Our Top 10 Lists have been named in honor of late Blog Director and DJ Clarence Ewing, who pioneered and published this annual feature for nearly a decade.
Our next list is from Geoffrey D. Wessel. Please note, Geoffrey's list is unranked.
10. Another Place by Pachyman (ATO)
The LA-based Puerto Rican artist's fifth album, continuing his journey into dub, taking Latin and modern electronic influences as well in his wall of sound.
Listen: Bandcamp
9. Synthome by Ash Code (Swiss Dark Nights)
The Italian goth trio return with their first album in eight years, their fourth. Vocals alternate between Alessandro Belluccio and Claudia Nottebella. Noteworthy tracks include "Scars," "Nostalgia" and "Angel Oscuro."
Listen: Bandcamp
8. ESPERA by French Police (self-released)
The Southside post-punk darlings released this EP in the beginning of the year, and along with 2 further singles ("SUGAR KILLER" and "LIBRA"), had a bit of a banner year, what with tours of the USA, Mexico and Europe, returning to Europe in the beginning of 2026. Brian Flores' vocals are unmistakable in any language.
Listen: Bandcamp
7. Percepticide: The Death of Reality by Pixel Grip (self-released)
After a 4-year absence and a sampling controversy (they were the samplees), the queer industrial group returned with a powerhouse album and a great live show back in November at Metro. Still relevant, still kicking it.
Listen: Bandcamp
6. Who Let the Dogs Out by Lambrini Girls (City Slang)
The Brighton UK duo started 2025 as they meant to go on—loud, brash, angry, and not giving a fuck. One of my absolute favorites for the year. Nearly every track a classic, even the ones we couldn't play on the air.
Listen: Bandcamp
5. elegy by flowersatherfeet (self-released)
Chicago shoegaze group's full-length debut. Very nice.
Listen: Bandcamp
4. sufres porque quieres by blood club (self-released)
Southside post-punk group had an absolute knockout of a year, playing quite a lot around town and around the country, even a European tour supporting Ash Code. This 5-song EP, all in Spanish, might have been the single release I played from the most on the air this year.
Listen: Bandcamp
3. I by KAPUT (Altered States)
Debut album from local post-punk noise outfit consisting of Nadia Garafalo (ex-Ganser) and Brian Fox of Electric Audio, joined by Kalamazoo-based drummer M. Sord (Jon Spencer and the Hitmakers). Noisy, raucous, and yet grooving a lot of the time. Damn fine debut album.
Listen: Bandcamp
2. WE WERE JUST HERE by Just Mustard (Partisan Records)
Noisy shoegaze from Dundalk, Ireland, that remind me a LOT of Cranes. Their third album. "ENDLESS DEATHLESS" is a stellar standout track, as is the title track.
Listen: Bandcamp
1. All Problems No Solutions by Weaklung (Spiteful Engineering)
After making my Honorable Mentions two years running, the Chicago noise outfit's debut full-length gets a proper spot in my Top 10. Stellar debut album, well worth listening to and absorbing.
Listen: Bandcacmp
Honorable Mentions
Mixes of a Lost World by The Cure
Memento Mori: Mexico City by Depeche Mode
Spit or Swallow, Every Soul Will Taste Death by HIDE
Black Sky Over the Projects: Apartment 2025 by Public Enemy
Switcheroo by Gelli Haha
Rings Around the Tub by Mykele Deville