The Lead Sheet ~ 7/22/25

The Lead Sheet is your guide to this week’s new music - taking a look at newly released albums, who made them, and how listeners are responding. 

Bush, the grunge band that rocked the 90’s with hits like “Glycerine” and “Machinehead,” have a new album out this week, titled I Beat Loneliness. The twelve track album (their tenth to date), is receiving mixed reviews, with most in agreement that the music is somewhat bland, and lacks any memorable hits. The album features frontman Gavin Rossdale’s iconic raspy vocals, but backed by the band’s more modern sound, which now has a lot of electronic, symphonic and cinematic elements, compared to the band’s early days. While Bush fans seem pleased with the album overall, it doesn’t make as much of an impact as the band’s prior works. 

Some rock bands need no introduction, and Styx is one. Their new album Circling from Above dropped on July 18th, and is being met with praise. Styx, and many bands from their heyday are sometimes known as “AOR” or “album-oriented-rock”. Bands like Foreigner, Kansas, and Boston, all followed a similar formula, in which the album was designed and curated to be listened to as a whole, and not a collection of singles. Circling from Above follows suit, and is a delightfully nostalgic project from the band, with great tracks like “It’s Clear” and “Build and Destroy” carrying the album’s high energy. Also, in classic Styx fashion, there’s no shortage of harpsichords.

British indie punk-rock band Panic Shack, debuted their first studio album this week, after previously releasing a few singles and an EP. The all-girl group has an immensely fun sound, sing-talking a narrative over the verses before hitting anthemic choruses, not unlike Cake, but with an edge and more grit. Listening to the record (simply titled Panic Shack) it’s hard not to get hyped up -- their music is up-tempo, sassy, and head-bangable. Panic Shack is getting great reviews so far, and is a strong note for the band to start out on. 

Indie folk artist Billie Marten’s fifth album, Dog Eared was released on Friday to great reviews. The singer-songwriter uses unique tones and sounds to create a niche, “bloopy” feel. The album is soothing, elegant, and lyrically reflects on Marten’s childhood. She also implements some jazz and neo-soul flavors to round out the album, supporting her soft and introspective voice to great effect. A good record for winding down, and meditating. Billie Marten is currently on tour in the UK, and will continue in the United States in September. 

Alex G, (A.K.A. Alexander Giannascoli) has been making music since 2009, and after getting his start on Bandcamp, he now accrues millions of views and listens on YouTube and Spotify. His indie lo-fi sound has captivated fans and critics, and his new album, Headlights has been receiving rave reviews. Headlights is Alex G’s first album with major label RCA Records, and the production value is noticeable. There’s an unprecedented amount of polish in terms of mixing and sound quality. Headlights also sees the artist explore and dabble in jazz, “dad-rock” and at times bordering on showtunes. 

Bush- I Beat Loneliness 

Released July 18, 2025

earMUSIC

Styx - Circling from Above

Released July 18, 2025

Universal Music

Panic Shack- Panic Shack

Released July 18, 2025

Billie Marten - Dog Eared

Released July 18, 2025

Fiction

Alex G- Headlights

Released July 18 2025

RCA Records