Manic Street Preachers – ‘Critical Thinking’

The Manic Street Preachers, an iconic Welsh rock band formed in 1986, are celebrated for their mix of anthemic rock and introspective, often political lyrics. The band’s upcoming album, ‘Critical Thinking’, is scheduled for release on January 31, 2025. This will be their fifteenth studio album, following 2021’s ‘The Ultra Vivid Lament’.

Early reports suggest that ‘Critical Thinking’ will continue the lush, orchestral soundscapes introduced in their previous work, with a balance of introspection and the socially conscious lyrics the band is known for.While the specifics of the album’s themes haven’t been fully disclosed, the title ‘Critical Thinking’ hints at a reflective, possibly politically charged narrative, fitting their reputation for engaging with societal issues.

The album will feature the single ‘Hiding In Plain Sight’, with the bassist Nicky Wire on lead vocals, a rare occurrence in the band’s discography.

Ed Sheeran – Title unknown

Ed Sheeran, one of the UK’s most successful singer-songwriters, is known for his ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with a variety of musical styles, from acoustic ballads to upbeat pop tracks. Since his debut with ‘+’ in 2011, Sheeran has become a global sensation, delivering chart-topping albums like ‘x’, ‘÷’,  and ‘-’. After the introspective and acoustic-driven tone of ‘-’ (2023), Sheeran has hinted that his 2025 album will mark a return to the pop-centric style that defined his earlier hits like ‘Shape of You’ and ‘Bad Habits’.

Ed Sheeran to release a new album in 2025, Variety reports.

It’s already finished with two music videos shot. He describes it as a return to “big pop.” pic.twitter.com/Sr8LkTl25h

— Pop Crave (@PopCrave) December 11, 2024

While Sheeran hasn’t disclosed specific themes, he has mentioned that this album reflects a “new chapter” in his life, possibly inspired by personal milestones such as fatherhood and his evolving perspective as an artist. Sheeran’s ability to reinvent his sound while maintaining widespread appeal makes this upcoming release one of the most anticipated albums of 2025.

The Wombats – ‘Oh! The Ocean’

The Wombats are a British indie rock band formed in Liverpool in 2003, known for their catchy melodies, quirky lyrics, and energetic sound, they gained fame with hits like ‘Let’s Dance to Joy Division’ and ‘Moving to New York’. Over the years, their music has evolved to incorporate electronic elements while maintaining their indie charm. The Wombats’ sixth studio album, ‘Oh! The Ocean’, is scheduled for release on February 14, 2025.

The band has described ‘Oh! The Ocean’ as their most ambitious album to date, blending their trademark upbeat sound with darker, introspective undertones. The album reportedly explores themes of mental health, isolation, and finding solace in unexpected places, inspired by the band’s experiences during recent global challenges. The single ‘Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come’ is already generating buzz for its witty lyrics and infectious chorus.

Sam Fender – ‘People watching’

Sam Fender is a British singer-songwriter and musician from North Shields, England. Known for his powerful vocals, anthemic indie-rock sound, and deeply personal and socially aware lyrics, Fender has become one of the most celebrated artists of his generation. His debut album, ‘Hypersonic Missiles’ (2019), and follow-up, ‘Seventeen Going Under’ (2021), both received critical acclaim, with the latter earning him a BRIT Award for Best British Alternative/Rock Act.

Sam Fender’s third studio album, ‘People Watching’, is set for release on February 21, 2025. As the title suggests, the album explores themes of observation, human connection, and introspection. Fender has revealed in interviews that the album was inspired by his experiences during the last few years, including the pressures of fame and his reflections on the people and stories around him.

While specific tracks haven’t been officially released yet, early reports indicate that the album’s lead single will premiere in early 2025. Fender has described it as a “cathartic anthem” that sets the tone for the rest of the record. Following the massive success of ‘Seventeen Going Under’, which resonated deeply with fans and critics alike, ‘People Watching’ is expected to further solidify Fender’s reputation as one of the most vital voices in contemporary music.

