The wild and wonderful work of music in all its various forms is in full, glorious flow right now, Dear Reader. So it’s only fitting the March 2025 edition of Dork delivers an uncompromising look at artists who refuse to be pigeonholed.

With five cover stars this month, there really is something for everyone. Olly Alexander boldly steps into his solo spotlight with ‘Polari’, a project that reinvents his poptastic past with theatrical flair and uncompromising honesty. Not to be outdone, the deeply affecting collaboration between Julien Baker and TORRES offers a masterclass in songwriting - each lyric resonating with the pain and passion of lived experience.

James Marriott is charting a course from viral personality to a musician of substance, proving that evolution is part of every artist’s journey as he tells us all about his next album. On a heavier front, Spiritbox meld bone-crushing metal with an eerie, almost hypnotic beauty - a daring soundscape that challenges the limits of modern rock. And then there’s Divorce, transforming heartache into triumphant, brilliant songs that feel as cathartic as they are compelling.

We’re digging even deeper with features on voices whose innovative styles are rewriting the musical rulebook. Hope Tala weaves together the warmth of R&B, the brightness of pop, and the sway of bossa nova into a sound that’s unmistakably her own, while Heartworms inject a dose of moody darkness that both complements and contrasts with Biig Piig’s fearless genre-hopping spirit.

The issue also welcomes back icons and long-absent voices. The Wombats remind us why they’ve long been revered as indie royalty, and Manic Street Preachers return with ‘Critical Thinking’, a reflective yet incendiary album that grapples with legacy without losing the fire that defined their early years. Rizzle Kicks, re-emerging after nearly a decade away, bring a refreshing blend of candid storytelling and sharp social commentary.

And if that wasn’t enough, our Hype section is a goldmine for those hungry for tomorrow’s hits. Discover The Pill’s razor-sharp punk energy, Annie-Dog’s cosmic pop explorations, and Cosmorat’s fever dream soundscapes that feel straight out of a cult horror flick. Plus, our Big Verdict on Sam Fender’s ‘People Watching’, Any Other Questions with Matilda Mann, and all your usual faves. You’re welcome.

Dispatched by Monday, 3rd March 2025.