Top 50 Music Releases from Cleveland in 2025

erable lyrics yet, blending humor, self-awareness and emotion throughout. heartattackman.comThe Labra Brothers, Art LabraState-of-the-art percussion, guitars, horns and vocals define the dynamic songs on The Labra Brothers’ latest release. With hints of Latin flavors, rock and pop influences, this Ohio band shines brightly. labrabrothers.comLa Montagna, She Was Already Deep in the TwisterThe Akron outfit returns with crackling indie rock tracks offering sharp guitars and snappy drums that bounce through rollicking tracks. instgram.com/lamontagnamusicLeslie’s Rotten, Master and ServantThe visceral, progressive metal band known for intricate soundscapes and challenging music released its first album in nearly a decade this year, spiraling through tracks like thrasher “The Gardens of Babel” compared to hypnotizing, seven-minute experiments in “A Seed On Stone.” lesliesrotten.comLaTonya Holmes, The FireThe soulful, dynamic singer — known best for “Beach of Diamonds” — delivers an emotional, piano-driven performance on her latest record. The soulful vocalist pushes her boundaries on the intense, sincere single “At Devil’s Doors,” transporting the listener into an ethereal world. latonyaholmes.comLean In Cotton, Brother in ArmsSinger Chace Matheys soars while sharing feelings of love, loss and loyalty on funky new tracks from Akron soul band Lean In Cotton. leanincotton.comLiving Scars, Blue State LineThe heavy, aggressive Cleveland group has a power-packed sound that matches its intense blue-collar work ethic. A relentless, driving intensity rages this year on Blue State Line, a gripping tribute to the band members’ grind. livingscarsmetal.comMarion Write, ChiroMarion Write delivered introspective, vulnerable rhymes with a grit-drenched flow. Over warm, slow-rolling production from Sojourn, he explores personal transformation, self-acceptance and love on his latest release. marionwrite.comMichelle Romary, Bringing It Back To MeThe discography of Rock Hall-employed Michelle Romary hosts another eclectic release, filled with quick quips and contemplative turns of phrase. michelleromarymusic.comThe Missing Letters, Want Me BackThe pop-punkers return with a catchy anthem and loud, energetic song that recalls the band’s early days with modern flair and raw emotion. themissinglettersmusic.comMorgan Mecaskey, The Rhapsody SessionsMorgan Mecaskey released an immersive live album recorded at the Cleveland Agora earlier this year, featuring a mix of reimagined songs from her discography. Solitary and lush, it’s a testament to her dynamic create, known for combining classical training with pop and folk textures to form a genre-agnostic sound. morganmecaskey.comMulberry, EmbersA self-proclaimed “post-reverie,” Mulberry’s atmospheric folk on Embers glows with warm acoustics and aching vocal harmonies. instagram.com/mulberry.officialNate Jones, King’s GardenR&B-driven, saxophone-flavored indie pop makes up the bulk of Nate Jones’ lush, whimsical new release, which features several local artists. natejonesmusic.comThe Nightlights, Pleasure Moments/per/ReekwortFirm roots in the electronic and ambient world color the sprawling, 31-track album of experimental sounds. Fans of Jamie XX will find solace in The Nightlights’ lush tunes. instagram.com/the_nightlightsObnox, Midnight SqualorObsidian Sea continues to make an indelible mark on the rock scene, layering classic guitar riffage, slamming drums and thriving bass lines over frontman Lamont “Bim” Thomas’ growling vocals. obnoxtheband.infoOld & New Dreams, Big WaterOne CD highlight from this double-disc project is the sublime “Big River” — a comforting tune sung by Stephen Shepard with a classic Americana feel. oldandnewdreams.comOldboy, MasqueradeThe seasoned locals in Oldboy put out Masquerade, their most experimental and daring album yet, shedding the Americana labels that stuck with them from their previous efforts. oldboytheband.comOut Calls Only, Four SongsThe bittersweet Cleveland indie-pop band holds nothing back on its four-song EP, with each track containing its distinct, emotional flavor. outcallsonly.comRum River Cult, Old Yeast 2: Gift of the YoutYou can hear grunge influences in the gritty new music from Rum River Cult, a potent blend of scrappy dirt and classic rock hooks molded into one solid project. rumrivercult.comSamuel Stoll, Bitter Seeds/Peregrine LakeThe artist joins forces with the enigmatic Anya Montrose for a laid-back, yet haunting, split-tape release, offering a wr