LONE WOLF - Dark Thoughts (2025) Hi-Res

Four albums in, Rotterdam’s finest indie punk quartet know exactly what they are and exactly where they want to be. Dark Thoughts offers few surprises for fans of the band, and yet it feels like they’re still finding ways to become better—something that’s especially clear if you’ve seen them perform recently.

The core ingredients on Dark Thoughts? Total synchronicity between Ox (who writes the songs, plays bass, and sings damn near every word) and Merel (who plays guitar, handles the arrangements, and also sings damn near every word). Backing them up: Rotterdam’s own Ivo Backbreaker, who clockwork drumming is as punchy and energetic as ever, and the trustworthy rhythm guitar of Damian. This band is a tight unit that clearly enjoys each other’s company, and that chemistry doesn’t just show—it punches through your speakers and demands attention.

But don’t mistake all that comfort and familiarity for complacency. There’s a reason this record is called Dark Thoughts. Ox and co. aren’t blind to what’s happening around them and the struggles of modern life. They face those thoughts and emotions head-on, turning existential dread into fuel for some of the most cathartic punk anthems you’ll hear this year. Rather than let the darkness drag you down, Lone Wolf have created ten songs that work like a friend grabbing you by the shoulders and reminding you that you’re not alone—and that sometimes the best way forward is to scream it out and keep moving, one step at a time. Dark Thoughts is as angsty as it is excellent. This is indie punk as emotional armor, and it fits like a battle-worn leather jacket.