The Sherlocks – ‘Everything Must Make Sense‘

The Sherlocks are an English indie rock band formed in 2010 in South Yorkshire. Known for their anthemic, guitar-driven sound, The Sherlocks gained attention with tracks like ‘Chasing Shadows’ and ‘Will You Be There?’. Their fifth studio album, ‘Everything Must Make Sense’, is set to be released on February 21, 2025.

The band describes the album as a return to their raw, guitar-driven roots, with a fresh energy inspired by their live performances. The album will reportedly tackle themes of finding clarity in chaos, personal growth, and navigating life’s uncertainties. The Sherlocks have so far released three singles from the new album, including ‘Death Of Me‘, ‘Man on the Loose‘, and ‘Bones‘.

With a loyal fanbase and a reputation for heartfelt, relatable music, ‘Everything Must Make Sense’ is highly anticipated by indie rock enthusiasts. It’s poised to showcase The Sherlocks’ maturity and reaffirm their place in the UK music scene.

Aside from the artists above, Inhaler, The Darkness, FKA twigs, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, have all also announced the release of their new albums in the new year. Some of them as early as January 2025.

The group took to their social media to announce the release of their new single.

‘All these days are turning into years!’

NEW SINGLE ‘CITY LIGHTS’ OUT NOW EVERYWHERE!!!

What do you all think to this monster then? https://t.co/6YyXMp0jTJ pic.twitter.com/EOqfq4gShp

— The Sherlocks (@TheSherlocks) August 14, 2021

The band’s new track sees a return of the group’s melodic alt-rock formula and features a unique ethereal twist to the catchy guitar hooks. The message of The Sherlocks’ release appears to be of hope whilst fortifying the band’s overall theme of resurgence. The news of the group’s new track comes five months after the release of their comeback single, in March 2021 the band released their first track in two years. The song ‘End Of The Earth’ was not the only signal of the band’s restoration but the release date also saw The Sherlocks return to Twitter. The group’s triumphant return came after a drastic line-up change, founding members and brothers John and Andy Davidson left the group in 2020 but were replaced by guitarist Alex Procter and bassist Trent Jackson. Lead vocalist Kiaran Crook has spoken on the new album and how timing and fate affected the group’s forthcoming release. “This record was all about timing, it would have been impossible to make it at any other time than this, Everything felt like it happened for a reason and I genuinely believe we made our best album to date. In years from now, I think we’ll look back on this release as the one where it all changed and took us to the next level…” The band took to their Twitter to share the news with fans regarding the band’s third studio album, within the post the group also provided the link to pre-order their new album.

Delighted to announce our new album ‘World I Understand’ will be released on November 19th! We’re so proud of this album & we can’t wait for you all to hear the rest of it!❤️ Pre-order the album now -https://t.co/dsoQ0K9A9M pic.twitter.com/t2ritIPqVo — The Sherlocks (@TheSherlocks) August 13, 2021

The group’s upcoming album, ‘World I Understand’, will be the newly reformed group’s first album since the departure of John and Andy Davidson. The album will be released by TeddyBoy Records and has already received support from Radio DJs and presenters Annie Mac from BBC Radio 1 and Steve Lamacq from 6 Music. On the group’s new album, the band have worked together with celebrated English producer Dave Eringa, the Essex born producer is known for his work with various English Alt-rock bands including the Scottish group Idlewild and Nine Black Alps. Eringa has also worked with some of the biggest names in English rock, the producer worked with Manic Street Preachers on many of their albums including their fifth studio album ‘This Is My Truth Tell Me Yours’ and one of their most successful albums ‘Everything Must Go’ released on 20th May 1996.

Crook has spoken further concerning the group’s upcoming album release, the singer described the recording process taken whilst commenting on the importance of the record for the group’s newest band members. “We pulled up at Rockfield Studios in Wales with only a handful of practices together and a bunch of songs that felt strong but were certainly rough around the edges. But once we started, I knew we were onto something special. Part of the magic of this record is that even though Brandon [Crook, the drummer] and I arrived to make our third album, Trent and Alex were making their debut record. Their passion was infectious, and we were getting the songs down at such a rapid pace. Everyone playing out of their skin!”

