FAVORITE MINNESOTA ALBUMS OF 2025
Reviews by: Sarah Steffen, Writer @dancingfishevents, Alexandra, Andrew Perrizo, Owner @MelodicNoiseMedia
Edited by: Alexandra and Andrew Perrizo, Owner @MelodicNoiseMedia
Introduction by Andrew:
First of all, Fuck ICE and fuck all our local leaders who have failed to meet the moment. I’m proud of how the Twin Cities has pulled together to help and protect each other when our elected officials refuse. Because of the occupation I haven’t had the mental focus I normally have to put towards Melodic Noise Media, so I didn’t get as many reviews written as I would have liked. However, I have heard a lot of great protest music being made and often the proceeds are being donated to local organizations. Here is a list for you to check out after reading about our favorite Albums of 2025 below.
Doll Chaser “Put Traffic Cones Over Tear Gas Canisters”
Chris True “ICE OUT! (MSP)”
Space Monkey Mafia “Fuck ICE”
GrayBeat “Renegades of Funk (MN Resistance Remix)”
Dot Operator “Morning Sun”
Muja Messiah ”BULLETS DON’T HAVE EYES Feat. RAEKWON THE CHEF”
Samuel Wilbur “Fight This” releasing later this week and donating the money raised to GoFundMe for Jairo - Ensure
Alexandra’s Favorite Albums:
John Maus “Later Than You Think”
The indomitable synthpopper John Maus returned in 2025, blessing fans with a 16 track album, Later Than You Think (abbreviated from here as LTYT.) LTYT comes to us four years after Maus’ shorter, previous album, We Must Become the Pitiless Censors of Ourselves (2011.) Beginning with the bass dominant “Because We Built It,” the album starts with whimsical, sustained synth tones melodically swerving around gritty instrumentation that drives danceable tempos. That driving bassline correctly clues us in that through the rest of the album, any non-synthesizer instrumentation has heavy weight and its own powerful tone. When twinkling synth leads come in, they have an organ-like quality, invoking Maus’ familiar Catholic aestheticism. The first half of the album that follows is my favorite: “Disappears” has a dreamy, 80s bent and a solemn message, wrestling with the ascension of the soul - the accompanying music video is a beautiful short film depicting Maus crashing out; he’s not coping with the pressures of modern society and he eventually collapses and appears to be raptured by the end, being reclaimed by God as he is bathed in his light. Track three, “Reconstruct Your Life,” brought me days of comfort in periods of tumultuous change by the end of 2025. I’m carrying it and its optimistic philosophy into 2026 (“We’re reconstructing our lives / Yes we’re all / We’re all constructing our lives.”) “Shout” is funky and dreamlike; “Came and Got” has a catchy composition; “I Hate Antichrist” features pumping drum machine action and lyrics referring to an interesting meme; “Theotokos” has a beautiful choral quality with something otherworldly about its melodies as Maus pays sacrament to the Virgin Mary. Other noteworthy tracks for me include:
“Let Me Through” - Mournful but high-pitched synth tones swell and roll together beautifully here as Maus sings more softly, repetitively, “Somebody’s gotta let me through.” Where we may expect to feel claustrophobic as we tune into the messaging, the song actually invokes a feeling of empty rooms that have tall ceilings with its spacious composition. It makes me think about spiritual desperation and of grievous moments where you may be prevented from seeing your loved ones.
“Losing Your Mind” - This track has a sudden glitchy burst of loudness in it about halfway through, so headphone users beware. I appreciate that Maus would intentionally feature something noisy and more experimental in an album that is otherwise incredibly slick, an example of electronic dance music done with tremendous intention and purpose.
Favorite Tracks: Disappears, Reconstruct Your Life
Critterthing “Save Room”
Gazey, vulnerable, and political, Critter Thing’s “Save Room” leans into folksy guitar tones on the title track. That twang returns in songs “Nice Toys,” “Sticks,” “Save Room (reprise)” and “Song of Healing,” adding fantastic texture and dynamism to the bulk of the work. The lyrics in “Save Room” are a sort of call and response to their sense of doom; their need to stay alive is motivated by their ability to help others out of pain: “Save your game, keep pride in your chosen name / Write it down, stay alive, battle through the pain / Leave your mark, let them know that you fought the fight / In the dark someone else might depend on your light.” The band ricochets into different punk rock proclivities throughout the album but never skimp on their meaningful messaging and powerful instrumentation.
This album has no skips for me, and its structure, bouncing from aggressive punk to the more shoegaze inspired and folk drenched (plus a thematic reprise track and a cheeky noise/sample flip interlude on “Inaccessible Art,”) is perfectly organized for an ideal listening experience. Critterthing’s flavor always translates and damn if it isn’t all right up my alley. Each and every song carries its own power and impact, always delivering on fantastic lyricism which is unafraid to get personal and unapologetically queer.
