Album Roundup for Week Ending October 3rd, 2025

In the tranquil ambiance of the night, the melodic whispers of hard-fallen incantations stir the soul, as the Slovenian avant-folk trio, Širom, captivates listeners with their unique blend of almost two dozen handcrafted instruments and intricate compositions that stretch over ten minutes long. Their music caters to patient and deep-diving enthusiasts who appreciate the delicately woven atmospheres, rhythms, and sonics that they expertly craft.

On their latest album, ‘Idlewild,’ Širom invites each of their past musical incarnations into the spotlight, exploring and rediscovering formative sounds with the same zeal and wonder as youngsters reveling in the music of iconic bands like Fugazi and R.E.M. The album is a rich tapestry of textures and harmonies that showcase their growth and musical curiosity.

Meanwhile, the debut album ‘Volk Soup’ from the Leeds-based six-piece band, 10p Jazz, weaves together elements of wiry post-punk, dissonant noise, and bursts of free-jazz intensity, creating a compelling and dynamic sonic landscape that pushes boundaries and challenges conventional music genres.

KT’s ‘I’m Nice Now’ is a raw and poignant reflection of her experiences as a black woman in America, conveying themes of pain, sorrow, anger, and fear through a powerful punk rock lens. The album serves as a poignant commentary on the struggles and challenges faced by marginalized communities in contemporary society.

Irish power-popping band, Ash, delivers their ninth album ‘Ad Astra,’ featuring a guest appearance from Graham Coxon. The album is a testament to their enduring talent and musical prowess, showcasing their signature sound with a fresh perspective and renewed energy.

Sparks introduces their first ever EP, ‘MADDER! EP,’ as a companion piece to their recent ‘MAD!’ album, offering fans a unique and captivating experience that delves deeper into their creative process and musical vision.

The Mansters’ album, ‘Snapshots from a Shitshow,’ is a bold and dynamic fusion of gritty punk influences, catchy hooks, and emotional intensity, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of musical styles and genres to create a sound that is fierce, unpredictable, and undeniably charismatic.

Portuguese rock band, The Bateleurs, releases their second album, ‘A Light in the Darkness,’ capturing raw and unfiltered performances without the use of excessive editing or auto-tune. The album embraces live energy and emotional clarity, inviting listeners on a musical journey filled with passion and authenticity.

‘ The Things You Don’t Know Yet’ by Adult Leisure is a nostalgic exploration of melancholic melodies and uplifting choruses that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level, evoking a sense of longing and reminiscence.

‘Jigsaw Causeway’ by Novelty Island is an ethereal collection of lo-fi pop songs inspired by the hazy production styles of Grandaddy, Beck, and Boards of Canada. The album delves into surreal and introspective themes, offering a unique and immersive listening experience for fans of experimental music.

James Morrison’s sixth album, ‘Fight Another Day,’ encapsulates his emotive songwriting and introspective lyrical themes, delving into the complexities of human emotions and personal struggles with a raw and heartfelt sincerity.

Jolé’s ‘Notes From An Open Book’ EP is a delicate and introspective showcase of wintry vocals layered over intricate piano and acoustic guitar compositions, exploring themes of nature, love, and new beginnings with a sense of understated beauty and elegance.

Claudia Fenoglia’s ‘It Always Fades in the End EP’ merges shimmering pop sensibilities with poignant lyricism, delving into the transient nature of human emotions and the inevitability of change and loss with grace and vulnerability.

The Cairo-based trio, The Dwarfs of East Agouza, returns with ‘Sasquatch Landslide,’ a rhythmic and trance-inducing fusion of psych-rock and free improvisation that pushes the boundaries of conventional music genres and invites listeners on a captivating sonic journey.

Swedish-Polish composer Marta Forsberg explores a more intimate and experimental approach to pop music on her latest album, ‘Archaeology of Intimacy,’ crafting a series of ethereal and deeply personal songs that showcase her musical versatility and creative vision.

The Spitfires’ album ‘MKII’ harnesses the collective energy and artistry of the band to evoke the intricate connections between human and animal life, blending elements of nature and urban living with a captivating and immersive sound.

teethin’ experiments with the raw energy of punk and electronic music on their EP ‘Greed Between The Lines,’ crafting a dynamic and infectious fusion of genres that defies traditional categorization and invites listeners to embrace the thrill of musical exploration.

‘A Thousand Mad Things’ debut EP ‘Cry and Dance’ merges classic no-wave and synth-pop influences with queer romanticism and emotional intensity