Dave Hartley, member of The War on Drugs’ project Nightlands explores 70’s radio rock territory but never leaves the psychedelic too far behind. The album cover does a good job of summing up the central vibe of this album, “coastal dusk”. The twinkling synths and keys sparkle like twilight stars against layered vocals and warm […]

Strong early effort by this outfit from Philly, the current center of all fuzzy DIY indie-rock. Unlike other bands of this ilk, Loose Tooth has strong instrumentals and tight playing from all members. The loud guitars, drums and bass will remind you of Dinosaur Jr. but the vocals and jittery core lean towards Dismemberment Plan. Slacker rock […]

Hot new rising band out of our very own Burlington VT. Lo-Fi, reel to reel recorded by AF Tapes. An official selection for Cassette Store Day. Sounds like early Dr. Dog meets Mac DeMarco and Girls. Label: AF Tapes FCC: 9 Play:4, 2, 7 RIYL: Dr. Dog, Mac DeMarco

Parisian singer/songwriter that does indie pop well. Also shines with introspective ballads. Label: Bleep Machine FCC: None Play: 1, 3 RIYL: Feist, Beach House

Noisy, industrial offering from Jack White’s label Third Man Records. Recalls the Pop Group and Gang of Four. For the dance party in hell. Label: Third Man Records FCC: Clean Play: 1, 3 RIYL: Liars, Black Dice, The Pop Group

A hold over from late in the summer, the Minnesota duo holds it down with a strong offering on its latest LP. Label: Rhymesayers FCC: Clean Version Play: 2,4,5,6,10,13 RIYL: Aesop Rock, Brother Ali

Powerful, garagey, psychedelic surf rock from Michigan band Heaters. Smashes you over the head with distorted hooks and heady instrumental passages. Worth a listen! Label: Beyond Beyond is Beyond FCC: Clean Play: 1, 2, 4, 5, 7 RIYL: Thee Oh Sees, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard

Although late to the studio, this collection hasn’t aged a day since its release in June. Like Sturgill Simpson, and various other artists, William Tyler is yet another challenging the “country” label in current music. Sweeping, virtuoso, instrumental guitar songs that unfold like the score to a forgotten road movie. Enjoy! Label: Merge Records FCC: […]

Another supreme offering. A variety of sounds and influences, this is one of the best albums of the year. Mainly in a genre of its own, Dev Hynes has put together an “album” in the true sense of the word. Endlessly fascinating, full of hooks and thick bass lines, play it a lot! Label: Domino […]

Excellent fifth album by the sensual Wild Beasts. Lots of deep grooves and experimental guitar flourishes enhanced by unique crooning vocals. Produced by John Congleton. Label: Domino FCC: 2, 7 Play: 1, 3, 4, 8, 10 RIYL: Perfume Genius, Warpaint

Psychedelic, pastoral, jazz/folk follow up to 2015’s Primrose Green. The young Chicago artist is a force to be reckoned with. Vocals delivered conversationally and allows for long instrumental passages. Great stuff! Label: Dead Oceans FCC: 2, 4, 6 Play: 1, 3, 5 RIYL: William Tyler, Wilco, Van Morrison, Nick Drake

Another driving, frenzied album by San Francisco’s Thee Oh Sees. This release includes some kraut influenced instrumentals and explores the apocalyptic side of psychedelia. Label: Castle Face FCC: None Play: 5, 1, 2, 4 RIYL: Ty Segall, King Gizzard & the Lizard Wizard

The album title references a cross-country Amtrak line. The music perfectly complements the yearning and introspection one feels gazing out the window of a long ride with miles of country just out of reach. Barsuk Records Play: 7, 3, 1, 4 FCC: None (except track 2 says “Damn” a lot) RIYL: Feist, Sylvan Esso, Mountain […]

Art-pop in the vein of St. Vincent but less confrontational. Group is lead by Teeny Lieberson. Every song is a winner! Play whatever you like! LOVE? YES! LOL Label: Carpark Records FCC: None Try: 1,2,6,9, all RIYL: St. Vincent, Chairlift  

Cacophonous hard rock from Seattle. Lives in the punk world, but sounds at times like experimental noise. Think In Utero era Nirvana. Lots of cool instrumental hooks and other sounds. Play LOUDLY. Label: Sub Pop, FCC: 11, Try: 2,3,6,9, RIYL: Mudhoney, Nirvana, The Jesus Lizard

New York City band associated with Frankie Cosmos. A darker sounding chill-wave; imagine an indie Greenwich Connecticut version of The Weeknd. Quite excellent all the way through and every track has something interesting to offer. Check out highlights “Underwater”, “Be Apart”, “Car”, “Shaver” and “Shape” RIYL: Majical Cloudz, Chromatics, James Blake, Frankie Cosmos, Try: 1,3,9,10,11, […]

Formerly The Morning Benders, this band excels at “pop” songwriting but does not take many risks. Gone are the lush surf rock/ Beach Boys experiments of Morning Benders records like Big Echo. We are now given something not much different than the band Fun. This is very pleasant, arena sized indie rock. Just edgy enough […]

Fuzzy, warm, psychedelic pop rock out of Brooklyn. Hits an indie sweet spot with interesting textures, catchy hooks, and fun guitar. A little heavier than other bands that currently fit this bill. RIYL: Eternal Summers, Real Estate Try: 11,2,3,5, all, FCC: Clean, Fat Possum Records

Dream pop from Blouse vocalist with assistance from Mac DeMarco. Spin this at dusk or dawn while sipping hot tea and doing crosswords with a significant other. RIYL: Blouse, Julia Holter, Nico Try: 3,2,11, all, FCC: Clean, Captured Tracks Records  

Swedish-Canadian duo from Montreal. Experimental rock/pop with sinister undertones. Great for frosty winter evenings. Label: Secret City Records Play: 2,3,4 FCC: Clean RIYL: Bjork, The Knife, My Brightest Diamond, Joanna Newsom

Glitchy, electronic jam fest with a mathy edge. Upbeat, yet dark themes permeate the lyrical content. Project by Austin artist Geoffrey Earle. Label: GTZ Records Play: 4,1,5,8,12 FCC: 9 RIYL: Dan Deacon, Battles, Liars

Ty Segall does T. Rex! Deep cuts and a few classics. Expect fuzzy swagger. Label: Goner Records Play: 5,2,3,9 FCC: Clean RIYL: T. Rex, Thee Oh Sees, Fuzz, King Tuff