Album review overview: Dania, Bring Me The Horizon and more
Dozens of new albums arrive at Maxazine’s editorial staff every week. There are way too many to listen to them all, let alone review them. It ensures that too many albums are left behind. And that’s a shame. That is why today we post an overview of albums that arrive at the editors in short reviews.
Dania – Listless
On 3 October 2025, Dania released her album “Listless,” a collection of seven tracks composed entirely after midnight. The Baghdad-born, Barcelona-based musician, who also works night shifts as a doctor, draws inspiration from her nocturnal surroundings. The album blends trip-hop, shoegaze, ambient, and pop into a dreamy and intimate sound. Her soft, layered voice functions more as an atmospheric element than a lyrical centre, reflecting her private relationship with singing due to cultural taboos. Tracks such as ‘Personal Assistant’ and ‘Car Crash Premonition’ feature subtle rhythms, while “I Know That” and “Write My Name” are minimalist compositions emphasising mood over melody. The closing track, “A Hunger”, integrates distorted sounds reminiscent of hospital equipment, creating an unusual yet intriguing texture. Critics praise the serene and mysterious atmosphere of the album and how Dania translates personal experiences into music. The album offers listeners a rare insight into the life and emotions of a night-working artist who uses her voice in a unique way. (Elodie Renard) (8/10) (Somewhere Press)
Bring Me The Horizon – Lo-files
The British musical chameleon Bring Me The Horizon continues to surprise. Mainly known for metalcore with countless tempo changes and crushing guitars, they now release a Lo-Fi album aptly titled “Lo-files.” The album features 23 instrumental Lo-Fi versions of their most famous tracks. According to the press release, the band collaborated with producers known in the Lo-Fi scene to rework these 23 songs. They are ideal for chilling, sleeping, relaxing, or whatever helps you unwind. The average Bring Me The Horizon fan may find little use for this album, but Maxazine readers seeking a soothing, instrumental Lo-Fi experience will enjoy it greatly. (Ad Keepers) (7/10) (Sony UK International)
I Hold The Lions Paw – Potentially Interesting Jazz Music
What would a jazz purist in 1970 have thought listening to the new Miles Davis? Columbia Records had announced ‘Bitches Brew’ as ‘a new direction in music,’ and that was no exaggeration. By now, we are used to such jazz experiments. An experiment is the best way to describe this third studio album by I Hold The Lions Paw, the group led by Australian trumpeter Rueben Lewis. Nothing stays in place. The opening track, for example, immediately misleads the listener: Laurie Anderson meets Miles Davis with spoken word. Should you focus on the poetry and lyrics or the music? Strange question? Not at all. On the first listen, you cannot take it all in; the compositions have too many unexpected turns. It sometimes feels as if parts were cut out and reassembled elsewhere – exactly the method Davis used, also followed by Lewis: tracks are literally dismantled and rebuilt. Lazy listeners are left behind. Only after a few listens do you hear the patterns, intentions, and craftsmanship. The funky “Prime Time” is a perfect example. Not an easy record, but compelling for those willing to listen. The album title is apt. (Jeroen Mulder) (7/10) (Earshift Music)
Ring Van Möbius – Firebrand
The prog band Ring Van Möbius no longer exists; the three-track “Firebrand” is their final (concept) album. The title track is under ten minutes, making it the shortest. “False Dawn” is a fantastic epic over 25 minutes long. It seems to end with a bombastic section, but then follows a part with emotional piano and sound effects. After numerous unexpected turns, silence comes unexpectedly. In both minimalistic and powerfully sung sections, vocalist/keyboardist Thor Erik Helgesen conveys emotion. At times, his organ playing is retro prog; at other moments, minimal piano or electronic sounds emerge. Dag Olav Husås handles various percussion instruments, sometimes minimal, sometimes louder. Bassist Håvard Rasmussen should not be forgotten. The music moves from minimal to bombastic and everything in between. Due to the complex compositions, it takes time to get to know the tracks. “Firebrand” is highly recommended for fans of complex prog rock. (Esther Kessel-Tamerus) (8/10) (Apollon Records)
Leon Vynehall – In Daytona Yellow
On 3 October 2025, “In Daytona Yellow,” the latest album by British dance producer Leon Vynehall, was released. The album marks an introspective turn in his career, offering a raw and vulnerable self-portrait. Known for his conceptual approach, Vynehall embraces imperfection and personal exploration, departing from his earlier polished work. The album emphasises vocal-driven compositions with guest artists such as POiSON ANNA, TYSON, Chartreuse, and Beau Nox. Vynehall integrates hesitant singing, spoken word, and poetry with varied effect: some tracks like “Mirror’s Edge” and “Cruel Love” resonate intensely, while others feel flatter. Conceptually, the album explores themes of ego, identity, and self-fragmentation, with recurring motifs of letting go and embracing imperfection. The production captures an open and experimental atmosphere, presenting imperfection as a strength. The album is seen as a transitional work, inviting listeners to reflect on self-expression and vulnerability in a polished, digital music world. (William Brown) (7/10) (Ooze Inc.)
