There's been so many killer bands/releases/shows/etc this year that I've loved which makes it damn hard to narrow it down to 10 highlights. Cos I don't really bother with digital or streaming when it comes to my music addiction, this is the 10 (mostly) physical music things that have kept me coming back for more in 2025 - in no particular order.
Blast Module – “Demo 1” EP
I heard some snippets of these tracks online early this year and they snagged my attention immediately. Their debut EP came out in May and its been on heavy rotation ever since. “Demo 1” is a total high energy synth punk burner from top to bottom. Riffs, hooks and melodies all wrapped up in 8 bit video game goodness. I've managed to catch these guys live a couple of times during the year and they deliver the goods on stage too. Check out their track Helenova for a taste.
Swami John Reis – “Time to Let You Down” LP
Any time the Swami puts out new music I'm on board. It’s ridiculous that this one guy has been at the centre of so many great bands. I'm not complaining - I'm in awe.
The new “solo” album is maybe a touch more punk than the last few records and it completely rocks. Fast and furious downstroke rockers front to back. Its a great pick me up record that’s been on the turntable repeatedly. I havent heard the new Plosivs album yet but I'm sure that'll be getting lotsa spin time, too.
Bugg Music – “Very Sick, Very Cute” EP
My new fave band outta Sydney. Any band that makes me smile while I'm listening to 'em is a winner in my books. “Very Sick, Very Cute” is exactly that, and is chock full of short n' sharp garage bubblegum punk - which is pretty much my perfect combo of music genres. I've also been lucky enough to catch them live a bunch of times this year too and their live sets are equally great. I’m waiting patiently for an album sometime soon.
Outtaspace Weekender, Link & Pin Cafe - Saturday 6 September 2025
Pretty sure I've been to most of the Outtaspace Weekenders over the years – it’s always a tops weekend, put on by great people at a great venue. The Saturday was a full-day genre-blending, melting pot of low brow garage/punk/country/psych and hard rock bands and I loved it all. But the highlight had to be The Wraylettes. Watching the Woy Woy locals lose their collective minds to their version of the “Batman” theme was incredible.
Graveyard of the Pacific – “Sorcerer” LP
This album came out in '24 but I was late to the party so its had a lot of lounge room airtime in 2025. Its a dark and creepy (and catchy) goth-garage album that’s grown on me like a powerful moss.
The Hives, Enmore Theatre - Wed. 23 July 2025
I've kept returning to the Hives since I first came across their “Veni Vidi Vicious” album years ago, so I wasn't going to miss their first Australian tour in 10 years. And they didn't disappoint - it was a solid rockin' set, full of hits and a cool selection of new tracks. The only thing missing was “A.K.A I-D-I-O-T”.
Compendium Mindbendium book - “Art of Fox”
This book has pretty much taken up residence on my coffee table since it arrived earleir this year and has been a very cool gateway to a world of demented monsters, demons and rock n roll art whenever I've had some couch time. Perfect escapism really. At this point if Mike Foxall hasn't done art for your band are you even a real band??
Melvic Centre - "Trawler" LP
Despite my small personal connection to this record it’s an album I've spun on repeat since it came out in July. It’s the perfect blend of power, melody, energy and heart. And it totally rules - ask anyone who has heard it (they're also contenders for the best looking band in Newcastle).
You Don’t Know Mojack podcast
I've clocked up a lot of travel time this year and a good podcast really makes road trippin' less tedious. My go to is You Don’t Know Mojack where the hosts explore the entire SST Records back catalogue in order - but it is so much more than that. The first half of each episode is usually dedicated to other underground music, bands, books, films and art. The amount of independent music and music-related content these guys routinely get through is nothing short of staggering. If you're listening make sure you've got a pen and paper on hand.
Nunchukka Superfly - "If You Go Down I Go Down Too" LP
Self-described as punks playing prog, which is not only accurate but they've created a new genre in the process. The new album IS a prog punk masterpiece - full of guitars that both chug and soar beautifully, a bottom end groove that can move mountains - and some water gargling!! I've managed to catch NS live a bunch of times this year as well and they are one of those rare bands that are always killer on stage too!
