Albums to Keep on Your Radar the Rest of 2025
In the first six months of 2025 we’ve felt forever, danced with Sally and counted to 29 (29, 29). With new releases from some of the biggest names in indie, this year has felt like the gift that keeps on giving, musically speaking.
But alternative powerhouses are ensuring the season of giving stretches well into summer. Get ready to bang some heads with Wet Leg, wipe some tears with Big Thief and stream your favorite new albums on repeat as these artists get ready to drop records the second half of 2025.
Wet Leg, moisturizer - July 11
Maddy Yen, Senior Staff Writer
Watch the music video for “catch these fists” on YouTube.
UK band Wet Leg have announced their sophomore album, Moisturizer, set to release July 11. The band was founded by Rhian Teasdale (vocals) and Hester Chambers (lead guitar) in 2019, and is now accompanied by Ellis Durand (bass), Henry Holmes (drums) and Joshua Mobarak (guitars and keys). Decorated with two Grammys already after only one studio album, the band has released singles “catch these fists” and “CPR,” leaving fans amped up for the full album.. Working with the same producer, Dan Carey, Crack Magazine described the record as having more “post-punk influences” while embracing “newfound vulnerability.” Delving into a new sound with new stylistic direction, Wet Leg is expected to knock your socks off.
Michael Clifford, SIDEQUEST - July 25
Madison Avery, Music News Editor
Michael Clifford, who you may know as the guitarist of 5 Seconds of Summer, is going solo with his new album, SIDEQUEST. The album is set to release July 25 and has some pretty exciting features like Porter Robinson and Waterparks. The first single Clifford released, “cool,” consists of quirky and niche lyrics that reference topics only 5SOS fans would understand. The second single, “give me a break!” features pop punk band Waterparks and the music video’s silly storyline was a hit with Clifford's fans. You can follow Clifford on Instagram to get some sneak peaks and behind the scenes SIDEQUEST!
Dev Lemons, SURFACE TENSION - Aug. 1
Logan Goettemoeller, Senior Staff Writer
Musician and internet personality Dev Lemons always strikes a cutting edge with her music, balancing eccentricity, playfulness, melancholy and a colorful palette of other rich emotions. It’s hard to tell whether you’ll laugh or cry with each new release she puts out. But regardless of the emotional intent, there’s never any doubt of the endless passion that she’ll pour into every ounce of her music. While she has an extensive discography of singles and EPs in her solo career, Dev Lemons will finally release her debut album, SURFACE TENSION, this upcoming August. The singles “NICE TRY” and “STUCK AGAIN” precede the release of the album and showcase promising and diverse depths of production from Jondren Hwang. Additionally, the album art and the overall aesthetic direction of this era feel captivating, merging together vintage and contemporary for a beauty that seems almost unnerving. While it’s hard to know exactly what SURFACE TENSION will end up delivering as a whole, it’s certainly set up to be one of the strongest records of the year.
Wolf Alice, The Clearing - Aug. 29
Brooke Shapiro, Music Extras Editor
Watch the music video for “Bloom Baby Bloom” on YouTube.
Known for their electric energy, alternative rock band Wolf Alice are preparing for an overdue comeback with their August-dropping LP, The Clearing. If lead single “Bloom Baby Bloom” is any indication of the upcoming record’s sound, fans are in for a dynamic treat. The track features lead singer Ellie Rowsell’s signature power vocals with a side of revelation. The Brits have also offered a taste of second single “The Sofa,” a seemingly self-aware anthem with a breezy sound. In an interview with Guardian, Rowsell said The Clearing is about confronting the “frantic” first stages of aging. But, as drummer Joel Amey said in the same interview, “We’re still here.”
Big Thief, Double Infinity - Sept. 5
Tabita Bernardus, Head Writing Editor
Following a three-year wait, indie-rock group Big Thief is expected to release their sixth studio album Double Infinity Sept. 5. Composed of members Adrienne Lenker, Buck Meek, and James Krivchenia, the new trio, following the departure of bass player Max Oleartchik, collaborated with longtime colleague and friend Dom Monks, who produced the group’s previous projects. Their 2022 album, Dragon New Warm Mountain, received high praise across the board and multiple Grammy nominations, including Best Alternative Music Album. Their most recent single, “Incomprehensible,” leans into their meandering lyrical DNA while slightly pulling the curtain back to reveal an atmospheric, folk-rock groove that could hint at the project’s trajectory. “We spent the last couple of years gathering songs, then asked our friends to join us in bringing the songs to life, and then whittled it down to the nine in this batch,” the band wrote in an Instagram post. Fueled with a sincere zeal for their craft and stamped with the handprints of their closest community, Big Thief’s forthcoming album is sure to become the latter half of the year’s soundtrack.