Are you serious? Is September 2025 already here? Time really does fly, especially if you’re over 30. September and October are known for having the most releases, and this extended episode of THE NOISE OF is further proof of that. So, let’s start delving into the past month!

Chip Wickham – The Eternal Now

September 5 // Gondwana Records

To be honest, I had become somewhat disenchanted with Gondwana Records in recent years. Too many of their releases delved into the same branch of jazz, and most of it started to feel rather formulaic. However, records like The Eternal Now and several others recently released or coming up feel more unique and distinctive, rekindling my love for the label. Thanks, Chip!

Bandcamp // Youtube

Lucrecia Dalt – A Danger to Ourselves

September 5 // RVNG Intl.

Like most of Lucrecia Dalt‘s work, it is an incredibly rich and fascinating experience. Dark and gloomy but not exclusively so, A Danger to Ourselves embraces all shades of humanity, delivering one of the most interesting pop-adjacent albums of the year.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Ziur – Home

September 5 // Kuboraum Editions

I have no illusions – this feature won’t alter a project’s trajectory or future, but I hope highlighting it will garner a few more fans. There hasn’t been much buzz about Ziur‘s fantastic new album, Home, which is a shame, especially if you like deconstructed club, IDM, post-industrial, and similar genres.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Okkyung Lee – just like any other day (어느날) : background music for your mundane activities

September 5 // Shelter Press

I’ve been a fan of South Korea-born artist Okkyung Lee for a long time, and I’m thrilled that she’s finally back with new music. Her new album features beautiful cascading notes and intimate sound design, making for a cozy yet compelling listening experience.

Bandcamp

Faetooth – Labyrinthine

September 5 // The Flenser

I stumbled upon the term ‘fairy doom’ when contextualizing Faetooth, and it’s an apt description of what you are about to experience. Labyrinthine reminds me of a classic doom version of Iress in parts, so sonically, it’s in very good company. Good album.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Curtis Harding – Departures & Arrivals: Adventures of Captain Curt

September 5 // Anti- Records

Old-school soul is a genre of music that has experienced a resurgence in recent years, with artists like Michael Kiwanuka and The Black Pumas rising to international fame with their nostalgic sounds. Hailing from Atlanta, Curtis Harding has been delivering great soul for over 10 years. If you love soul and haven’t caught up with his music, you definitely have some homework to do.

Bandcamp // Youtube

caress – Rien ne pourra jamais

September 9 // Independent

Not a French skramz band, but a French-speaking Swiss outfit – I take it. Caress have this awesome ‘sweaty-basement-show’ vibe, which I love to death and which basically acts like my own personal catnip. So take my praise with a grain of salt, I’m biased as hell.

Bandcamp

Whane – Per tutti sempre e, poi, amore

September 11 // Independent

Oh, you want more skramz? Well, at your service! France isn’t the only fantastic breeding ground for skramz; Italy has a vibrant scene, too. The quintet Whane from Udine continues the tradition of legendary bands like La Quiete, Raein, and The Death of Anna Karina.

Bandcamp

Pluie Cessera – We’ve Been Alone

September 12 // Spleencore Records

Even more? Alright, come down, there you go. Parisian band Pluie Cessera entertain the more emo side of things, but they skramz as good as other bands mentioned in here. An awesome little gem full of little, surprising sprinkles.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Maruja – Pain to Power

September 12 // Music For Nations

Honestly, I considered featuring this album in the article and nothing more. Maruja‘s Pain to Power is my favorite album of the year. I can’t remember the last time my number one pick was so obvious. It’s an impressive display of artistic prowess and unhinged creativity, as well as a strong voice of confidence for music beyond the limitations of scenes and genres.

Listen // Youtube // Review

Tomas Fujiwara – Dream Up

September 12 // Out Of Your Head Records

Out of Your Head is a great place to find challenging jazz. Tomas Fujiwara‘s work seems tame compared to other releases from the label. However, the drum-centered compositions are incredibly rich and captivating. It’s a great find for fans of open jazz drumming.

