend of period synths, soulful vocals, and evocative atmospherics. This is the first single from Second Mansions, Le Concorde’s first album in fifteen years (due this Fall).
London-based outfit Resident Bohemian releases their debut single, “Space Time Traveller”—an introspective rock odyssey that contemplates life’s fleeting nature in the vast expanse of the universe. Spearheaded by songwriting duo Rikki and CJ and bandmate Dre, the pair got their name from writing and residing in an abandoned, run-down townhouse on the river Thames in Sunbury, once belonging to the Mayor of London.
Heavy hitting truths, loud guitars, and infectious energy make up the DNA of Phoenix, AZ’s modern rock band, Jane N’ The Jungle. Formed as a garage rock band in 2013 with childhood friends Jordan White and Brian Dellis, the band has an unquenched thirst for communication that demands attention with powerful lead vocals and guitars that cut like a knife, with a take-no-prisoners attitude influenced by a combination of alternative rock, metal and a touch of Punk.
The World You Grew Up In No Longer Exists as an LP, is a reflection of how FHMY sees the world. In both uninviting yet attracting listeners to reflect with him on what it means to be human in this world. Exploring themes of depression, nostalgia, dysmorphia and masculinity, as well as loneliness, in an avant garde mix of math rock, post-rock, emo, shoegaze and electronic variants.
Often, these songs recall the best of 70s folk songs but with a little bit more jangle added in at times and the double vocals make for an enhanced experience.
Ray Duncan announces her highly anticipated EP Laundromat, set for release on February 21st, 2025. The five-track collection, recorded at Starbird Sound in Antioch, TN8, with producer *Mike Fahey, marks a bold evolution in Duncan’s sound, moving from her folk and theatrical roots toward a muscular indie-rock approach that draws from classic rock, Americana, and R&B.
“Solid Ground” is the latest single from the Sunrise EP and is a song about environmental collapse. It comes with three versions – the single, an acoustic version and a remix which was inspired by John Carpenter’s electronic scores from films like “Assault on Precinct 13”. I would say that it is not typical of our sound but I’m not sure what is ….
“Wheels Stop” delves into the complexities of relationships and personal growth, capturing the essence of bidding farewell to negative influences and embracing a path toward self-discovery. Eddie Cohn’s introspective journey is reflected in his breakthrough vocal performance, marking a significant milestone in his musical evolution.
This debut release from Hartlepool punk band Lurcher is a snarling, hackles-raised rant at the vapidness of consumerism, the lies it promotes & the people who buy into it. Lurcher blend elements of The Fall, The Stooges, Wire, Sonic Youth, Libertines, 60’s Garage Punk & West Coast Psychedelia to create their own glorious racket. Recorded at The Studio – Hartlepool by Mark Folland (All The Nines) ‘Stone Island’ is the first single from the bands upcoming EP with love. Released on the newly formed imprint Guttersnipe Recordings, The Bastard child of Shy Bairn Records.
Mary Strand teams up with Soul Asylum guitarist Ryan Smith for her new single “Costa Rica” that blends garage rock and power pop for an infectious, danceable sound. Inspired by a chaotic family trip to Costa Rica, this track delivers a hopeful message: life gets better when you stop sweating the small stuff.
Acclaimed Dutch musician, multi-instrumentalist, and music therapist Harry Kappen is set to release his heartfelt new single, “Courage,” on February 14, 2025. This release serves as the first glimpse into his highly anticipated album, “Four,” which will be available on February 28th.
Emerging from the eclectic ‘musical ecosystem’ of Birds and Beasts Records we have the latest species evolving into existence, the band Bone Wars and their first single, “Terrible Lizards.” Bone Wars is a fearsome new psych rock quartet from Yorkshire. Taking their name from an obscure chapter in the history of paleontology and writing songs that tap into their shared childhood fascinations with prehistoric creatures, you can expect colossal hooks and extended sonic improvisations over pulsating beats.
“Do You Remember Anything?” was written as a big, in-your-face ‘wake-the-hell-up’ to everyone who’s been seduced or suckered by the lies, empty promises and bombast of populists and grifters, or those too buried in ideology to recognise that everything’s gone astray. It’s also a reminder to those that still have influence, to hold their ground and not capitulate in the wake of all the bullying, bluster and noise.
Goddamn Wolves is an indie rock trio from Raleigh, NC that formed in 2018. The band’s new release The DOOM EP reflects the band’s classic alt-rock influences (Pixies, The New Pornographers et al.), as well as their enthusiasm for current acts like The Beths and Bully. Male/female vocal harmonies and infectious melodies courtesy of Chris Weilding (gtr/vocals) and Laura McCullough (bass), backed by the rock-solid, inventive drumming and backing vocals of Drew Foglia come together to form what The Big Takeover called “that perfect blend of an almost pop infectiousness and an underground rock sound.”
‘Hedge Fundamentalism’ is Launch Control’s first single since 2020’s Attention Economy from the EP of the same name. The track is a hard-hitting and energetic swipe at the trappings of our capitalist culture, pairing sharp, politically charged lyrics with crunching guitars and a powerful, in-your-face beat.
