NOVO is a series of posts where we share albums by bands that were new to us—regardless of whether they are debut releases or their 29th studio album. So, if you already had these on your radar… 🤷🏽.
Wrapped might think it knows us inside out, but there’s nothing like reaching the end of the year to reflect on what truly stayed with us after a year of exploring new sounds.
In no particular order, let’s dive in:
Artist: Shaki Tavi – Album: Minor Slip – Genre: Shoegaze – Lenght: 35 minutes
The second work from this Oklahoma artist based in Los Angeles was my first introduction to his sound. The lead single, “Breaker,” caught my ear, and as soon as the full album dropped, I had to see if the rest of the tracks lived up to it. They certainly did. The album is a gripping listen; it never loses momentum, offering its only real breather in the final track, “Tilted.”
Recommended for: Those who like their guitars a bit gritty yet crystal clear.
Artist: The 113 – Album: To Combat Regret – Genre: Post-Punk – Lenght: 14 minutes
Here we have the debut from the Leeds quartet, The 113 (pronounced “The One Thirteen,” for the curious). A short EP that exudes raw power and grit across its four tracks. Is it a definitive statement? Well, it’s only four songs—but what a way to kick off a career. Definitely a band to watch for upcoming shows and releases.
Recommended for: Fans of IDLES.
Artist: Unknown Mortal Orchestra – Album: CURSE – Genre: Neo-psychedelia – Lenght: 12 minutes
Despite being together for 15 years, the band was truly Unknown to me (my apologies). However, “Boys with the characteristics of wolves” grabbed my attention and led me to dig deeper. They are a hard band to pin down, as their style shifts constantly (take their other 2025 release, IC-02 Bogotá, as an example), but they are always intriguing.
Recommended for: Those who enjoy a dark atmosphere without the jumpscares.
Artist: Cory Hanson – Album: I Love People – Genre: Folk Rock – Lenght: 37 minutes
Folk Rock delivered with pure class. The single “Bird on a Swing” sounds like a classic from the very first listen. While the album itself can be uneven, it’s well worth a spin for the fresh air it breathes into the genre and the irreverence of his approach (a staple of his previous work as well).
Recommended for: Lovers of guitar-driven country melodies.
Artist: Adiós Cometa – Album: Nuestras manos son incendios – Genre: Post Rock – Lenght: 44 minutes
Okay, this one is a bit of a cheat. It was released in 2024, but I didn’t discover it until 2025, so… 🤷🏽. The first full-length from this Costa Rican band is a breath of fresh air for Spanish-language post-rock. It creates a nebula that pulls you in, traveling through space with powerful rhythms like “Transparente” and more melancholic moments like “Los Años, Pequeños Días.”
Recommended for: Those who enjoyed Shaki Tavi and want to try something a bit more relaxed in Spanish.
Artist: NoSo – Album: When are you leaving – Genre: Pop – Length: 34 minutes
A tasteful, breezy pop record. NoSo’s sophomore album arrives three years after their debut. The first single, “Sugar,” starts delicately before blossoming into a danceable anthem by the chorus.
Recommended for: Anyone looking for a “guitar detox.”
Artist: Dead Pioneers – Album: PO$T AMERICAN – Genre: Punk Rock – Lenght: 37 minutes
Heavy on spoken word and sharp social commentary delivered with a smirk (check out “Bad Indian” from their self-titled debut). Above all, Dead Pioneers is defined by raw energy, both on PO$T AMERICAN and their first record.
Recommended for: Fans of a IDLES Against The Machine.
Artist: Candelabro – Album: Deseo, carne, voluntad – Genre: Christian Rock? – Lenght: 73 minutes
And to wrap things up, the reason I’m glad I waited until the very end of the year to write this summary. The album was released in October 2025, but it didn’t reach me until late December (a bit of musical magic). It’s stylistically hard to define as it blends various genres, but the lyrics from this Chilean group stick with you like chants repeated a thousand times (it actually has a bit of a liturgical, “mass-like” feel).
Recommended for: Those looking for something beautiful with a deep message.