Startle Selects - March 2025

A love for music is at the heart of everything we do at Startle. It’s an art form that keeps evolving in new and exciting ways, and we love trying to keep up with it. 

Every month, Magnus, our Head of Music Development, pulls together what he thinks are the most captivating and essential releases from that month for Startle Selects. 

Our curators can then pick and choose from this playlist as they see fit, so that playlist updates for the brands who work with us are always up to date. It’s a win-win - we get to appreciate new music, and our clients soundtrack their sites with the freshest tunes. 

Let’s look at his top picks from March 2025. 

‍

Walk Home - Bon Iver

​"Walk Home" is a song by Bon Iver, released on March 14, 2025, as part of their upcoming album "SABLE, fABLE," set to be released on April 11, 2025. 

Frontman Justin Vernon described "Walk Home" as a song where "you can't wait to pull your clothes off fast enough and jump inside bed with your one true lover." The lyrics convey a deep longing for closeness and intimacy - lines like "we don't need no window curtains, we can let the light come in, and we can shed your earthly burdens" emphasise a desire to escape external worries and find solace in someone else’s presence.

Musically, "Walk Home" blends Bon Iver's signature ethereal sound with minimalist production, creating an immersive listening experience.

‍

Relationships - Haim

​"Relationships" is a single by the American band HAIM, released on March 12, 2025. Co-produced by Danielle Haim and Rostam Batmanglij, the track delves into the complexities and frustrations of romantic relationships.

The song's production features a minimalist, funky groove with steady bass lines and gentle rhythms, mirroring the cyclical nature of romantic struggles.

Notably, the single's cover art pays homage to a well-known image of Nicole Kidman, symbolising liberation and new beginnings. This reference aligns with the song's exploration of seeking freedom from the constraints of a challenging relationship. 

"Relationships" marks HAIM's first new music release since 2023 and serves as a precursor to their upcoming fourth studio album.

‍

Can’t Get Enough - Neil Francis

​"Can't Get Enough" is a track by Neal Francis from his album "Return to Zero," released on March 13, 2025.

The lyrics convey a sense of longing and introspection, with lines like "woke up coming down from speeding, it is already on my mind," reflecting themes of desire and the struggle to find satisfaction.

Musically, "Can't Get Enough" features a fusion of funk and soul elements, characterised by its smooth groove and intricate instrumentation.

Overall, "Can't Get Enough" exemplifies Neal Francis's ability to merge various musical styles, creating a track that resonates with listeners through its emotive lyrics and captivating sound.

‍

Old Man - Tom Misch 

​"Old Man" is a deeply personal and introspective single by British musician Tom Misch, released on March 21, 2025.

Departing from his signature groove-led production, "Old Man" features a stripped-back arrangement with gentle guitar and piano accompaniment, allowing Misch's unembellished vocals to take centre stage. 

Lyrically, the track reflects on the evolving relationship between generations and the realisation of resembling one's parents.

Misch has expressed a desire to create timeless, stripped-back songs, stating, "Recently I've really wanted to create songs that work well stripped back in a classic sense... 'Old Man' is a good example of that and one of my favourite songs I've ever made."

‍

I Come With Mud - Men I Trust

​"I Come With Mud" is the opening track on Men I Trust's album Equus Asinus, released on March 19, 2025. The song features a smooth, mellow flow complemented by Emmanuelle Proulx's soothing vocals and slide guitar elements.

Critics have praised "I Come With Mud" for its evocative sound and composition. Iowa Public Radio highlighted its "Mazzy Star vibes and a slide guitar that pairs perfectly with Emmanuelle Proulx’s disarming vocal," noting it as an album highlight. Similarly, Northern Transmissions described the track as setting the tone for the album with its "smooth, syrupy flow, dripping with golden hues." 

“I Come With Mud" showcases Men I Trust's signature dream pop style, blending ethereal melodies with introspective lyrics to create a captivating listening experience.