The Ephemeric

If music be the food of love, prepare for a 15 course tasting menu extravaganza, with the extra cheese supplement. Whether you're a die-hard fan, a casual listener, or somewhere in between, prepare to be inspired, surprised, and moved by the power of music in its ever-evolving glory. Tastes may differ, but if you start your 2025 musical adventure off here, you won't go far wrong.

So without further ado, here is our list of the top albums to keep an eye on in 2025, starting with number 15:


15. Good Neighbours (New band)

Starting off with a new band for 2025, east London indie-pop duo Good Neighbours, comprising Scott Verrill and Oli Fox, have been making waves following the release of their self-titled debut EP last year.

Following their debut headline show in November 2023, Good Neighbours have rapidly ascended the music scene, performing at major festivals like Reading & Leeds, Latitude, Boardmasters, and All Points East. Their dynamic soundscape and engaging performances have solidified their status as a rising force in the indie music landscape, especially with viral hits like Home and Keep it Up.

Now a full debut LP is in production, and expected to drop some time in 2025. We will be watching closely for this one.

Release Date: TBD 2025


14. the xx 

It feels like we’ve been saying this for a long time, but The xx are back in the studio, crafting their highly anticipated, as yet untitled, fourth album. Fifteen years on from The xx's debut and the former indie darlings and firmly embedded themselves as global superstars, with three chart topping albums (more if you count the outstanding solo work of Jamie xx) that seem to get better and better with each release. 

Following individual solo ventures, the trio—Romy, Oliver Sim, and Jamie xx—have reunited. Fans can look forward to an album that reflects both their signature style and the diverse influences they’ve embraced during their time apart. 

We don't have an album name or release date, so I will just leave you with their best track, On Hold, as a reminder for how good these guys can be. I can't wait for this comeback. While details are few and far between at the moment, there’s no doubt that when (if) this drops in 2025, it will be one of the most hyped albums of the year.

Release Date: TBD 2025

12. "Everyone Says Hi" by Everyone Says Hi (New band)

It’s an exciting start for the new band, and one that sees them high on many lists for the hotly anticipated musical releases of 2025.

10. "Song of the Earth" by Dirty Projectors

It has been a challenging few years for Dirty Projectors, the Brooklyn-based indie band best known for unique and highly diverse musical stylings with tracks like Swing Lo Magellan and Useful Chamber. The band has faced high profile band member bust ups, departures, and the integration of new personnel. Now a full band again, Dirty Projectors are set to release their ambitious new album, Song of the Earth, on April 4, 2025. 

Marking another creative left turn for the band, this is a largely orchestral production, inspired by Gustav Mahler’s Das Lied von der Erde, exploring themes of nature and human experience. The project features collaborations with the Berlin-based chamber orchestra, Stargaze, and artists such as Phil Elverum, Steve Lacy, and Tim Bernardes. 

The lead single Uninhabitable Earth, Paragraph One adapts the opening of David Wallace-Wells’ book The Uninhabitable Earth, reflecting on climate change and its immediate impacts. If we can count on this band for one thing, it is that the work will be creatively interesting, and unashamedly unique. .

Release Date: April 2025


9. "Sinister Grift" by Panda Bear

Panda Bear is an artist who needs no introduction in the indie music scene. The solo project of Animal Collective’s Noah Lennox, Panda Bear has since gone on to become a major name in and of itself, producing critically acclaimed solo work and collaborating with some of the biggest names in music, such as Daft Punk. 

Panda Bear’s newest album, Sinister Grift, is set to release this month. This marks his first solo effort since 2019’s Buoys. Recorded at his Estudio Campo in Lisbon, Portugal, the album was co-produced with his Animal Collective bandmate Josh “Deakin” Dibb. Sinister Grift features collaborations with artists such as Cindy Lee, Spirit of the Beehive’s Rivka Ravede, and contributions from all members of Animal Collective. 

The first two singles released so far, Defence and Ferry Lady typify the artist’s distinct, experimental neo-psychedelic style, or what I would term “distorted nostalgia”. Certainly, this will be one to look out for when it releases.

Release Date: February 2025

8. "People Watching" by Sam Fender

Going a bit more mainstream for the next one. Sam Fender is set to release his third studio album, People Watching, this month. 

This album, co-produced with Markus Dravs and Adam Granduciel of The War on Drugs, was crafted over three years in London and Los Angeles. The lead single People Watching gives you a pretty good idea of what to expect. Sam Fender is often likened to a young Springsteen for his larger than life sounds and his focus on working class life and disaffected youth. Some genres are just timeless, and Fender delivers with a gusto that few can match.

Fender’s star has been on the rise for a number of years now, and with this latest album there is the expectation of very big things indeed.

Release Date: February 2025

7. Neko Case

While perhaps not as much a household name as she should be, Neko Case has shown herself to be one of the finest songwriters of her time through her solo work, and work with indie band New Pornographers.

As comfortable with infectiously catchy pop as with the delicate and introspective, known for singles such as I Wish I Was the Moon and her stunning cover of Roky Erickson’s Be and Bring Me Home, her music has an effortlessly timeless quality to it.

Neko Case is set to release her highly anticipated eighth studio album in 2025, marking her first new music since 2018’s Hell-On. While the album’s title and exact release date remain under wraps, Case has revealed that it will feature collaborations with violinist Tom Hagerman of DeVotchKa and members of the Colorado Symphony.

Release Date: Late 2025

6. "SABLE fABLE" by Bon Iver

One for the indie folk fans out there. Bon Iver, the musical project led by Justin Vernon, is set to release their fifth studio album, SABLE, fABLE, in April. 

This album marks their first full-length release since 2019’s i,i and serves as a continuation of the 2024 SABLE EP, the highlight of which was single Speyside, essentially as the opening of the new record. SABLE fABLE explores themes of transformation and renewal, transitioning from the introspective tones of SABLE, to a more vibrant and hopeful soundscape. The album features collaborations with artists such as Dijon, Flock of Dimes, and Danielle Haim.

The sound of Bon Iver singing without Vernon’s trademark falsetto takes some getting used to, but what we have heard so far is damn good, and we look forward to the rest of the album releasing this spring.

Release Date: April 2025

5. The Shins

Is it indie? Is it dad-rock at this stage? Call it what you will, but The Shins are one of the finest rock bands in the business, and they have a new album scheduled for release in 2025.

At the time of writing, details are still thin on the ground. We still don’t have an album title, for example. But frontman James Mercer has confirmed this to be in active production, with 17 new songs said to have been recorded. 

While a specific release date has not been announced, fans can look forward to a blend of the band’s signature indie rock sound, best demonstrated by tracks like New Slang, Simple Song, and Australia.

Release Date: TBD 2025


4. Braxe + Falcon (New band)


Release Date: TBD 2025

1. Passion Pit

So there you have it folks: 2025 in music. Tune in next week for this year's final Hot List, where we look at the most exciting new movies in 2025.