Honningbarna has already had a relatively long and productive career, evolving album by album into an increasingly unique and innovative group. Up until the 2017 album Voldelig lyd, the band made relatively pure hardcore punk, characterized by rock energy, melody, and a hefty dose of aggression. Their previous album Animorphs retained much of the band’s original style but also took steps in a completely new direction, introducing more experimentation, at times even a mechanical feel, and a greater sense of unpredictability.

Soft Spot strongly continues down this path. The album is full of surprises and unusual rhythms that are oddly difficult to grasp, yet at the same time incredibly intriguing and inviting. Schäfer, which kicks off after the intro, is probably one of the heaviest tracks the band has ever produced, both in sound and arrangement. The album is clearly built on the foundation of experimental hardcore rock laid by Refused. Each instrument shines in its own way, and the vocals sound absolutely amazing. Still, it’s the drum arrangements and groove on Soft Spot that stand out the most—they’re simply phenomenal.

Here and there, Soft Spot introduces even more machine-like effects and soundscapes, at times evoking a distant industrial vibe. The band really seems to be delivering their strongest and boldest performance yet with Soft Spot, without worrying about what traditional hardcore fans might think. This is a major strength that sets Honningbarna apart from many other hardcore groups today.

Amidst all the experimentation, the album still features accessible, so-called old-school Honningbarna bangers. All in all, the band sounds and feels stronger and more relevant than ever. I’d be lying if I said Soft Spot wouldn’t be on my end-of-year best albums list.

Release Date: February 28, 2025

Honningbarna – Soft Spot

Album of the Month by Cuberat

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The duo has an incredible ability to blend electronic soundscapes with more organic instruments, like unforgettable guitar patterns, string arrangements, and various percussions. Their sound is effortlessly smooth, flowing forward like a sailboat in perfect sunny tailwind.

This time around, their arrangements are a bit more engaging, and at times, the groove even brings to mind Jungle’s upbeat, danceable tracks. A great example is Otherside, where Holly Walker’s vocals are absolutely mesmerizing. Another standout is Dance on the World, featuring North Downs’ slightly soulful and smoky vocals.

That said, Maribou State certainly hasn’t lost their touch when it comes to evoking deep emotions. The album is packed with beautiful melodies and intricate details, especially in the guitars—something that has always been a signature element in their music. My personal favorites from the album are Bloom, where the soundscape and Gaidaa’s vocals create a stunning combination, and Eko’s, an incredibly hypnotic, forward-driving track that I could listen to forever.

All in all, this album is an absolute pleasure to listen to. But hopefully, we won’t have to wait another six years for the next one!

Release Date: January 31, 2025

Maribou State – Hallucinating Love

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It immediately caught my attention with its playful sound. Phases was quite long, featuring 19 tracks, many of which explored multiple genres. Compared to Phases, Full Moon feels like a more cohesive package. With this album, it truly feels like Moonchild Sanelly has found her artistic identity. It is full of playfulness, yet everything is well crafted, with every detail carefully placed. The production, both soundwise and in terms of arrangement, is spot on.

At times, Moonchild Sanelly’s music brings to mind the visionary M.I.A. and the genre-blending Santigold. Her unmistakable voice, combined with an incredible flow in both singing and rapping, undeniably leads her music. Additionally, her seamless mix of English and Xhosa in her lyrics adds a unique layer that few can replicate. The way she switches between these two languages is so organic and fluid that listeners might not even notice the transition.

Beyond her distinctive vocal delivery, the album is packed with punchy basslines that stand out beautifully throughout the record. Full Moon manages to be bold and compelling amidst all its playfulness. This is particularly evident in more melancholic tracks like In My Kitchen and Gwara Gwara, where a deeper emotional tone emerges.

As The Guardian describes, “Full Moon showcases her signature style, blending South African dance genres like kwaito, amapiano, and gqom with global influences, resulting in what she calls ‘future ghetto funk’.” 

Moonchild Sanelly’s ability to fuse pop sensibilities, hip-hop, electronic dance music, and South African elements ensures that Full Moon is a unique yet irresistibly catchy record.

