2025 threatened to be a year of crushing existential foreboding … a year of vulgar democratic erosion, racism, and sensationally grotesque hyper-nationalism. Violent weirdness. But, we managed to thwart most of it. Here are some observations and some highlights:
1. Australia seemed to have decided to skirt pesky issues like empathy and human decency, defer to genocide apologists, and chuck justice, accountability, and democratic freedom to buggery.
Trying to understand the “rules” in oZ has become more complex, confusing, and demoralizing than trying to find a parking space in Leichhardt!
2. The Decline and Fall of the US Empire.
“So what?”, some may say. With the United Stazi no longer the de facto Boss Of Stuff, 2026 is bound to be a clusterfuck as the status quo Rearranges Their Priorities.
3. The Epstein Files. (Waits for laughter to subside.)
“How guilty is Donald?”
“Your world does not understand how dumb he really is.” (Epstein’s response.)
How much popcorn can we eat?
4. Los Revelators
This groove-tastic li’l Spanish garage power-punk ensemble continues to chug away, having blasted out a few choice concerts and mini tours over the year (notably, one show with Leon rock legends The Salamanders).. The debut album should be ready for release in early 2026.
5. Dog Soldier
The debut Dog Soldier album was a big critical hit … a culmination of international techno-wizardry and conglomerate Aussie Rock Gawdness! We look forward to Australian and European tours in 2026. Buy the album here.
(Incidentally, special thanks to Ernie Oppenheimer for taking on mixing duties for both aforementioned bands. It’s a thankless, godless undertaking, doncha know?!)
6. Calamity
What would any year be without personal calamity and grave misfortune?
My shitty eyesight is legendary, and a “surprise” requiring emergency surgery shut down all plans for the latter part of 2025, including several recording sessions and festivals, and the tour that was to support the release of the aforementioned Dog Soldier album.
C’est la frickin’ vie!
7. Spiritbox from Canada
I have a perverse thing for metal bands with chick singers. These guys make a decent noise with a goodly amount of actual songwriting n’ stuff.
8. Deep Sea Diver from Seattle
Inadvertently continuing with the chick singer thing, this indie band is surprisingly powerful and marvelously colourful.
* * * * *
Welp! 2025 was a rocket ride, indeed! Mostly my life consists of sitting on my ass, feeding the cats and family, and bumping my head on the low ceiling in my music room.
It was beyond wonderful to see #2 son and his girl in Galicia this year, plus a few surprise passer-throughs!
What’s left to say but to wish you all an optimistic and cheerful cruise into and through 2026.
