Each week, Music Director Chris Sanley and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder share brief insights on new and upcoming releases for KEXP's rotation. These reviews help our DJs keep up with many of the (sometimes copious) new releases, and decide on what they want to play.
We’re launching a New Music Tuesday newsletter. Every Tuesday (or just about), we’ll email you a hand-picked selection from these very same new music recommendations that our Music Directors send to the DJs, highlighting some of the most exciting new releases we’re adding to our collection. New Music Tuesday will feature quick, accessible reviews with expanded details that you won’t get anywhere else. It’s the easiest way to find your next favorite band!
We’re kicking off with this special edition, which features Chris and Alex’s favorite albums you might have missed in 2025. See them below, and subscribe to the newsletter to have these dropped in your inbox weekly at www.kexp.org/new.
Following a series of EPs and singles, Manchester outfit Maruja come out of the gate SWINGIN’ with their debut album. True innovators, they deliver a thrilling blend of post-punk, jazz, noise, and prog—a dizzying sonic assault featuring swirling saxophone, fierce guitars, pounding drums, and unrestrained, passionate vocals. ‘Pain to Power’ presents intricate, expressive, and chaotic arrangements that reflect the tension in today’s socio-political landscape, showcasing a sophisticated, inventive quartet poised to turn heads and open hearts by embracing, as frontman Harry Wilkinson puts it, “our power to overcome pain.” –Chris Sanley–
RIYL: Black Midi, Black Country, New Road, BADBADNOTGOOD, IDLES
Start with: #3 - “Saoirse”
The second album from Seattle-based artist Brittany Davis is a stunning journey through expressive, improvisatory, spiritual jazz. Backed by longtime Seattle jazz luminaries D’Vonne Lewis on drums and Evan Flory-Barnes on bass, Brittany once again showcases their singular storytelling talent, deft instrumental talents (here specifically on keys), and unique voice as a blind, non-binary, Black musician through a series of powerful songs interstitched by ancestral spirituals that add a profound, beautiful, emotional depth to the full album experience. Much like the album's exploratory, nuanced, and daring arrangements, Brittany’s voice serves as a dynamic vessel for potent, poignant, poetic lyrics as it dances between melodic singing, spoken word, beat poetry, and rapping in astounding fashion. A distinct shift from their funk-heavy breakout debut album ‘Images Issues,’ ‘Black Thunder’ packs an equally impressive artistic punch and adds a paramount recorded chapter into Seattle’s deep, illustrious jazz history. -Alex Ruder-
RIYL: Nina Simone, Meshell Ndegeocello, Rahsaan Roland Kirk, Alice Coltrane
Start with: #16 - "Sun and Moon"
The sophomore album from LA-based musician Izzy Hagerup, aka Prewn, is a commanding, artful exploration of discomfort and depression. Her expressive vocals, at times stretching into a yodel, sit front and center as she layers sinister strings, guitars, and percussion to craft moody, captivating sonic expressions with dynamic builds. Described as a “private journal made public,” ‘System’ is a raw and intimate listen that lingers long after the last note. –Chris Sanley–
RIYL: Angel Olsen, Miya Folick, Anna Calvi, Merryn Jeann, Aldous Harding, U.S. Girls, PJ Harvey, Marissa Nadler
Start with: #6 - “Forgot”
The debut album from this Austin, Texas four-piece who “decided to start a band after a late-night viewing of the Mötley Crüe movie ‘The Dirt’” (!!!) is an awesome, blistering, in-your-face set of heavy rock, snarling punk, and gritty grunge that bottles up the anthemic angst of their inspirations – Black Sabbath, Pixies, Mudhoney, PJ Harvey, Nirvana – to unleash their own contemporary vitriolic anthems. -Alex Ruder-
RIYL: Scowl, SPRINTS, Bully, Turnstile, Upchuck, Black Sabbath, Mudhoney, Nirvana
Start with: #9 - "Punishers"
The second album from SML, the experimental jazz supergroup composed of Anna Butterss, Jeremiah Chiu, Josh Johnson, Booker Stardrum, and Gregory Uhlmann, is a scintillating showcase of groove-forward improvisation. Recorded live across Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle (at The Tractor!), and NYC, these thirteen exhilarating tracks exude life and reflect the chaotic nature of modern times. With an intoxicating blend of jazz, electronic, krautrock, and psych, ‘How You Been’ is a transportive, innovative collection of essential contemporary jazz fusion. –Chris Sanley–
RIYL: Makaya McCraven, Natural Information Society, Tortoise, Go Kurosawa
Start with: #3 - “Taking out the Trash”
The second album (and 1st in nearly seven years) from this Canadian band fronted by singer/songwriter Andy Shauf is a charming collection of homespun folk songs packed with warm melodies, playful instrumentation, orchestral flourishes, and a sepia-toned nostalgic streak that’s enhanced by sampled dialogue (seemingly from a pre-1950s film) that’s implemented throughout the album. -Alex Ruder-
