April. How are we on April already? Not that we’re complaining about brighter evenings and loyalty card reductions on massive chocolate eggs. Nor are we complaining about the line-up of absolute icons we’ve got for you in our April 2025 issue, available to order now.
First up, Blondshell is turning life’s messiest moments into wry, relatable anthems. With a hotly-anticipated second album on the horizon, she talks to us about honesty, humour, and carving out her own space. Meanwhile, Camila Cabello might be a global pop icon, but over the past year or so she’s embraced a bold new chapter – one where she’s calling the shots, embracing fresh sounds, and reminding us that even pop royalty can rip up the script. As she prepares to take it on the road, we check in for a long overdue deep dive. And then there’s Black Country, New Road, who have thrown out the rulebook entirely, forging a daring new path after some dramatic changes, turning uncertainty into creative gold. And trust us, their reinvention will blow your mind.
Elsewhere in the magazine, the excitement continues at full throttle. HotWax are making a glorious racket as they spearhead a new wave of punk resurgence full of raw, grungy energy. SASAMI is back and as unpredictable as ever, blending searing riffs with cinematic whimsy and avant-pop flair. A classically-trained musician-turned-genre-smashing adventurer, we delve into how she’s redefining what alternative music can be. Not to be outdone, Courting continue to keep us on our toes. Three albums in and never ones to play it safe, they’re mixing irony, pop sensibility and experimental spirit in a way that continuously pushes the metaphorical envelope.
And speaking of unapologetic fun – the ever-outrageous Viagra Boys have returned, ready to inject some absurdity and grit into proceedings. Meanwhile, British rock legends The Darkness crash in with all the flamboyance and fire you’d hope for. On the flip side of the sonic spectrum, Chloe Moriondo invites us into her world as she turns personal growing pains into audible bliss. Brian D’Addario, one half of The Lemon Twigs, blending quirky complexity with a warm country-soul undercurrent. And then there’s Orchards, Brighton’s indie-pop dynamos, who have turned heartbreak into a perfect antidote to any lingering gloom.
Of course, new music discovery is what we live for here at Dork, and our Hype section is bursting at the seams with acts you’ll be bragging about discovering first. Meet Arthur Hill, a singer-songwriter with a sharp wit and a golden voice – equal parts class clown and heartfelt crooner, he’s turning TikTok fame into genuine indie acclaim. Over in Los Angeles, Rocket are a quartet of lifelong friends blasting off with big riffs and bigger hooks. while girlpuppy delivers diary-honest lyrics wrapped in dreamy melodies that will stick in your head for days. Then there’s Australian up-and-comer Mia Wray brings her powerhouse vocals and soulful pop songwriting to the table, proving she’s ready to take on the world. And we’re not even done there.
Still hungry for more? Our reviews team has been busy dissecting and celebrating the latest releases that should be on your radar. We dive into Black Country, New Road’s brand new opus, while exploring the gorgeous escapism of Japanese Breakfast’s latest. Over in left field, Djo takes us on a psychedelic electro-pop trip with his newest project, while Welly and Divorce both arrive with Dork-approved debuts. And for those who like it heavy, we didn’t forget you: we crank up the volume for Spiritbox and Scowl, two bands delivering catharsis via pummelling riffs and ferocious energy.
And that’s without As It Is, Deep See Diver, M(h)aol, spill tab, Martin Luke Brown, Polly Money, Phoebe Green, Bradley Simpson and loads, loads more. Down with boring, indeed.
You can order the April 2025 issue of Dork now, and it'll be dispatched by 4th April, 2025.