2025 Albums That Slap

The Callous Daoboys was a new to me band this year as well that I discovered through Kit getting a physical magazine about Metal for the Sleep Token feature but The Callous Daoboys was mentioned inside and I have been really into it! I especially love Two-Headed Trout but the whole album is really good!

Also, do yourself a favor and watch all of their music videos! They are fucking hilarious.

Gotta add our new kitten's namesake to this list as this is the year I really discovered, appreciated, and saw in person, the Ethel Cain. This album feels like one that many will imitate but in my limited experience and knowledge, Ethel seems like one of a kind.

I have long appreciated The Mountain Goats even though their vast discography of music has often intimidated me and I've rarely known where to start or what to zero in with them. (outside of This Year from the album The Sunset Tree which is one of my favorite songs ever) But this album has given me a renewed appreciation for them. It feels cinematic yet familiar, and produced really well in my opinion with plenty to hear on great stereo speakers while listening with attention.

Saturdays at your place was a new discovery for me this year and it just so happens to be the year they released "these things happen" which has become a bit of a comfort listen for me.

I have liked Pool Kids for a bit but this new album feels refined and fun and vibey in a way their earlier ones hadn't yet. The very first song on the album, "Easier Said Than Done" starts immediately with this harmony and bass drone going into drum rim hits that fuckin' light me up.

Started with hearing the song, Vivid Light which caused me to dig deep into the whole album and I feel such warm, all-encompassing, and ethereal vibes from this whole album. A night drive listen as well as just chilling out, this album has been doing a lot for me this year.