Release Date: January 10, 2025

Moonchild Sanelly – Full Moon

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The album’s sprawling instrumentation takes center stage, delivering lush, layered arrangements that range from orchestral sweeps to disco-funk grooves. Tracks like the nearly ten-minute opener Mahashmashana establish an epic tone, filled with unpredictable shifts that keep the listener engaged. Other highlights, such as She Cleans Up and I Guess Time Just Makes Fools of Us All, showcase a variety of styles without losing cohesion.

Father John Misty’s sound has evolved here, offering a sense of cinematic scale while maintaining his trademark nuances. Strings, horns, and vibrant percussion are masterfully interwoven, creating an experience that’s as hypnotic as it is compelling. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to his work, this album demands—and rewards—close listening.

With Mahashmashana, Father John Misty once again demonstrates his ability to create music that feels both timeless and fresh, making this a standout addition to his discography.

Release Date: November 22, 2024

Father John Misty – Mahashmashana

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Muutaantuja marks Oranssi Pazuzu’s sixth album, and the band has certainly not stagnated; they continue to evolve, breathing life into their music with inventive new elements. This album possibly embodies the highest dose of electronic and psychedelic influences they’ve ever woven together. At times, you might feel as if you’re immersed in the dark trip-hop textures of Massive Attack or Tricky, only to be jolted by the band’s signature black metal-infused, raw vocals.

Oranssi Pazuzu’s innovation is awe-inspiring. The soundscape is incredibly fine and beautiful, filled with magnificent details that emerge with each listen, yet it remains raw, violent, and terrifying at the same time. The balance between psychedelia, black metal, post-metal, and trip-hop is a breathtaking. Muutaantuja is an album best experienced in full sessions rather than through isolated tracks.

One highlight of the album is Voitelu which is an astonishing, hypnotic masterpiece that begs to be heard live, with pounding bass drums and basslines that would shake your heart into arrhythmia. Amidst all the madness, a surprisingly delicate piano emerges, creating a sublime contrast. Muuntautuja can be heavy in every sense of the word—such as at the end of Voitelu or the intense start of Valotus—but, in a strange way, it also manages to feel heavy even when the soundscape is not conventionally dense. This ability to craft worlds and atmospheres speaks to the band’s exceptional talent, a feat few can match.

Release Date: October 11, 2024

Oranssi Pazuzu – Muuntautuja

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Right from the first track, you can sense a new style emerging in its sampling and strong club vibes. In my opinion, the playful and imaginative use of samples ties the whole album together. DJ Shadow is known for sampling from vinyl, and in a way, this album shares some modern similarities with his music, although both artists have completely different styles.

The album is hectic in many ways, but it keeps you hooked. If I had to describe the album in one word, it would probably be “ADHD.” You never really know where the songs will go. Most of the tracks gradually build up layers of different elements, the beats change, and sometimes the music calms down briefly before ramping back up again.

However, the album includes some elements from Mura Masa’s earlier work. *We Are Making Out* is a poppy and easily followable melodic song that reminds you of his previous three albums.

Personally, I like this new direction Mura Masa is taking because of the unpredictability and diversity. The album holds up to multiple listens and keeps drawing you back in!

Release Date: August 23, 2024

Mura Masa – Curve 1

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‘CUTS’ is a British electronic music artist whose work I first encountered in 2018 when he released the album ‘A Gradual Decline’. This release quickly became one of the best albums of the year for me. The album was a kind of statement on the environmental crisis, featuring, among other things, field recordings of melting glaciers.

Two years after the release of ‘A Gradual Decline’, ‘CUTS’ released the album ‘UNREAL’, which didn’t quite resonate with me. It had its moments, but somehow it didn’t reach the same heights as ‘A Gradual Decline’.

However, to my delight, about a month ago, I discovered a new album that was released a year ago. According to the artist, the album was created mostly during the COVID lockdown, using old field recordings and improvisation. The album is a stunning ambient soundscape that occasionally includes distant elements of modern classical music. In principle, there’s nothing particularly surprising or innovative about the album, but every piece falls perfectly into place.

