2025 has started with a bang with so much new music arriving to blow away those winter blues and wake you back up after the festive lull. Here's a roundup of some of our favourite new releases from emerging artists this month.
Fuzz Lightyear - Visual Effect
The latest track from Leeds' Fuzz Lightyear opens with a fast paced pulse of a drumbeat, with an oscillating guitar screech. It’s noisy. It’s dissonant. And it’s awesome. ‘Visual Effect’ then erupts into a chorus, in which lead singer and guitarist Ben Parry chants the title of the song, the rasp in his already low voice contributing to the track’s overall dark tone.
This, in combination with the spacey guitar riff that echoes and reverberates over the top grounds it in an eery Post-Punk fashion that is relentless… until around 1:40, when the track grinds to a halt; the only thing remaining is the groan of a distorted guitar, leaving us wanting more... the band don't disappoint. The track kicks off again, all guns blaring, guitars whirring, drums pounding for a final minute that, after a few seconds of silence, is even more satisfying the second time around.
Words by Sam Horsfield
HOTGIRL - On The Brink
HOTGIRL’s latest single, 'On The Brink' is a raw and electrifying track that perfectly balances vulnerability with high-energy Alt-Rock. Opening with dreamy, melancholic tones, the song quickly builds into an explosive chorus, showcasing the band’s signature blend of emotion-driven lyrics and grunge-infused instrumentation.
The vocals are particularly striking, conveying a sense of longing and self-reflection, while the gritty guitar riffs and pulsating drums drive the song forward with urgency. Lyrically, the song explores themes of emotional turmoil and personal growth, making it both relatable and cathartic for listeners. With this release, HOTGIRL continue to carve out their space in the Indie Rock scene, proving they can deliver both sonic intensity and heartfelt storytelling. 'On The Brink' is a must-listen for fans of dynamic, introspective Rock music and has made us hugely excited for their upcoming 'Blast Off' EP out this April.
Words by Millie Passley
L’Objectif - Goth Kids
L’Objectif’s latest single ‘Goth Kids’ channels gloomy lyricism with a deceivingly snappy instrumental propelled by dramatically upbeat drums and electrically-charged guitar riffs. Almost reminiscent of the earlier provisions of Indie favourites Inhaler, the West Yorkshire rockers have crafted a piece perfectly suited for the alternative stages of dimly lit independent venues here. The track is packed with explosive guitar work which reverberates amongst an intense climatic style - it’s seeped in angst, emotion and an affection for the interchangeable qualities of Indie Rock.
The release marks the quartet’s well-deserved journey into record label management under Dance to the Radio. A sense of naturality and intention flows throughout ‘Goth Kids’ with each element of synth and rhythm combining to produce a tale of nostalgia that is destined to explode in a live setting. L’Objectif’s first frenetic and energy-fuelled offering of the year is brimming with confidence and an irreverent sense of self that is certain to continue throughout.
Words by Michaela Roper
Cruz - Play The Game
Cruz have kicked off their 2025 with releasing a high energy new single, ‘Play the Game’. The Sheffield band use their punchy drums and striking Indie riffs to instantly engage our ears towards their storytelling. Hearty and full vocals ride the bassline to tie together each element of the single. The guitar soars between each verse and totally breathes life into the single whilst the drums, just as importantly, add grit to each section of the song.
The band works to piece together their Indie-Rock elements against the provocative question – “am I playing your game, or are you playing mine?”. The question repeats, and leads us towards the clear-cut guitar breakdown – a burst to fulfil the ending of the track. The four-piece have crafted a single that perfectly encapsulates UK Indie-rock today, absolutely itching to be played on a festival stage, and thrive on summer-time speakers.
Words by Rachel Puk
Prima Queen - The Prize
Intimate tales of female friendship are weaved throughout the ethereal guitar-driven sound of Prima Queen’s latest offering. ‘The Prize’ has ascended into the playlists of whimsical twenty-somethings across the world; the feisty yet romantic breakdowns provide a sense of authority to the emotion-laden lyrics that make up Louise Macphail and Kristin McFadden’s new track.
