You know someone’s album will be good when you hear their demos and think, oh well now that’s sounding pretty solid. That said, Affectionately just released a wee little collection of demos–some of which you may have heard on other albums before–and it’s a true delight of a listen. “Bedroom Waltz” is a personal favorite, but they’re all impressive with fun with disorienting distortions and pure, pleasing vocals. It’s always fun to hear a little gentler behind-the-scenes of one of the Bay Area’s finer secrets. Check ‘em out and don’t wreck ‘em out. Stay tuned for the full album out, comin’ in soon. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Bear Call’s latest single, “Harsh” was just released as an end of summer jam and the title is oh-so deceiving. The smooth chill of “Harsh” is a jazzy mellow jam with warm strums and some nice key action with lyrics that are secretly funny. Oh la la, take a dive. Bear Call will be back playing in San Francisco in December playing with Goon at The Knockout. ’Til then, jam on. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

STRANGEPRIDE’s debut album, We’ll Take It From Here, reveals a talented indie band whose sound harkens back to the elegant electric indie pop-rock of late ’80s/early ’90s acts like Lloyd Cole and the Commotion and The Psychedelic Furs. Here, those influences are occasionally filtered through the gentle dream-pop atmospheres of contemporary acts like Real Estate through a guitar work that is at times textured and at times driven. The opening track “Kids” reminisces over life as kids, leaving the reader with a sense of nostalgia and yearning for what are – in most cases – the best days of our lives. Single Tumbledown, a distorted guitar-heavy track, highlights the kind of catchy and evocative tunes this band can produce, featuring a vocal performance R.E.M. would be proud of. Check out also Daisies and Blue, one of our favorite songs from the record, streaming below. The band played Rough Trade last night, check out their Facebook page for upcoming shows. – Karigan Wright