After being in a number of recurrent alternative rock bands early on, Dan Cooney began releasing his own immersive solo records in early 2019, releasing a 9-track mixtape that blended alternative rock and hip-hop sounds. Later in the year, he teamed up with producers Focus Jordan and Gianni Gambuzza on the singles ‘SAID THAT’ and ‘GARAGE FLOWERS’ respectively, with the latter gaining significant attention after it was featured on 94.3 The Shark’s ‘Fresh Blood Sunday’ block. This was followed by his debut EP ‘LONG ISLAND DOESN’T LOVE U’ in 2021, with a sequel released in 2023.
Known for her genre-blending mix of country, Americana, and rock influences, Pam Ross has continued to captivate audiences with her authentic storytelling and raw emotion. Her career is marked by numerous accolades, including recognition from the Josie Music Awards, the Independent Music Network Awards, and the Who’s Hoo Awards.
“Hostage,” the latest offering from The Infinity Process, serves as a poignant reflection of the band’s disdain for the current societal landscape. Crafted as a rebellious anthem against the chaos and negativity prevalent in today’s world, the song delves into themes of frustration and disillusionment before transforming into a rallying cry for positive change.
Ghost Town Riders blends a vast mix of influences from American music (Country, Rap, Blues, Rock, and Spaghetti Westerns) and a visual aesthetic from the classical cinema of the 1920s (Chaplin, Buster Keaton). The lead single, “Poison”, showcases Perro del Kaos in his best musical form with a long dynamic music video that samples a couple of video sequences from Buster Keaton’s iconic movie The General. Perro del Kaos plans to debut a live show with the album during the spring and fall of 2025.
Blackberry Crush has recently joined the roster of Denver DIY label Mean World Records, and will be releasing a new EP this spring/summer. The band is beginning to tour and open for more touring acts, and hopes to continue to grow this year.
Though Got Head? is this Albany, NY punk foursome’s fourth album, it’s their first of new material in 27 years. But despite the long layoff, they’re tighter and even more propulsive now, with veteran hardcore producer Don Fury giving them a crisp, dynamic edge.
PORTRAITS is “accessible, smart music” (Pascal Bouquillard, Clair et Obscur) by Jack O’ The Clock, “perhaps the foremost modern dark Americana outfit” (Mike Borella, Avant Music News). It is a re-imagining of an album founding members Emily Packard and Damon Waitkus recorded back in the summer of 2003. The album features the original rhythm and violin tracks, bringing new lyrics, vocals, and an array of other overdubs by present band members Kate McLoughlin and Victor Reynolds.
Delivering brash “big pick energy,” band YACOVELLI’s debut single “Red Eye” soars with a chunky Neo-Grunge swagger reminiscent of DIY punk predecessors Nirvana and The New York Dolls. An anti-anthem for social media driven travel culture, the song taunts at and celebrates the jet-setting lifestyle and the illusion that the singer’s airbrushed life at 40,000 feet is picture perfect. With stacks of gritty guitars and gritty vocals, produced by frontman and New York underground fixture Alex Yacovelli, the soaring hooks will “take [you] away!”
Nashville-based alternative pop/rock artist Zëta Ræ, the genre-bending brainchild of Hannah Schmeling, unveils her latest single, “Stay”. A vulnerable track devoted to the feelings of acceptance, insecurity, and the fearless self-expression that comes with falling in love, demonstrated through her introspective lyricism and grunge-inspired vocals.
Singer-songwriter and guitarist Johnny Vitulli delivers a heartfelt ode to his roots with his latest single, “Bronx Love.” Blending sentimental yet uplifting indie-pop melodies with evocative storytelling, the track captures the stark contrasts of the Bronx—where struggle and resilience, chaos and inspiration, exist side by side.
With “The Siren,” MatAre steps away from his usual introspective themes to tell a tale of fascination and danger lurking beneath the waves. The post-punk vibe of the track, infused with elements of new wave and goth rock, showcases MatAre’s versatility as an artist. Recorded in Jacksonville, Florida in 2023 and finalized in December 2024, the recording process itself was a unique experience, with vocals captured on the beach at night to capture the essence of the song. MatAre’s upcoming album promises to further showcase his evolution as an artist, with “The Siren” standing out as a mesmerizing preview of what’s to come.
Young minimalists avoid the second-album blues.
The former Sony/BMG and WATANABE songwriter Tom Tikka is back with a new offering from his upcoming album, Room Full of Strangers. The new single, titled “The Day I Found You”, will come out on February 7, 2025. The song was written by Tom Tikka and produced by his trusty brother-in-arms, Janne Saksa.
Being Jane Lane is an all-female punk band from Brisbane. Heavy punk power and melodic energy, catchy riffs and vocals that move from majestic anthemic highs through to face tearing.
“The Girl with No Tattoo” by Nathaniel Paul is a heartfelt anthem celebrating individuality in a world of ink. Inspired by his wife’s choice to stay tattoo-free, Nathaniel’s soulful single challenges societal norms, resisting homogeny, and embracing the beauty of being unapologetically yourself—tattooed or not. Available now on all streaming platforms!
If Eric Schroeder’s last full-length record, Turned On the Stereo, felt like a jagged collison of heartache, betrayal, existential angst, and nervous energy, Cat’s Game is a full-throttle blast of cleansing, cathartic clarity. This time, Schroeder knows exactly what he wants: all-electric instrumentation, shorter songs, and more robust, unapologetic sounds.
