INDISPENSABLE NEW MUSIC PICKS
June 2025
by Kristine England
June 30, 2025 at 4:00:00 PM
Water Machine
God Park
Melodic post-punk with infectious hooks characterize Water Machine's debut album, God Park. The Glasgow, Scotland band incorporate a wild array of unexpected influences, from country to jazz. They're proud of their city's musical heritage and intend on keeping it alive through their own antics. Take it from Henry Rollins, who said, “Water Machine is a very cool band.”
FEATURED TRACK: "River"
Tan Cologne
Unknown Beyond
The latest from New Mexico-based duo Tan Cologne offers more hazy shoegaze melodies for dreamy contemplation. While previous work has explored their environs, this time out Lauren Green and Marissa Macias turn their gaze inward to create an "immersive experience…so complete that the end of each track feels like a sudden, unwelcome awakening from a dream." ("The Big Takeover Show")
FEATURED TRACK: "Infinity"
Steve Queralt
Swallow
Bassist Steve Queralt has been a part of the shoegaze group Ride on and off since 1988. Now venturing into solo territory, he continues to make textured soundscapes on Swallow. Collaborators Verity Susman (Electrelane) and Emma Anderson (Lush) lend their vocal talents to a number of songs to add even more dimensions.
FEATURED TRACK: "Messengers"
Joanne Shaw Taylor
Black & Gold
UK singer and guitarist Joanne Shaw Taylor is back with her tenth studio album, Black & Gold
She's collaborated with Joe Bonamassa and Dave Stewart (Eurhythmics), with the latter discovering her when she was still a teenager.
FEATURED TRACK: Black & Gold"
Kelsey Waldon
Every Ghost
Moving from blues guitar into country, we have Kelsey Waldon. She's played with heavy hitters like Willie Nelson, Tanya Tucker, and John Prine. Waldon has plenty of her own recordings to boast about, with her sixth and latest LP, Every Ghost, earning plaudits from Americana Highways, "a wonderful addition to a career that has been filled with a penchant for truth and deep emotional power."
FEATURED TRACK: "Ghost of Myself"