As we say every year, music isn’t a competition but we do still like to jump on the end-of-year lists trend and showcase five records that have struck a chord with us over the past 12 months. What have been your favourites?
Divorce – ‘Drive to Goldenhammer’
The Nottingham four-piece’s debut album took you on a journey to Goldenhammer – an escapist destination that offers respite from the always-on nature and busy-ness of modern life. It did this as the band expertly weaved through genres, from anti-folk to chamber pop and we even heard elements of lightly experimental, melancholy yet ultimately uplifting bands like Efterklang and Stars in the sound.
Die Spitz – ‘Something to Consume’
Austin, Texas’s Die Spitz’ debut album is one full of energy, enthusiasm and epic riffs – so much so that they’ve landed a prime support slot to Foo Fighters in 2026. The instrument-swapping quartet captured the ferocity of their live experience with album highlight ‘American Porn’ having the no-fucks given attitude of Hole shining through.
Humour – ‘Learning Greek’
We saw Humour at 2000trees shortly after covering their single ‘In the Paddies’ and instantly loved everything about them. Their debut album ‘Learning Greek’ does not disappoint. Arty and avant-garde, it veers through heavy Glassjaw moments and more experimental pop-laced melodies – plus some intriguing and poetic wordplay.
La Dispute – ‘No One Was Driving the Car’
Another highlight of 2025’s 2000trees, La Dispute’s eagerly awaited (and first released as a series of EPs) album ‘No One Was Driving the Car’ is an all-encompassing listen that leaves you breathless. There’s an intensity and dark beauty in the post-hardcore hooks and Jordan Dreyer’s timely storytelling.
Patrick Wolf – ‘Crying the Neck’
Patrick Wolf’s first album in 13 years was a triumphant, spiritual, emotional but ultimately joyous affair. Kind of a companion piece to his second album ‘Wind in the Wires’, ‘Crying the Neck’ found Patrick delving deep into East Kent’s local folklore and the power of nature as he navigated his way through the grief of losing his mother. Wonderfully rewarding and a real treat to have someone of this talent back making music.
Other albums we’ve enjoyed in 2025:
Wednesday – ‘Bleeds’
Idlewild – ‘Idlewild’
Folk Bitch Trio – ‘Now Would Be a Good Time’
Geese – ‘Getting Killed’
Swim School – ‘Swim School’
Rosalia – ‘Lux’
The Charlatans – ‘We Are Love’
The Beths – ‘Straight Line Was a Lie’
For Those I Love – ‘Carving the Stone’
Pulp – ‘More’
Turnstile – ‘Never Enough’
The Belair Lip Bombs – ‘Again’
Lorde – ‘Virgin’
Jacob Alon – ‘In Limerence’
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