5-9’s Album of the Month Podcast – new episode out now!
With a sadly absent Mama Mañana Records’ founder Kiley Larsen, myself and 5-9 Editor Andrew Belt review five high profile album releases from the past month in music, ultimately naming one as our Album of the Month at the end of the discussion. It’s another eclectic selection of albums, as we cover some of the biggest and best releases from February.
For our January episode, it was global superstar The Weeknd who shockingly emerged victorious in a tightly contested month, earning our first award for 2025 with his epic final album, Hurry Up Tomorrow. Now in our second episode of the year, the albums vying for the February 2025 Album of the Month title are:
Erotica Veronica by Miya Folick
Sinister Grift by Panda Bear
End of the Middle by Richard Dawson
People Watching by Sam Fender
Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory by Sharon Van Etten (Poll winner, thanks for voting!)
Just like January, it’s another tight vote with divided opinions, so hit the links below or click play above to see which album emerged victorious!
A reminder also that if you want to listen to any previous episodes, simply follow the links below and be sure to follow 5-9 Blog on Instagram and YouTube for more news and polls relating to the podcast.
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Vote for the fifth album to join our April line-up here
Album & EP Recommendations
MAYHEM by Lady Gaga
Back in 2009, I was lucky enough to see pop icon Lady Gaga perform at Glastonbury. I didn’t realise it at the time, but I was witnessing (excuse the deliberate pun) a star being born. You see hers is an influence that can still be felt on the mainstream pop acts of today, be it the dance-pop of Charli XCX or the theatrical flair of Chappell Roan. Now with her career having detoured everywhere, from more Rock and Country-inspired records to even a shift into TV and Hollywood, Lady Gaga is back – and she’s returning to (excuse another deliberate pun) the sound that brought her to the dance – pop.
MAYHEM is very much the return of vintage Gaga, from the artistic music videos all the way through to the club-inspired, earworm anthems. You’ll likely already have consumed singles ‘Disease’, ‘Die With A Smile’ and ‘Abracadabra’ either consciously or subconsciously into your psyche by now, but it is some of the deep cuts that end up having the biggest replay value here. ‘Perfect Celebrity’ is the kind of addictive powerhouse track that would’ve slotted in perfectly on Gaga’s debut The Fame Monster, while ‘Zombieboy’ is the kind of Gwen Stefani and Nile Rodgers crossover that only Gaga could cook up. ‘Don’t Call Tonight’ then brings some 80s shimmer with shades of both Kavinsky and Daft Punk, before ‘Blade of Glass’ serves up a soaring Bonnie Tyler-style power ballad.
A wild rollercoaster ride through various shades of pop music, MAYHEM is an album that certainly lives up to its name. Never a dull experience and bringing her career full circle, it proves Lady Gaga can still do it better than anyone.
Listen here
Night Life by The Horrors
Also making a welcome return after some time away, albeit at the other end of the spectrum to Gaga, are industrial goth rockers The Horrors. With their last full-length project ending with ‘Something To Remember Me By’ and longtime keyboardist Tom Furse leaving the band, I had pretty much made peace with the fact that The Horrors may have ceased to exist. Thankfully, the band have finally returned with new music and they are sounding as great as ever on moody sixth album, Night Life.
I’ll admit the pre-release singles didn’t do much for me in isolation, which left me going into this one with fairly mild expectations. However, I needn’t have doubted them as Faris Badawan & co. have forged a dark and atmospheric audio experience that ranks alongside their best work. The shimmering synths of recent single ‘Ariel’ are an immediate highlight, while other singles like ‘The Silence That Remains’, ‘Trial By Fire’ and ‘Lotus Eater’ have more impact within the context of the whole. However it is the final stretch where this album really comes alive, with the synth-driven rock of ‘More Than Life’ recalling their Primary Colours prime before triumphant closing anthem, ‘LA Runaway’.
