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Annie and the Caldwells - Can't Lose My (Soul) (2025)

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Annie and the Caldwells' album, Can't Lose My (Soul) , is a vibrant fusion of gospel, soul, and disco that showcases the family's rich musical heritage. Led by matriarch Annie Caldwell, the ensemble delivers powerful performances that blend spiritual themes with infectious grooves. Tracks like "Wrong" feature funky beats and divalike vocals, while "Dear Lord" recounts personal testimonials against tight, James Brown-style funk. Recorded live in their local church, the album exudes authenticity and joy, capturing the essence of their decades-long dedication to music and faith. Overall, Can't Lose My (Soul) stands as a testament to the enduring power of gospel music, reimagined with contemporary flair. ​ The Guardian MOJO Magazine Bandcamp Daily PopMatters AllMusic Luaka Bop Apple Music Spotify Metacritic Genre : Soul Country : US Final Verdict: 60% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 183th / 241 Highlight : Dear Lord Made me think of: The Sta...

Benefits - Constant Noise (2025)

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Benefits' sophomore album, Constant Noise , showcases an evolution from their debut, blending visceral noise rock with electronic elements. The duo, Kingsley Hall and Robbie Major, deliver a potent critique of contemporary society through intense soundscapes and poignant lyrics. Tracks like "Blame" and "Divide" highlight their ability to merge aggressive instrumentation with thought-provoking themes. Collaborations with artists such as SHAKK and Pete Doherty add depth and variety to the album. Overall, Constant Noise stands as a compelling and timely reflection on modern life. ​ The Line of Best Fit Clash Magazine DIY Magazine Far Out Magazine Full Pelt Music Genre : Spoken Words Country : UK Final Verdict: 60% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking : 187th / 240 Highlight : Missiles Made me think of: Sleaford Mods Kae Tempest IDLES #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #SpokenWords #Benefits #UK ...

Japanese Breakfast - For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) (2025)

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Japanese Breakfast's fourth studio album, For Melancholy Brunettes (& sad women) , marks a return to introspective themes, diverging from the exuberance of their previous release, Jubilee . Produced by Blake Mills and recorded at Sound City Studios in Los Angeles, the album showcases a more polished and expansive sound. Tracks like "Orlando in Love" and "Honey Water" blend lush orchestral arrangements with poignant storytelling, reflecting on desire and its complexities. While some critics feel the album's refined production may temper its emotional impact, others appreciate its nuanced exploration of melancholy. Overall, the album offers a contemplative journey through themes of yearning and self-reflection. ​ Pitchfork The Guardian Uproxx When The Horn Blows Genre : Indie Pop Country : US Final Verdict: 62% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 144th / 239 Highlight : Little Girl Made me think of: Phoebe Bridgers​ Soccer Mommy​ Lucy Dacus​ #newalbum #...

Drudkh - Shadow Play (2025)

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Drudkh's latest album, Shadow Play , marks a return to their atmospheric and melancholic roots, reminiscent of earlier works like Autumn Aurora . The album features expansive compositions that seamlessly blend raw black metal aggression with melodic and folk-inspired elements. Tracks such as "April" and "The Exile" showcase the band's signature use of tremolo-picked riffs, soaring synths, and poignant, raspy vocals, creating immersive soundscapes that evoke themes of nature and introspection. While some listeners may find the album's length and complexity demanding, Shadow Play stands as a testament to Drudkh's enduring ability to craft profound and evocative music within the black metal genre. ​ Sources: Metal Epidemic GRIMM Gent Acta Infernalis MetalBite The Moshville Times Drudkh Bandcamp Genre : Atmospheric Black Metal Country : Ukraine Final Verdict: 70% (Very Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 20th / 238 Highlight : The Exile Made me thin...

Euphrosyne - Morus (2025)

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Euphrosyne's debut album, Morus , presents a compelling blend of post-black and doom metal, marked by a heavier and darker tone compared to their earlier work. The album's concept delves into themes of death and loss from an existential perspective. Tracks like "July 21st" and "Valley Of White" showcase the band's ability to intertwine melancholic melodies with intense blackened elements, while "Lilac Ward" stands out with its mournful climax and operatic vocal layering. The production is polished, enhancing the album's atmospheric depth. Overall, Morus solidifies Euphrosyne's position in the post-black metal scene, offering a richly rewarding listening experience. ​ OccultBlackMetalZine Metal Storm Genre : Doom Metal Country : Greece Final Verdict: 65% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 67th / 237 Highlight : Asphodel Made me think of: Lotus Thief​ Alcest​ Les Discrets​ #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #...

The Lottery Winners - Koko (2025)

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The Lottery Winners' album, KOKO , short for "Keep On Keeping On," delivers an uplifting and introspective musical journey. The album skillfully blends catchy melodies with profound lyrics, addressing themes of resilience and mental health. Tracks like "Panic Attack" juxtapose upbeat tunes with candid discussions on anxiety, offering both solace and communal strength. Collaborations with artists such as Frank Turner and Chad Kroeger add depth and variety to the record. Overall, KOKO is a testament to turning struggles into silver linings, resonating with listeners through its candid and infectious exploration of personal battles. Northern Exposure Genre : Indie Pop Country : UK Final Verdict : 67% (Good Album) Yearly Ranking: 31th / 236 Highlight : Superpower (added to my 2025 best of) Made me think of: The Kooks​ The Wombats​ The Vaccines​ #newalbum #newalbum2024 #albumrelease #newmusic #albumoftheday #nowspinning #NowPlaying #musicdiscovery #IndiePop #Th...

My Morning Jacket - is (2025)

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My Morning Jacket's tenth studio album, Is , showcases a fresh and focused sound under the guidance of producer Brendan O'Brien. Tracks like "Out in the Open" and "Everyday Magic" highlight the band's ability to craft catchy melodies with layered instrumentation. The album blends elements of psychedelic rock, pop, and soul, reflecting the band's evolution while maintaining their signature style. Some listeners note that while the album is cohesive, certain tracks may lack the experimental edge of previous releases. Overall, Is offers both longtime fans and newcomers an engaging listening experience that balances familiarity with refreshing new directions. ​ Sources: Financial Times The Indy Review Reddit Glide Magazine RIFF Magazine Hot Press Echoes and Dust Pitchfork Genre : Indie Rock Country : US Final Verdict: 56% (Forgettable Album) Yearly Ranking: 228th / 235 Highlight : Out In The Open Made me think of: Wilco​ Band of Horses​ The...