somehow, the first month of 2025 has both felt like an entire year and a mere few minutes. the weather is bleak, as is morale, and we’re all crossing our fingers for an early spring. in the meantime, the ten artists below were kind enough to give us something to enjoy this month. check ‘em out, won’t you?

Reviews by TJ Foster

ELIS - “Well”
In case you're not acquainted with the Glens Falls trio ELIS, their new single "Well" is a fantastic introduction to the band. It's a catchy-as-hell, piano rock track reminiscent of so many of your favorite '90s artists. "Are you doing well?" After listening to this one, for sure I am.

Oobleck - “Purse Candy”
Right from the get go, you can tell you're in for a funk-infused treat with Oobleck's latest. Speaking of treats, it's an homage to some of the most underrated, individually wrapped sweets known to man. Suddenly I have a hankering for one of them strawberry delights. Anyways, I digress. Go listen to "Purse Candy" if you want to groove, dance or raid your grandma's pantry.

Age of the Bear - Tributaries (I Keep Thinking)
Holy hell, this song from Age of the Bear (aka Anthony Cubbage). I'm a sucker for an ambient soundscape, so this is right up my alley. Add in the almost Lewis Capaldi-esque vocal, and this is a pop ballad worthy of all the accolades. Don't sleep on it.

SIRSY - “Stupid Little Heart”
A nod to vocalist Melanie Krahmer's father who has dementia, this one truly hit home for someone who's grandfather is going through the same thing. Acoustic in nature, it's a touching tribute. Now, if you'll excuse me, I've got something in my eye I need to take care of.

Seize Atlantis - “Bulls on Parade” (Live RATM Cover)
I've heard Seize Atlantis perform this cover a number of times, and they do a wonderful job staying true to the original. Releasing this take from Jive Hive mid-month was aptly timed (obviously) and a wonderful way to showcase the glory that is one of their live shows.

JJ’s Okay - “Cool Your Jets”
Short and sweet, "Cool Your Jets" apparently stemmed from an improvised piece JJ's Okay put together in the Fall. It's a delightful, waltz-paced song with elements of Jeff Buckley and Laura Marling that's more than worth the 90 seconds it takes up. I only wish there were more of it to go around.

Deanna Deluke - “Island”
Deanna Deluke actually dropped two singles this month, but due to completely arbitrary rules that I made up, we can only feature one here. "Island" was the later of the two, released just a few days ago, in fact. It's a gentle wave of a song, calmly coming ashore over a fingerpicked nylon string guitar, Deanna's voice as pleasant as ever. With an album slated to come out later this year, it's surely one to keep an eye on. Big fan right here.

Friends Meeting - “some fantastic proportion”
The duo that is Friends Meeting dropped a new single this month that is as purposeful as it is extensive. "some fantastic proportion" is a 23 minute long, improvised live-take paying tribute to both David Lynch and everything lost in the recent Los Angeles area wildfires. The track's proceeds will directly benefit the National Day Laborer Organizing Network's fire relief fund doing crucial work out in Pasadena and Altadena.

The Lycan - “Memento”
You know, there's such a solid metal scene around here that we don't talk about. Newcomers The Lycan are coming out of the gate with tenacity, blending classic metalcore with the more melodic side of the genre that dominated so much of the late '90s/early 2000s. "Memento" is a great introduction to a band poised for success in the 518.

Ab The Audicrat, Xkwisit, Mista Pigz & Shyste - “Way Too Long”
Ab the Audicrat might be up for an award for most "hot singles" already. It's apparently he is prolific as hell, and every hip hop track he touches is basically pure gold. This one's no different. "I've been doing this way too long..." the song begins. I respectfully disagree -- these guys can keep collaborating as long as they want.

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