The band have also announced news concerning their upcoming UK tour, ‘Keep Our Independent Venues alive’. The group will be performing at 15 venues in support of not just their new album but also of Independent Grassroot music venues within the UK.

The Sherlocks Uk Tour

20/08/2021 – Kenwood House – London
03-05/09 – Neighbourhood Weekender – Warrington
01/10 – Electric Church – Blackburn
02/10 – Albert Hall – Manchester
04/10 – Portland Arms – Cambridge
05/10 – The Forum – Tunbridge Wells
06/10 – The Face Bar – Reading
07/10 – The Black Prince – Northampton
08/10 – Met Lounge – Peterborough
14/10 – The Parish – Wrexham
15/10 – Bedford Esquires – Bedford
16/10 – The Fulford Arms – York
21/10 – KU Stockton – Stockton-on-Trees
22/10 – Independent – Sunderland
23/10 – The Ferret – Preston
28/10 – The Venue – Derby
29/10 – Docks Academy – Grimsby
13/11 – Stag And Dagger Glasgow 2021 – Glasgow
11/12 – Sonic Wave Festival 2021 – Birmingham

The band have described End of the Earth as an “absolute banger“, albeit with a new feel to their previous work. In a press release shared with local newspaper the Rotherham Advertiser, a group statement says that the new track is “…quite punk rock, a new change of direction, but definitely the perfect comeback track.”

WE ARE BACK!!

GLOBAL LIVE STREAMING GIG & A BRAND NEW SINGLE!

Pleased to announce we’ve recorded an incredible live gig at City Hall, Sheffield you can see Friday 9th April 5PM GMT @SessionsLive

New single ‘End Of The Earth’ coming out too on 9th April
Absolute banger pic.twitter.com/yNOHgljb1y

— The Sherlocks (@TheSherlocks) March 16, 2021

In an interview with the NME, the Bolton upon Dearne outfit spoke of their excitement to get back on a live stage (of sorts) after the disruption of the pandemic. The band said “We’re buzzing for everyone to see us perform again. We’ve been smashing it in the practice room and staying ready, like a world champion boxer ticking over. We’re like the Tyson Fury of the music industry in many ways.”

The new gig and single are set to provide a taster of The Sherlocks’ as-yet-untitled third studio album, which will be their first new material in two years. After a stint supporting The Libertines’ on their 2016 arena tour, the group first shot into the spotlight their 2017 debut LP Live For The Moment. The record reached number #6 on the Official UK Albums Chart; earning the quartet comparisons with Yorkshire compatriots Arctic Monkeys in some quarters.

Dismissing fears of the traditional ‘difficult second album’ wobble, The Sherlocks returned with another hit record in 2019’s Under Your Sky, which enjoyed even greater critical recognition than its predecessor. In a glowing review The Guardian described the album as a “quantum leap” from the band’s debut, with a “much more mature, effervescent rock sound” and “arena-sized choruses.”

Things haven’t sailed entirely smoothly for the group since then, with brothers Josh Davidson and Andy Davidson exiting early last year. The Sherlocks’ other founding sibling duo – Kiaran and Brandon Cook – remain in place; whilst Alex Procter and Trent Jackson have entered the fray on guitar and bass duties respectively.

For their third album, the new-look line-up have enlisted the talents of production guru Dave Eringa, best-known for his work with Welsh rock icons Manic Street Preachers over nine acclaimed albums. Brandon Crook spoke of the band’s delight at having secured Eringa’s services in an interview with Sheffield’s The Star newspaper. He said “Dave is used to working with people like Manic Street Preachers, Roger Daltrey, Idlewild and The Proclaimers who have been in the game a long time and know what to do with song structures. Back in 2016, we literally didn’t have a clue what we were doing in the studio, but this time we were able to bring plenty to the table with two other albums under our belts.”

Fans will have several opportunities to catch The Sherlocks in festival action this year, with performances pencilled in for Dorset’s Camp Bestival in July and Warrington’s Neighbourhood Weekender in early September. The band have also rescheduled live shows at Manchester’s Albert Hall and Grimsby’s Docks Academy in October – the latter having already sold out.