You can also clearly hear an organic soundscape, likely born from the artist’s field recordings. Combined with the electronic landscape and occasionally beautiful simple melodies, it’s an unbeatable combination. The tracks sometimes grow into massive sound walls, reminiscent of classic post-rock elements without the rock. I imagine that ‘CUTS’ use of improvisation in the tracks has successfully created an emotional environment that is conveyed to the listener through many small familiar and unfamiliar sounds.

Release Date: June 2, 2023

CUTS – All That Was Lost & Other Failures

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The album is full of energy, just like their first one. Joey Valence’s high-pitched voice and Brae’s deeper tone work together well. The sound of the album reminds me of the 90’s/00’s rap scene with Beastie Boys, Cypress Hill, and Run-D.M.C. But the album is not only a copy of what we have already heard. The way they combine sudden drum and bass beats, like in BUSSIT, and Prodigy-like parts, like in LIKE A PUNK, with the old-school hip-hop style is pretty unique.

The album also has some cool elements with a more straightforward hip-hop sound. BUSSIT has a drum and bass interlude, and WHAT U NEED has a catchy house club style. A highlight of the album is the track PACKAPUNCH, featuring Danny Brown. This song has classic hip-hop scratching and a strong beat, showing respect for hip-hop’s roots while still sounding fresh. Getting a big name like Danny Brown to collaborate is a big win for the duo.

Even though they don’t follow the usual hip-hop rules, Joey Valence & Brae’s dedication and humor make their music fun to listen to. In the end, NO HANDS proves that the duo is here to stay. Their music is all about having fun, and this album is a blast from start to finish. If they keep making music like this, they’re sure to keep growing and getting better.

Release Date: June 7, 2024

Joey Valence & Brae – NO HANDS

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This album is a treasure of earworms that stick with you, yet never become tiresome. Its pop feelings, brought to life by catchy and accessible tunes, are balanced perfectly by distorted guitars and expansive soundscapes that will satisfy any rock enthusiast.

What sets ‘Romanticism’ apart is its dynamic range. Vu effortlessly transitions from intimate, minimalist moments to grand, dramatic climaxes. This ebb and flow gives the album an authentic and deeply personal feel, avoiding clichéd expressions. The emotional depth and drama evoke comparisons to Taylor Swift, but Vu offers a bolder, more alternative take.

You could praise not only the album’s guitar work but also its vocal performances. The vocal melodies are varied, adding another layer of richness to the music. According to Pitchfork, Vu’s voice is “haunting and evocative, weaving through the melodies with a delicate yet powerful presence.” The melodies themselves are expertly crafted, striking a balance between familiar comfort and a touching, melancholic atmosphere.

With ‘Romanticism,’ Hana Vu has crafted an album that feels both safe and adventurous, intimate yet expansive. It’s a captivating journey that invites listeners to explore the full spectrum of human emotion, making it a standout release in the indie rock scene.

Release Date: May 3, 2024

Hana Vu – Romanticism

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They don’t fit neatly into one style—you can hear influences from the hardcore scene, post-punk, and krautrock, all tied together with a certain rawness. At times, they remind me of ‘Idles,’ but with a faster and harder edge, akin to the noise rock sound of ‘Metz.’

The album kicks off with the repetitive mid-tempo track ‘Cathartic Entertainment,’ which sets the tone decently, but it’s the next two tracks that really ramp up the energy. There are some great, infectious melodies created by both the guitar and bass. Listening to these tracks feels like exchanging punches but with a grin on your face.

‘Pack of Dogs’ is another high-energy song on the album, deceptively simple yet catchy. This simplicity is a recurring theme in many of their tracks—it’s punk in its core structure but elevated by the band’s ability to create rich soundscapes using various effects across all instruments, including the vocals.

The following tracks, ‘Networking Opportunity’ and ‘Holiday Sea,’ unveil the band’s less immediately catchy but even noisier side. It’s a refreshing break in the album’s flow before diving into the rest of the tracks.

Their Spotify description boldly states, “We are not a nail bar; we are a band.” Judging by the quality and attitude showcased on ‘Feel Worse,’ it’s safe to say they could add a claim as a badass band!

Release Date: March 22, 2024

USA Nails – Feel Worse

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