INTRO

I keep a release radar of every album, single or ep I listen to throughout the year. Now that my wordpress is (thankfully) dead, I'm simplifying the process. So without further ado, here's some of my fave music releases of 2025!

WOLF ALICE - THE CLEARING

When I first heard the single, "Bloom Baby Bloom", I said holy fuck. And that is probably the most accurate description of this album, because holy fuck, it's that fucking good. Wolf Alice are one of my favourite bands, and for a brief period time I was worried they would call it quits. I'm so glad they pushed through and they're still around today, because they're ageing like fine wine. I couldn't think of a better band to be leading the baroque resurgence right now, and with such a fresh approach too!

Ellie Rowsell is, without a doubt, one of the most incredible frontwomen out there. Hearing about her inspirations for this album, about how she wanted to push her voice as an instrument, to be revered in the way that Axl Rose is. I think she has far exceeded that. She's phenomenal. Go see this band live if you ever get the chance.

TURNSTILE - NEVER ENOUGH

This was one of my most anticipated releases of the year, the long-awaited follow up to Turnstile's GLOW ON which is one of my most listened albums of all time.

I've been following Turnstile since their early career, I used to see Brendan in Trapped Under Ice for as little as $12 at floor shows. Crazy fucking shit to see him as a Grammy nominated artist under a different band.

I was wondering how Turnstile would follow up the release of Glow On, and it seems like they've settled into their sound. There's a lot of pop sensibility, almost dreamlike. Some songs even remind me of Paramore! That's not a bad thing.

To me, hardcore has always been about finding euphoria, however that may be. Turnstile are the embodiment of it - they have some of the strongest sense of melody out there. Gorgeous album.

TLC forever <3

(OT3) LUST FOR YOUTH - ALL WORLDS

The band of my life, who I've followed across the globe since they started. If you're a real tumblr girlie, then you remember the Posh Isolation cult, and how I used to run an archive for them. R.I.P to my favourite music label to ever exist.

This was the most unexpected OT3 reunion. My jaw dropped when it happened, I just never thought I'd ever see Loke with the band again. I feel so lucky to have bragging rights over it, given I was there for the Sydney Opera House show where Loke reunited with Hannes and Malthe. I feel so blessed to have witnessed them re-discover how much they love writing music and how much they love each other. This album was a dream come true.

All Worlds is a beautiful, mostly instrumental journey through sci-fi worlds created by LFY & Croatian Amor. It's the perfect blend of both their sounds, with those samples of ordinary humdrum life, conversations with strangers and spoken word poetry that Croatian Amor is known for. Also, a feature with YL Hooi, Purient and 3ndless, staples in Australian club music? Perfect, just perfect.

That said, I do lament the lack of Hannes' broody vocals on this album, though this wasn't the project for that. I think the fact that LFY had an album to release, but their reunion with Loke made them want to include him on a new album and start anew. There's a lot of beauty in letting go of what you had and trying something out, especially one made of love.

Sometimes, it feels like there's only three Posh Isolation/Lust For Youth fans left in the world, so if you happen to be the fourth, I'd love to chat for a while.

KAYTRANADA - AIN'T NO DAMN WAY

I'm honestly not sure why I rated this so low (as in three stars) on musicboard, so you should never pay attention to me. I wouldn't call myself a Kaytranada fan, I've only ever casually listening to him through his work with other artists I love, such as Kelela. That said I find myself listening to his music more often lately, possibly because he's co-headlining with Justice soon, and it doesn't hurt to be prepared.

This makes for excellent background music around the house, or playing games and editing in photoshop. I've been listening to this on repeat a lot, I think it's really damn fun! I love instrumental albums that make great use of vocal samples and this is no exception. Sleek production, very danceable. I imagine this sounds excellent live.

NINAJIRACHI - I LOVE MY COMPUTER

Ninajirachi was my pick for unearthed winner years ago. This is without a doubt, top 5 release of the year. She's bloody fantastic, a powerhouse live act who I highly recommend you see if you get the chance. This album is pure filthly synthesizers, a true callback to 00s EDM and that golden era of electronic music in Australia where we churned out the loudest acts. It's cheeky.

Now how do we get her to work with Uffie?

BIBI - EVE: ROMANCE

There are no words to describe how incredible BIBI is. This one is so easy to loop without even realising - the blend of citypop, jazz and R&B is so just phenomenal. Also, the fact this is a 41 minute full length album? WHO CHEERED! BIBI is probably one of the most distinct solo artists out there, and I'm not exclusively talking about kpop too. "MEAT" is one of my favourite tracks on here, it's dark, sensual, jazzy, and most importantly, inspires me to write toxic yuri. Isn't that the highest compliment one can give...?

I highly recommend everyone check this album out.

YVES - SOFT ERROR

Another delightful EP from Yves, formerly of LOONA. Watching the evolution of her very promising solo career has been nothing short of amazing. Love the experimentation on this one, retaining her glitchy alt-pop sounds, with some sombre tunes here as well. The distortion on her voice is fun! I like that she wanted things to sound raw, messy, imperfect.

This EP feels pivotal for her career and I can only see her further establishing her sound from here on out. Working with Pinkpantheress was a real treat, I hope she gets more opportunities like this.

I recently saw Yves on the Cosmic Crispy Tour and it really gave me a new perspective on this EP, which I already loved, but also on Yves, as an artist, performer and her solo aspirations.

ARTMS - CLUB ICARUS

My only complaint about this is that I wish it were longer because <DALL> really spoiled me. If there's strings and piano, you have me sold. This is one of the most well-rounded concepts presented and I love everything about it.

The emotional, dark and euphoric feel to club music is something I've always adored, especially as someone who grew up inspired by the label Posh Isolation and their notable artists like Croatian Amor and Oqbqbo, and my favourite home-grown club queen, Purient. ARTMS, in their own way, are somehow pushing into that realm with Club Icarus.

This feels like a beautiful art project. There is no doubt they are one of the strongest vocal groups out there, but every time they release new music, I am utterly blown away by how Haseul's vocal range is so clevely utilised!

That's all for now, see you next time!