As we hurtle towards 2026, there’s still time to bring you as much of the goodness that 2025 had to offer that we missed first time round. Starting here:
San Demas – Borrowed Time
Release Date: 4th July 2025
A few years in now, San Demas are hitting their stride and ‘Borrowed Time’, taken from their EP The Valley, showcases their more tender side. Yes, there’s still some techy elements towards the end, but ‘Borrowed Time’ is heavily driven by Lucy Parish’s vocals. Where other tracks focus more heavily on big riffs, this one has more heart to it and feels much more personal as a result.
The Floor Is Not Lava – Ground
Release Date: 22nd July 2025
In one of the most upsetting band names for those who are fans of kids games, The Floor Is Not Lava released ‘Ground’ in the Summer. A song that draws on many areas, ‘Ground’ has a foothold in indie rock, draws on soulful vocals to hammer home the meaning of the song and then is underpinned by drums that feel far to energetic by the end but still tie the song together nicely.
Betty Lou – Outrageous
Release Date: 24th September 2025
Just the second song released by British outfit Betty Lou, ‘OUTRAGEOUS’ is a team effort with Hot Sake featuring on the song too. A throwback to the 90s and early noughties from start to finish, it doesn’t take long for the urge to throw your arms in the air and dance along to this catchy song.
MFK – DUST
Release Date: 28th July 2025
The past couple of years have seen a myriad of bands sounding like punky versions of early Arctic Monkeys. MFK feel like one of the first to do it with a bit more of a gritty funk feel to it though. A bassline as addictive as any and vocals that will have you mourning the loss of the towns lost to time that the song does a great job of bringing to life.
Stone Cold Sweethearts – Doghouse
Release Date: 18th July 2025
If you’ve watched Sunday Brunch over the years you’ll be aware of the style of music that Stone Cold Sweethearts are making. ‘Doghouse’ brings talk/rap vocals over a quintessential 00’s indie rock sound. The sort of music that you’d expect to sponsor the London underground if it weren’t for the northern twang.
Break Fifty – Carousel
Release Date: 31st July 2025
Bringing us into the land of metal, Break Fifty have spent the last few years building a core following that will serve them well. Brutal vocals, pulsating riffs and drums that will have you running through walls, let alone smashing the shit out of your mates in a pit. What more could you ask for?!
Toy Parlour – Lose It
Release Date: 31st July 2025
As with many songs these days, ‘Lose It’ came about via voice messages sent between band members and has come together a treat. Merging modern vibes through the verses where the guitars feel filthy, adding in some almost Volbeat-esque vocals in the pre-chorus and then going full classic blues vibes in the choruses. There’s a lot to take in here.