Honorable Mentions
Mip Power Trio – “Press Rewind” and Sixteen Scandals – “C.R.O.C.H.E.T.”
As a rule I don’t include releases from my label Cartridge Heart in these lists. But as a music fan, I have to acknowledge the excellence that is there. “Press Rewind” was a part of the Go Kick-Ass! 3 compilation which was 42 songs that could’ve been on this list, if I was making a Top-42 list. Seriously. As is, I’d been bugging Mip Power Trio for years to send me a recording of this song for any kind of release. This year they finally obliged. I couldn’t be happier.
It’s a similar story for “C.R.O.C.H.E.T.” by Sixteen Scandals which will be out on a proper release in 2026. In the meantime you can stream it. Zazoo Pittz of Sixteen Scandals has always been a top-tier wordsmith, but he’s at the top of his game here.
Now to tackle my favourite “stand-alone” singles of 2025. I don’t claim to be an authority so I give you permission to take these with a grain of salt, or tattoo the list onto your forearm so that you always have it handy.
#10 Monstrosa
778
Self-Released
Monstrosa’s sole release of 2025, the single “778” (presumably a street address) kicks off with the chant “Don’t follow me home, I live alone”. Utilizing a swirling guitar line as a chorus motif and lite operatic vocals, multi-instrumentalist Lauren Pryce crafts a complex and slightly unnerving piece of pseudo-goth alt-metal. Looking forward to more from the Toronto-based group in 2026.
#9 Wasting Time
Ripped Blue Jeans
People of Punk Rock
Wasting Time returns with another piece of delightful heart-on-your-sleeve midtempo melodic punk rock. A balladeer at heart, songwriter/vocalist Vlad Bojco has churned out another pop gem. More is on the way for 2026.
#8 Church Fight
Survivalists
Self-Released
Technical skate-punk project Rag Ripper retools with new members, a new name and a new single. Hyper-urgent and complex as hell (as technical skate-punk tends to be) “Survivalists” is a powerful and engaging listen. This is the tip of the iceberg, kiddoz.
#7 Excuses Excuses
Nothing At All
Hand Solo
On the other end of the spectrum we have “Nothing At All” by Excuses Excuses which lives and dies with a simple stompy beat and infectious chorus hook. Bombastic arena rock is the name of the game here. This is one of two singles released by the group this year.
#6 she
Chiptronica
Self-Released
Polish electronica artist Lain Volta Trzaska aka she is a Bandcamp favourite of mine. They usually drop singles on Bandcamp Friday which is an easy sell for me. The first release of 2025 “Chiptronica” ended being my favourite. It mashes together chiptune tones and fuzzy synths over conventional electronic drums. It’s all familiar stuff, but not unwelcome. A self-plagiarizer to a hilarious degree, she works iteratively towards forming the perfect vibe. They’re almost there.
#5 Moon Dreams ’93
Indirect Placement
Self-Released
This London, Ontario alt-rock outfit led by Tyler “The Machine” Campbell has been haphazardly dropping singles all year. “Indirect Placement” was actually released twice. The remix (the only version you can get now) trades in its chorus-drenched/oversaturated sound for something a bit more reserved, but the trashy fun that pervades the track is still in there.
#4 Whine Problem
Tied
Self-Released
Another London group. After dazzling with debut EP Sleem in early 2025 (more on that later) prolific four-piece Whine Problem dropped a pair of singles that only whet our appetite for more. “Tied” is a piece of hyperdrama that flips the quiet/loud cliche on its head with a chorus that pulls the rug out from under you. Delightfully unpredictable, “Tied” is a journey.
#3 New Invisible Joy
The Race
Goldwish Records
New Invisible Joy have been steadily dropping singles for a couple years now. Originally making waves around the turn of the century with their atmospheric U2-meets-Radiohead sound, the Pittsburgh four-piece have re-emerged at the top of their game. “The Race” is actually the b-side to the “Hello Sunset” single that was released digitally via Apple Music but with everything being digital these days… whatever. Would love to see a 7” though. Make it happen, Goldwish!
#2 HummusVacuum
G-U-I-L-L-O-T-I-N-E
Self-Released
Columbus, Ohio emo/punk/power-pop group HummusVacuum claim to be “bridging the gap between sincerity and humour”. Featuring hyper-clever wordplay and a chorus-hook that gets in your guts, your feet, your fingers and your toes, “G-U-I-L-L-O-T-I-N-E” is a catchy bit of brilliance that will have you happily losing your head.
#1 Dave New World
No Friends
People of Punk Rock
Dave New World’s debut single “No Friends” dropped this past spring heralding the arrival of a full-length from the Stoney Creek five-piece. It’s a dynamic fusion of punk rock snarl, rock ’n roll swagger and over-the-top grandiosity. Full-length Irrational Anthems was expected around September but as of this writing remains MIA. Sadly that means I can’t include it on my Top Albums list, but I’ll happily declare “No Friends” as my #1 favourite single of 2025.