🎶🎮 January 2025 Roundup
Well. It feels like January kind of took up more than a month of time, didn't it? (gives a stern sideways glance at the US)
But music happened too! That's nice!
I usually spend January each year catching up on all the releases I missed the year before, and I have a couple notable mentions there, as well as at least one brand new album for you to sink your teeth into.
Oh by the way; I have been playing a good amount of WoW Classic Hardcore lately. I'm really enjoying it. Even been playing in a full party consisting of my brother and his partner, my own partner, and a friend of mine, and we've had a blast. None of my characters have made it past level 30 so far, but still, I highly recommend it if you were ever into classic World of Warcraft. Playing hardcore takes the game to a whole new Zen-like level. It's amazing!
But yeah, let's get to the music, shall we?
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The Black Keys - Ohio Players
[2024, Indie Rock]
Really been enjoying this infectious and groovy Americana record from The Black Keys, which is not really a band I've ever paid much attention to. Who knows, maybe it's because I'm getting older that I find myself enjoying the less extreme stuff more, but the old school vibes and melodies on this thing just has me bobbing my head and singing along.
It even features Beck on a couple tracks. Anyone remember that guy?? Wild to hear his voice again.
The very first track on the album should sell you on the rest.
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Ghostly Kisses - Darkroom
[2024, Electronica / Electro Pop]
I very much enjoyed Ghostly Kisses' previous offering, Heaven, Wait, which came out in 2022. It was a silky smooth electronica experience with the voice of vocalist Margaux Sauvé being the star of the show.
This followup is a lot more upbeat in many ways, has a bit more energy to it, but still has that sound which allows you to just float away. There's an almost ethereal kind of vibe, much like the previous album, but offers more of a cheerful and hopeful tone, which is really nice.
I mean, just listen to songs like Golden Eyes and Ocean. These are straight up garage tracks at points, and yet the introspective and pensive ambience works so well. Just amazing and beautiful stuff.
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Lambrini Girls - Who Let The Dogs Out
[2025, Brit Punk]
Going from the angelic introspection of Ghostly Kisses to this is quite a contrast, I know, but this shit fucking rocks.
I know I'm a little late to the party about this band, but considering they have only released singles and EPs up until this point, it's a good case of better late than never.
This energy, this righteous anger, this bite, is something I've always loved hearing in music from any genre. These girls know how to write some kick-ass songs, and I am very sad to find that the show they're playing in Norway in march is already sold out. I can only imagine what attending this concert would be like. Anti-capitalist feminist music at its very best.
My absolute favorite off of this one has to be Big Dick Energy! Great drive, cheeky but poignant lyrics, and amazing groove all around. Pure punk. The kids might be alright after all.
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One quick honorable mention at the end here; The album Sculpted by Torture from the swedish band Nekrodawn is maybe the best death metal record I missed in 2024. Have a listen to the track Obsessed with Fatality if you're interested in some slow and groovy death metal.
Alright, that's it for this month. Hit me up on Bluesky if you feel like there was some good shit I missed in January. See you in the next one! ✌️