12 Albums To Listen To In May 2025
Blockbuster time.
It’s summer blockbuster month, so let’s talk about some blockbuster music releases. Here are twelve albums/EPs I’m looking forward to this month, including a cluster of albums at the beginning, a lull in the middle, and another cluster at the end. Happy listening and don’t forget to subscribe!
Blondshell - If You Asked For A Picture (May 2)
A rising star in the world of indie rock, it’s time to see what Sabrina Teitelbaum can do on her sophomore LP under her new name.
PUP - Who Will Look After The Dogs? (May 2)
The band who’s the best at making feeling bad sound so good is back. After a slick approach to punk on 2022’s excellent The Unraveling of PUPTHEBAND, PUP is getting back to their noisy roots, but with plenty of singalong moments along the way.
Car Seat Headrest - The Scholars (May 2)
Ready to get heady? Will Toledo and company are back with The Scholars, a rock opera that tells the story of several students at the mysterious Parnassus University. The singles are massive, a necessity given the stories to tell and the open collaboration between band members seen through its creation.
Model/Actriz - Pirouette (May 2)
Simultaneously controlled and unexpected, Model/Actriz brings a unique kind of noise rock to the table. Their second LP promises plenty of controlled chaos.
Arcade Fire - Pink Elephant (May 9)
How am I supposed to feel about Arcade Fire these days? WE was a nice return to form, but multiple sexual misconduct allegations against bandleader Win Butler (and his subsequent indifference towards them) have really dampened their image. The first singles for Pink Elephant haven’t really done much for me either, so it remains to be seen if we’re in for anything close to their best effort.
Kali Uchis - Sincerely, (May 9)
She’s no King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard, but Kali Uchis has become a reliable source of new music every year. Her third album in as many years sounds to be in line with the pillowy soft version of pop music she’s so good at.
Tune-Yards - Better Dreaming (May 16)
One of my favorite records from my college days was 2014’s Nikki Nack, a true blue indie pop masterpiece from Tune-Yards. They’ve made music since, but it’s been fairly inconsequential; can their latest break that trend? The early singles are as enjoyable as the band has been in years.
yeule - Evangelic Girl Is A Gun (May 30)
There’s been elements of Smashing Pumpkins or 90’s Radiohead in yeule’s music before, so it’s no surprise to hear them dive fully into alternative rock on the first few singles for Evangelic Girl Is A Gun. “eko” is one of their best songs yet, a sign yeule could top charts if they wanted to.
Swans - Birthing (May 30)
Amazingly, Swans are in their fifth decade of existence and still going strong. The current iteration of the band is perhaps their least essential, yet their brand of monstrous post-rock can be arresting as ever. Michael Gira promises Birthing to be the last Swans record with a massive sound; expect it to go out with a bang.
Miley Cyrus - Something Beautiful (May 30)
I’ll be the first to tell you I think Miley Cyrus’ career has been largely wasted. Endless Summer Vacation was a dreadful pop album. But between the derivative yet fun “End of the World” and the experimental, Swans-esque “Something Beautiful”, I can’t help be intrigued with what she’s doing here.
caroline - caroline 2 (May 30)
Movies have no problem adding a 2 to the title of a sequel; why don’t more musicians do so? caroline have taken up said mantle on their second batch of post rock with a Midwest emo touch. Plus, one song features double Carolines with Caroline Polachek joining in on the fun!
Illuminati Hotties - Nickel on the Fountain Floor EP (May 30)
One of the best names in music has a quick little extended play on the way. I’m hoping it’s a little more edgy and exciting than 2024’s forgettable Power.
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you listen to any of these and if you liked/disliked them. Make sure to keep an eye out for my reviews of these albums here as well!
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