While technology continues to advance, the beating heart of creativity that connects remains as the irreplaceable human touch. Throughout the ages, art born out of struggle and uncertainty has always been the most impactful, and that continues to be true – regardless of the tools utilised to create it.
Albums
Ten original songs weave together this story of the Mystic Code, and while there’s plenty to unpack and explore conceptually, which rewards and provides insight and reflection, the music is also – and importantly – an impressive and enjoyable place to escape into for a while.
From the upbeat Owl City electro warmth and anthemic peak of Rearview Mirror, the energising nature and thoughtful undertones of this album are made clear, and as we proceed into the heavier rock energy and tempo of Guitar Hero III, suddenly that nostalgia redirects us towards the Tony Hawks soundtracks and beyond – another fork in the road that’s unexpected but satisfying.
Electronic alternative pop, ambient electro soundscapes and pulsating eighties grooves, catchy retro vocals – Imbermind balance the ethereal and gritty, with the introspective wonder of Never Ending.
Cinematic synth-pop, a sense of story and intention, combined with a performative flair and purposeful design – of both groove and melody. Renowned and vastly streamed indie artist GRAE releases her intoxicating new album 7 Minutes ‘Til Heaven, capturing attention with the spoken scene-setting of American Dream, and proceeding to tighten her grip with the darker vibes and vocal charm of a distinct pop classic Dark Energy.
Irish composer and producer Gavin Murphy, known for his contributions to releases from David Gray, Van Morison, and plenty more, presents this summer a deeply introspective instrumental project of his own.
Taking AI music creation to the next level – an impressively ambient, immersive and strangely soulful alternative approach – producer Yaniv AI leads with a powerful sense of audience awareness, across the likes of his 2025 album Feathers.
Genre-fusion and quirky storytelling, a hearty dose of intention and some stylish free-playing – an eclectic album, inspired by all things jazz, rock, country. Paul Cann’s latest album feels like an uninhibited ode to creative freedom, and celebrates the joy of that from start to finish.
We’re in a king of Hard-Fi realm with this voice and writing, but then as we move into the more world-music sway and bass-play of Pet Sematary, Zweng is quick to recapture his own lane. The voice is softer, the lyrics compelling and unusual, before we return to another uplifting pop-rock anthem for Goodbye To You.
Poetic ballads from ambient and intimate to uplifting and powerful – Bobek’s Mind celebrates the creative production and songwriting of the modern era, with the heartfelt originals of Echo In Love.
Guitarist and composer Hear The Colors – an artist with a defiantly unique approach to crafting audio soundscapes and other-worldly ventures that consume audiences – delivers a profound and powerful instrumental album this year, with the magnetic and mighty Rebirth.
Creatively unusual, strangely enthralling music – a rare trait to stumble upon, in this case balancing an intense organic drum pace with dreamy waves of shoegaze guitars and indie bass; something like manic weight and ethereal melodies uniting across a sub-two-minute plain of expression.