We come to another band that even on their seventh album can still astonish you.

A Pathway To The Moon by Ureqvited has seen the man behind the band name utilises a lot more clean vocals and even lyrics as a counterpoint to the wordless screams of older releases.

Its epic, maudlin, uplifting and all consuming. Genres blur and become obsolete as the music twists it way into something darkly beautiful.

Standout track for me is The Starforger – 8 minutes featuring some amazing guitar soloing, growled black metal vocals, symphonic keyboards and possibly a kitchen sink. Honestly you can listen to the song multiple times and still hear something new each time.

Whatever music you enjoy, I would recommend you give this your full attention.

 First review of 2025 and it’s for an album full of raucous aural chaos, profanity and joyful absurdity – as well as a lot of squelchy Casio keyboard noises.

I first discovered Hens Bens on a local radio show (Last Transmission on Phonic FM) and backed their Kickstarter appeal for the debut album, World’s Strongest Band.

For the most part, the songs are frenetic short bursts of energy topped with cleverly silly lyrics.

The satirical Your Favourite Band Is On The Drugs Again takes a pop of those 90’s britpop acts out for a quick reunion buck (you all know who they mean)

Fuck Off Philip and Wanker are just slightly childish shout-alongs but both damn catchy tunes.

Unlike a novelty humorous act like Weird Al Yankovic these aren’t songs that will age badly due the references. Though maybe Arguing With The Guy From Sleaford Mods On Social Media might not make sense in a few years!

You feel they would be enormous fun to see live but as they hail from Scotland we are unlikely to see them anytime soon.

If you feel music is occasionally too serious, treat yourself to a listen to this  and find yourself with a big grin on your face