Bandcamp // Youtube

mei ehara – All About McGuffin

September 12 // KAKUBARYTHM

I know Mei Ehara primarily from her collaborations with the Japanese musical chameleon Cornelius, but I was taken by surprise by how good her new album is. It’s great that more Japanese artists are entering the Western music conversation, and All About McGuffin is a prime example of artsy, colorful pop music.

Listen // Youtube

Rafiq Bhatia – Environments

September 12 // Anti- Records

I’m a big fan of Son Lux, so I’m always on the lookout for side projects by its members. Drummer Ian Chang is also in the fantastic band Landlady. Guitarist Rafiq Bhatia impressed me with his awesome solo album Learning English. Now, he’s back with Environments and has enlisted his friend Ian Chang on drums. The album is forward-thinking rock that carries the spirit of this collective.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Legss – Unreal

September 12 // The state51 Conspiracy

This album was overshadowed by Maruja because they come from the same label and have similar vibes. Despite my lack of enthusiasm for post-punk, this album made a good impression on me. Don’t skip this album – it’s an absolute highlight of the year!

Bandcamp // Youtube

HERUVIM – Mercator

September 12 // Redefining Darkness Records

Normally, this aesthetic would cause me to say ‘no thank you,‘ but with riffs that good, who am I to refuse? It’s riff after riff after riff of nasty, punishing death metal. I didn’t even know I needed to scratch that itch!

Bandcamp // Youtube

Boyish – Gun

September 12 // R&R

We’ve all heard the dream pop and shoegaze recipe with reverb-drenched vocals and midtempo slacker vibes so many times in recent years that the sound is borderline oversaturated. Thankfully, there are exceptions, and Boyish‘s new album, Gun, is an exceptionally good one.

Listen // Youtube

Algernon Cadwallader – Trying Not to Have a Thought

September 12 // Saddle Creek

Emo band Algernon Cadwallader is back with a new album after 14 years, and the magic is still there. If you’ve read multiple times about how great they are but have never checked them out, now is your chance. No excuses!

Bandcamp // Youtube

Venera – Exinfinite

September 12 // PAN

‘Hey, did you know that Munky – yes, from Korn – has a side project that does amazing post-industrial electronica? No joke!’ is still one of my favorite lines when I meet new people. People say it’s weird to start a conversation like that, but at least they know.

Bandcamp // Youtube

The Sound Of Animals Fighting – The Maiden

September 12 // Born Losers Records

This supergroup evolved far beyond the sum of its parts. Goodbye swancore; hello dancing between genres while juggling many different voices. The Sound of Animals Fighting is a phenomenon, and it’s great that they’re still going strong.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Volahn – Popol Vuh

September 15 // Crepúsculo Negro

Raw, hammering black metal with Mayan folk elements sounds tacky, but make no mistake: it works incredibly well. It’s an exciting album from start to finish, and one of the best black metal projects of the year.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Cuddle Magic – Underwater

September 19 // Egghunt Records

Cuddling is indeed a magical thing, so what’s not to love about a band dedicated to that magic? Cuddle Magic‘s new album Underwater is as wholesome as you might expect, without being dull – there is enough interesting tension going on here.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Hadopelagyal – Haematophoryktos

September 19 // Amor Fati Productions

This is an utterly abrasive blackened death metal project from Germany. It was recorded with black metal sensibilities, but is filled to the brim with death metal riffs, which makes for a great combination. This album offers a singular vibe, and if you’re into it, you’ll have a damn good time.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Wilder Maker – The Streets Like Beds Still Warm

September 19 // Western Vinyl

All sorts of things melded together, and the real wonder is that it worked at all. At its core, this has jazz and art rock, but Wilder Maker managed to incorporate so many sweet ideas. Everything has a lovely slacker vibe, which I really like. It’s a very unique gem.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Shapednoise – Absurd Matter 2

September 19 // Weight Looming

Absolutely wild and unhinged industrial hip hop. Topped with a stellar Armand Hammer feature.

