In your dreams, all we see are the gold drenched days laid ahead
~ Moreno, Chino, metal dream, 2025
2025 has turned out to be a very good year.1 Well, musically at least.
Sam Fender’s ‘People Watching‘ continues to dominate my playlists, and I wouldn’t be surprised if it takes home the Mercury Prize. But since that album caught my attention back in March, countless other releases have been vying for my attention.
We’ve been quietly witnessing a genuine resurgence in indie and alt-rock. As someone who grew up on “six strings, three cords… big dreams”2, it is music to my ears. Royal Otis and Wet Leg3 have both delivered strong sophomore efforts. And I’m particularly excited about Muse’s upcoming album after hearing their latest single: ‘Unravelling’; signalling a return to their early-heavier sound.
Some of this year’s best records are growers. Pulp’s reunion album ‘More‘ and Little Simz’s latest offering ‘Lotus’’ both reveal new layers with each listen. Don’t miss ‘The Hymn of the North’ from Pulp and ‘Lion’ from Little Simz. Both tracks showcase what makes these records special. Honourable mention goes to Lady Gaga who has delivered an absolute banger.
However, the album that has most thoroughly captured my imagination is Deftones’ latest effort, ‘private music‘. The veteran alt-metal band have created a thrilling and addictive record that hasn’t left my turntable since its August release.
What makes ‘private music’ so remarkable is its delicate balance between crushing riffs and melodic beauty; between aggression and intimacy. Many reviewers have lazily labeled it “shoegaze” meets “metal,” but this description sells short the album’s genuine inventiveness and sonic complexity.
The real magic happens on repeated listens. Hidden details emerge from what initially sounds like chaos, creating an irresistible urge to start the album over as soon as it ends. It’s a record that rewards attention and patience.
Even if rock and heavy metal aren’t typically your preference, ‘private music’ deserves a chance. You might discover something you didn’t know you were missing.
- Yes, I know the world is a dumpster fire right now! ↩︎
- Ashcroft, Richard, This Thing Called Life, 2010 ↩︎
- 🙌 Props to Rhian Teasdale for using the word ‘mangetout‘ in a song. ↩︎