Gingerbee
This internet band is one of extremely unique talent and circumstance, and their creativity and dynamism has made them one of my most listened to artists in 2025. Composed of members from all around the world, the internet-based nature of Gingerbee's music is evident in the best way possible. They released their debut EP in 2023– and this is not just an album, it’s an experience– a bee-themed experience. Screaming is contrasted with twinkly guitars, interspersed with actual soundbites from The Bee Movie. This may sound absurd, but Gingerbee manages to transform such a nonsensical concept as this into an extremely moving journey that reflects on childhood, innocence, and the pain of nostalgia. Due to the amount of genre mixing and its internet basis, this EP has quickly become a 5th-wave emo classic. Gingerbee released a follow up single in 2024 called Petal Dance, which refines and expands upon the genre bending profoundness that the band introduced in their EP. Filled with strings, distorted guitar, and piano, Petal Dance manages to compound the emotions of ecstasy and sorrow in the masterfully composed 3 minute song. Gingerbee is definitely on my 2025 essential artists list, and I can’t wait to see what they produce next.
Hum
Hum is one of those special bands that continues to refine its sound with age, growing with a grace that can only come from authenticity and dedication to their music. From their start as a hardcore band in the early 90s, Hum has transformed their previously rock-heavy sound into an intricate, blendable soundscape with their 2020 release, Inlet, What I admire most about Hum is the cohesion that each one of their albums contains, with similar themes and sensible transitions. Everything feels intentional and well thought out, and the care and time Hum puts into their work is clear. Often described as ‘space rock’ or ‘nerd rock’, Hum’s lyrics contain themes of physics and astronomy to capture the universal feelings they are trying to convey. The spacey nature of their lyrics is perfectly paired with their broad and beautiful soundscapes, creating a distinct feeling with their music that takes the listener on an enrapturing journey through the ups and downs of their albums. Whether it’s with their 90’s heavier albums or the masterfully composed Inlet, Hum is number one on my shoegaze essentials, and a must listen to for 2025 if you haven't listened yet.
Slaughter Beach, Dog
To me, Slaughter Beach, Dog, is the pinnacle of modern indie, combining simple but memorable melodies with monotone, intimate vocals that really let the band’s lyricism shine. Slaughter Beach, Dog, truly captures the melancholy of youth in the distinctive American landscape, capturing through their lyrics the tremendousness of love and relationships amongst the triviality of everyday life. To me, their music is full of wonderful contradictions, delivering their emotionally intense and poetic lyrics through a calm and dialled back simple indie sound. This creates a special intimacy, and leaves the listener space to visualize the complex scenes that each song describes. The Slaughter Beach, Dog project that most stands out to me is 2017’s Motorcycle.JPG, which shows off the band’s knack for simple yet effective melodies. Slaughter Beach, Dog is essential listening for any indie fan in 2025.
Written by Devin
Post a Comment