The latest record from veteran VT musician Bow Thayer is a smooth batch of alt-folk numbers blending a variety of styles. Straight-ahead funky drumbeats lay a foundation for all flavors of twang, with a few oddball electronic flourishes thrown in for good measure. Thayer’s lyrics reflect the confusion, pain and isolation of the last few […]

BTV singer-songwriter Lily Seabird’s debut single is an inspired slice of twangy alt-rock in uncommon time, with screaming guitar leads and charming vocals delivering lyrics about feeling small and helpless.  FCC: Clean  RIYL: Big Thief, The Breeders, Courtney Barnett, Dinosaur Jr.

Harrison Hsiang, the singer-songwriter behind BTV indie project Couchsleepers, can’t figure out if his latest single “is a love song or something opposite.” This duality is reflected in the song’s haunting, dynamic instrumentation, which largely centers around folky picking and slide guitar, occasionally punctuated by massive stabs of drums and keyboard.  FCC: Clean RIYL: Pinegrove, […]

Enigmatic one-man VT indie project Black Fly’s debut album alternates between dark yet danceable synthpop and slower, more piano-and-string driven numbers. The brilliantly produced sonic landscapes evoke a subtly sinister mood, and the artist’s talent for hooks is undeniable. Track Picks: 2, 5, 6, 8 FCC: 3, 7 RIYL: Bleachers, Reptaliens, Bon Iver, Radiohead, Madaila

The second EP from one-man indie folk project Glorious Leader sounds as pleasantly snowy as its cover looks. Enveloping arrangements of strings and synths are matched with gorgeous, tender vocals, delivering largely autobiographical lyrics that reflect both his time spent in Iceland and his home in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom. (Note: this EP has a download-only […]

This UVM-based instrumental quartet splits the difference between jazz fusion and jam-band rock. Chiming guitar leads, funky grooves, smooth sax solos and squelchy keys abound. Track Picks: 2, 3, 8, 9 FCC: Clean RIYL: Snarky Puppy, Funky Knuckles, Free Radicals

Folk-rock troubadour Ryan Montbleau rambled around the world for over twenty years before finally making his home in Burlington. On this new EP, the first of four themed releases (Fire, Water and Air to follow) Montbleau reflects on maturing, aging, settling down, and the imperfections of being human, all with a sly, subtle sense of […]

BTV’s beloved surf punks have gone through some changes in sound and personnel since their debut album. This record is a much fuzzier and more psychedelic record than their first, with more complicated song structures and a lot of horror allusions, but the core of their sound – chiming surf riffs and confessional, emotionally forthright […]

The 2nd album from Winooski’s Clever Girls amps up their sound, featuring both catchy indie-pop numbers and massive, distorted grunge ballads. Many of the lyrics are inspired by frontperson Diane Jean’s journey to self-acceptance, self-understanding, and coming out as non-binary.  Track Picks: 3, 5, 8, 9 FCC: 7 RIYL: Phoebe Bridgers, Hop Along, girl in […]

VT indie-pop wizard Mark Daly’s latest musical project may be his most ambitious yet – a concept album telling the story of a woman who leaves her life in New England to chase her dreams in Vegas. Sonically, the record is a blend of Madaila’s typical dance-pop style with both folky and orchestral elements, and […]

VT rock band Signal Pine have released two singles (each with an A & B side) in anticipation of their debut album. Folk-rock guitars and piano blend with emotionally loaded indie songwriting. The musicianship and vocal harmonies are tip-top.  Track Picks: “Origami,” “Good Enough”  FCC: “Tomatoes” (email local@wruv.org for clean version) RIYL: Hippo Campus, My […]

The latest EP from BTV punk oddballs Greaseface is a whirlwind trip of lo-fi genre-hopping. Blown-out guitars, fuzzy drum machines, shouted vocals and more blend together in a dizzying sonic attack that’s thoroughly compelling. Track Picks: 2, 3, 5 FCC: 4, 6 RIYL: Pons, Parquet Courts, Gang of Four, Mr. Bungle

BTV band Nullhegan’s first two singles are soulful slices of roots rock. The kiss-off song “Fly On” burns with a mid-tempo, bluesy jam-band groove, while “Run” blends an upbeat, almost Motown rhythm with fiery guitar licks. Play both! FCC: Clean RIYL: Lake Street Dive, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Alabama Shakes

The latest single from BTV indie project Couchsleepers may be their best one yet. Described as a “sister song” to the previous “All the Worst Things,” the track’s got big hooks, loud guitars, and exceptional storytelling and imagery about giving in to impulses you probably shouldn’t.  FCC: Clean  RIYL: Car Seat Headrest, Pinegrove, Peach Pit, […]

VT singer-songwriter Danny Lefrancois’ first full-length album is a joyous collection of power-pop and Americana with a sense of humor. Expect jangly guitars, super-catchy melodies, and all-around good vibes. Track Picks: 1, 5, 7, 9 FCC: Clean RIYL: Wilco, Big Star, Neil Young, Maple Run Band

The debut single from BTV indie combo Next Nobodies sounds like it belongs in a smoke-filled disco with the lights turned down low. The four-on-the-floor groove keeps you grounded as the chiming keys, echoey guitars and smooth vocals envelop you. FCC: Clean RIYL: Mark Ronson, Tame Impala, Breakbot

Recent UVM alum Princess Nostalgia’s new single is all about “loving yourself – even the nasty/stinky/freaky parts.” Sonically, the track continues in her unique style of retro R&B influenced electronic grooves with choppy guitars and heavily AutoTuned vocals. FCC: Clean RIYL: Charli XCX, Tokimonsta, Disclosure