Originally Published on November 17th, 2025
I feel like I’ve gotten a late start on November. At the start of the month, I had time off of work, to which I also took a little time away from social media. Then, last week, I had the privilege of reviewing an incredible album by Lydia Luce, and the amazing reflection I had on finding and reconnecting with The Lower Caves (there is even more to that story coming soon). I feel like the month is passing me up a little bit, but here we are. Getting back on track!
Simple Thing by New Thieves
About the Artist
This band signifies a reunion, of sorts, as Graeme Riddell and Geoff Hughes out of Australia began performing together in the 1980’s. Noted members of bands like The Victims and X-it, they were a noteworthy part of the music scene in Sydney.
Fast forward to 2023, these gents reunited to pay homage to their late collaborator, Steve Hirst. This reunion proved a renaissance, as Riddell and Hughes formed the band New Thieves. Referencing influences such as Pink Floyd, The Beatles, and The Clash, I think it’s fair to say their music gives off a similar vibe to the artists they feel most passionate about. New Thieves pull influence from pop music of the 80’s- even The Police and David Bowie, to even sometimes giving off a bit of sound that can be comparable to the southern rock scene of the 60’s and 70’s; CCR, Lynyrd Skynyrd, etc. In 2024, they released the self-titled EP, New Thieves, a 6 song, 24 minute record featuring impressive work like Looking Glass.
About the Album
Simple Thing is the debut album by Australian independent artists, New Thieves. It released on November 1st, 2025. At 9 songs, it has a run time of 32 minutes and was released by Madhouse Music. Vocals, bass, and drums were performed by Graeme Riddel, Guitars and keys were performed by Geoff Hughes, who also tracked and mixed the project. It was mastered by Michael Lynch. All songs are credited to Hughes, Hirst, and Riddell.
The first thing I notice in this release is the contrast from New Thieves EP to Simple Thing. With their debut EP, there was a darker, heavier element to the composition. In Simple Thing, the composition is brighter and broader as it relies on dynamically shifting guitars, saxophone, and a diversity in the influence. There are elements of blues rock that match the prog rock sound of the EP.
Overall, I think the entire album is excellent. There are a few standout songs for me. Love to See You Dance is my favorite song. It has a real grunge/alternative feel to it. For the last 2 minutes of the song, it performs like a perpetual, crescendo from a cymbal rush. In Love With Love has that same grunge energy but is simpler in context of the progression. It also has more of the British Invasion rock feel to it. It could go right on a Beatles inspired playlist.
Simple Thing is energetic, nostalgic, and well-composed. New Thieves embody the fact that it’s never too late to make music. They also show that truly good music is something that has to be inspired by passion. It can’t be generated in AI software. New Thieves are a good band, technically. It is in their passion that they truly are a standout act.
Think Twice by Them in Uniform
About the Artist
A great example of a band having an emergent year would be Them in Uniform. Comprised of Madeline Simpson, Eli Scornik, Noam Belzer-Carroll, and Read Fernandez, this quartet of indie rockers met and formed while attending Georgia Tech University. Instrumentally, they can be explosive, mellow, nostalgic, and contemporary. In fact, their music feels very raw and impulsive. It’s as if they don’t write songs. They just pick up their instruments and play together. They have a cohesive energy that sounds like they were meant to find each other.
They debuted in 2024 with the single release of Footprint, which featured a different lead singer than Simpson who now manages the task. This was followed by A Letter to Jack, which went from the indie sound of Footprint to a more groove-eccentric style similar to 311. It also introduced Simpson at lead vocalist.
Them in Uniform led off 2025 with their third single release, Heart Tattoo, on January 3rd. Then they began a sequence of releases that would subsequently lead to their debut album. Saturday Scaries, a 30-minute, 7 song album released on August 22nd. It features the singles Freeway and Look Around.
Their album is a brilliant reflection of the indie rock scene that emerged in the late 2000’s with bands like The Killers, Kings of Leon, and Incubus. Crisp distortion amplified by reverb on their guitar. Big, percussive accents on choruses that are executed perfectly by drummer, Fernandez. Big instrumental sections. All centered around the strong presence that Simpson brings to the table with her vocals.
About the Song
Think Twice is the 4th single release by Atlanta-based indie rock band, Them in Uniform in 2025; their 5th release of the year, after their album, Saturday Scaries. Running just under 5, minutes, Think Twice released on November 14th through Scel Records.
With their latest release, Them in Uniform have blended their familiar indie rock, groove sound with grungier elements of rock. Fuzzier distortions on guitar, with layers panned for a fuller sound, while still keeping the brightness of the lead guitar front and center, instrumentally. Scornik opens with an arpeggiated section that really draws the listener in. Simpson’s vocals are quiet, pleading. She sounds disciplined, reserved, and focused as she harnesses the emotion behind the vocal performance.
The dynamic transitions in Think Twice are energetic and diverse. The song itself is mid-tempo to up-tempo, but there are some really big transitions that are pleasant to listen to. The cohesiveness of this band is incredibly noteworthy. There is clearly an impactful energy between the group and it really stands out. Simpson and Scornik both shine in their respective melodic roles but their are just as powerful with the foundation provided by Fernandez and bassist Noam Belzer-Carroll, who provides a spectacular bridge between the percussive and melodic elements of each song.
Think Twice is an explosive continuation from the progress heard on Saturday Scaries. As this band continues to develop, their potential grows right along with them. They are definitely a band to look out for in 2026.
Glimpse by Melanie Champagne
About the Artist
Indie-folk Artist, Melanie Champagne, has made a significant impression on me this year. Based in Connecticut, she pulls much of her inspiration from the natural existence that surrounds her. This influence is so remarkable, it can lead her to releases that may change to the degree of whether or not there are vocals or if there may just be an instrumental presence. She truly performs through her feelings and the result is a noteworthy, artistic experience.
Debuting in 2024, weeks first heard her emerge with Circle Back, in March of that year. Circle Back, as it would turn out, would be the lead single ahead of the debut EP, also titled Circle Back. The 7-song EP would also feature singles Bite and Howl. Circle Back released on June 21st of 2024.
One year after debuting, Champagne would release an A/B single, Begin Again, featuring the songs Arriving and Begin Again. Then, in August, she released her second EP, Spring. This 5 song EP features singles that were released earlier in the year by Champagne. Some instrumental, some featuring vocal performance, Spring, is the emotional reflection to the natural environment that encompasses Champagne’s home.
About the Song
Glimpse is the 6th single release by independent recording artist, Melanie Champagne, in 2025. It is her 7th overall release of the year. Following her EP, Spring, Glimpse released on November 14th, 2025. It runs at 5 minutes and Champagne recorded and produced it with Asher at King Ship Recording in Nashville, TN.
Glimpse is a gentle, sweet ballad that reflects on life. I assume, anyway. Featuring Champagne on vocals, layered acoustic guitar parts, a bass, and a tambourine that is hitting on the downbeat, this is a very stripped song technically but has layers upon layers of emotion.
Champagne doesn’t try to do too much with her vocals. She uses them as another instrument and she just finds her way to the melody. It’s a process that comes as peacefully as the song itself. It’s the kind of song that is best listened to with our eyes closed as we just let the flow of the music envelop us.
I don’t think Melanie Champagne has it in her to write a bad song. This is just another spectacular example of how emotionally connected she is to nature, to the world, to her spirit, and to her music. When songs are built on those foundational building blocks, their structure is always sure to be solid.
Fifteen Minutes of Fame Music Entertainment 
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