Indie Basement’s Best Albums of 2025 So Far: Q1 Highlights

As winter gives way to spring and the first quarter of 2025 concludes, it’s time to take stock of where we are musically. The following list showcases standout albums released between January and March, capturing the essence of classic indie and alternative sounds while highlighting both long-standing legends and rising stars. Presented in alphabetical order, these records reflect a dynamic mix of genres, moods, and innovations.

Art d’Ecco – Serene Demon

Label: Paper Bag Records

Vancouver’s Art d’Ecco returns with Serene Demon, an ambitious and eclectic album that transcends temporal boundaries. While his 2022 release embraced the grandeur of the 1980s, this new record blends sounds from multiple decades — ‘70s glam and disco, ‘80s funk, 2000s post-punk — into a unique, shapeshifting experience. Collaborating with over 30 musicians and renowned producer Joe Chiccarelli, d’Ecco pushes his sonic boundaries without compromising on infectious hooks or quirky charm. From the slinky funk of “Shell Shock” to the glam-soaked “Honeycomb,” this record is a theatrical, genre-hopping journey with echoes of Marc Bolan, Queen, Prince, and even Barry Gibb fronting Franz Ferdinand. A bold, chameleonic step forward in his discography.

Bambara – Birthmarks

Label: Wharf Cat / Bella Union

With Birthmarks, Bambara have undergone a sonic transformation while retaining their signature cinematic drama. The Brooklyn-based band, now signed to Bella Union, teamed up with producer Graham Sutton (Bark Psychosis) to craft a sound that’s more expansive, atmospheric, and polished. Synthesizers and layered sound design are now central elements, enriching their Western-noir post-punk. Tracks like “Letters to Sing Sing” burst with orchestral stabs and punchy rhythms, while “Face of Love” offers a genre-blurring standout — part Cocteau Twins dreamscape, part Massive Attack trip-hop, with haunting guest vocals from Madeline Johnston and Emma Acs. It’s a lush, immersive experience that revitalizes their sound while keeping the soul of Bambara intact.

Cousines Like Shit – Permanent Earthquake

Label: Seayou Records

The Austrian duo of Hannah and Laura Breitfuss — real-life cousins — return with Permanent Earthquake, a bold and sarcastic sequel to their 2023 debut Avant Trash. Blending jagged post-punk guitars, icy synths, and rhythmic disco beats, the album channels the energy of Ladytron and Broadcast, but with a tongue-in-cheek, observational edge reminiscent of Chicks on Speed. Produced in New York with Madison Velding-VanDam (The Wants), the album captures a crisp, retro-futuristic sound. Songs like “Boring,” “No,” and “Frenemies” balance clever lyricism with danceable, nervy grooves — perfect for late-night dance floors or side-eyed social commentary. Irreverent, stylish, and undeniably catchy.

Dean Wareham – That’s the Price of Loving Me

Label: Carpark Records

Dean Wareham, the veteran of Galaxie 500 and Luna, reunites with producer Kramer for his finest solo work yet. That’s the Price of Loving Me was recorded in just six days, but it resonates with warmth, confidence, and the magic that first defined their collaborations in the late ’80s. Wareham’s laid-back, melodic guitar work is front and center, wrapped in gentle psychedelia and introspective lyrics tinged with wry humor. Echoes of his Galaxie 500 days emerge on “New World Julie,” while the cover of Mayo Thompson’s “Dear Betty Baby” serves as a knowing nod to his roots. It’s an album full of nostalgia without feeling stuck in the past — instead, it’s timeless, understated, and effortlessly charming.

Destroyer – Dan’s Boogie

Label: Merge / Bella Union

Dan Bejar’s fourteenth album as Destroyer sees him embracing the spirit of vintage lounge and cabaret with Dan’s Boogie, a record rich in atmosphere and theatrical flair. Gone are the disco flirtations of recent albums — instead, Bejar enters a world of noir-inspired decadence and faded glamour. Longtime collaborator John Collins crafts an immersive soundscape filled with sweeping strings and expansive arrangements that feel cinematic and intimate at once. Bejar’s signature cryptic lyricism remains a central draw, though the focus here is on mood and texture. Evoking the spirit of Poison Season and Your Blues, Dan’s Boogie may be among the most transportive and sonically adventurous entries in Destroyer’s vast catalog.

Final Thoughts:
From reinventions to returns to form, the first quarter of 2025 has delivered a striking array of albums that challenge, comfort, and captivate. Whether you’re seeking something new or a fresh take from an old favorite, these records are a great place to start your musical journey into the year.