"Enthusiasts of Geordie Walker and Billy Duffy will instantly appreciate the commanding, gothic guitar riffs featured in our Editor's Choice selections for May 2025."
May's Standout Guitar Tracks: Editors' Picks
Welcome to our monthly roundup of the guitar tracks that have garnered the attention of our editors over the past four weeks. With the aid of our Spotify playlist below, we have compiled our favorite new releases from May 2021, dissecting the playing, tones, and songwriting that have left an indelible impression.
This month offers an array of notable tracks, including cuts from Isaiah Stone, Suede, Matt Schofield, Wolf Alice, Calva Louise, Psychedelic Porn Crumpets, and numerous others.
Jackson Maxwell - Associate Editor
Sifting through the many standout tracks from May, I found myself particularly drawn to a few highlights. These tunes span various genres, with their inventive guitar-work uniformly serving the melodies.
Newcomer guitarist Isaiah Stone, with his unique genre-blending style, showcases an impressive arsenal of disparate influences in his new song, "Soul Exchange"—a captivating mix of blues, funk, and a fond nod to Eddie Van Halen. Isaiah's vocal delivery, reminiscent of Michael Jackson's confidence and melodic sensibility, is paired with an irresistible earworm of a riff. The track's showstopping solo bridges multiple genres, solidifying Isaiah as an artist to watch.
In stark contrast, U.S. Girls' melodic and evocative "Bookends" - the project of singer/songwriter Meghan Remy - boasts an astonishing 12-minute opus that pushes the boundaries of categorization. The first half of the song exudes a haunting, soulful quality, while harmonica solos introduce a desolate, sweeping-desert atmosphere. Just past the eight-minute mark, the piece kicks into high gear, propelled by a seductive guitar solo and flourishes of funky rhythm work that echoes Nile Rodgers' signature style.
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Other tracks that have earned a place in rotation for me are Disintegrate, Suede's rocking homage to their 35-year career, I'll Be Waving as You Drive Away, Hayden Pedigo's sublime fingerpicking, Winter's shoegaze gem, Just Like a Flower, and the politically-charged Beware the Centrist by The World is a Beautiful Place & I Am No Longer Afraid to Die.
Matt Owen - News Editor
This month, Robbie Williams' single "Rocket" featuring Tony Iommi's power-filled guitar work has taken an unexpected spot in our roundup. The collaboration, although surprising, is a delight for fans of both artists.
Matt Schofield, a British bluesman whose influence shaped many young guitar enthusiasts, has made a welcome return after a 16-year studio hiatus with his new release, Many Moons. Schofield's distinctive, sophisticated, and tasteful playing style shines on the album's tracks, demonstrating no signs of rust.
For a different musical flavor, The Beaches have embarked on a new era with the release of their latest indie-rock single, Did I Say Too Much. Wolf Alice, Tom Misch, and Sleep Token have also made significant additions to my rotation, each offering their unique blend of musical genius.
Janelle Borg - Staff Writer
A long-overdue road trip led me on a Steely Dan-inspired journey this month, but I did manage to find new gems worth mentioning. Psych-rock outfit Psychedelic Porn Crumpets' "Qwik Maff" from the album, Carpe Diem, Moonman, is a masterclass in guitar work, sure to enthrall listeners with its mathematical strokes.
Accompanying the sci-fi narrative of Calva Louise's Spanish-English track, "Impeccable," Jess Allanic's guitar work is nothing short of extraordinary. The song weaves through various genres, charting the story of Jonnie, who has been fatally poisoned and must act impeccably to survive, or face death. The track's music video continues the band's tradition of delivering a fantastical world that captivates listeners.
Music enthusiasts who appreciate diverse guitar-driven tunes should give the tracks Soul Exchange by Isaiah Stone and Rocket by Robbie Williams (featuring Tony Iommi) a listen. Both songs showcase impressive guitar work and have made notable impressions this month.
