The countdown continues!
40: EsDeeKid – Rebel
The ascent has been rapid for this unknown masked rapper from Liverpool. Starting the year as a well tipped act for 2025, ending it posting remix videos featuring Timothée Chalamet and gaining millions of likes within an hour. Like Central Cee, EsDeeKid is making an instant impact on the previously hard to crack, for UK rappers, US market. The tales of alcohol and drugs could have been incredibly tiresome but there is an IMPRESSIVE flow here, married to simple but highly effective backing. For those hiding under a social media rock the wild story of the year was that EsDeeKid was actually famous actor Timothée Chalamet. Whilst it always seemed unrealistic due to the highly authentic Scouse accent, the notorious rap fan didn’t deny the rumours, and it was clear something was going on during his recent UK visit to promote Marty Supreme. EsDeeKid and Chalamet simultaneously dropped a ‘4 Raws’ remix video featuring Chalamet delivering a verse all of his own. The internet nearly broke.
39: Kathryn Joseph – WE WERE MADE PREY.
An incredible work of art from the imaginations of two Scots. The 50 year old Joseph has ploughed a niche in Scottish music for over a decade now. The introduction of fellow Scot Lomond Campbell as producer expanded the synth music horizons for the new album. We witnessed both in action at Omeara, it was a somewhat surreal evening with many tales involving poo and Mogwai, sometimes both at the same time. The album is an absolute masterclass in atmosphere.
38: Lathe Of Heaven – Aurora
The guiltiest pleasure on the Top Fifty list this year. The sheer retro-genius of this album connected deeply with our inner eighties kids. Whilst it calls backwards with its new wave guitars and vocal styling, the end result is a phenomenal album in its own right. If music loving sci-fi geek is your niche, you have just found your new favourite band.
37: GANS – Good For The Soul
This West Midlands duo are an absolute riot, both in person and on record. Having managed 147 live shows in 2025 their work ethic and desire to build an audience are not to be doubted.
36: Sports Team – Boys These Days
This album will likely wind-up as many people as it makes those fall in love with it. The Prefab Sprout and Deacon Blue affectations won’t be for all. Sports Team are a particular brand of indie-chaos, especially in the live arena where they get up to all sorts of madness. If you can make it through ‘Subaru’ you are likely to find the rest of the album a delight.
35: Wolf Alice – The Clearing
A new Wolf Alice album is always something to savour, they are firmly established as one of the UK’s best bands. The Clearing was all about pushing their boundaries and experimenting, trying to discover if they had any limitations. The result was slightly uneven but the scope was immense. It turned out there was very little in the guitar-sphere they could not turn their hand to.
34: Constant Smiles – Moonflowers
One of the most under the radar offerings on our list this year. Constant Smiles’ cult following got to enjoy one of the most gorgeous albums released this year. It deserves to connect much more widely.
33: For Those I Love – Carving The Stone
One of the most intense albums we came across in 2025. Also one of the most articulate and thought provoking albums. It is a lyrical masterclass, genuinely soulful poetry committed to an excellent musical backing.
32: The Lathums – Matter Does Not Define
If you are looking for genuine indie-guitar albums from 2025 then this should be right towards the top of your list. It contains two of the greatest singles released all year and does emotive lyrics and stirring music with great intent.
31: Joey Valence & Brae – HYPERYOUTH
There have been some really great rap and hip-hop albums released this year. Some were worthy, some were powerful – none were as much fun as HYPERYOUTH.
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