The New & Notable for October 2025 covers releases from September 25 to October 24. There was certainly an abundance of notable new releases during this period, so we have 19 recordings featured and an additional 15 listed in our MORE MUSIC section! Please feel free to comment here to let us know of any more recent releases you think could be listed. In addition, we always enjoy getting email suggestions at utrsubmissions@gmail.com.

ALBUMS & EPs

Hosea – Rachel Wilhelm

The music on this album is phenomenal. The songwriting, vocals, and incredible production and instrumentation are executed at an extremely high level. It certainly ranks with the very best we’ve heard. And the message communicated here is especially significant, pertinent, and timely. Although it is based on the Old Testament book of Hosea, the narrative here remains, unfortunately, completely valid for today. It’s a formidable, explicit work. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK] [BANDCAMP]

As Long As I Am In The Tent of This Body I Will Make A Joyful Noise Pt. 1 –  John Van Deusen

Authentic, heartfelt, and alive, this is faith-filled indie rock at its finest and John Van Deusen at his best. With a blend of quiet reflection and overflowing energy, this album is a wealth of songs that feel both deeply personal and universally worshipful. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Sacred Vows – Andy Squyres

If this release by Andy Squyres is anything to go by, the sound of a well-worn love isn’t an emotive pop ballad akin to Taylor Swift. Instead, it’s the clever delivery of articulate and winsome songs, delivered with a comfortable ease only gained through time. A true delight. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Lovers, Enemies, Always Friends – River & Rail

This new album from Grace and Alex Fincher is both cathartic and gentle, with a wistful tone. The duo effortlessly transports you into the story of each song. The flawless vocals, musicianship, and pristine production make this a near-perfect Americana recording. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK] [BANDCAMP]

Table Songs – The Porter’s Gate

With hints of jazz and gospel, this worship album is intentional to its core. A sublime reminder of God’s goodness in the wilderness, the authenticity of this effort is divine. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

m us eum  – Citizens

This album is the antidote to the sadness and worries of the world. Filled with joy and reminders about God’s love for us, the band disarm you as they lean into the margins and imperfections of our humanity. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

A Liturgy, a Legacy, & the Songs of Rich Mullins (Live) – Andrew Peterson

This remarkable and memorable concert was a one-night-only Rich Mullins tribute performed at the Ryman in 2017. Thankfully, now this night can be relived again and again. The capture and production of this live album is world-class. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

St. Augustine – Smalltown Poets

This album is not a trip down memory lane. This is new, fresh, and catchy. Set aside 25 minutes to listen and see why folks say these guys are still making great music. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK] [BANDCAMP]

I Offer You My Life (A Tribute to Ruth Duck) – Dan Damon, Felicia Patton

Dan Damon is an accomplished jazz pianist and hymnwriter. For this recording, he created melodies for twelve unpublished hymns by the late prolific hymnwriter Ruth Duck, a friend and mentor to Dan, while Felicia Patton provided stunning vocals. The combination of Dan’s playing and Felicia’s vocals is superb and perfect for this project. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Are We There Yet? – Katy Martin

Beautiful indie folk songs of loss and struggle and glimmers of hope. Her vocals are bright and melodic, and overall, there is a bit of a 60s-70s retro feel to the sound, validated by closing the record with a Bob Dylan song. It’s a satisfying and enjoyable listen. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Plastic Wine – Strings & Heart

The sophomore effort from these Tucson, Arizona, brothers showcases maturity while offering engaging, fun, and happy music with lyrical depth. Plenty of these songs should be highlighted in your personal playlists. Talent drips from these guys’ instruments. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Letting Go of Yesterday – OM53

OM53’s Letting Go of Yesterday shimmers with nostalgia and faith, blending analog synths and chorused guitars into dreamy indie spaces. Music that is melancholic yet hopeful, retro yet refreshingly new. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

Settle In – Kevin Schlereth

If you are exhausted or worried, tired of striving and feeling like you have to do everything yourself, this album is an invitation. An invitation to trust and rest, to practice contentment and take joy in the good work of God and His kingdom, and an invitation to make life sweet for your neighbors. Give this album the attention it deserves and an opportunity to change you. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK] [BANDCAMP]

This World Ain’t Mine to Change – Fepeste

This home-produced album brings back the sounds of the sixties with touches of surf music. Bright poppy tunes mixed with melancholy sorrow give you a behind-the-scenes look at a man’s contemplation of his life and the world around him.[SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK] [BANDCAMP]

SINGLES

 “Sunflower” – Allie Murphy

Musically engaging and splendidly recorded, but what makes this song extra special is that Allie wrote it for a friend fighting cancer. While there are more beautiful flowers, the sunflower is known for its sturdiness. This is the song Allie needed to write and her friend needed to hear. We invite you to read the whole backstory here: Sunflower  [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

“Great Arsonist” – Yaz Williams

“Great Arsonist” is a gentle, lush indie track filled with longing strings and delicate vocals. Yaz Williams offers a striking metaphor for how to see God while sending up a desperate prayer that is beautiful, fragile, and quietly powerful. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

“Writing on the Wall” – Drakeford

Deft storytelling lyrics are something we’ve come to expect from Drakeford, but this song is next level. With its typical finger-picking goodness, this song delves deep into issues of regret, redemption, and restoration. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

“The Forest From The Tree” – Robert Deeble

Robert Deeble does not just write lyrics; he composes beautiful poetry. The gentle acoustic music that accompanies this is elegant and soothing. This is the first single from his The Space Between Us album, which is currently only available on [BANDCAMP] [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

“Song of my Soul” – Run51

A joyful song of gratitude that could easily get stuck in your brain…but in a good way. This urban power pop conglomerate is making great music worth diving into thoroughly. [SPOTIFY LINK]  [YOUTUBE LINK]

MORE NEW MUSIC WE RECOMMEND

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Albums/EPs

Singles