JER - Death of the Heart

JER may be better known as the person behind Skatune Network, but this, their second album as JER is really some kinda ska-core masterpiece. A concept album centered around the lack of empathy in the modern American political landscape in 3 acts that traverses a third-wave ska sound, reggae, rap, and hardcore. Absolutely vital and an essential 2025 release. Sounds fantastic on clear green vinyl.

Anamanaguchi - Anyway

That chiptune band made a pop-punk emo album. And it’s good. There’s still a strong Nintendo presence, but also this is the first album of theirs that captures the energy of their live sound, much more guitar-forward and less perfectly constructed. Also, for what feels like the first time, lyrics! It’s a whole new world, baby!

Kaytranada - AIN’T NO DAMN WAY!

Found this through an unexpected recent TikTok follow, and it’s been a source of joy this week. I’m vaguely aware of Kaytranada’s work in pop and rap, but this album feels like a perfect collection of tossed-off jams from a genius. Going to have to track down his other work and get into it.

Men I Trust - Equus Asinus and Equus Caballus

This week, I unexpectedly found myself invited to go see Men I Trust with a couple of pals at the House of Blues in Anaheim. So I dove into their discography, starting with their two 2025 albums, which are, colloquially, Donkey and Horse. Gorgeous dream pop with a really locked-in rhythm section, perfectly vibey synth, and guitars that veer right to the edge of shoegaze. Combine that with some very French sensibilities, gentle vocals and fantastic songwriting and it’s really something special. My daughter was supremely jealous, but I got her a shirt and sent her some videos.