Mixing electronica, shoegaze and industrial as well as they have ever done, this is a mighty return from the Southend goth rockers that already feels like one of my favourites of the year so far.
Listen here
Microtonic by bdrmm
Then if you’re looking for something in a similar vein to The Horrors, I’m also loving Microtonic, the evolutionary third album from Kingston shoegazers bdrmm.
With their last release I Don’t Know seeing them add more electronic elements to their traditional shoegaze sound, Microtonic feels more like a full transition into crafters of lush, synth-driven soundscapes. Opening on a snappy collaboration with Working Men’s Club, the album doesn’t let up from there, navigating majestically through blissful highlights like ‘John On The Ceiling’, ‘Snares’ and ‘Clarkycat’, before eventually drifting into the ambient haze of ‘The Noose’.
While the greater shift away from shoegaze will put off some longtime fans, for me personally this is my favourite bdrmm project yet. An almost full of auditory delights, made for strapping on a pair of headphones and allowing yourself to get fully immersed in the wonderful vibrations.
Listen here
Service Station At The End Of The Universe by Antony Szmierek
Poetic and powerful, Mancunian spoken-word raver Antony Szmierek finally released his much-anticipated debut album back at the end of February and it’s a life-affirming record that only gets better with each new spin.
The magic of Antony’s music is not just in the euphoric beats or his clever turn of phrase, it’s in the way he’s able to find the beauty in the everyday. Whether that’s a piece of confetti falling from a club ceiling (‘Rafters’), a commercial office building turned Indian restaurant (‘The Great Pyramid of Stockport’), a Yoga Class (‘Yoga Teacher’) or even motorway graffiti (‘Angie’s Wedding’). The stories told across the record are full of joy and optimism, with Antony’s observational prose transforming the mundane into the magical. Add-in a backdrop of inspired synth-driven grooves that will make you want to dance and it’s a combination that will make you want to return to Antony’s perspective of the world again and again.
As far as debut albums go, this one is right up there with the year’s best so far. One for fans of The Streets, if you want uplifting stories you can move to then look no further.
Listen here
The Machine Starts To Sing EP by Porridge Radio
From a debut to a final outing now, as the Brighton rockers led by Dana Margolin sadly announced that this new EP will unfortunately be their last.
As a final shortplayer offering for fans, it delivers everything that has been great about Porridge Radio over their outstanding last three records. From ominous opener ‘Machine Starts To Sing’ to the shuffling acoustics of ‘OK’, to Dana’s signature anguished vocals on ‘Don’t Want To Dance’ and the defiant, lo-fi resignation of ‘I’ve Got A Feeling (Stay Lucky)’, it’s a bittersweet triumph.
Listen here
KOKO by The Lottery Winners
“Influenced by charismatic frontman Thom Rylance receiving an ADHD diagnosis during the early stages of the album creation process, ‘KOKO’ finds the quartet lyrically reflective and seeking to provide some reassurance to all those in need of a little pick-me-up. With the band set to support Robbie Williams on his stadium tour this summer too, the record feels built for the masses, with each track brimming with assured confidence and earworm melodies.”
Listen to the album here
Read my full review for CLASH magazine here
Watch the 5-9 interview with Thom Rylance on the making of KOKO here
Nothing Compares To Nineteen EP by Fiona-Lee
“However, ‘Mother’ isn’t the only frank, emotionally charged moment on ‘Nothing Compares To Nineteen’. Across six soaring tracks, Fiona is refreshingly open about her battles with anxiety, depression, grief and self-confidence, all feelings we each can experience but often don’t know how to put into words. While her musical inspiration and eloquent lyricism often comes from painful memories and experiences, it is at the same time a rewarding process.”
Listen to the EP here
Read my full Next Wave interview with Fiona-Lee for CLASH magazine here
Also well worth checking out:
Lust For Life by Courting
The Sky, The Earth & All Between by Architects
Tell Dem It’s Sunny by Greentea Peng
Out Of A Dream by The Slow Readers Club
Constellations For The Lonely by Doves
Blindness by The Murder Capital
Atmospherics by Hands Like Houses
Festival Season by Saint Jhn
Blood On The Silver Screen by SASAMI
Tsunami Sea by Spiritbox
Song Recommendations
Relationships by HAIM
The sisters are back!