Bandcamp // Youtube

soccer. – Internet

September 24 // Independent

I’m not as obsessed with Japanese music as I was a few years ago, but bands from Japan still pique my interest. Too much of what I love comes from there; it’s right up my alley. Now, a Tokyo-based band called soccer. gives me an emo-driven skramz album? Yes, sir. Can I have some more?

Bandcamp

I Hold the Lion’s Paw – Potentially Interesting Jazz Music

September 26 // Earshift Music

It’s not only one of the best album names this year, but also an intense and compelling jazz effort in 2025. This largely improvised record is evidence that these musicians are very good and know each other well – everything flows together so well.

Bandcamp

Abraham – idsungwüssä

September 26 // Pelagic Records

A shadow looms over everything Abraham does, and it’s called Look, here comes the dark!. Having one of the best post-metal albums ever in their catalog can be a hindrance, yet I applaud this band for constantly evolving and trying new things. After the noisy, garage-esque Débris de mondes perdus, IDSUNGWÜSSÄ feels fresh with its midtempo, wall-of-sound vibe.

Bandcamp // Youtube // Review

Tom Skinner – Kaleidoscopic Visions

September 26 // International Anthem

Wake up, it’s International Anthem time! One of my favorite labels, a constant provider of fantastic modern jazz, is teaming up with London jazz artist Tom Skinner, who is primarily known for being in Sons of Kemet. On his second full-length album, Skinner combines his experiences and skills with new influences, resulting in a unique experience.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Ancient Infinity Orchestra – It’s always about love

September 26 // Gondwana Records

Gondwana fans have a lot to look forward to this year. After their promising debut, the Ancient Infinity Orchestra knocked it out of the park with their follow-up, offering a gentle yet deeply moving interpretation of Gondwana jazz. Indeed, it’s always about love.

Bandcamp // Youtube

…and i found a way – clover bloom

September 26 // Independent

For such a small and apparently local, this sounds awesome – good songwriting, vibrant production and generally a good pace. A sweet little gem for every skramzy hardcore fan.

Bandcamp

Purity Ring – purity ring

September 26 // The Fellowship

I’ve liked Purity Ring for a long time, despite their inconsistent discography. With their new self-titled album, however, they might have delivered the best album of their career. This record showcases an amalgamation of everything that made them great in the first place.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Nobukazu Takemura – Knot of Meanings

September 26 // Thrill Jockey

By that point, Nobukazu Takemura‘s work was everywhere, so nothing he did was that surprising anymore. Nevertheless, Knot of Meaning is surprisingly modern and charmingly disheveled.

Bandcamp

Night Tapes – portals//polarities

September 26 // Nettwerk

Apparently, Estonian gazey dream pop is a thing. With so many good songs, who am I to not enjoy it? Night Tapes has a fantastic vibe and drive – highly recommended for fans of the aforementioned sound.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Geese – Getting Killed

September 26 // Partisan Records

Geese are on their way to becoming the best indie band on the planet, and with each new album, they’re getting closer. Getting Killed is a leap of faith, trying things that could alienate people – but it paid off.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Fawn – Paper Thin

September 26 // Sunday Drive Records

This might be the best collection of songs this year. Fawn is a relatively new band with only a couple of EPs under their belt, but they have the potential to be the best dreamgaze band in recent years. Damn.

Bandcamp // Youtube

Demersal – Vi kunne ikke blive her for evigt, vel?

September 26 //Tomb Tree Tapes

The Danish skramz outfit is back after their phenomenal self-titled full-length release last year. They’ve added quieter, more meditative parts, which have only made their sound richer. They’re more versatile and dynamic. Keep it up, guys!

Bandcamp // Youtube

M. Sage – Tender / Wading

September 26 //RVNG Intl.

Transcendental and meditative, M. Sage is back with another highlight of folky ambient. So good.

Bandcamp // Youtube

øjeRum – Ensomheden Vi Deler

September 29 // IIKKI

This is a perfect way to end the episode. If you’ve never heard of øjeRum, do yourself a favor: put on some headphones, press play, and thank me later. It’s a devastatingly beautiful burst of drones and ambience.

Bandcamp

Thanks for scrolling.

Toni Meese

I know more than you.

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