Favorite Tracks: Save Room, Sticks
Related Articles: Critterthing Is a “Threat to Your Convenience” on Save Room LP
Unstable Shapes “Delicate Machinery”
Unstable Shapes are a specific brand of punk rock that I adore — they describe themselves as “post-whatever,” and that works as a descriptor, for all intents and purposes. They’re certainly punk, a little post-hardcore, with a looping, jangly grime in their tone and rhythmic, spoken word style vocals that drive the vibe and increase in aggression as needed. “Delicate Machinery” is the band’s debut album; it will serve fans of British punk well as there’s a flavor here that feels reminiscent of that, too. While its songs do follow each other with a strong sonic likeness, this does give the album a consistent feel which, because I love their sound so much, I am totally down for. It makes the album’s 38-minute run time feel like telling one story, diving in and out of different chapters, absorptive and complete. We get some noticeable switch ups in atmosphere between tracks “Herzog Blues” and “I Survived the Cave.” Closing track “Jaguar Jaws” laments on self-identity and the possibility of a wasted life, confronting mortality in a way that lingered with me a while after my listen concluded.
Favorite Tracks: Glass Ladder, Sunlight, Jaguar Jaws
Related Articles: MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 1/8/25
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Sarah’s Favorite Albums:
Samia “Bloodless”
I’ve been a touch obsessed with Samia since her 2023 release, Honey. Needless to say, I was thrilled when she moved to Minnesota in late 2024. This year’s full-length release, Bloodless, is a beautiful new chapter in Samia’s work. Samia’s poetic lyrics are haunting and cryptic. The album is a slow burn of feeling punctuated with static that gives it a lightly haunted feel.
Some of my favorite lyrics are from “Spine Oil”: “You’ve mistaken my joy for weakness, Baby your mistake, you’re mistaken, It won’t go down easy.” In an album full of self reflection, Samia’s inner strength takes center stage in “Spine Oil”. I am consistently amazed by Samia’s ability to show and not tell through carefully chosen vignettes. In “North Poles” she writes “Back to back with our fists around natural wine from the corner, Fighting over the cork, we were born to be closers, And to find each other like north poles of magnets, When you see yourself in someone, how can you look at them?” This album deserves a close listen - you won’t be disappointed.
Favorite Tracks: Lizard, Spine Oil
Website: samiaband.com
LAAMAR “In The Light”
Geoffrey Lamar Wilson’s latest project, LAAMAR, exploded onto the Minneapolis music scene in 2023 with their debut EP, Flowers. With their 2025 full length record, In the Light, LAAMAR once again takes on difficult themes with love and compassion. Geoffrey lets us peek behind the veil into his personal life and inner monologue. The album artwork is notable - it shows Geoffrey with his two children in a casual moment in bed. His bravery and honesty on this album set him apart as much as his poetic writing and lovely, layered compositions.
Despite his success, Geoffrey remains approachable and collaborative. In the Light features many of my favorite local artists, including Clare Doyle, Lady Midnight, and Bathtub Cig. Clare Doyle and LAAMAR have shared many Minnesota music milestones, including performing in First Avenue's Best New Bands of 2023 show. It’s very fun to see them collaborating on “Right Person” and “Gasoline” on In the Light. I can’t wait to see where LAAMAR will take us next. Wherever it is, I’ll be in the front row.
Favorite Tracks: Ghosts, Gasoline (ft. Clare Doyle)
Bandcamp: laamar.bandcamp.com/album/in-the-light
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Nur-D “CHUNKADELIC”
CHUNKADELIC is the celebration of Black, queer, local joy that we all need in 2025. It’s almost impossible to choose a favorite track from CHUNKADELIC, as they are all full of empowered and cheeky lines. I love the hyperlocal references in “Franklin Ave.”, and the transition from “Doin Too Much” into “IDGAF” is iconic. As the world around us gets darker, Nur-D is here to remind us that there is still much to celebrate. When you need a pick-me-up, CHUNKADELIC is the album for you.
Favorite Tracks: Franklin Ave., Doin Too Much, IDGAF
Website: nurdrocks.com
Related Articles: NUR-D '38TH" AND "CHICAGO AVENUE" REVIEW
Maygen & the Birdwatcher “The Americana Dream”
A wonderfully complex tapestry of joyful sound, rich with bluegrass, folk, country and rock notes, The Americana Dream transcends genre. The craftsmanship and musicianship on the album is undeniable. I’m embarrassed to admit that I only discovered Maygen and the Birdwatcher this year, but what a wonderful surprise it has been. The soaring fiddle, lap steel, mandolin and vocal harmonies can thaw even the deepest winter chill, and you’ll find yourself dancing along to “Hat Man Blues” in no time.
The album is undoubtedly even more intoxicating when performed live. Maygen & The Birdwatcher is one of First Avenue's Best New Bands of 2025, and will play the Main Room on January 17, 2026. Don’t miss it!
Favorite Tracks: Elizabeth, Hold Ya Down
Website: maygenandthebirdwatcher.com
Related Articles: MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 1/29/25
Jillian Rae “The Live Album”
Jillian Rae is my role model. She’s confident, talented, and utterly comfortable in her skin. Any Jillian Rae album is a treat, but The Live Album is especially delightful because it captures the joy of Jillian and her bandmates’ live performances. An uncompromising work of art, The Live Album is just so Jillian. This album feels like an arrival: the band has found their sound and now they can play with it over the course of 10 glorious tracks. Jillian’s voice and violin both soar. The album was recorded at Rae’s own studio, The Clubhouse Recording Studio. Jillian Rae is a strong and authentic voice in the Twin Cities music scene. Don’t sleep on The Live Album.