While the title and release date for their new album has yet to be revealed, the HAIM sisters have returned with an excellent new single, with many suspecting it to be the first taste of the much-anticipated follow-up to 2020’s Women In Music Pt. III. Instantly catchy with an infectious R&B-style groove, the track offers an apathetic look at romantic entanglements and arrives complete with a cinematic video directed by Camille Summers Valli.
Watch the video here
Running/Planning by CMAT
One of the biggest breakout stars of the last few years, Ciara Mary-Alice Thompson’s first two albums already feel like instant classics. Now her third album EURO-COUNTRY is due to drop in August and that’s not just the name of the record but also an insight into what to expect from the album’s contents too. Lead single ‘Running/Planning’ is CMAT unveiling her new brand of country music, a heartfelt and string-laden epic that culminates in some hair-raisingly passionate vocals from CMAT herself. Sensational!
Watch the video here
Flood by Little Simz featuring Obongjayar & Moonchild Sanelly
Rapper Little Simz has also been on an incredible album run in recent times, also delivering three certified classics in Grey Area, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert and NO THANK YOU on her last three outings. However, we’ll soon find out if she can make it four-in-a-row with new album Lotus due to drop in early May. The tribal rhythms and seismic bass of ‘Flood’ is the first taste of the forthcoming project, a collaboration with Nigerian singer Obongjayar and South African musician Moonchild Sanelly that suggests Simz’s visionary artistry isn’t slowing down any time soon.
Watch the video here
Emergence by Sleep Token
Anonymous metal outfit Sleep Token have had a meteoric rise over the last couple of years, with 2023 album Take Me Back To Eden catapulting them to the top of festival bills and enabling them to sell out arenas nationwide. ‘Emergence’ feels a fitting first single then for their upcoming project Even In Arcadia, due for release in early May, just one month before their heavily debated headline booking at Download Festival. If this awesome new single is anything to go by though, it should be a suitably epic and genre-defying live experience.
Listen here
Statue In The Square by Kae Tempest
Their first new music in two years, immensely talented spoken word rapper, poet, novelist and playwright Kae Tempest returned this month with dazzling new single ‘Statue In The Square’. Brilliantly bold, it’s a song about courage and community that sees Kae weave intricately woven bars, spinning them from their lips at rapid, jaw-dropping speed. As mind-blowing as ever from one of the country’s most original creatives.
Watch the video here
The Test by Billy Nomates
Punk singer-songwriter Tor Maries has already dropped a new project in 2025, with her OST for Mary & The Hyenas boasting more than a couple of highlights. However, ‘The Test’ is the first track to be taken from upcoming third studio album Metalhorse, the follow-up to 2023’s brilliant CACTI. The first song written for the project, it’s a typically strong start to the new era from Maries, a determined anthem about persevering in the face of adversity.
Listen here
Bonnet of Pins by Matt Berninger
After releasing two albums in 2023 with his bandmates in The National after a supposed spout of writer’s block, it seems Matt Berninger has got his creative groove back. Now his second solo album Get Sunk is due out at the end of May and first single ‘Bonnet of Pins’ is a belter. While it doesn’t stray too far from The National’s formula, it’s an anthem that more than matches the exceptionally high standard of his day job, thanks to some scintillating guitars, triumphant horns, gorgeous vocal harmonies and Matt’s signature tongue-in-cheek lyricism.
