May 2025 brought new music releases that are sure to excite any listener. Musical talent, both old and new, has brought both recent releases and additions to longstanding discographies. With genres ranging from post-rock, art-pop, hip-hop and dance-pop, there is something for everyone. Here are five notable releases from the month.
Fancy That by PinkPantheress
PinkPantheress is one of my favorite acts in recent memory. I have heard most of her past releases, but “Fancy That” thoroughly impressed me.
Filled with catchy house beats and drum and bass reminiscent of the early days of the genre from the ’90s, this mixtape captures a distinct sonic style. But coming in at just over 20 minutes, I was left wanting more. Not to say I did not enjoy the listen, but it went by so quickly.
“Girl Like Me” and “Tonight” were some of my favorite songs, but honestly, the entire tracklist flowed great with amazing tracks throughout.
The production perfectly complemented her distinct vocal style, ensuring a solid all-around listen, making this Pink Pantheress’ strongest release to date.
Rating: 9/10
Birthing by Swans
I have been a fan of Swans for years, but never been much of a fan of their newest work. 2023’s “The Beggar“ had some tracks I enjoyed but, ultimately, was one of my less preferred releases from the group.
While it is hard to top their legendary trilogy of “The Seer,“ “To Be Kind“ and “The Glowing Man,” Birthing“ is genuinely one of their best releases since then.
But it still falls victim to many post-rock flaws I take issue with. Overly repetitious and with a lack of progression, it struggled to keep me engaged, though I respect the cohesiveness in the atmosphere throughout
“The Merge“ was my favorite from my first listen. The song incorporated intense percussional sections with heavy guitar repetitions and ended with folkish, trance-like ramblings from lead vocalist and frontman Michael Gira.
I would hardly recommend this as an introduction to post-rock to an unfamiliar listener. While still solid, and I understand the appeal for others, I will always prefer their older releases, namely “Swans Are Dead“ and “Soundtracks for the Blind.”
Rating: 6/10
Pinball II by MIKE and Tony Seltzer
MIKE’s lethargic raps collide with Tony Seltzer’s exciting production talents on “Pinball II,“ the sequel to the first time the duo collaborated with 2024’s “Pinball.“
While you might expect a more than mediocre listen when combining abstract hip-hop with trap, I think MIKE excels on this album, notably stronger than on his other projects.
The production is also varied throughout, making for an exciting listen. I was impressed with Tony Seltzer’s combination of trap and cloud rap on this project.
Features helped to add some variety to the tracklist, with Earl Sweatshirt giving an excellent verse on “Jumanji.“
“Pinball II“ has given me a new appreciation for MIKE; while his past releases did not seem all too special on my first listens, this release encourages me to revisit his past work with a newfound appreciation.
Rating: 7/10
Instant Holograms On Metal Film by Stereolab
It is a common curse for bands with decades-long careers to release worse and worse music as they continue performing and creating past their prime. Stereolab proves the curse wrong with “Instant Holograms On Metal Film.”
This is a surprisingly solid release from the art pop group, coming 15 years since their last full-length release.
While still sounding recognizably Stereolab-esque, the band incorporates a distinct sound throughout, ensuring a definite identity for the album.
“Melodie Is A Wound“ and “Transmuted Matter“ were two of my favorite tracks from the album. Lætitia Sadier’s vocals shined on these songs and throughout the tracklist.
It does have slightly snappy, overly clean mixing and production. This release lacks a certain amount of texture that was better in their earlier work from the ’90s and 2000s.
Nonetheless, “Instant Holograms On Metal Film by Stereolab“ was a solid release from the group, proving themselves over a decade since their last project.
Rating: 7/10
Egotrip by John Michel and Anthony James
Going into the first track, I was excited for the rest of the album. Then came the second track, which sounded nearly identical to the first, then the third, identical again. By the time I got to the last song, I was wondering whether I had actually listened to 12 different songs.
“Egotrip“ may seem like it has the novelty to showcase some up-and-coming talent, but upon closer inspection, it offers little appeal to me as a listener.
It just seems overly formulaic: the samples, lyrics, flow and production. It all sounds the same. Yes, I enjoyed one song, but it just felt like the same track over and over again, with no thought put into the tracklist. It could have been on shuffle, and it would sound no different.
I appreciate the throwback style with Chipmunk Soul, but it sounds too one-noted, with not enough variety throughout.
I would have enjoyed this album; it just needed that next step: switching up the style, the flow, anything. And while it would have been a relatively small change, it would have made a world of difference.
Where it stands now, I would never return to this album.
Rating: 4/10