Hundred-word Reviews for November 2025: Rock

There are a number of common threads connecting the five new releases from artists covered in this roundup. One – and most important – they’re all quite good. Two, each of these artists has had their music reviewed in Musoscribe in the past, sometimes more than once (and sometimes, on many occasions). Finally, less important but by way of a unifying theme, all fall at least loosely into the rock/indie/power pop categories.

Crossword Smiles – Consequences + Detours
A shimmering Merseybeat feel with a subtle country-rock vibe characterizes the songs on this band’s latest. A breezy character infuses the songs with accessibility. The band flips the conventional rock arrangement paradigm on its head, using electric guitars as rhythm, and acoustics on lead. Then they flip back to the standard approach. It’s a clever and effective way to treat their original material. Elsewhereo n the record, they rock harder with a more indie character. The 11 songs on this set offer a nice variety that showcases Crossword Smiles’ versatility and creativity. Clean, unadorned production values focus on the songs.

Donovan’s Brain – Insect Accessories
This inventive collective has seen its lineup change over the years, in part due to the loss of members like former Spinal Tap drummer Ric Parnell in 2022. Today the core lineup features longtime members Ron Sanchez and Scott Sutherland plus more recent addition Joe Adragna. The through-line is psychedelically-infused songs that emphasize melody and hooks. Donovan’s Brain has always swung for the fences with ambitious projects, and this latest is no exception: it’s a 2CD set featuring 25 original songs. If you’ve enjoyed any of their past work, you’ll enjoy this. Insect Accessories makes a good entry point, too.

Third of Never – Damage the Pearl
Third of Never is the musical moniker of Jon Dawson plus whomever he chooses to work with. IN the past, that roster has featured quality collaborators, making what wold have been very, very good projects even better. For his latest, Dawson brought in some even bigger guns. The Church’s Steve Kilbey, longtime auxiliary Who keyboardist John “Rabbit” Bundrick and Connells vocalist Doug MacMillan are among those helping create Damage the Pearl. Nominally a soundtrack album, Damage the Pearl stands brilliantly on its own. When Jode Haskins is credited with playing “lead bass” on “Grab the Ground,” they really mean it.

Tamar Berk – OCD
Tamar Berk is quite prolific. Her jagged, crunchy indie rock effectively combines the wiry buzz of alt-rock with wispy (yet assured) vocals and forthrightly emotionally-focused lyrics. She makes music for head and heart that moves the listener. All of her myriad musical assets are on brilliant display within OCD, her latest. Listen closely and you might feel a bit uncomfortable: “Should I be hearing these personal musings?” But the music is so sharp that yes, yes indeed you should. Unadorned production values leave Berk nowhere to hide, and one gets the feeling she likes it that way. You will, too.

Mommyheads – No Quietus
Artists who have a lot to say (or at least think they do) can churn out an endless stream of releases. Happily, I focus on the ones that do it well. And near the front of that pack is the Mommyheads. They’re back with their 17^th album in 38 years. The off-kilter yet finely tuned songwriting and arrangement that characterizes their work are all here yet again. They bring the hooks, too; these songs will lodge themselves in your head. Sample “Chicken Soup” – the opening track – and discover what makes the Mommyheads one of the most fascinating bands out there.