Throwing Muses – “Moonlight Concessions“
Look, it’s not all bad. Not all is doom & gloom. Not everything is awful nowadays. Sure, Throwing Muses, the legendary indie-rock band, may be known for music that veers toward more depressing artistic territory. But, at least, the band’s still here and willing to delve into their obsessions once more for all of our benefits.
“Moonlight Concessions” is the band’s first album since 2020. That, in itself, was a pleasant, albeit unexpected return.
The album’s first single, “South Coast” has been out for a short while and it’s a fantastic, quirky ode to a life spent on the run, and on the road. Coincidentally, Throwing Muses will be touring across the year, mostly in the U.S. and Northern Europe. No end to the grind in sight!
The Horrors – “Night Life“
It’s a thrill that The Horrors are back at it. And, frankly, it’s not without a bit of surprise to witness a band that was so heavily supported by NME during the musicians’ teenage years make a return.
Are they still goth-obsessed and dressed in impeccably tailored clothes? For the most part, yes! But, more interestingly, The Horrors sound better than they’ve, arguably, ever done.
Lead single, “Ariel” is haunting and morose. But there’s little here that suggests that the band is looking to trade off past glories. Will they still fit in their trademark skinny jeans though?
Japanese Breakfast – “For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)”
Japanese Breakfast took one gigantic commercial step forward when they brought in elements of expansive indie-pop for the last album. That was enough for the Grammy awards to take notice and give a nod.
However, as the title suggests, “For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Women)” returns to darker material. It’s a gamble, sure, but longtime fans may already hear the benefits with early single “Mega Circuit.”
My Morning Jacket – “Is“
Give people a chance to miss you! That’s what My Morning Jacket, Southern-rock/indie band that had been so relentlessly hard-working early in its career, must’ve thought of late.
“Is,” an album recorded primarily in Los Angeles, arrives to a built-in fanbase that has come to expect emotional songwriting and excellent musicianship from My Morning Jacket. This is one of the most interesting releases of March 2025 and, indeed, possibly of the year.
Alison Krauss & Union Station – “Arcadia“
Alison Krauss’s mission to put right in the world one song at a time continues with “Arcadia,” an album recorded with the singer’s longstanding bluegrass and country backing band.
What is notable is that this is the first album recorded that the singer and her band have cut since 2011. In the process, Krauss’s fame has only increased, partly due to the well-received album “Raise the Roof” recorded with Robert Plant.
This should be enough to create more excitement for this album than traditional country records tend to receive. What to expect? Something beautiful, surely.
Bryan Ferry – “Loose Talk“
Frankly, there’s very little that Bryan Ferry needs to prove nowadays. And while the lack of pressure must be a great thing, Ferry, one of the kings of modern art-rock, must still have plenty of interesting ideas that he wants to showcase to audiences.
“Loose Talk” is a collaboration with performance artist and musician Amelia Barratt. Lead singer “Florist,” with its cold piano lines and looped drums proves that this might just be one of the most daring steps taken by Ferry in a while. Look out for this release come the end of March 2025!
Perfume Genius – “Glory“
There’s never been more interest in Perfume Genius‘s music than there is on his seventh studio album “Glory.” The songwriter’s brand of art-pop has increased in fame in no small part due to relentless touring.
But Matador Records is confident of a studio classic for the “Glory” record, and the Perfume Genius singles “No Front Teeth” and “It’s a Mirror” exude a similar confidence.
Deafheaven – “Lonely People With Power“
Deafheaven has been one of the most exciting and forward-thinking American metal bands for over a decade.
“Lonely People with Power” is bound to create some much-needed excitement for music fans who demand a bit more inventiveness from their heaviness. Lead single, “Heathen,” proves that all the buzz may be warranted.
