Jiffy Marx’s Top 5 Of 2025 So Far
1

The Men - Buyer Beware
Fuzz Club
I don't like to pick favourites so I’m not going to say this is number one but it was the first new album that I fell for this year. I listened to the shit out of it when writing the review of it, maybe too much? It’s cool tho to rediscover a band that’s been around as long as these dudes have. If you like the Stooges (and sax! Who doesn’t?) you should check out this album as well as Bad Vibes OST by SexFaces and the latest release by Pdx’s Perfect Buzz!
2

Dauber - Falling Down
Recess Records
It’s no coincidence that two writers I follow have compared Dauber to my band Night Court. We’re label mates and I’m gonna throw it out there, both obvious fans of Cincinnati’s Vacation (RIP?) Scrappy, energetic and heartfelt, this is Mike from Screaming Females (RIP) recorded by John from Vacation, what’s not to like?
3

Bug Club - Have U Ever Been 2 Wales
Sub Pop
This song was released as a single ahead of the release of Bug Club’s new album Very Human Features BUT IT’S NOT ON THE ALBUM!?? That’s insane because it’s probably my favourite song of theirs. Great harmonies for the indie crowd and funny lyrics for the punks. The album’s also good tho maybe their best album so far. I like to proudly remind myself that I was into this band before they got signed to Sub Pop. Admittedly also gives me some vague albeit probably unrealistic hope that if Sub Pop signs bands like Bug Club maybe they’ll sign my band some day too.. (hint hint Sub Pop;)
4

Billiam - Sylvia S Goes To Hawaii
Jarama 45
The first song, which is also the namesake for this EP, is five minutes long and it’s still great! How is that even possible? If I wanted to listen to the same song for that long I’d just put it on repeat but somehow when I listen to this one, I don't even notice how insanely long it is.. more awesome Australian bedroom synth punk (is that what we’re calling it again?) Don’t worry tho the other 5 songs on this EP are also 5 minutes long. Not each, like each one is exactly one minute. Oh I see because 5 minutes is the max length per side so there’s no wasteage, smart.
5

Sex Mex - Sixteen Minutes Of Hits
Independent
Like Dark Thougths or maybe Metalleg with a drum machine. I guess that makes them Egg Punk but we don’t use that term anymore since Paperface Zine ruined it for everyone then promptly (mysteriously?) disappeared. Also not unlike Golden Pissers and Real Sickies who are less Egg-y but also put out great albums this year and are rad dudes. Oh hold up, I just looked at Sex Mex’s instagram and it looks like it’s ONLY a drummer what the hell now I’m totally confused!