The Beths: Straight Line Was A Lie

The Beths are back with a corker of a record called Straight Line Was A Lie. The Auckland wonders have a unique brand of alternative/indie. Love those guitars!

Opening and title track...

Ron Sexsmith: Hangover Terrace

Ontario's own Ron Sexsmith has a wonderful new record out called Hangover Terrace. It has an alt country and AM Gold feel to it that I find to be the perfect fit right now. 

Opening track...

Irvine Welsh & The Sci-Fi Soul Orchestra: Men In Love (Album of the Week)

Irvine Welsh is the man I dream of being if I hosted my own 1970's soul show. Known mainly for his writing, Welsh has now allied himself with The Sci-Fi Soul Orchestra and have conquered the R&B universe. Men In Love is a colossus!

Opening track...

Here's a declaration...

And we are in love at last...

Folks, this is also a great dance party record, home or club use. Start listening!

Modern Nature: The Heat Warps

The quiet certitude of Modern Nature is suiting me quite well these days. Their latest offering, The Heat Warps, is a deep exploration of the chill life...with cool guitars!

Opening track...pure joy

Water From Your Eyes: It's A Beautiful Place

The Chicago Duo of Water From Your Eyes have a fun little record out called It's A Beautiful Place. Every track is just a dandy romp through indie wonderland.

Witness!

Sabrina Carpenter: Man's Best Friend

Much hullaballoo has been made about the dover of Sabrina Carpenter's latest record. Yet, Man's Best Friend is more than just a cover. It's a most excellent collection of fine pop songs. Check it out!

Opening track...

Hard Habits: Blue Reminder

I've really been enjoying the drone-y shoe gaze of Hard Habits latest offering. Blue Reminder is a gorgeous record that cuts right in the soul with its honesty.

Opening track...

The Black Keys: No Rain, No Flowers (Album of the Week)

What can I say about The Black Keys that hasn't already been said? They are the ultimate alternative indie outfit that has defined the last three decades of the genre. Dan and Patrick are cosmic artists weaving their aural exercises into our souls. Their latest is called No Rain, No Flowers and it's shovel to the head stunning.

The opening track is also the title track...

The vibe on the title track is just...perfect. Really no words for it. Just live it.

Later we have this dark excursion...

Just gives me the shivers.

And the LOVE song, with a dash of Motown...

Mos def a Top Ten of 2025. There is not a single track on this record that is less than amazing.

Start listening!

Deftones: private music

Deftones have alked many paths for a long period of time with a very loyal legion of fans, some of whom span generations now. Each release is a powerhouse and their latest, private music, is my favorite so far in their thirty seven year career. It's whole lot of thunder and swagger!

Opening track...

Winter: Adult Romantix

The very lovely and extremely talented shoegaze outfit, Winter, are back with wonderful record called Adult Romantix. It's easily their most intimate and my fave so far!

Opening track...

Royal Otis: hickey

Royal Otis are back with a dynamite record called hickey. It's all the lovely that they bring to the world  with their chill vibe and cool ass sound. I feel emotionally better after listening to this one. 

Opening track...

Folk Bitch Trio: Now Would Be A Good Time

Melbourne's own Folk Bitch Trio have their first full length out and I have been enjoying it immensely these last few weeks. Their harmonies are out of this world! More importantly, the tunes and the themes, even with all their softness in delivery, hot like a thousand pound hammer.

Opening track...

The Hives: The Hives Forever Forever (Album of the Week)

The world's greatest party band is back with The Hives Forever Forever. Of course, it had to be "Forever" twice, right? After all, it is The Hives. The pomp, the power, and the fury are all present on this one.

It kicks off with this statement.

And then right into some old school Hives...

Later we have this absolute gem...

Legalize living! And start listening to this fucking amazing powerhouse of a record!

Wolf Alice: The Clearing

The Clearing is the latest record from London's own Wolf Alice and it's quite the charmer! The sheer beauty of the record is completely overwhelming, sending my mind, body, and soul to new universes.

Witness...

She's Green: Chrysalis

Hometown pride is large for me with She's Green, a dream pop outfit that chills me with love every day. Their latest is called Chryrsalis and it's a shoegazer's delight. Zoom into space with this beauty!

Opening track...

Alison Goldfrapp: Flux

Alison Goldfrapp has a fab new record out called Flux. It's wonderful romp through love, life and people-y things. She's got some pretty serious self-actualization going on with this one and I love it!

Opening track...

Laufey: A Matter Of Time (Album of the Week)

Ah, Laufey. You have completely taken my soul with your music. It sends me into the most wonderful fits of nostalgia and sanguinity. It's from another time when love was much different. And it's also 21st century in its antique sheen. 

The latest is called A Matter of Time. The opening track perfects serves the martinis...

Next is pure lounge. Where's my Vesper Lynd?

Later we have this absolute gem...paging Nelson Riddle!

I am openly weeping at how good this record is....start listening!

Jack Garratt: Pillars

Jack Garratt is quite the Little Chalfont lad. His third long player is finally out and it's a doozy! Pillars brings all the vibes and grooves that growing kids need. 

Witness!

Bret McKenize: Freak Out City

NZ's own Bret McKenzie is back with a wonderful new record called Freak Out City. It's a collection of Beatle-esque pop songs guaranteed to lift the soul. 

Opening track...

Halestorm: Everest

Power up, bitches! Halestorm has a new record out that is guaranteed to knock your socks right on your ass. Everest is a steep climb but it's worth it when you read the top...which is immediately!

Opening track...