May is a good month - two bank holidays, more than occasional sunny days, and the first glimmers of festival season - and we’ve got a new issue to match.
First up, Self Esteem might have become one of Britain’s most forthright pop powerhouses over the last few years, but she’s not about to start playing it safe now – with a brand new album and a take-no-prisoners attitude, she’s become an absolute icon already. Meanwhile, Japanese Breakfast’s Michelle Zauner has returned from memoir-writing and soundtrack-scoring to her primary love: indie-pop that aches and shimmers in equal measure. Fresh off the release of her latest record, she talks to us about embracing melancholy and momentum as her star continues to rise. And last but certainly not least, we have Ghost – the mysterious arena-conquering ghouls turning heavy metal into high art (and a bit of high camp). With a bombastic new album, we get a peek behind the mask at how they’re keeping rock interesting (and just a little bit ridiculous) in 2025.
Elsewhere in the magazine, the excitement continues at full throttle. On the heavier end of the spectrum, Scowl and Employed To Serve are doing their part to wake the neighbours – the former leading a ferocious hardcore punk charge out of California, the latter flying the flag for UK metal with a brand-new batch of face-melters. Not to be outdone, Canada’s finest punk mischief-makers PUP are back, mixing caustic angst and dark humor into shout-along anthems that prove you can evolve without losing your bite. And just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, along come Model/Actriz to throw you for a loop – their frenetic, genre-defying noise-dance chaos is as thrilling as it is disorienting, in the best possible way.
Of course, it’s not all fury and fuzz. If you’re craving melody, introspection, and a touch of glamour, we’ve got you covered. Samia turns twenty-something angst into cathartic indie-pop ballads that hit right in the feels, while Sunflower Bean continue to refine their glossy New York rock swagger without sacrificing an ounce of grit. Transatlantic duo Prima Queen have finally delivered their long-awaited debut album, packed with sharp, heart-on-sleeve storytelling wrapped in woozy guitar-pop – trust us, it’s been worth the wait. And Momma, fresh off their new release, channel the spirit of ’90s alt-rock into something fun, fierce, and entirely their own, ensuring the hooks and riffs keep coming.
We’ve also got some one-of-a-kind voices sharing their stories. Tunde Adebimpe – yes, that would be the frontman of TV On The Radio – has weathered a whirlwind of late and emerged with a solo project that might be his most adventurous work yet. He chats to us about turning turmoil into creativity, and why after all these years he’s still finding new ways to push boundaries. Meanwhile, Lydia Night, formerly the fearless leader of The Regrettes, opens up about launching her solo era and coming of age in the public eye. She’s got new music, a new perspective, and zero interest in playing by anyone else’s rules, thank you very much. Two very different artists, both reminding us that evolution in music is alive and well.
Naturally, discovering new talent is our bread and maple syrup flavoured butter, and this month’s Hype section is bursting at the seams with acts you’ll want to brag about discovering first. Meet Sam Akpro, a South London alchemist fusing post-punk, jazz, and dub into a sound entirely his own. Over in Los Angeles, Jensen McRae pairs folk-pop melodies with razor-sharp lyricism – and a knack for striking an online nerve when you least expect it. Newcomers Punchbag come out swinging with raw, no-frills punk energy, while Léa Sen offers a more mellow counterpoint, crafting late-night R&B-inflected alt-pop that draws you in quietly. Also on our radar: Erin LeCount, who’s graduated from Essex pub gigs (and a brush with reality TV fame) to belting out soulful rock tunes built for much bigger stages, and Kayla Grace, channelling Gen Z anxieties into wickedly catchy songs that refuse to leave your head. And just to keep things interesting, Clutter prove that noise-rock and experimental electronica are far from spent forces – they’re making beautiful chaos that has to be heard to be believed. And we’re not even done there.
Still hungry for more? Our reviews team has been hard at work dissecting and celebrating the latest releases that should be on your radar. We dive into Blondshell’s fearless new album – a second effort that loses none of her razor-edged wit or grunge-pop bite. We also explore the unlikely collaborative gem from Julien Baker & TORRES, a team-up that gives Americana a fresh jolt and has us hoping these two work together more often. On the indie front, Lucy Dacus returns with another collection of eloquent, heart-tugging tunes that cements her status as one of the scene’s finest storytellers. For those who like things a bit more unhinged, Viagra Boys are back to their old tricks, delivering sleazy post-punk grooves and absurdist lyrical winks that will make you dance and wonder if you should call your therapist. And rounding things out, The Driver Era – the brotherly duo making waves in alt-pop – drop a new set of slick, hook-filled jams that might just soundtrack your summer escapades, and run us through the full thing, front to back. Down with boring, indeed.
You can order the May 2025 issue of Dork now, and it'll be dispatched by 5th May, 2025.