It’s possible I listened to more music this year than any past year. Partially because of the Short Stuff series, I listened to a lot more singles that I would have missed otherwise. 2025 was also loaded with a lot of amazing releases so this year I’ll split between EPs/full lengths and singles. And as usual, this isn’t an ordered list, just the collection of my favorite music this year.
ZIN CHOI : handlewithcare
I passively listen to hip-hop so it takes a lot to grab my attention. ZIN CHOI’s collaboration with CADEJO was my first deep introduction and handlewithcare is pretty much the only hip-hop album that stuck around. It’s a fresh sound with older elements peeking through.
Airy (애리) : B,U.D
B,U.D was a surprise release. It felt like Airy didn’t do much promotion before it released, and then going through the 16 songs, it felt like one of the densest audio experiences. There are so many directions and paths that you experience and each one is special.
Swiimers (스위머스) : Swiimers High
The return of Swiimers was another 2025 surprise. This first full length connects the past EP and singles with a new exploration. The dreampop core is expanded with precise composition and polish. Swiimers High is a shoecase of a band in transition and hopefully the journey continues.
Socialclub Hyangwu : The Panic Tool
After two singles, Socialclub Hyangwu’s EP is a required listen. It’s direct and to the point, highlighting energy and emotion. If you want a band with a signature style and sound, this is for you. If you want garage rock and alternative rock that grabs your attention, this is for you.
Anne D’Arc (안다르크) : Earthbound Children
Earthbound Children‘s duck narrative still confuses me. But Anne D’Arc’s vision on this album is very clear. You’re meant to have an experience, whether you understand it or not. And the variety of styles and ideas that are shown makes me think we haven’t seen even 10% of what’s inside the mind of this artist.
baan : neumann
I don’t have much to say about neumann except that it’s the perfect post rock and shoegaze album. It captures so much energy and emotion and offers it to you without expectations.
noremi : i am very young and i am learning how to live
Listening to noremi’s first album/senior thesis, it’s like listening to an artist who is finding their voice and figuring out who they are. Technically, i am very young and i am learning how to live is solid, but it’s the underlying emotion that raises this higher than a simple debut. In my mind, I don’t think noremi will stick with these styles forever and the music style will evolve.
Pictoria Vark : Nothing Sticks
The leap between The Parts I Dread and Nothing Sticks is amazing. And I don’t think this would have been possible if Pictoria didn’t work as a touring musician. It captures a style almost frozen in time and invites you to feel something outside of anxiety.
huijun woo : pumping of heart is torturing
pumping of heart is torturing shouldn’t be as good as it is. At times, it sounds like composing decisions were made randomly. It jumps styles like huijin woo has a short attention span. But it’s all of these things that make this album so good.
Oh Heejung (오희정) : Forest & Horns
If you took all of Oh Heejung’s solo music, you could make an amazing mini-series based on the sound universe she’s made. And it feels like she’s silently, but constantly growing this world. Forest & Horns is another strong addition that invites you to hear what it’s about.
Yoni Berri : Fruit Cup
I think “Tangerines<3” is one of the top 10 songs of 2025. And the EP overall is a preview of an artist who’s explored different electronic subgenres and is finding their voice. Fruit Cup could have been a set of solo singles that didn’t speak to each other, but Yoni Berri has a strong narrative.
molar system : system malfunction
After their set of singles, I wondered how molar system would present a longer audio narrative. system malfunction is the band laying its foundation. They don’t limit themselves and pull from multiple genres. This makes the EP a surprise because you’re not sure the exact style you’ll hear. This is a start to something interesting.
Erøtic Wørms Exhibitiøn : Carcasses
Erøtic Wørms Exhibitiøn’s Carcasses is a progress EP. The band continues to grow across every extended release and I’m enjoying every single one. It’s a band that knows how to live in the indie rock genre while adding some new elements to keep it addictive.
Peach Truck Hijackers : Peach Truck Hijackers
When a band makes their debut a full length, they either have a lot of confidence or they don’t care. With Peach Truck Hijackers, I feel like they had a set of songs and wanted to get them out all at once. So they didn’t really care to release multiple EPs. And that works perfectly. Peach Truck Highjackers is easily one of the best albums of 2025.
Singles
ahreum : I can be your best friend!
Yangseoul : Hanging Garden
Blue Turtle Land : Blue Mean
Precocious Neophyte : Show Me Your Mind
MXNX SLXXP : Counting Days
BULGOGI DISCO : GOOD TIME
Uwenta : Verify You Are Human
Jeongseosa : EH !
Ghost Bookstore : Birthday
Rock N Roll Radio : Succubus
dizzymunzzy : 16senti
CADEJO, ZIN CHOI : Silly Faces
Fakelemon : Murder-Suicide
Written by Chris P for Korean Indie.