Bands were struggling in 2025. Talking to musicians I heard so much burn out. The biggest complaint was the requirement to be on social media 24/7 and the constant release cycle required to feed beasts like Spotify. No one has it figured out, but these bands put out great records this year despite everything and I thank them sincerely for the tremendous effort it took.

Favorite Local Albums of 2025: 10. Shiner Beleiveyoume (Spartan) 09. Til Willis & Erratic Cowboy Glass Cactus (self-released) 08. Headlight Rivals Drum Machine (Dumb Ghost) 07. Redder Moon If You're Falling, Dive (self-released) 06. The Touchdowns The Movie The Ride (Dumb Ghost) 05. The Casket Lottery Feel the Teeth (Iodine) 04. Drifter Grigori (Thoughtcrime/Subterria/Skunt) 03. Matt Pryor Matt Pryor & the Salton Sea (self-released) 02. Fullbloods Playing it Safe (High Dive Records) 01. Daniel Gum The Great Conjunction (self-released) EPs/Singles: 5. Missouri Executive Order 44 Two Songs (The Ghost is Clear) 4. Madman Into the Maze (self-released) 3. Wayne Pain & the Shit Stains Street Mammogram (Goodbye Boozy) 2. RxGhost Anytime Buy Now/Undersaid (self-released) 1. Boys Life Ordinary Wars (Spartan Records) Digital-only Releases: 5. Slow Poke Mr. Mom (self-released) 4. Lafayette October Days (self-released) 3. Crybaby Jones Jawbone (self-released) 2. Couch Serf Mercies (self-released) 1. Flora From Kansas Homesick (Melodic Records) Reissue: Erik Voeks Sandbox (Hanky Panky) From a Local Who Isn't Local: Greg Wheeler & the Poly Mall Cops Slimephone Surveillance (High Dive) Albums I'm Looking Forward to in 2026: The Whiffs Empty Moon Reviser Local Bands That I Most Want Debut Albums From: The Flamin' Ghoulies Heat Seger

Anyway, I'm sure I missed something, so hit me with your favorites. As always thank you to all the local bands, labels, venues, promoters, photographers, writers, and fans in Kansas City that make it what it is.

Finally, when it's time to think global, you can check out my big lists of Top 50 Albums of 2025 and Top Songs of 2025.