Local Music Singles Roundup: November 2025
Local Music Reviews
Are you hungry for a hearty plate of poppy bops? Or are you craving some creamy vocals for a late-night snack? Either way, we’ve got a Thanksgiving feast for the ears (just keep the colonization out of it). Let’s dig in!
CLUB MUNGO
“NAME AND ADDRESS WITHHELD”
Self-Released
Street: 09.08.2025
CLUB MUNGO = BROCKHAMPTON + Paris Texas – imposter syndrome
Local hip-hop collective CLUB MUNGO has re-emerged with a new single that rebukes any uncertainty about their presence. Devoid of drawn-out production elements, this cipher-like track uses a repetitive beat to accentuate the power of the verse, providing adequate footing for barring out. Devin kicks it off with a breezy, off-the-cuff flow, rapping, “City where we from, we acclimated to that mountain time.” But it’s Meech who gives the stand-out performance, as he grips the mic with both hands and delivers his bars with neck-snapping speed. The energy each rapper brings reminds me much of EARTHGANG’s approach, and of Paris Texas’ single with Kenny Mason, “Big Bank.” As is their style, CLUB MUNGO has an endearing and witty brevity which blends well with the self-assured posturing of their tone. The confidence they exude can only come from knowing you’re capable of doing it all — writing, beat-making, producing, mastering — yourself. —Kyle Forbush
Connor Cristi
“PULL*IT*UP!!!”
Hapi Home Records
Street: 04.11.2025
Connor Cristi = Breathe Carolina + underscores
This song feels like the sugary energy drinks that I definitely consumed too many of in high school. Connor Cristi has made a radioactive glowing piece of electronic pop music that honors hyperpop’s history of emo, rave and pop-punk. With bit-crushed synths, 808 drums and a sick blink-182 guitar bridge, Cristi laments about a relationship that ended with equal parts anger, longing and smugness. While this song is hyper and manic most of the time, there is enough breathing room where Cristi drops out and lets the melodic synths soar with background vocals building up to a great drop. Grab your friends and some energy drinks, find an empty spot in your local mall parking lot and let out your frustrations while moshing along to this. —Connor Kraus
Harbor Patrol
“Escapist”
Brookside Records
Street: 06.20.2025
Harbor Patrol = Can’t Swim + Dayseeker
Very rarely do I hear the first few seconds of a song and get pulled in immediately. Harbor Patrol gets to join that list with “Escapist.” Now, imagine a chilly night in that weird time between fall and summer, driving a car full of friends screaming the chorus, with no destination nor worries in the world — that’s the only way I can explain this track. “Escapist” has a melancholic but inviting feel all around with the almost Midwest emo guitar riffing behind the drums and vocals. There are some points where it feels like the guitar is almost lost completely with everything happening, especially toward the end of the track when the screaming really kicks in. With that being said, that’s the only “negative” thing I can say about this song. From start to finish, “Escapist” gives you a feeling of “something’s coming” with the slow buildup to start and a quick, in-your-face smack that hits you toward the end. —Skyler Montalvo
John Andrew McCool
“Eureka Rebecca”
Self-Released
Street: 05.16.2025
John Andrew McCool = Bowling for Soup + The Clash
“Eureka Rebecca” instantly grabbed my attention with its opening guitar riff. The percussion that followed helped me to fully draw the picture. There was something deeply familiar about it. It’s the kind of song that plays at the beginning of an early 2000s high school movie. You know the scene: The protagonist wakes up late for school, and as he comes to this realization, the opening riff starts playing. All the while, he’s rushing out of his house and driving to school with some comedic hijinks along the way as the opening credits roll. It’s the kind of song that takes you back through time. Perhaps it’s the psychedelic elements that give it this quirky quality. The song’s bright percussion and relaxed, upbeat guitar riff give the song a beachy feel — perfect for a summer jam. McCool claims you can’t fit him into a genre, but you can definitely fit him into a vibe. —Angela Garcia
Keiyana Osmond
“Things Take Time”
Self-Released
Street: 10.03.2025
Keiyana Osmond = H.E.R. + Jhené Aiko
Are you going through a breakup? Perhaps you’re reminiscing on a past situationship that you never quite got over? Maybe you’re just crushing on the hot cashier at your neighborhood Maverik. No matter your luck with love, Keiyana Osmond writes lyrics that hit close to home. She is able to capture the intense feelings of heartache, longing and confusion while going through a breakup, particularly with the line, “You got me hating all my favorite songs,” which is just too real. Osmond’s unadorned instrumentals leave room for her powerful lyrics to shine. Breathy harmonies with an almost soulful tone add a layer of interest to the simplistic song. The melody is one you might find yourself subconsciously humming a few hours after listening to this track. Osmond’s line, “If I’m honest I just want you back,” basically sums up the track. Are you missing your ex? Not me, but y’all stay safe though! —Hazel Paul
Vex.
“idontwannabeyou”
milk Records
Street: 06.24.2025
Vex. = Oasis + Powfu
You’re in a dark, hollow void. All you can hear is the echoey sound of your own cries as you attempt to escape becoming someone you don’t recognize. Through velvety guitar riffs, “idontwannabeyou” feels like breaking free from the shackles of expectation, toxic relationships or self-hatred. Vex.’s voice on the track is reminiscent of Liam Gallagher of Oasis and conveys a deep emotion of dread. At the same time, there is strength within Vex.’s voice. There’s a willingness to resist. “idontwannabeyou” is definitely something you would listen to after fighting with your parents. It spells a need for independence and to express yourself in ways that you’ve never been able to before. All of this, and the song is still relaxing and soothing to the ears, mind and heart. After listening, you’ll either walk through your day with triumph or sob over your relationship with your friends and family. —Devin Oldroyd
Read more Local Music Singles Roundups here:
Local Music Singles Roundup: October 2025
Local Music Singles Roundup: September 2025
