Feature / Music
Scene Point Blank's Favorites: The Year So Far (July 2025)

July 6, 2025

Scene Point Blank's Favorites: The Year So Far (July 2025)
Scene Point Blank's Favorites: The Year So Far (July 2025)

Loren's Top 5 Of 2025 So Far

1

Rodeo Boys - Junior

Rodeo Boys - Junior

Don Giovanni Records

I liked their debut, but it didn’t really click with me like their live set did. This record, well, it clicks. I call it blue-collar guitar rock from the punk world. It’s down to earth, but it also knows how to steal the spotlight at the same time, if that makes any sense. Heavy, loud, meaningful and memorable.

2

Miller Lowlifes - Pinch Hitters

Miller Lowlifes - Pinch Hitters

ADD Records

Just like their beer namesake, sometimes you want something basic and to the point, free of all the embellishments. Working class punk that hits all the right notes.

3

Deseos Primitivos - Lineas de Muerte

Deseos Primitivos - Lineas de Muerte

Shadowplay Records

Hardcore through an LA meets East Bay melodic punk filter, this is angry and anxious at the same time. Plus, it covers a lot of sonic ground in just a few songs.

4

Aesop Rock - Black Hole Superette

Aesop Rock - Black Hole Superette

Rhymesayers Entertainment

I view this as a companion piece to Integrated Tech Solutions, both in mood and subject matter (somewhat). Another contemplative, observational record from one of hip-hop’s most verbose wordsmiths.

5

Dead Bars - All Dead Bars Go To Heaven

Dead Bars - All Dead Bars Go To Heaven

Iodine Recordings

If I made this arbitrary ranking based on singles that stick with me, Dauber would be on this list ahead of Dead Bars. But something about the energy and vibe of a full listen to this short record just hits the right mood -- every single time I play it.

Skip to page View as a single page

Scene Point Blank's Favorites: The Year So Far (July 2025)
Scene Point Blank's Favorites: The Year So Far (July 2025)

Pages in this feature

  1. Opening page
  2. Chuck Coffey's Top 5 Of 2025 So Far
  3. Dennis's Top 5 of 2025 So Far
  4. Jiffy Marx’s Top 5 Of 2025 So Far
  5. Loren's Top 5 Of 2025 So Far
  6. Matt's Top 5 Improbable Hopes For Concerts In 2025
  7. Spyros Stasis's Top 5 of 2025 So Far

Related features

The Seize

One Question Interviews • December 31, 2025

Cesar Ruiz (The Seize - vocals) SPB: How do you typically choose your album art? Ruiz: Album art has started with lyrics. When I’m writing, I’ll have these images in mind that represent the feelings or themes within the songs. Those ideas usually become the starting point for the cover. … Read more

Chairmaker

One Question Interviews • December 30, 2025

Neil Erskine (Chairmaker) SPB: If Chairmaker had a physical form like a place, a thing, or a smell, what would it be? Erskine: There is a very specific chair - but you've got to read Banks' Use of Weapons. No spoilers.   Read more

Ugly Stick

One Question Interviews • December 29, 2025

Ugly Stick SPB: Describe in your own words the “Columbus Sound” and what it means or has meant to you and your musical output. David Holm (vocals and guitars): As it pertains to Ugly Stick I would say it's kind of an amalgam of punk rock, country, and classic rock. … Read more

Scene Point Blank's Favorites: Year End (2025)

Music / Year End 2025 • December 23, 2025

Every year we diligently assemble a list of our favorite albums of the year. Each SPB staff member enters the large arena we nickname THE DOJO, and yells out the name of their top album of the year. Rival staffers quickly assemble and shout out their own highly-favored record, and … Read more

Pass The Mic: Artists and labels on 2025

Music / Year End 2025 • December 23, 2025

For many years now, Scene Point Blank has taken the opportunity as the year ends to formally "pass the mic" to our friends on the other side of the mostly-imaginary divide between listeners and artists. This year is no exception as we ask a bunch of bands, artists and labels … Read more

More from this section

Scene Point Blank's Favorites: Year End (2025)

Music / Year End 2025 • December 23, 2025

Every year we diligently assemble a list of our favorite albums of the year. Each SPB staff member enters the large arena we nickname THE DOJO, and yells out the name of their top album of the year. Rival staffers quickly assemble and shout out their own highly-favored record, and … Read more

Pass The Mic: Artists and labels on 2025

Music / Year End 2025 • December 23, 2025

For many years now, Scene Point Blank has taken the opportunity as the year ends to formally "pass the mic" to our friends on the other side of the mostly-imaginary divide between listeners and artists. This year is no exception as we ask a bunch of bands, artists and labels … Read more

2025: A Year In Review

Music / Year End 2025 • December 23, 2025

Another twelve months have passed. Even though it's our job to make predictions and call things before they happen, it seems improbable that we could've made any sense out of the events of this year. Perhaps we're better off keeping one eye on the past and telling you what already … Read more