Trending Western Music [May 2025]

What Was ThatLorde

Lorde – What Was That

New Zealand-born singer-songwriter Lorde has released her first original work in about four years.

Her first new track since the 2021 album Solar Power marks a return to the synth-pop reminiscent of the Melodrama era, with notably more refined emotional expression.

Born from a heartbreak she experienced in New York, the song blends introspective lyrics—depicting the fervor of youth and its loss—with a synth sound that swells gradually from a minimal bassline.

On April 22, 2025, a surprise event at Washington Square Park was briefly halted by police intervention, but later resumed, allowing her to share the track with fans.

The episode is captured in the music video, becoming a moment that symbolizes the deep bond between her and her audience.

It’s a heartwarming song that reaches out to anyone feeling loneliness or a sense of loss.

OblivionLorna Shore

Lorna Shore – Oblivion (Official Video)

Lorna Shore, a band commanding massive support in the deathcore scene, has released a preview track from their album “I Feel The Everblack Festering Within Me,” scheduled for release in September 2025.

This expansive piece, running over eight minutes, carries forward their established sound while signaling bold new ambitions.

It shifts from a quiet, synth-driven intro into explosive, aggressive blast beats and growls, unfolding a dense soundscape woven by intricately crafted twin-guitar riffs.

The melodic yet ferocious instrumentation meshes seamlessly with Will Ramos’s versatile vocal delivery.

Honoring the core of deathcore while evolving beyond it, this track is highly recommended for a wide range of listeners—from those who crave extreme heaviness to those who seek sweeping musical grandeur.

UptownLoski & Chy Cartier

Loski & Chy Cartier – Uptown [Official Music Video] | @LoskiOfficial @ChyCartier #Uptown

A collaboration between Roskii, a pioneering figure who represents the UK drill scene, and rising female rapper Chy Cartier is making waves in May 2025.

Heavy beats intertwine with their distinctive flows, delivering a fresh style that sets itself apart from traditional drill.

The fusion of Roskii’s razor-sharp lyrics and Chy’s melodious flow showcases new possibilities for the drill scene.

The project is also drawing attention as Roskii’s comeback release, following his seven-year sentence and parole in September 2024, and it has won over fans through a live performance on BBC 1Xtra.

Be sure to check out this ambitious work that brings a new breeze to the male-dominated UK drill scene.

In the Name of the FatherPRESIDENT

PRESIDENT – In the Name of the Father

The enigmatic metalcore band PRESIDENT is bringing a fresh breeze to the UK music scene.

Wearing masks and keeping their identities concealed, the band has captivated attention with a mysterious presence.

Their debut release in May 2025 sent shockwaves through the music world.

Characterized by hefty guitar riffs and powerful vocals, the record explores philosophical themes such as existential anxiety and the inevitability of death, expressed through a striking sound that transcends the confines of metalcore.

You can also hear influences from bands like Sleep Token and Fightstar.

The band is set to perform these tracks on The Dogtooth Stage at Download Festival in June 2025.

If you’re looking to be captivated by energetic yet refined musicianship, this is one to check out.

IllegalPinkPantheress

PinkPantheress – Illegal (Official Video)

Despite still being a college student, UK-born PinkPantheress took the top spot in the BBC’s Sound of 2022.

Influenced by ’90s drum’n’bass and UK garage, her sound—paired with a soft yet resolute vocal—exudes a distinctive allure.

Released in May 2025 after a hiatus, this track opens her mixtape “Fancy That.” Skillfully weaving in a sample from Underworld, the lyrics, centered on a forbidden love, vividly capture the emotions of youth.

The music video, directed by Ethan & Tom, unfolds a dreamlike visual world that blends live action with animation, further elevating the song’s mood.

Nostalgic yet refreshingly new, it’s a track best savored on a late-night drive or in the quiet of your room.