Crucial Releases: Sept 26 + Oct 3

Another double issue! I started the September 26th issue with every intention of getting it out on time, but life happens... and that extra time (and lots of travel) gave me the ability to spend more time with some great records from these two weeks, especially the new Geese record.

Beyond Geese, there were four other records I really enjoyed from these two weeks: SPRINTS followup to their stunning 2024 debut, the sophomore album from Prewn which has really grown on me... and two records from all-time faves that have reversed their trend of kind of mediocre records (to me at least): the first Idlewild record in 6 years and the first Thrice album in 4 years. More on those below!

But first, my featured record for this issue: Getting Killed by Geese (Listen)

Geese are from Brooklyn and not to be confused with Goose or even Ducks Ltd. They formed in 2016 as high school students and have released 3 albums prior to their 2025 effort, including 2023's 3D Country which made my finalists list to consider for that year's top records.

With Getting Killed, Geese are hitting at all cylinders and it's by far their best album to date. Geese take influence from bands like Television, The Strokes, Parquet Courts, LCD Soundsystem, Yes, and Radiohead. And you are correct in thinking that's a pretty impressive list of bands.

I highly recommend checking this release out – it's sure to be on my 2025 list.

Some favorite tracks:

Honorable Mentions

All That is Over by SPRINTS (Listen)
SPRINTS 2024 debut finished in my top 20 records for the year, so I had very high expectations for this followup record. Those expectations were mainly met, though the record doesn't sound as urgent and vital as their debut. They've matured their sound a bit, while keeping the post-punk edge.

Horizons / West by Thrice (Listen)
Thrice has a special place in my heart, as Identity Crisis and Artist in the Ambulance hit at the right time in my life. They've released a good number of albums since, though none have caught my ear like those two... Horizons/West is a change in the right direction though. I have a feeling their 20th anniversary Artist in the Ambulance tour helped inform this record a bit, as they have returned to the form I enjoy most. I highly recommend seeing them live too.

s/t by Idlewild (Listen)
I'm so glad Idlewild is back AND they are in full Remote Part mode. We saw Idlewild in Seattle on their tour for that record and they were the most surprising live band I'd ever seen to that point. Their hardcore/punk roots were on full display, with a very energetic set... guitarists jumping around the entire time. Remote Part started a more mature songwriter era, which kind of went downhill (in my opinion) from that album on... but they are back! Highly recommend checking this release out, Remote Part, and 100 Broken Windows. Peak Scottish indie rock.

System by Prewn (Listen)
Noisy, jagged, and sometimes really beautiful. The song "System" is one of my favorites this year. This album is really growing on me.

R is for Rocket by Rocket (Listen)

Twilight Override by Jeff Tweedy (Listen)

Michelangelo Dying by Cate Le Bon (Listen)

Beautiful Noise by Pynch (Listen)

Lunger by Stay Inside (Listen)
BrooklynVegan dubbed this a shapeshifting album and that's the perfect description. When they are on, they are really on. Lots of styles and creative flare throughout. Not a fan of every song, but the good ones are very good.

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