RIYL: Andy Shauf, Jon McKiel, Human Highway, Cotton Jones, Cut Worms, Mapache
Start with: #4 - "Listen2me"
For her third album, Montreal’s Thanya Iyer has constructed a lush, welcoming dreamscape. ‘TIDE/TIED’ contains multitudes, weaving together elements of jazz, experimental folk, chamber pop, and ambient music to breathtaking effect. Featuring her ethereal vocals and elaborate instrumentation–including harp, keys, violin, cello, trumpet, clarinet, saxophone, guitars, and drum programming–these twelve tracks float with a delicate force. Sit back, breathe, and let her waves wash over you. –Chris Sanley–
RIYL: Beth Gibbons, Ohmme, Julie Byrne, Esperanza Spalding, Aldous Harding, Laura Marling, Salami Rose Joe Louis, Molina
Start with: #1 - “I am here now”
NYC trio Ivy return in brilliant fashion with ‘Traces of You', their first new album in 14 years and their first since the tragic passing of founding member Adam Schlesinger – also a founding member of Fountains of Wayne and a super talented film/TV writer – from COVID-19 in April 2020. Built from demos and song fragments written by all three founding members between 1995 to 2012, Andy Chase and Dominique Durand worked with Ivy's backing keyboardist and guitarist, Bruce Driscoll, and the blessing of Schlesinger’s family, to bring these ideas to the finish line. The result is a consistently sharp collection of nostalgic gems that provide a refreshing time capsule back to the stylish, catchy, clever indie pop that characterized their adored late 1990s and early 2000s output. -Alex Ruder-
RIYL: Air, Saint Etienne, The Sundays, The Clientele, The Innocence Mission, Belle & Sebastian, Frou Frou, Club 8, Everything But The Girl
Start with: #7 - “Heartbreak”
The fourth solo album from LA-based musician and Wand frontman Cory Hanson finds him channeling the spirit of a ‘70s singer-songwriter. Featuring lush guitars, keys, horns, and strings, his rich vocals and vivid storytelling grip listeners through arrangements that move from playful and jubilant to melancholic and introspective. ‘I Love People’ is a timeless, instant classic that showcases Hanson’s singular talent. –Chris Sanley–
RIYL: Wand (duh), Ty Segall, Warren Zevon, Father John Misty, Loren Kramar, Harry Nillson, Kevin Morby, MJ Lenderman
Start with: #3 - “I Love People”
The second solo album from London-based artist Martin Luke Brown (also a member of FIZZ) is an excellent set of shimmery, groovy, addictive psych-pop with a soulful, folky charm. His breezy falsetto and smartly-crafted songs often recall Unknown Mortal Orchestra and Whitney, but there’s also moments that bring to mind Radiohead’s “Weird Fishes” (“animal”) as well as Radiohead with Mk.gee-esque eccentricities (“say less !”), and surprisingly tender, poignant moments, like on “to be a man” where he reflects on getting older and friends passing away. -Alex Ruder-
RIYL: Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Whitney, sir Was, Yves Jarvis, Radiohead, The Flaming Lips, The South Hill Experiment, Kelly Finnigan
Start with: #1 - “hello !”
The debut album from LA-based singer, songwriter, and producer Jordan Patterson showcases an artist stepping out with a clear, confident vision. Her vulnerable lyrics draw listeners in, set against inviting, folk-tinged bedroom pop soundscapes. With distinctive vocals and compelling arrangements featuring tender piano, expressive guitar, and subtle sonic manipulations, ‘The Hermit’ is an intimate and striking first outing. –Chris Sanley–
RIYL: Kara Jackson, Indigo de Souza, Cat Power, Tracy Chapman, Aldous Harding, Laura Marling, Annahstasia
Start with: #4 - “God”
The latest album from Los Angeles-based Canadian musician, singer, producer, and do-it-all artist Dominic Salole (aka Mocky) marks his first for Stones Throw Records and it’s an immaculate showcase of his warm, lush, orchestral soul music. Written in an attempt “to capture the essence of humanity in an increasingly digital and artificial world,” there’s a nostalgic, analog-rich, feel-good charm to Mocky’s music, which gets a boost from a 16-piece choir that includes Moorea Masa, Nia Andrews, Maylee Todd, and Nana Adjoa. -Alex Ruder-
RIYL: Adrian Younge, Benny Sings, Eddie Chacon, Aaron Frazer, Bobby Oroza, Say She She, Jens Lekman
Start with: #3 - “Infinite Vibrations”
The sophomore album from London-based singer, songwriter, and producer Mark William Lewis is a delicious slice of moody, evocative indie rock, infused with touches of slowcore, folk, bedroom pop, and ambient. Propelled by his deep timbre, raw lyricism, and intriguing arrangements, the cinematic soundscapes on this self-titled effort are gripping from first note to last, establishing Lewis as a singular voice with this stunning second outing. –Chris Sanley–
RIYL: Elias Rønnenfelt, Dean Blunt, King Krule, Cameron Winter, Westerman
Start with: #1 - “Still Above”