The pair pay homage to the likes of Wet Leg, HAIM and Wolf Alice whilst elevating both their sound and their listeners into a different musical realm. Infused with a magical elixir of hard-hitting vocal work and mystical Indie Rock instrumentals, the single is laced with an irresistibly charismatic approach to storytelling. Encompassing the pits and peaks of platonic relationships is no mean feat, but the shimmering Bedroom Pop soundscapes of ‘The Prize’ truly reinforce its full-frontal status as the leading voice of Prima Queen’s upcoming album of the same title which is due this April.
Words by Michaela Roper
Pentire - Being Underwater
If intimate emotion-laden lyrical work paired with a gently rhythmic acoustic soundscape is up your street, then Pentire’s new track ‘Being Underwater’ should be on your radar. The entirely independent outfit hailing from Hertfordshire offer a heartfelt composition that marks a turning point in their discography - previously brought to life with iconic indie sonics and full-bodied guitar riffs.
The single remains punchy at times, not shying away from the dramatic drum beats the Indie newcomers are oh-so familiar with. Featuring the gentle vocal tones of singer-songwriter Jack Morgan, lyrical spins telling tales of big dreamers dealing with lost love in small, sleepy towns reflect the inner workings of the four-piece band. With a new EP due to be released at the end of this month, Pentire have clearly worked tirelessly to transform their early-years diet of The Killers, Stereophonics and Paolo Nutini into a well-executed three course experience; putting an innovative yet thoughtful sound onto the new musical table.
Words by Michaela Roper
Ritho - CALM ME DOWN
Ritho, an Indie Pop artist based in London, has released their first single of 2025, ‘CALM ME DOWN’. It’s funky, it’s upbeat, it makes us tap our feet in time to the music, it’s exactly what we’d want from this genre.
The beautiful lyricism of talks through a poignant message about being overwhelmed and needing someone to talk to. However, this is told on top of groovy soundscape, helping to add to the nature of the message, but also making it a beat that we can’t get enough of. Ritho has released a plethora of other singles in 2024, for those of us that need more while you wait, but the release of this single sets Ritho up for another huge year in 2025.
Words by Meg Howard
Marseille - History
With their first release of 2025, ‘History’ by Marseille is a captivating blend of atmospheric Indie rock, the lyrics and instrumentation evoking a sense of bittersweet nostalgia. The central line, "you and me could go down in history" beautifully encapsulates the feelings that come with romantic anticipation.
The track explores the tension between holding on and letting go, with an emotional depth that resonates. Musically, it’s a culmination of multi-instrumental creativity, weaving together drifting riffs and layered sounds. There’s a sense of both familiarity and freshness, with the band’s ability to balance an established indie rock style while injecting something new. The result is a song that feels timeless, capturing the essence of both loss and possibility. ‘History’ is a perfect reflection of love’s fleeting beauty, making it a standout track in Marseille’s growing discography.
Words by Cormac O'Carroll
Libby Akerman - Headlights
Libby Akerman takes us on a journey of self-reflection in her new single ‘Headlights’, exploring how our connections with others affect us. We are guided by her ethereal, transcendent harmonies and vocal adlibs that, when the song builds with the beautiful blend of guitars, drums and piano, allow oneself to really relate to the subject at hand.
The song wonderfully encapsulates the uplifting, transformative nature of finding someone that makes you feel unique. After marveling in the strength and range of her voice, when she drags out notes, we find ourselves reflecting on our past, our relationships and how they made us feel. The song itself feels like that moment when someone you care about makes you feel seen and appreciated, and in an age of online flings and a loss of traditional romance, this feeling is fleeting and precious, so we praise Libby for capturing this vulnerable, scary but also rewarding experience in such an elevating and radiant manner.
Words by Marni Prickett Brown
Lock-In - Against The World
Lock-In have dispelled our January blues with the release of their summery new single. Being — in the band’s words — a quintessential "Fifa-type beat", ‘Against the World’ revitalises the heady riffs and lyrical angst of Noughties Indie stars — think Two Door Cinema Club and The Kooks.
It’s a song imbued with a sense of anticipatory nostalgia — since, of course, “Nothing lasts forever” — yet is also a love-letter to the hedonism of youth, as frontman Benjy Leak galvanises listeners to “Raise a beer for those who left us.” ‘Against the World’ is a future festival anthem which will amplify the band’s live renown this year, having rocked their performances at Truck Festival and a sold-out Deaf Institute in 2024. Lock-In show much promise in the Indie scene, and will doubtlessly blow the roof off at their upcoming London headline show on the 17th of May.
Words by Joanne Parry
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