Crucial Releases for January 24
New music from Ditz, Ghais Guevara, Mogwai, FKA twigs, and Boldy James this week.

Another week, another new-to-me band earning the top spot. This time, it's the band Ditz from Brighton, England. Ditz combines noise rock with post-punk and post-hardcore to create brutal, "ominous tension" as Stereogum writes in a recent feature on the band. And it's damn good. Quite honestly, given how this year has started, I think more music like this is on tap for the foreseeable future.
Ditz formed in 2016 and has released one full-length (The Great Regression) prior to releasing Never Exhale this week. If you are a fan of IDLES, SPRINTS, Jesus Lizard, Shellac, TV Priest, Heavy Lungs, or McLusky you'll find something of interest in Ditz.
Favorite tracks: "Taxi Man", "Space/Smile", "Four", and "The Body as a Structure"

Honorable Mentions
The Bad Fire by Mogwai (Listen) - Mogwai has been around for a long time βsince 1995 to be exact. I got super into them while living in Seattle and saw them on their Rock Action tour. My wife claims she fell asleep during the show, but I was absolutely blown away by seeing "My Father My King" live. This record is closer to that period of the band the last few records, so I'm definitely glad to have them back in my life.
EUSEXUA by FKA twigs (Listen) - more dance pop & electronica than her previous albums. Still elements of that haunting, futuristic alt R&B she's been known for since LP1 and Magdalene, though.
Permanent Ink by Boldy James (Listen) - prolific to say the least, with two albums in 2025 already and four last year. Not sure James is breaking any new ground with any of these records, but they are a solid listen if you like grimy, gritty stories over inventive beats.
π₯ UPDATE - missed:
Goyard Ibn Said by Ghais Guevara (Listen) - sociopolitical hip-hop from this Philly rapper/producer... AND a two-act concept album: βThe first act highlights the triumphs of being a rapper, while the second act focuses on the tragedies.β Honestly, if I hadn't missed this, it would be in serious contention for the album of the week... it's that good.
Help pay our hosting by shopping for vinyl through our Amazon link.