In Strict Tempo, vol. 80: The In Strict Tempo Summer Round-Up!

The solstice has been and gone, the days are getting shorter, so what better time then to look back at the past six months of releases than now?

I’m going to go back over my favourite tracks & albums of the year, stuff that’s been reviewed already but with a fresh ear. You might have missed one or two of these, you might not, either way, everything is 100% In Strict Tempo certified!

Regular service will resume next week, but for now - here’s some of my best of 2025 so far.

Sandwell District - End Beginnings [Point of Departure]

I think I’ve listened to this more than any other album this year, and it’s still incredible. If you’re going to take a fifteen-year hiatus between albums you’ve got to come back firing on all cylinders and that’s exactly what they’ve done.

Wah Wah Wino - WINO E [Wah Wah Wino]

Vinyl-only, but a huge contender still for any album of the year lists. This is as weird as you’d expect from the Wino crew, but not so weird that it puts you off repeated listens. Luckily they repressed it, so if you missed it first time out - track one down.

Pulp - More [Rough Trade]

The best kind of Jarvis is pervy Jarvis, and he’s here at his absolute best. In a just world it would be the Oasis tour that quietly happened this summer whilst the whole country clamoured for Pulp tickets.

Surgeon - Shell~Wave [Tresor]

His experiments with modular synths were interesting enough, but what everyone really wanted is a proper balls-to-the-wall album of Surgeon techno slammers. He doesn’t dissapoint.

DJ Persuasion & Liftin’ Spirits - Transmission 96 [Lifted Spirits]

Jungle always feels like it’s on the cusp of a massive resurgence before quietly falling back into the shadows. This time feels different though, with some great new producers and tunes, along with some of the old heads keeping that fire burning. This album is pure 90’s with a nod to modern technology and is none the worse for it.

Civilistjavel - Foljd [FELT

I claimed this as a possible AOTY list contender back in January, and I stand by it. Still go back to it, still sounds great!

Cunieform Tabs - Age [W.25th]

They don’t make records like this any more. Evidently someone still does, but not many people tend to notice. More fool them, this is brilliant.

Conrad Pack - Commandments [Lost Domain]

I really thought we had found the new dubstep