Sure, new years is technically a time for looking forward, but we think it’s okay to look back a little as well. If only for today. because we’re here to enlighten you with a dozen, can’t-miss local songs that came out in december. give your ears a welcome break from “auld lang syne,” won’t you? happy new year.

Reviews by TJ Foster

Atelo Songs - “EAT THE RICH.”
Honestly, I was hooked by the title alone. Lyrically, it's exactly what you'd expect in the best way. A well-versed take on income inequality and capitalism, "EAT THE RICH" is a brash slice of melodic, lo-fi hip hop that really gets your blood boiling.

Canella - “Groomer”
One of the most exciting bands in the area dropped a scorcher of a new single in "Groomer" this month. It is an intense listen, with surprise musical embellishments at every turn, and an incredibly moving story to boot. Brave and bold as ever, Canella is the real deal.

Angelina Valente - “Take Me Back”
Songwriter and vocalist extraordinaire Angelina Valente surprise dropped new single "Take Me Back" just before Christmas. Her voice is smooth as ever, gently gliding atop a soundscape of ukelele, bass and electric piano. Gorgeous and nostalgic, this song would pair swimmingly with a hot cup of tea during this cold season.

Tops of Trees - “Light On”
Tops of Trees is just full of energy. All eight (!) members shine bright on new single "Light On" without ever stepping on one another. There's even an organ solo! The drums and bass are locked in, driving this multi-genre song forward at a rabbit's pace. If you've never seen them live, they sure seem like a fuckin' party.

Julia Alsarraf - “Slow Burn”
Despite being in a few dozen other bands in the Capital Region, Julia Alsarraf still makes time for her own music, and thank goodness. Julia has one of the most impressive voices around, and manages to authentically tug on your heartstrings like so few can. New single "Slow Burn" is no exception. If you want to kick off the new year by shedding a few tears, this one's for you.

Camtron5000 x LiketheAstronaut - “Till It’s Over”
Camtron5000 and Liketheastronaut are close friends and frequent collaborators, and the synergy is simply palpable whenever they join forces for new music. "Till It's Over" is a perfect example of this. A masterful slab of hip hop with a catchy-as-hell hook by John Glenn, this is just spectacular work by the duo.

Doctor Baker - “Noise I Have To Hear”
With its bluesy progression and tight groove, Doctor Baker's latest is a head-bopping vibe. Ed Schwarzschild's signature half-sung/half-spoken delivery fits this track beautifully, a sure sign that the band's anticipatory 2025 release is one to watch out for.

Amanda Case - “Good Girl”
If you've yet to get acquainted with Amanda Case, I suggest you remedy that immediately. She's been lowkey dropping some of the best singles the area has to offer all year and "good girl" is no exception. Lying somewhere within the spectrum of "dark pop" a la Halsey / Billie Eilish, it's a bit different for Amanda but it works oh so well. This is gonna be on repeat for most of the winter.

AB the Audicrat & XKwisit (ft. Albany Lou) - “Run It”
Ab the Audicrat's latest collaboration begins with the iconic Heath Ledger's Joker sneering, "If you're good at something, never do it for free..." and what an incredible sample choice it is. As is the case with all of Ab's compositions, things are neatly packaged and tight as hell on "Run It". Clearly, everything he touches is gold.

Yeah Universe - “Sweeter”
"Sweeter" kicks off with a lick straight out of the early '90s, but quickly veers into more modern indie-rock territory. With glimpses of Momma and Minus the Bear in the mix, Yeah Universe are constantly keeping things sonically interesting. "Sweeter" might be their best tune yet.

Watch Reggie Run - “Bright Lights on Christmas Night”
Christmas may be over at this point, but that doesn't mean we can't still honor the holiday in musical form. Watch Reggie Run are keen to keep the spirit alive with their folk-punk homage to Christmas decorations. It's a fun family affair, with Dave Graham and his son Luke leading a chantworthy, festive tune that would fit quite nicely on any holiday playlists you might have saved.

Bloodx3 - “Farewell to Flesh”
I'm breaking my own rule here, but I mistakenly overlooked this song in last month's playlist and therefore wanted to show it the love it deserves here. "Bon voyage, material world..." is how "Farewell to Flesh" starts. It's dark and noisy, basically an entire industrial rave in just two minutes and 45 seconds. Love everything about this.

Spotify users can also check out December’s playlist right here.