Albums of 2025
A little album list of 2025, in no particular order. For a more better written list, see Colin's Top 25 Favourite Albums of 2025.
Here I present short pieces of writing for the TikTok world.
Back Teeth - Ultimate Worrier
🎵 This Crowd Isn't Getting Any Younger
Birmingham orgcore. Ripping album and ripping live too.
George Gadd + The Aftermath - Too Many Ghosts
I saw George a bunch of times this year. He's marvellous. This album is really wonderful. On subsequent listens I've found new things to enjoy not just in the songwriting but the production too.
Burnt Tapes - New Lungs
It's fair to say this record was heavily anticipated and they delivered. They played MPF this year and smashed it out the park.
Racehorse - Good Intentions
Full disclosure, Omar does play lead guitar in my band. No bias here. This record is extraordinary. A culmination of a lot of hard work. Omar I want a physical release.
Tape It Shut - Suspicious Package
🎵 Logical Sense (feat. Missing The Scene)
Fresh off seeing them perform this album at their release show. Holy shit. It was an exhilarating set. Reading has a buzzing music scene and Tape It Shut are in the middle of it.
Non Canon - Certain Stories
🎵 New Coke
Barry's songwriting and lyricism are something to behold. I'm still obsessed with the track "New Coke" despite hearing it for the first time at the start of the year.
Roach Squad - Roach Squad
New band from Hugo Mudie (The Sainte Catherines), Frankie Stubbs (Leatherface), Graeme Philliskirk (Leatherface), Alex Keane (The Murderburgers) & Sim Robson. Say no more.
Fortitude Valley - Part Of The Problem, Baby
🎵 Totally
If you're not familiar with Fortitude Valley, where have you been? Laura's vocals and songwriting are exquisite. The rest of the band aren't half bad too (Martha, Nathy SG, Fast Blood - I swoon.)
Sam Russo - Hold You Hard
Sam is a force of nature - punk pedigree with masterful songwriting. I had the pleasure of attending the in-store at Specialist Subject Records in Bristol (big shout out to Spesh Sub, they are the best people.)
Soot Sprite - Wield Your Hope Like A Weapon
A triumph, "All My Friends Are Depressed", yep pretty much. Big choruses, glorious vocals. Another Spesh Sub banger.
Heavy Seas - By Degrees
I love Jeff Dean's guitar playing. He also has impeccable taste in guitars.
The Carolyn - Pyramid Scheme of Grief
I suppose if you were to come up with a band on paper for my music taste, The Carolyn would be it. I missed them at MPF (silly billy I know.) I hope to see them very soon. The Punk Cellist appears on their album too, rocking.
Dead Bars - All Dead Bars Go To Heaven
They do. I actually typed this initially as Dead Bears, I suppose we could also have Dad Bears. Anyway, what am I doing? They are playing MPF and will destroy I'm sure.
Five Hundred Bucks - Pest Sounds
🎵 I Hope This Email Finds You In A Well
The Holy Mess and Captain, We're Sinking. Why hello. I saw Five Hundred Bucks support Menzos around this time last year (in Philly.) They were awesome to have as a support for that show. I picked up their first record and was very excited when Pest Sounds was announced, it's extremely good. You can also pick up their vinyl in the UK now from All In Vinyl.
Rodeo Boys - Junior
Fin.
2026 - Pat Knees? IYKYK