We’ve finally made it to the end of the longest month ever. I’m writing this under the assumption that no one— literally, not one single person— wants a recap of the events of January, 2025. However, I do want to spotlight some of the music that came out this month because we need the arts most when the world is bleak af and there is some wonderful new music that came out this month.
I already wrote about a few albums, so follow the links if you want to know more about a new/old tune from The Faint or new albums from Matt Berry, Legendary Pink Dots or Franz Ferdinand. Otherwise, keep reading.
DustBowlChampion
Law and Order
DustBowlChampion’s new album, Law and Order, was the first new album I heard this year, on account of it coming out on January 1. This is a solid post-punk/darkwave album in the vein of bands like French Police and Blood Club and one that I turned to during a specific moment early in the month. I listened to Law and Order on repeat during the windstorm in L.A. I’m not sure if it’s because I associated the name DustBowlChampion with wind or because the combination of distant, forlorn vocals and prominent dance beats sounded like that huge ball of tumbleweed rolling through Chinatown and the religious pamphlets blowing across the sidewalk near a bus stop, but it fit the mood.
Listen to Law and Order by DustBowlChampion
Soft Vein
Through Blinds
L.A.’s Soft Vein rides the line between darkwave and synthpop in a way that’s somewhat reminiscent of Medusa-era Clan of Xymox on new album, Through Blinds. However, there’s an underlying ‘80s/‘90s film score influence that shines through on songs like “Gray Space,” “Soft Devotion (Gentle Prayer)” and “Falling.” My pick for the clubs, though, is the lowkey EBM stomper “God Whispers.”
Get Through Blinds by Soft Vein
Mogwai
The Bad Fire
Without a doubt, Mogwai is the loudest band I’ve seen live and I mean that in the best way possible. While listening to The Bad Fire, the band’s latest album, I was almost immediately transported back to a show at The Fonda in Los Angeles that happened some 20 years ago where Mogwai hit full body volume. Obviously, the band’s music has evolved since then and their music is probably a little more accessible now than it was in the late ‘90s and early ‘00s, but it’s still music you can feel with gentle quiet building to rattling bursts of noise.
Hear “Fanzine Made of Flesh” by Mogwai on this month’s Beatique mix.
Anna B. Savage
You and i are Earth
Anna B. Savage’s third album, You and i are Earth, is gorgeous from start to finish, but the song that has tugged at the heartstrings every time I’ve listened is “Mo Cheol Thú,” which is a wonderful, layered piece of poetry based on an Irish phrase of endearment that literally means “you are my music,” made all the more stunning by Savage’s voice. Throughout the album, Savage’s powerful, emotional vocals are backed by music that hints at ‘70s U.K. folk as they carry vivid, narrative-driven songs.
Get You and i are Earth by Anna B. Savage
FKA twigs
Eusexua
“Drums of Death” is the song from Eusexua that’s made it into my own DJ folder, but my actual favorite song on FKA twigs’ new album is “Room of Fools.” I love the way legit techno— like the kind of music that sounds like elastic before it pummels you on the dance floor of a dank warehouse— is incorporated into a pop song and doesn’t feel like she’s trying too hard to be cool. It’s a total Björk move and deserves applause. The whole album takes one delightfully unexpected turn after the next— even the cameo from Kim and Kanye’s kid on “Childlike Things” is charming— which makes it impossible to describe in a paragraph, but definitely worth at least a few listens.
Open Head
What Is Success
The ‘90s college radio energy is strong on What Is Success, the latest album from Kingston, NY-based outfit Open Head. Think Sonic Youth and Helmet-meet-GSL and Jade Tree. It’s arty music that might also make you want to break things, which is an all-too-appropriate vibe if you’re thinking about success in 2025.
Get What Is Success by Open Head
Rosa Bordallo
Isidro
Sublime is a good word to describe Isidro, the sophomore album from Rosa Bordallo. Written in the aftermath of the pandemic, and informed in part by the history of her ancestors in Guam, the album speaks poignantly about loss, particularly on songs like “Forest Honey” and “Crasseux.” Bordallo’s psychedelic-tinged indie pop is also really effective in evoking a sense of place in songs like “Buried Treasure,” which echoes the sounds of nature.
Liz O. is an L.A.-based writer and DJ. Read her recently published work and check out her upcoming gigs or listen to the latest Beatique Mix. Follow on Instagram for more updates.
Keep Reading:
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