Ian Brodsky – “Friendly Neighborhood Something or Other”

Ian Brodsky’s “Friendly Neighborhood Something or Other” is the kind of album that makes you sit up and pay attention to every track of it, not because it’s flashy, but because it feels lived-in and personal without getting lost in itself. The songs are tighter and more energetic this time around, swapping some of the introspective melancholy of his debut for bigger sounds and sharper edges.

Tracks like “Trash Panda” and “Little Miss Sunshine” already had a life online before the release, and they hold up just as well here. There’s something satisfying about hearing them in the context of a full project, where they sit comfortably next to horn-touched anthems, quiet confessions, and shout-along moments. Ian clearly knows what works in a live setting, and he channels that energy without making the studio versions feel like afterthoughts. If I had to pick just one favorite track, it definitely would be “Ghost”.

If you’re into indie rock that’s both thoughtful and fun, give this album a spin. And while you’re at it, follow Ian Brodsky on social media to keep up with his new music and shows for the rest of 2025.