Obscure Sound's Best Albums of 2025

Structured like a musical therapy session, 'Positive Vibes & Anger Issues (Deluxe Edition)' finds Philadelphia-based hip-hop artist @nd1ffrent exploring the duality of human emotion alongside a captivating range of hip-hop, soul, pop, and beyond.

An accomplished year for Post Death Soundtrack (@postdeathsound2) with the project’s riveting sixth full-length, 'GRIST.'

Bouncy synth pulses and soaring vocal passion delight on “Emotional,” an affecting new track from Better Animal, the collaborative project of Alex Thompson and Josh White.

Thematically balancing the tension between healing and pain amidst a momentum-filled rock production, “The Same Thing” is a single out today from former north.

“In Dreams” is a stirring rock success from Charleston-based band The Six Foot Tide, capturing a heartfelt Americana appeal with tender guitar twangs, soaring organs, and saxophone-touched warmness.

An impactful new track with dreamy mystique and commanding lyrical poignancy, “Stand Here” comes via Tether the Star, the Seattle-based trio comprising Maery Lanahan, Brian DeWeese, and Connor Hall.

A late-night alt-pop success with soulful vocal charisma and dynamic tonal charm, “Starlight” is a new single from Yeshi.

wesley david‘s new track “Silent Rides” pairs road-worn reflection with ’90s-tinged warmth, blending twanging guitars, steady rhythms, and subtle psychedelia into a moving listen.

“Part of Me” is a catchy pop success from Cult Caves, the Salt Lake City-based project led by Tyson Henrie.

A grooving rock stylishness stirs on “Left of SoSo,” a memorable new track from Maffa Rico that blends smooth brass, dynamic vocals, and suave guitar work with intoxicating effect.

“Starstreams” is an enveloping new track from Veinmelter (@veinmeltermusic), whose infusion of spacey electronic haunts, whirring guitar builds, and thumping rhythms makes for a wholly immersive sound.

A hypnotic array of soothing vocal introspection and lush electronic elements enamor on “December,” a new track from Anger of 1000 Dragons, the Brooklyn-based project of Isaac Wang.

A consuming new EP from Chloe Dunn, 'Blossom' showcases a sound steeped in dynamic allure — ranging from singer-songwriter and folk to ambient and experimental.

A lushly absorbing mixture of dreamy folk and pop compels on “Violet,” a memorable new track from Priscilla Sab.

A soaring atmospheric success that melds jazz, psychedelic pop, and electronica, “lost at sea” is a recently released track from Jonah Hiro.

A rumbling, stylish rocker with moody allure, “Horse Bit” comes via Everything But The Everything, featuring the fiercely magnetic vocals of Sophia Prise.

The aptly titled “Ghost” is an artful rock success from Marital Bed, incorporating haunting vocal layers amidst jumpy guitar fervency.

“Run” is a memorable new track from Split Refraction, pairing folk and electronic elements within lyrical reflections of an outlaw’s paranoid flight from the consequences of his past.

A twangy, melodic rock allure develops throughout “Who Can Count on Careless Love?” — a stellar new single from Double Truck, a Philadelphia-based project led by Sam Thacker.