This April has been a busy month for new albums, with long awaited albums from acclaimed artists and promising new artists alike being released. For any avid album listeners looking to listen to as much as they can or for anyone looking for new music, this list is for you.
Black Country, New Road: "Forever Howlong"
Genre: Experimental/rock
April 4, 2025
Following the departure of former Black Country, New Road frontman Isaac Wood, many fans of the group wondered how the band would adapt to a new lead singer (or, as it turned out, singers). The group's 2023 live album "Live at Bush Hall" gave fans a glimpse of what the band's future might sound like, and their new album "Forever Howlong" shows a more fully realized version of the band's new sound.
Vocalist and keyboard player May Kershaw and violin player Georgia Ellery supply amazing vocals throughout the album's runtime that fill the void left by Isaac Wood's departure. The sound throughout the album ranges from energetic harpsichord-filled fun on opening track "Besties", to the beautiful, airy supporting vocals on "For the Cold Country". Dizzying song structures throughout the album and unusual instrumentation featuring the mandolin, recorder and saxophone lend to a wonderful listening experience that will surely enrapture listeners.
Jane Remover: "Revengeseekerz"
Genre: Experimental/pop/R&B
April 4, 2025
Jane Remover's third full length album sees her moving away from the guitar-focused rock sound of her second album, transitioning into an intense, high-energy rap sound. Where her 2023 project "Census Designated" lives within layers or droning guitar, "Revengeseekerz" opts for an adrenaline-rush inducing mix of blasting synths and autotuned voice. The influence of the internet is apparent throughout "Revengeseekerz", with sound effects from Pokemon, Wii Sports Resort, Duke Nukem and Mario Kart being fit into the chaotic soundscape of songs. Fans of more popular artists like Yeat and Playboi Carti will find many similarities to love throughout this album, especially in standout songs "Psychoboost feat danny brown", "Dancing With Your Eyes Closed" and "JRJRJR".
Florist:"Jellywish"
Genre: Folk/country
April 4, 2025
Florist's 2022 self titled album caught many listeners attention due to the quiet, electronic folk music the band delivered so well. Their new album "Jellywish" shows the band has retained and improved upon their skill of writing tender, heartwarming indie folk music. While there may be less electronic, hazy production, the sound is filled with more rhythmic percussion to move songs along. Songs such as "Gloom Designs" bring back tender memories in the listener with the use of subtle synthesizers and background noises of the outdoors. Singles like "Have Heaven" and "Jellyfish" feature gentle, calming vocals, along with earwormy choruses that will stay with the listener long after finishing the album.
Bon Iver: "SABLE, fABLE"
Genre: Rock/folk
April 11, 2025
Bon Iver's absence from music lasted for six years, and their much anticipated fifth album does not disappoint. The Best New Artist at the 2012 Grammys continues to weave tender lyrics and catchy melodies into their music, and even move into a brighter sound throughout their new album. Justin Vernon's vocals sound great as ever, showing great range and delivery on the song "Everything is Peaceful Love". Disc 1 of the album falls into a more traditional folk sound, while Disc 2 incorporates more synthesized sounds, featuring new collaborators like Jacob Collier, Dijon and Mk.Gee. The soulful, peaceful energy of Bon Iver's newest project is sure to brighten your day, if not your week.
Messa: "The Spin"
Genre: Metal/alternative
April 11, 2025
The newest album from Italian metal band Messa is perfect album for newcomers to metal as well as avid fans. The band blends the extended song structure and left-field instrumentation of progressive metal and the expert riffs of doom metal (think of Black Sabbath's sound). "The Dress" is a clear standout on the album, featuring great vocal work by band member Sara and a prolonged section of trumpet and guitar riffs. The vocals effortlessly transition from tender and floaty to a powerful shout, matching the music wherever necessary.
Djo: "The Crux"
Genre: Rock
April 4, 2025
In 2024, Djo exploded into the frontlines of the indie pop scene with his song "End of Beginning". The revelation of many new fans that the artist was actually a persona of famous actor Joe Keery only fueled the fire of Djo's new success. Djo's new album does not necessarily stick to the sound that brought him into the limelight, instead choosing to experiment. While this might leave the album with a lack of cohesion between songs, there are some amazing moments throughout the album.
Songs "Basic Being Basic" and "Delete Ya" are surely slated to have radio success with their smart lyrics and catchy choruses. "Charlie's Garden" features some heavy Beatles and Electric Light Orchestra influence in its jaunty piano part and vocal delivery , as well as some added spoken dialogue from fellow "Stranger Things" actor Charlie Heaton. Lastly, the beautiful ballad found on "Fly" has a chord progression of seventh chords that give it its floaty, soulful sound.
Fontaines DC: "Romance (Deluxe Edition)"
Genre: Rock
April 16, 2024
"Romance" contains a multitude of alt-rock bangers, and surely was the soundtrack to many student's fall semester in 2024. Producer James Ford (Arctic Monkeys, Gorillaz and Depeche Mode) helped shift the sound of the band into a sound of "Britpop, gothic Americana and '90's alt rock," according to Pitchfork.Their new deluxe album features standout tracks "It's Amazing to be Young" and "Before You I Just Forget", with the latter of the two standing out as a unique blend of droning background noise and a burnt out sounding speak-singing of Grian Chatten.
The live mashup of "Starburster" and "In Heaven" is also incredible, blending together seamlessly in with a new piano-ballad sound. Tracks on the original album such as "Favourite", "Starburster" and "Death Kink" continue to be catchy and invigorating as well.
Panchiko: "Ginkgo"
Genre: Indie rock
April 4, 2025
Panchiko's journey from being a forgotten 1997 band whose tapes were found at a charity store in 2016, to a touring group has been strange to see. Their shoe gaze/indie pop sound from album "D>E>A>T>H>M>E>T>A>L" is featured in small sections, but a modern indie rock sheen is applied to their newest music.
Owain Davie's vocals are very strong throughout the album, with a beautiful head voice shown on then chorus of "Chapel of Salt". "Shandy in the Graveyard" proved to be my favorite, as an unexpected collaboration with underground rap star Billy Woods adds depth and gorgeous lyricism to the song within the glitchy landscape of the song.
Albums from April are still releasing, so be on the lookout for albums such as "Tunnel Vision" by Beach Bunny, "Withered" by d4vd, "Viagr Aboys" by Viagra Boys and more.