Hello! Lisa here. Every month, I'll be digging through the best new submissions on Musosoup, picking out a handful of tracks that have pricked up my ears and piqued my interest. Hopefully you’ll like some of them too!
Heading into the final strait of 2025, I’ve selected a real mixed bag for this month, from blues rock to trip hop, indie pop and even a Christmas song - ‘tis (almost) the season! Enjoy!
Elly Hopkins - ‘Cecile’
Elly Hopkins might hail from Bristol, but the rootsy, blues rock of ‘Cecile’ suggests that she’s been taking her cues from across the Atlantic. There’s a strong tradition of songs dedicated to the fellow-female objects of an author’s jealousy (see: ‘Jolene’ et al) that ‘Cecile’ leans into, with Hopkins’ vocal adding a convincing whack of emotion to the mix. Throw in an easy swagger that nods to Alabama Shakes and you’re onto a winner.
Bryndís - ‘Shooting Star’
There’s an impressive level of polish to ‘Shooting Star’, the latest track from Reykjavik-based Bryndís. Built around an earworm, trip hop-esque beat that sits underneath looping string samples and clever layers that never feel cluttered, it’s atmospheric and slick; a track that pays homage to her proclaimed love of ‘90s and ‘00s pop whilst bringing it up to date and making it her own.
Christina O’Connor - ‘Snowfall’
A little bit of seasonal cheer for you now! I’ll be honest: I’m of the opinion that most modern attempts at joining the musical Christmas canon are pretty boring - either too obvious, too schmaltzy, or far, far too much about sausage rolls. ‘Snowfall’, by Canadian-born, Los Angeles-based Christina O’Connor, however, I can get on board with. It’s coy and cheeky enough to add a romantic flutter, whilst musically it lands somewhere between the retro nostalgia of Olivia Dean and the lightness of touch of Billie Eilish at her most loved up.
Alistair Bentley - ‘Box Office’
A little rough around the edges, ‘Box Office’ might still sound like a bit of a demo, but there’s nonetheless an obvious quality and a very good ear to Halifax boy Alistair Bentley’s songwriting. He lists his influences as Paul McCartney, Mac DeMarco and Hers - artists with jangly hooks and melodic warmth coming out the wazoo; ‘Box Office’, too, holds these attributes in spades (with a surprising bridge thrown in to keep you on your toes). Someone give Bentley a decent whack of cash and he’ll be onto something really good.
Moniah - ‘What If I Cry About It’
Londoner Moniah describes ‘What If I Cry About It’ as “not a sad song, but an honest one… [about] that struggle between not wanting to self-sabotage while being completely obsessed with someone”. A cathartic hug of empathy in a hooky, indie-pop outfit, it’s a track built for contemplative long walks whilst replaying the same old scenes in your mind. Fans of Rachel Chinouriri will find a lot to love in Moniah, who’s already been championed by BBC 1Xtra and London’s KOKO.
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