The Best Tracks of 2025
According to some guy on the internet
Earlier this month I posted a series of recaps of all of our 2024 releases on Bluesky. You can check that out here, and maybe give us a follow if you haven’t already.
But did you know that other music was also released this year, on other labels, or not on any label at all? Well, it’s true. In no particular order, here are some of my favorite non-Outcast tracks from 2025.
Combat - Stay Golden
Probably the most exciting young band in the business right now. This is the heart-on-sleeve-borderline-nervous-breakdown album that the emo scene has been missing for so long. Mark my words, this album will go down as a classic.
Thursday - Application For Release From The Dream
We received not one, but two new Thursday songs in 2024, and they’re both gorgeous. What a time to be alive.
My Epic - Heavy Heart
What a pretty song. That unexpected slide riff in the bridge might be my favorite musical moment of the year.
The Cure - And Nothing Is Forever
One of the most beautiful and emotionally devastating songs I’ve ever heard. The Cure hasn’t lost a step after all these years.
Mogwai - God Gets You Back
2024 was another quiet year for post-rock fans, but Mogwai never disappoints.
A Place For Owls - a tattoo of a candle
APFO remains the king of melancholy-yet-hopeful emo-adjacent indie rock bands.
Garden Home - Imposter
Some excellent post-hardcore from the great state of Wisconsin. That little post-punk riff carries this song so well.
Oso Oso - All Of My Love
In a year where it seems like everything has gotten worse, it’s nice to know you can always count on Oso Oso for some airy, impeccably catchy pop-rock songs.
Wishy - Love On The Outside
An incredible debut album that proves you can write shoegaze-y rock that also has hooks.
Fly Over States - Horsefly
This sounds like 2006 in all the right ways. Just pure no-nonsense post-hardcore. Probably my most listened-to EP of the year.
DIIV - Somber The Drums
I know I’m way late to the party and the nu-gaze trend seems to be trailing off a bit, but this song (and album) blew me away.
Balance and Composure - cross to bear
Don’t call it a comeback. But you can, though. And should.
Scowl - Special
This certainly isn’t going to dispel any of those “Scowl is going mainstream” rumors, but I don’t care. This is just a great rock song.
Gleemer - First Dream
If you’re like me and have been trying to fill that Moving Mountains-sized hole in your heart, this might be exactly what you’re looking for.
Coldplay - AETERNA
I don’t need to explain myself.