Favorite Tracks: Medication
Website: jillianraemusic.com
Related Articles: MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 4/2/2025
anni xo “SOMETHING PROFOUND”
anni xo has had a big year. Releasing what’s become of us in May and SOMETHING PROFOUND in October, anni xo has also performed at 7th St. Entry many times, in addition to hosting a double release show with fellow local artist Kiernan at the Fine Line. SOMETHING PROFOUND is full of duality. An easy listen, it also reveals new facets with each pass. The trumpet on “Sentimental” will break your heart and also make you want to pick up an instrument you haven’t touched in months. anni’s music manages that near impossible feat of conveying real emotions while remaining approachable and fun. We’re lucky to have anni xo as a Minneapolis mainstay.
Favorite Tracks: Asshole, Daydream, Sentimental
Bandcamp: annixo.bandcamp.com/album/something-profound
Related Articles: MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 12/10/2025
Honorable Mentions:
Sleeping Jesus “Shotgun”
Your Smith “The Rub”
Alan Sparhawk and Trampled by Turtles “Alan Sparhawk with Trampled by Turtles”
Daguerrotypes “This is My Way to Tell You That Everything Is Real and Happening Right Now”
Andrew’s Favorite Albums:
Kyrie Nova & The Defiant “Learn to Love Something”
Learn to Love Something is over a year old at this point. From my first listen back in January 2025, I knew it was going to make this list. The punk rock instrumentation is catchy, with some surprising guitar solos that expertly avoid becoming overindulgent. The lyrics are what truly drew me in, as throughout the whole album they are blunt and often biting. My favorite lyrics come from the song I wasn’t brave enough to submit to my office Music League, “Bullets,” with the chorus “You would never take a bullet for me, because you won’t take a ballot for me.” The song that hooked me and made sure that Learn to Love Something would be in my favorites albums of 2025 was “Failure,” an incredibly sharp track about failing to meet expectations others put on you, even if you never intended to meet their expectations in the first place. “One Step” is a lovely track about turning away from darkness and looking towards the future, and I’m a total sucker for an optimistic closer.
Favorite Track: Failure
Related Articles: MINNESOTA SOUND REVIEWS - 5/7/2025
Gramma “Dime”
Dime is ten fantastically fuzzy songs so catchy you’ll find yourself murmuring the riffs later without even realizing it. “Icebox” literally sounds like a distorted nursery rhyme. The vocals are punchy and sound as if they are delivered through a megaphone; often they mimic and weave with the guitar line. My favorite track is probably “III” or “Villain” because they are the most instrumentally dynamic and the lyrics I can catch are clever. The instrumentals on every song are so rhythmic that I found myself nodding along and typing this review to the beat. Clocking in shorter than some of the EPs I reviewed last week, combined with the fact that the fuzziness doesn’t get tiresome like can happen with some albums, Dime has great replay value. In fact, here I go again.
Favorite Track: III and Villain
Related Articles: Gramma "EAT" Album Review
Atomic Lights “Sure, Why Not?”
Sure, Why Not? sounds like classic disaffected Minneapolis punk. The whole album is tinged with regret, about making poor decisions, resigning yourself to make them again, then giving up and settling. I’m not sure what it is about the guitar tone, but it paints the album with a suitably jaded, bitter feeling. The exception being the closing (and my favorite) track “Tired.” After listening to nine songs about partying and making mistakes, “Tired” starts slow then builds, giving it a sense of almost being optimistic, but the lyrics are less certain of the future. Sure, Why Not? is a good time and fun to sing along to, but don’t look for any apologies when the party is over.
Favorite Track: Tired
Mouthful “I Am Trying to Be a Pool”
I Am Trying to Be a Pool is shoegaze-grunge, but has so much more depth than just the distorted guitars and primal drums those genre labels typically conjure. The distorted guitars and primal drums are there, but so is the keyboard, harmonica, tape loops, and a banjo. “Good Girl” and “Mouthful” feel sonically more trudging, where as “Spine Song” and “Final Boss” have a faster pace, with the latter increasing its tempo until it builds into what feels like a glorious explosion of distortion and wails. “Days” is something else entirely; a cheery upbeat tune about expressing and getting exactly what you want.
Favorite Track: Mouthful
Honorable Mentions:
...and Ifound a way Clover Bloom
afters Everything Was Beautiful
Anita Velveeta Liquid Gold
Buckls BUCKLS
Durry This Movie Sucks
FINICK Weekends in Purgatory
Future Babel Cyber Sunday
Giant's Knife At the End of All Things
Gully Boys Gully Boys
Halfway Down Make It Up
In Lieu Hooligan
KYM and the Kick The Gift of Feeling
Meezy<3 Serenity
Motion City Soundtrack The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World
Nur-D CHNKADELIC
Poor John Candy Negative Space
runo plum patching
Skippy Stone Candles
snakeworld! welcome to snakword!
Unstable Shapes Delicate Mchiney
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