Nearly fifteen years since their sweet debut collaborative single “Desire”, Puerto Rican New York natives Nomi Ruiz and Eli Escobar deliver their first full-length album and it’s a strong collection of emotive house, groovy disco, slippery R&B, and slinky freestyle jams. Best known as the leader of Jessica 6, a nu-disco trio that formed after its members helped put together Hercules and Love Affair’s live show, Latinx trans artist Nomi Ruiz shines bright within the flamboyant, defiant, jubilant pulse of ‘Love Louder,’ her magnetic voice finding an ideal partner with Eli’s crisp, classic, timeless rhythms and analog synth workouts. -Alex Ruder-
RIYL: Honey Dijon, Hercules & Love Affair, Jayda G, Romy, The Blessed Madonna, Escort, The Juan Maclean
Start with: #4 - “Blindside”
The eighth studio album from Argentine singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and producer Juana Molina is an expansive collection of spellbinding experimental art pop, and her first new full-length release in nearly a decade. Conceived over five years, primarily at her home in Buenos Aires and emerging from a deep well of improvisational jams, ‘DOGA’ boasts intricate textures, dynamic arrangements, and Molina’s signature hypnotic vocals, drawing listeners into a trance-like state throughout this immersive, transcendent opus. –Chris Sanley–
RIYL: Bjork, Lucrecia Dalt, Luisa Almaguer, Astrid Sonne, Lyra Pramuk, Angélica Garcia, Cate Le Bon, Helado Negro, Mabe Fratti, Anna von Hausswolff
Start with: #6 ”indignan a un zorzál”
The second album from this Brazilian artist hailing from the coastal town of Maceió is a beautiful set of serene, instrumentally-rich, bossa nova-tinted folk-pop gems rooted in the traditions of Northeastern Brazilian music and golden-era MPB. While most of the tracks here hover around a fleeting 2-minute running time, Nyron packs his songs with a ton of warmth, character, and nuance for a quietly magnetic journey. -Alex Ruder-
RIYL: Bruno Berle, Savath & Savalas, Lau Ro, Jose Lobo, Caetano Veloso, José González
Start with: #4 - “São Só Palavras (feat. Bruno Berle & alici)”
The sophomore album from NYC-based, Chicago-born singer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist keiyaA is a bewitching fusion of jazz, R&B, neo-soul, and hip hop. With her kaleidoscopic arrangements and fearless introspection, she examines “the eternal relationship with the self,” defiantly confronting societal stereotypes, particularly those aimed at fat Black and brown women. The expansive and dynamically textured ‘hooke’s law’ features entrancing synths, intricate beats, and vocal manipulations that showcase her exceptional artistry. –Chris Sanley–
RIYL: Georgia Anne Muldrow, Raveena, duendita, Kelela, Halima, Demae
Start with: #3 - “stupid prizes”
The second full-length album from this Oakland-based Japanese-American rapper/singer/producer is an awesome set of his exquisite, expansive “lofi-hyphy” sound that confidently blends lush beats, dreamy earworm melodies, addictive hooks, and clever quotable lyrics with a low-key charismatic swagger. Along the album’s aqueous, free-flowing journey, seiji sneaks in atmospheric ambient pieces, 90s-influenced R&B ballads, bossa nova-meets-baile bops, and ethereal dream-pop moments and brings along a bunch of his Bay Area friends to create a rewind-worthy “calm but geeked” experience. -Alex Ruder-
RIYL: Mac Dre, Do Or Die, E-40, Lil B, Main Attrakionz, Porter Ray, Nujabes
Start with: #2 - “no fillins² (feat. Trunk Boiz)”
The seventh studio album from Welsh singer, songwriter, and producer Cate Le Bon finds the artist examining heartbreak through a prismatic pop lens. ‘Michelangelo Dying’ weaves a rich, evocative sonic tapestry that spins a bright web out of melancholy, uncovering light within the darkness. With layered guitars, synths, saxophone, drums, and vocals, these densely textured, transformative gems are all consuming.
RIYL: Weyes Blood, Flock of Dimes, Cassandra Jenkins, Sharon Van Etten, Circuit des Yeux
Start with: #7 - “Heaven Is No Feeling”
The debut full-length album this Melbourne-based duo composed of producer/songwriter/mastermind ADP and vocalist Emmanuela Degery is a fresh, funky, fantastic record that fully showcases their addictive Afro-Synth sound inspired by a deep love for the bubblegum soul and synth boogie music that was popular in South Africa throughout the 1980s, and still sounds amazing in 2025. -Alex Ruder-
RIYL: Soundway’s ‘Gumba Fire’ comp, Frances Bebey, William Onyeabor, Ibibio Sound Machine
Start with: #2 - “Sweet Sweet Music”
Each week, Music Director Chris Sanley and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder share brief insights on new and upcoming releases for KEXP's rotation. See what we added this week, from Dry Cleaning, Fred again.., JJerome87, and more.
Each week, Music Director Chris Sanley and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder share brief insights on new and upcoming releases for KEXP's rotation. These reviews help our DJs decide on what they want to play. See what we added this week below (and on our Charts page), including new releases from …
Each week, Music Director Chris Sanley and Associate Music Director Alex Ruder share brief insights on new and upcoming releases for KEXP's rotation. These reviews help our DJs decide on what they want to play. See what we added this week below (and on our Charts page), including new releases from …
