TGIF and Happy New Year! Kicking off 2025 on a strong note with a brand new Fresh 5, we have the latest and greatest in alternative, metal, indie, and more to soundtrack your day, week, month, and maybe even your year. (Did I watch too much Friends over the holidays?)
We’ve got a handful of fresh new picks, including tracks from L.S. Dunes, Mayday Parade, and phem. Tune in to idobi Radio to catch these must-hear tracks and more. Plus, you can download the FREE idobi App to discover new music every.single.day.
L.S. Dunes — “Violet”
For fans who find comfort wandering down wet streets at midnight, streetlights reflecting off the pavement with a burning cigarette in hand.
Could it be that we already have a SOTY contender?! With their sophomore album Violet set to bloom on January 31 via Fantasy Records, L.S. Dunes has unleashed its spellbinding title track. Born from a Frank Iero demo, the atmospheric release harbors traces of Iero’s solo work, Circa Survive, and more influences that help the group to transcend beyond the confines of being labeled a “supergroup.” Their combined talents flourish under Anthony Green’s mesmerizing vocals and relentless rhythm guitar line, capturing strength and synergy in every note. —Paige Owens
Mayday Parade — “By The Way”
For fans who need a song to bring them back to Myspace.
Miss screaming piano-based pop-rock songs while driving around in your first car with your friends? No need to miss it anymore. With “By The Way,” Mayday Parade will transport you right back to any away message you wanted to put up, lyrics you were thinking about getting tattooed, and you’ll instantly have a new song to scream along to. Let’s also take a second to appreciate the vocal melody change in the second verse. After almost 20 years of being a band, they’re releasing some of the best Mayday Parade songs yet. —Fish
phem — “Playing House”
For those feeling like a fresh start in 2025.
Just in case you missed this one drop in the final moments of 2024, phem’s latest track, “Playing House,” is an indie gem. This introspective song blends vulnerability with a dreamy, melodic flow. With lyrics that explore love, family, and the bittersweet passage of time, phem’s storytelling strikes a chord. It’s a farewell to a personal chapter, marking the start of her next artistic phase that we’re looking forward to in 2025. —Eddie Barella
Footballhead — “Sliver”
For fans of ‘90s shoegaze while still having a modern edge.
Footballhead‘s latest single, “Sliver,” showcases the Chicago-based band’s evolution into a more shoegaze-influenced sound, blending hazy tones with emotive alt-rock sonics. Produced by indie darling and one of their own, Snow Ellet, this track is giving indie with a grungey flair. Frontman Ryan Nolen praises the track’s production, saying, “Snow crushed it on this one and nailed that energy of floating, being trapped, and having to live with all you’ve done.” Following their action-packed 2024, which included the debut album, Overthinking Everything, and the mini-album, Before I Die, fans can anticipate their second full-length release in 2025. Catch them on the road supporting Superbloom this spring! —Sasha
Crown Magnetar — “Bringer Of Dead Light”
For fans looking for an avalanche of breakdowns and face-melting riffs to start their year.
Bringing you a flurry of breakdowns that could shake the Rocky Mountains and trigger an avalanche, Colorado’s Crown Magnetar brings the boom in a big way on their new track, “Bringer Of Dead Light.” The release is featured on their upcoming EP, Punishment, due March 7 via Unique Leader Records. Whether it’s vocalist Dan Tucker giving yet another performance that would make Satan blush, their string section firing on all cylinders, or the bombastic blast beats throughout of drummer Byron London, Crown Magnetar has shown in 2025 that they’re here to kick ass and chew bubblegum… and they’re all out of bubblegum. —Patrick Walford
