I listen to a lot of music. No, really. If I’m not catching up on what my dudes recommend with The Indie Inspection and Ska Punk & Other Junk, or doing homework for the Crushed Monocle Podcast, I’ve got my ear to the ground for what’s next. There’s just so much music out there it’s hard to keep a cohesive list. While the podcast is a great way to discuss a few records each month, I feel as if I’m undercutting some of the other records that got repeated spins. The remedy? This column! The Showcase.
Welcome to The Showcase for January 2025!
Before we begin, I want to take the opportunity to say thank you for sticking with me and this publication. The world is a scary place right now. While we definitely need to stick together even more than before, social media isn’t what it used to be. Billionaires are in control: Taking over platforms, closing them, or repurposing them for nefarious political reasons. Entire digital publications are closing left and right, and without the communal aspect on the internet, it can feel like there aren’t many places to discover new music.
I want to assure you that Bearded Gentlemen Music – and by extension, the Crushed Monocle Podcast – is a safe place, one free of political pandering, hate-mongering, or xenophobia. Throughout our articles and episodes, you will never find any gaslighting or manipulation, and we’ll never push an agenda of hatred, sexism, racism, or bigotry. We want to share the music we love and lift up the artists making it, no matter the color, gender, sexual or spiritual preference. While we’ve always sought to be inclusive and progressive, during these current difficult, uncertain times, we’re trying even harder.
Thank you for sticking around. And if you’re new here, welcome aboard! Now on with the music!
Vacation / Whippets – Armory of Bays/ C-Thru
What do a garage rock pop-punk band from Ohio have in common with a post-punk grunge band from Wisconsin? Their common ground is the perfect example of what I love about the independent music scene. Vacation’s “Armory of Bays” balances its lo-fi fuzz with an almost Pretenders-esque melody. Meanwhile, Whippets puts a Discord attitude front and center while maintaining New Wave sensibilities. Despite sounding nothing alike, this collab is kinda perfect.
Faithxtractor – Loathing and the Noose
I often think that that metal is stuck in a loop. No sooner does it attempt to evolve into something new, the next trend sinks the genre into nostalgic throwback territory. But when it comes to death metal though, I welcome the nods to the early ’90s! That’s exactly what I thought was happening with Loathing and the Noose by Faithxtractor. But after a few songs, the album takes a darker turn. While the ’90s thrash hangs around, the band elevates that sound with a sinister atmosphere, blast beats, and maybe even some subtle hints of funeral doom. Whatever it is this duo is doing, I’m here for it!
American Darlings – Fly Forward
In a perfect world, American Darlings should’ve been America’s favorite band. Unfortunately, after 15 years in the game, the group has called it a day – or at the very least, a lengthy hiatus. Acting as an encore to It’s All Been Said, last year’s retrospective collection, Fly Foward is a bonus EP of sorts. With sugary sweet hooks and psychedelic plot twists, this collection of Alex Chilton meets Bob Mould vignettes doesn’t end the band’s story with a period but with an exclamation point.
Neon Kittens – Better Stronger Slower
Equal parts Blondie and Suicide, this UK duo crafts a fuzzy lo-fi brand of New Wave. Both tracks on this single may be simple by design, but something about the conversational vocals beneath the under-produced guitars just gets under your skin. This is the first I’ve heard of this band, and I want more!
My Wall – Over
No installment of The Showcase would be complete without me recommending a band from Nashville now, would it? But instead of my usual power-pop fare, My Wall might be the exact opposite of what you’d expect. Over is a brutal, ugly, and claustrophobic exercise in space rock. But instead of the typical psychedelic textures, it’s more like an astronaut removing their helmet and being crushed by the blackness of the solar system. You probably won’t find a nastier album on this list, but do you really need to?
Read Only Memory – Prom
One of my favorite EPs from 2024 was the self-titled release from Read Only Memory. I talked about it in The Showcase: September 2024. They’re back with another round of dreamy, atmospheric shoegaze. While I’ve learned nothing more about the band – thanks to their complete lack of social media presence – this release proves they’re one of the most promising new acts in the genre.
Necrodeath – Arimortis
After 40 years of gnarly thrash, Necrodeath decided to hang it up. So, for their 14th and final album, they pulled out all the stops. While never really breaking into the mainstream here in the U.S., Necrodeath’s cult status has usually found them being labeled ‘Italy’s answer to Slayer’. While there are some obvious parallels to their sound, I think Necrodeath was a bit more ambitious with their albums – and this is coming from a diehard Slayer fan! Arimortis is no exception. It’s ugly, brutal, and sinister. With the foreboding sense of finality, Necrodeath can sleep at night knowing they completely killed it on their way out.
RJ Bloke – Hold Drugs Dear
A drinkin’ album so good, even people who don’t drink can relate! Check out my full review here.