by Jesse Hudgins
We’re still early into 2025, but music hasn’t slowed down. Here are four different releases from this month I recommend checking out!
Cowards – Squid
It isn’t too often that when I’m describing a band to someone I’m lost for words. Squid’s third album, Cowards, is one of those rare times. Blending jazz, alternative, indie, psychedelia, electronic, and folk, Squid continues their musical experimentation across this nine-track release. They investigate the overall concept of evil, looking at themes of cowardice, apathy, greed, and bloodlust; singer and drummer Ollie Judge described it as “a book of dark fairytales.” The theming of the record lends itself to the statement that this album works like a classical piece of music, with each song as a movement within. Also, the five-piece recruited additional musicians such as Clarissa Connelly, Tony Njoku, Rosa Brook, Zands Duggan, and Ruisi Quartet to provide additional instrumentation and arrangements.
I recommend listening to this record in a single sitting. It’s the best way to experience the album, especially when you come across songs such as “Fieldworks I” and its sequel “Fieldworks II.” Both parts provide a different tone with part one being more pulled back with Judge’s vocals remaining quieter. The instrumental follows suit, being extremely minimalistic compared to the follow-up. Part two is much more in-your-face in every aspect, including more instrumentation to digest with Judge’s vocals being turned up. This two-track section is one of the highlights on the album alongside the indie/jazz track “Showtime!” and the ethereal “Cowards.” This record may not be for everyone, but to avoid listening to it entirely is a disservice.
My Apologies to the Chef – Winona Fighter
For the past nearly three years, I’ve watched the rise of Winona Fighter beginning with their EP Father Figure. From there, the group has released consistent singles which have now culminated in their first full-length, My Apologies to the Chef. If you’ve been paying attention to this band for the past few years, you’ll be pleased to see recognizable songs that have either been released or have been played at the band’s energetic live performances. The energy translates flawlessly into the album’s 14-tracks.
The raw energy is brought to you by the entire band. Vocals and instrumentals match each other throughout the album, to the point you would think that this was the band’s third or fourth release. They use this energy to their advantage as they tackle personal and political issues, taking no prisoners on what kind of person they call out. Listening to this record takes me back to bands that were part of the Riot Grrrl movement. The storm that is Winona Fighter is one the punk scene can’t ignore. This is an amazing debut effort, and I especially love the tracks “I’M IN THE MARKET TO PLEASE,” “Wlbrn St Tvrn,” and “ATTENTION,” and what they bring to the table overall throughout the record. I also recommend seeing the band live; yes, the album is fantastic, but the live show is on another level.
Bambi – Anxious
Anxious’ debut record, Little Green House, was my top record of 2023 and I’ve been waiting impatiently to see what they would do for their follow-up. Going into their new record Bambi, I only listened to the lead single, “Counting Sheep.” It wasn’t for any reason other than just wanting to have a blind experience, and I’m glad I did it that way because it allowed me to appreciate this record better. Bambi marks the biggest tonal shift Anxious has completed thus far in their discography. They continue to recognize their roots by implementing elements of emo and post-hardcore throughout the LP, but this time they also implement elements of alternative. They take big swings in a similar vein as Blink 182’s untitled & Jimmy Eat World’s Clarity. It works extremely well for this record as the band is building on the experimentation that was started on Little Green House.
Even though there’s experimentation on this record, that doesn’t mean Anxious strays too far from post-hardcore. Tracks like “Head & Spine” and “Jacy” are more in-your-face tracks that quicken the pace of the record. “Head & Spine” specifically works well in its placement as the track before it, “Audrey Go Again,” is the slowest and arguably most alternative track. Musically, this record is sound, and the only criticism is a potential lack of dynamics, at least compared to past works. Lyrically, things are solid as usual when it comes to Anxious. I don’t know if I would say this record is more favorable than Little Green House, but as a second record, it’s a solid evolution for the group, especially if they plan to continue moving in this direction musically.
To live in a different way – Love is Noise
Ever since I first listened to Voices by Matchbook Romance, I’ve been looking for a similar sound to fill the void that the record left. That void has been filled by the debut LP from Love Is Noise, To live in a different way. The fact this record came out on Valentine’s Day works to its advantage, tackling themes of longing and the ups and downs that come with it. It’s masterfully worded by vocalist Cameron Humphrey across each of the 11 tracks. With some of the songs, you get something very in-your-face, and with others, it’s all pulled back with phenomenal uses of post-hardcore, shoegaze, and metal influences within the instrumentals.
One of the biggest compliments I can give to this release is the layering within the instrumentals. Each track provides something new within the instrumentals like bells, pianos, and acoustic guitars beneath the electric. There’s something new to look forward to within each track. Providing this much variation within a record could be a detriment, especially for one just releasing their debut LP. To live in a different way is still extremely cohesive throughout its run time, providing well-timed peaks and valleys to keep the listener interested. This debut is vulnerable in its lyrics and is filled with intriguing and attention-grabbing instrumentals that will pull in the listener. Highly recommend.
