Top Releases of the Week (11/28) – BrooklynVegan

Morning! I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving celebration! This week in the music world might be a bit quieter, with not many albums releasing this week, and even fewer expected for the remainder of 2025. As December approaches, we can anticipate an influx of major year-end lists soon.

Nevertheless, let’s take a look at seven notable releases for the week. Before we delve into those, here are some honorable mentions: Josh Freese, Hit-Boy x Spank Nitti James, Equipment Pointed Ankh, Ikonika, Ronnie D’Addario, Jesse Sykes & The Sweet Hereafter, a Nine Inch Nails tribute album, a Dream Theater live album, The Pogues’ Rum, Sodomy & The Lash anniversary edition, Neil Young’s Tonight’s the Night anniversary edition, and Madonna’s EP of bonus material from Bedtime Stories.

Dave and I have curated a list of 10 albums from this year on a recent episode of BV Weekly that you might have missed. It’s not about overlooked albums but showcases some gems that may not have received much spotlight compared to others, so be sure to check that out on BV Weekly.

Let’s get into this week’s Notable Releases:

**MAVI – The Pilot (Loma Vista)**
North Carolina’s indie rapper MAVI, known for his abstract rap style, took a step forward with his 2024 album “Shadowbox.” On his latest mixtape “The Pilot,” featuring artists like Earl Sweatshirt, MIKE, Smino, and Kenny Mason, MAVI showcases a newfound clarity in his work. The album, created post-sobriety, offers a concise lineup of 10 tracks with diverse production styles, ranging from jazz to dance beats. Despite its short duration, “The Pilot” showcases MAVI’s artistry at its peak.

**PLOSIVS – Yell At Cloud (Swami)**
The collaborative project of Rob Crow and John Reis, known as PLOSIVS, delivers a sound reminiscent of ’90s indie rock and post-hardcore. Backed by John’s former RFTC bandmate on drums and bass, the duo’s latest LP “Yell At Cloud” continues their exploration of a unique sound that merges early Pinback with Hot Snakes, offering a blend of classic vibes.

**Pink Siifu – ONYX’! (Dynamite Hill)**
Pink Siifu follows up his groundbreaking rap album “BLACK’!ANTIQUE” with “ONYX’!,” a genre-defying project featuring a stellar lineup of artists and producers. This 45-minute sensory experience builds on Siifu’s reputation for creativity, drawing listeners into a captivating sonic journey.

**Treaty Oak Revival – West Texas Degenerate (Interscope)**
Treaty Oak Revival’s brand of Texas country rock, tinged with emo influences, offers a refreshing take on the genre. The band’s major-label debut, “West Texas Degenerate,” showcases their gritty yet melodic sound, drawing inspiration from emo and DIY punk scenes. With a loyal following and a powerful label backing them, Treaty Oak Revival’s music resonates with authenticity.

**The Saints – Long March Through the Jazz Age (Fire)**
The Saints’ final album, completed posthumously by leader Chris Bailey, captures the band’s shift towards a more melancholic sound. Despite the absence of their signature punk energy, the album resonates with Bailey’s magnetic vocals and poignant songwriting, serving as a fitting tribute to his enduring legacy.

**Excide – Bastard Hymns (SharpTone)**
Embracing their post-hardcore influences from the ’90s and early 2000s, Excide’s sophomore album “Bastard Hymns” showcases a blend of nostalgic vibes with a contemporary edge. With a sound reminiscent of iconic bands like Quicksand and Snapcase, Excide’s latest offering balances pop sensibilities with heavy instrumentation, appealing to fans of the genre.

**Your Old Droog – Anything Is Possible EP**
Your Old Droog’s latest EP “Anything Is Possible” bridges the gap between his previous album “Movie” and the much-anticipated Droogie Otis collaboration. With production from industry heavyweights like Statik Selektah and Count Bass D, Droog’s boom bap style and lyrical prowess shine through, offering fans a taste of what’s to come.

As we wrap up another week of exciting music releases, it’s clear that artists continue to push boundaries and redefine genres, creating a diverse landscape of sound for listeners to explore and enjoy. What’s your favorite release from this week?