This blog covered Brooklyn based songwriter JJ Byars‘ old band Hungry Hands back in 2012 and noticed that they seemed to be "going through a lot of changes" – as if that wasn’t the case for 95% of the bands out there… Well it looks like JJ’s band mate related turmoil led him towards a solo musical project, which produced a full album released in June of 2015, and entitled ‘Waterlogged.’ A lot of tracks in it are just vocals and acoustic guitar, although one of the tracks featuring drums is so good they make us think he should probably give the band idea another shot. ‘Migration’ (streaming below) is a song that can make your day, with its celestial melody that defies gravity and expectations. It’s also based on some kind of premonition, since it revolves around the lyrics "this year there’s no winter" – which is true, although the song was released last summer. This track, together with opener "Blue in the Face" showcases a songwriting development towards elegant pop melodies and arrangements reminiscent of a sparser version of Grizzly Bear, while most of the other songs on the record reveal more folky overtones. You can see JJ Byars live at Rough Trade on January 9th with The Can’t Tells and Bear Ceuse.

Although released back in 2010, Brooklyn trio Corporal’s self-titled album still intrigues with its smooth aggression. Fronted by the deeply talented actor Michael Shannon, Corporal gracefully melds the genres of rock, folk, and Americana on the 10-song effort, recalling other bands while still sounding fresh. From the propulsive, Heatmiser-like “Glory” (streaming) to the tumbling, Tom Waits-esque “Let Me Eat It,” Corporal is both proof of Shannon’s several talents and an elegantly compelling re-discovery. The band plays Baby’s All Right on Saturday (12/19). – Zach Weg

Yohuna is the ambient pop project of Johanne Swanson, a Brooklyn based native of Eau Claire, WI. The artist’s output is somewhat dispersed and reveals a very active collaborative spirit: a fair amount of tracks feature also other artists, like many of the ones found in the project’s Soundcloud profile, while others are split releases with up to four acts involved, like her 2013 "Clubhous Split," a digital record shared with other three dreamy and atmospheric female artists: Emily Reo, MoonLasso and Brown Bread. There seems to be only one "proper" release so far, and it’s 2011’s "Revery," an uber-mellow but still playful DIY work full of interesting textures, mostly forged by using reverbered vocals, distorted synths and effected drum machines. "Mateo" (streaming below) is probably the most satisfying track out of it. Yohuna will be performing at Baby’s All Right on 12.22. – Photo by M-P Photography

Aliso Viejo’s Pedestrian recently released Healthy Ways to Die, an album that gives new meaning to the phrase "freezing-point depression". Nine songs draw from solitude and capitulation, transmuting the propulsion of Brand New and Explosions in the Sky with the desolation of Deathconsciousness. It’s austere, boundless, and cold as the deserts of the South, with thick sheets of Luke Feilberg’s and Logan English’s guitars that arrest their solemn and soft-spoken lyrics. Hypothermia never sounded so sweet.

Listen to Healthy Ways to Die, released on Sun Terrace Records on Bandcamp, iTunes, and Spotify. Pedestrian celebrates their record release with The Swan Thief, Conheartist, and Ridgeway this Saturday, more details here. – Ryan Mo

If there’s a DC band that’s found the staples of punk, it’s definitely Brick Top. Featuring raspy, yet clear vocals and a messy harmony between guitar and drums, these four guys have nailed a familiar, but distinctive sound that’s exciting and is reminiscent of the 90s, recalling greats like Jawbreaker and Bad Religion.They just put out their very first EP and you can find the sweet title track below. There are only six tracks, but they explore a nihilistic sense of being and futile view of modern existence. It may be pop-punk, but that doesn’t make it any less dark. -Jonathan Goodwin