Listen here
Letter From An Unknown Girlfriend by The Waterboys featuring Fiona Apple
Shaping up to be one of the most ambitious projects of the year, legendary Gaelic rockers The Waterboys are set to release their new 25-track odyssey in April - Life, Death and Dennis Hopper. As the title suggests, it’s an album that will examine the last 75 years of human existence and pop culture through the lens of actor Dennis Hopper’s life. With a few superstar collaborations lined up too, ‘Letter From An Unknown Girlfriend’ is one of the first to be revealed, a beautifully tender song written by Mike Scott but performed by American singer-songwriter, Fiona Apple.
Watch the lyric video here
spit it out / follow your direction by Low Island
Add this to the longlist of exciting releases dropping in May, DIY Oxford outfit Low Island are set to return with their first new album in three years, titled bird. Working with one of their musical heroes in Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear on the project, the band have released two quite contrasting teaser singles so far. Lead single ‘spit it out’ is a rage-fuelled, Radiohead-inspired rock track built on thunderous guitars, while ‘follow your direction’ is a heartfelt, minimalist electro-ballad that sees Carlos Posada’s vocals beautifully shimmer through the distortion. With both singles showcasing the band’s ever-present versatility and eclectism, I personally can’t wait for this one.
Listen to spit it out here
Listen to follow your direction here
East Alameda St. by Free Range Buddhas
You guessed it – another album also dropping in May! This time it’s Hatched, the sophomore effort from Santa Fe outfit Free Range Buddhas. Released on the always consistent Mama Mañana Records, this final single before the album release might just be the best cut off the project yet, bringing together a beautiful love letter to their New Mexico hometown that sees frontwoman Francesca Jozette’s vocals soar over some warm bluesy guitars.
Listen here
Double Blind by Tinvis
What’s that, you want another sonic gem from Mama Mañana Records?! Well you’re in luck, as Californian musician Joel Daniel - AKA Tinvís – just released his fantastic debut single, ‘Double Blind’. One for fans of The War of Drugs, it sees Daniel working with accomplished session players Max Hart (Tegan & Sara, We Are Scientists) and Eric Gardner (Dot Hacker, Melissa Etheridge, Tom Morello) to deliver a stirring heartland rock ballad, brimming with subtle strings, emotive piano chords and Daniel’s own passionate vocals. With album Texnia expected this summer, I personally can’t wait to hear more!
Who Wants To Live Forever by Mickey Callisto
Ending as I always do on a cover, this month’s choice comes from Sunderland-born, superstar-in-the-making, Mickey Callisto. Discovering him through Dot To Dot festival a couple of years back, Mickey’s incredible talent for performing is as raw and obvious as it gets. Beginning his musical life performing in Queen tribute acts, he channels the showmanship and voice of Freddie Mercury into his own original music – with his brilliant debut EP Homospace named one of my top shortplayers for 2023. While it may have taken a few years, I’m pleased to say Mickey is finally getting noticed thanks to a sublime, goosebump-inducing performance on this year’s season of Britain’s Got Talent. Covering Queen’s iconic single ‘Who Wants To Live Forever’ and knocking it out of the park in the process, it is simply a star-making moment that demands to be seen.
Watch Mickey’s performance on Britain’s Got Talent here
And if you want a bonus cover for this month – check out Fontaines D.C. mashing up Bring Me The Horizon’s Can You Feel My Heart with Nirvana’s Heart-Shaped Box for Triple J’s Like A Version here.
Also well worth checking out:
The Giver by Chappell Roan
Lucy by ABSOLUTE & Joe Goddard featuring Lucy Fizz
I HEART YOU by Confidence Man & Eliza Rose
Confession by Girl In Red
Skin by Marika Hackman featuring Laura Marling
The Queen of Mercy by Soda Blonde
Heathen by Deafheaven
Time Will Tell (Maybe) by Share
Jungle Child by ROB.GREEN
The Cross by Dusty 4 Track
REMINDER: If you use Apple Music, you can also keep up-to-date with all my favourite 2025 tracks through my Best of 2025 playlist. Constantly updated throughout the year with songs I enjoy, it is then finalised into a Top 100 Songs of the Year in December.
Add the Best of 2025 playlist to your library here