Debut Spotlight: April 2025 [Part Deux]
Debut albums and EPs from Niis, Arcy Drive, Clutter, Alisa Xayalith, and Witch Post.
Hello dear readers,
What’s this? A formerly common but now rare second debut review of the month?
I am doing my best to catch up and keep up, and there’s just too many great debuts out there! Here’s a few more for you to check out.
Niis - NIIS WORLD
Los Angeles, California
For Fans Of: punk | hardcore | Scowl | Gel | Mannequin Pussy
Bandcamp
Release Date: March 28, 2025
Usually I’m the one shouting new music recommendations into the void of my friend Andrea’s unread text messages, but this time, she told me about a band! A pleasant discovery to find their banger full-length debut that encompasses punk, hardcore, lo-fi garage, and grunge aspects.
Spotlight Track: “The Bow”
Arcy Drive - The Pit
New York, New York
For Fans Of: indie rock | jangle pop | Flipturn | Beach Fossils | The Backseat Lovers
Website
Release Date: April 18, 2025
I’ve been following the single train for this band, and could tell that they were already emerging fast and strong. Their full debut release exemplifies their catchy indie rock prowess, with tons of energy and striking lyrics. I particularly like the jangle pop and blues rock influences on the album, following the trend of more country, folk, and Americana influences being looped into pop and rock releases.
Spotlight Track: “Under The Rug”
Clutter - Loves You (EP)
Stockholm, Sweden
For Fans Of: indie | grunge | The Breeders | Hinds | Black Honey
Bandcamp
Release Date: April 11, 2025
This is a great EP of 90s-influenced fuzzy indie tunes, incorporating elements of grunge and post-hardcore. The guitar is deliciously drenched, and it’s a great debut into contemporary punk.
A message from the band:
Loves You is a vulnerable introduction to the world of Clutter. It’s ruff, it’s honest and it’s fun. It’s an ode to teenagers everywhere, and it’s everything we’ve ever loved. Loves You is cluttered and all over the place, a collection of our first songs.
Spotlight Track: “Jesus”
Alisa Xayalith - Slow Crush
Los Angeles, California
For Fans Of: indie | indie pop | Clairo | Housewife | Caroline Polachek
Bandcamp
Release Date: April 4, 2025
You may know Alisa from being one half of the notable 2000’s indie bands, The Naked and The Famous. This pop release turns away from the synth and toward the bedroom, showcasing songwriting talent and lovely melodies.
Spotlight Track: “Roses”
Witch Post - Beast (EP)
UK by way of Los Angeles and Scotland
For Fans Of: alternative rock | 90s fuzz | bar italia | Momma | New Radicals
Release Date: April 18, 2025
What a great debut project from the Californian and Scottish duo. I discovered this band through their track “Chill Out”, which is a great alternative rock track showcasing their complimenting vocals. The whole EP is a fantastic compilation of bedroom pop vs fuzzy rock tracks, and I can’t wait to hear more from this pair.
Spotlight Track: “The Wolf”
As always, you can follow along with this year’s debuts in my Debuts of 2025 playlist. You can find all of my Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube playlists in the corresponding links.
Are you an artist, or have a debut album to recommend? Submit your recommendation here!
Enjoyed these recommendations? Here’s some Spotify playlists you may like:
FF New Music Friday - follow for weekly releases curated by a team of friends
Ready To Mingle - singles from pre-debut artists across rock & indie genres
Monthly Highlights - my favorite releases from this month
You can find all of my Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube playlists in the corresponding links.
Thanks for reading, and happy new music discovery!
x Erin