As the year winds toward its close, music editor Alys Hale gathers her essential listens from October and November 2025, a pair of months buzzing with returns, revelations and unexpected delights. From Bill Callahan’s poetic resurgence to electrifying reinventions by Austra, Dry Cleaning and Geese, this collection charts the emotional peaks and shadows shaping our current soundscape. Local gems and rediscovered favourites sit comfortably alongside boundary-pushing collaborations, reflecting a season defined by both nostalgia and experimentation. Consider this your compass for what moved us most—songs to accompany endings, beginnings, and everything in between this late spring and early summer period.
The Man I’m Supposed to Be by Bill Callahan
Start spreading the news: Bill is back. I will use this as the springboard to manifest an interview with him, which I have been chasing since I first became Music Editor here. This is a very exciting taste of what might be to come, with classic yearning poetic Callahan, impeccable guitar tone and even a little bit of a proggy sax. The laugh in the face of death is both amusing and inspiring.
Fallen Cloud by Austra
I first fell in love with Austra at university when I heard ‘Lose It’, so I was very glad to know that they are back with some energetic and cerebral electronic music from the new album, Chin Up Buttercup.
Cruise Ship Designer by Dry Cleaning
This is great – a seemingly absurd concept that remarkably becomes quite moving. It’s not that ships are unusual metaphors, this is just done very well.
Au Pays Du Coccaine by Geese
I feel like the whole world is in love with Geese and Cameron Winter at the moment, and rightly so to be honest, Getting Grilled has been on high rotation.
Soapy Overkill by Beryl
Beryl are a local Eora Sydney band that have been on my radar for a while. This song for me is a stand out track that really moved me, in an early Liz Phair poetic and powerful sad girl way.
Soft Touch by Screensaver
Excellent with a timeless nostalgia, this synth-y post-punk from Naarm Melbourne band have just brought out a new EP, Three Lens Approach on Poison City.
Wildflower by Deuce
Not a new release but I heard it on the radio and had to fall right on into its dreamy drums and gentle melody. Definitely one for a romantic summer drive.
I’ll Go Running by Squirrel Flower
Another release from a few years ago that I felt needed airing out, for the summer time blues or for those who need to escape.
New Case by Upchuck
I love a fuzzy bassline and this is a particularly notable one. Quite an infectious chorus.
Running Errands (Yesterday) by U.S. Girls
This piqued my interest, musically and thematically.
Disappears by John Maus
Maus doing Maus.
Berghain feat. Bjork and Yes Tumor by ROSALIA
For everyone that missed this, incredible.
Limbo by Crocodylus
A driving song exploring stasis and frustration with a video inspired by Australian classic, The Castle.
Check out the playlist here for new releases from other RUSSH favourites like Kelley Lee Owens, Oneohtrix Point Never, Perfume Genius and Insecure Men.
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