Josh Onstott of Other Lives’ new project, New Mystics, brings a sunny, fresh energy into a new band. With tracks like Sparrows and Modern, Onstott’s vocals communicate a sense of regret and longing that’s perfectly reflected in the band’s sound: the songs serve a purpose. When lyrics like “such a lovely day to say goodbye” are translated into these bright sounds, the pairing is therapeutic. New Mystics follows on the footsteps of bands like Delta Spirit and their emotional alt folk, don’t miss their live debut tonight (June 22nd) at Baby’s All Right.

Sleigh-bells and classically folk harmonies meet and find peace on the provocative debut EP from The Solars. Retitled Remastered emphasizes the Boston psych-folk group’s thoughtful attention to the recording process. Taking the dark side of psych and marrying it with the gentle appeal of folk, The Solars are sure to grab attention from the Boston/New England experimental scene. Members Miles Hewitt and Quetzal Herzig charismatically draw from groups like Alt-J and Local Natives on their debut. All the same, this album is pure enchantment.-Allison Miller

This June, two staples of Boston basements, Nice Guys and Black Beach, teamed up to release a split 7.” These bands bring a grungy, unpretentious energy to their music that stands far away from the math-rock stylings often found in the Berklee scene. With fuzzy guitars, screaming vocals and a vengeful, intentional energy, both bands meet each other head to head on each track of the split. It’s a match made in bong-ripping, surf-rocking hell. Enjoy singles “Grodelo” by Nice Guys and “Poor Posture” by Black Beach. 

If Pavement’s Stephen Malkmus had a little brother that carried his vocals into the disaffected post-internet age of today, that would be Golf Lexapro. On his EP for newbie label Fluorescent Thought, tracks like “Bluetooth Repair,” “WebMD,” and “Watering Plants,” bring a heartwarmingly specific reflection derived from spending too much time alone in your room on the computer. Golf’s well crafted, sincere lyrics propel a stylistically multifaceted record, whose sound draws from other indie rockers such as The Strokes, Yo La Tengo, and Jay Som. See them play live Monday, June 19th at Sunnyvale with Furnsss, Edgar Clinks, and Groupie.  – Allie Millert;

Brooklyn noisemakers Kill Alters make music that attacks, both physically and mentally. With pulsating percussions, laser-like synths, and the visceral vocals of Bonnie Baxter, the band offers a sound that’s aggressive, complex, and demanding. Their compositions break from tradition, incorporating sounds ranging from the industrial to the downright frightening (a baby’s laughter), and adopting a nightmarish aesthetic reminiscent of early post punk groups like Throbbing Gristle. Upcoming LP ‘No Self Helps’ (out June 28th on Haus Mountain) promises something different, and sometimes uncomfortable, through a journey that’s complex, textured, and entertaining, every step of the way.  See them live at St. Vitus on 06.16. – Allie Miller

Somewhere between the heart wrenching lyricism of Mitksi and the cool-girl attitude of Cherry Glazerr, Pom Pom Squad stirs up trouble. Spoofing the cheerleader stereotype, they reclaim the image of the girl everyone loves to hate with sincerity and confession. Hate It Here, their nostalgic 2017 release, persuades listeners to reconsider their high school bullies, with lines like “How do you expect me to figure myself out/when I can’t tell the difference between bad and good attention.” Don’t miss their show at Sunnyvale tomorrow (June 14th) with Danny Christmas, Nick Llobet, and Julep Maisey. – Allie Miller 

People’s Champs, the afro-beat indie funk group whose members are known for touring with Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings and Delicate Steve, are bursting back into summer with a music video release show at C’Mon Everybody this June. The event celebrates the remix release of their song “Hostages” and its accompanying music video. “Hostages’” blend of upbeat jazz and gentle ambient synth here is joined by artists Melanie JB Charles (who sang for Gorillaz), and Starr Busby (Gorillaz, Esperanza Spalding.) The video and release show are bound to continue in the celebratory tropical vibes of People’s Champs’ prior work: celebratory and warm summer grooves. – Allison Miller 

Bandits on the Run! is not Wings’ new millennial side-project, but it might as well be. This indie-folk trio is just as much fun as the song it references in their name, but with an updated twist, especially in their refined March 2017 release, The Criminal Record. NYC locals Adrian Blake Enscoe, Sydney Torin Shepherd, and Regina Marie Strayhorn, incorporate cello, violin, and even a banjo supported by melancholic harmonies that bring the fun-folk spirit of bands like Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros or Noah and the Whale. The Criminal Record is must-listen full of campfire songs for the modern cowboy, or your local bolo-tie wearing barista. They play American Beauty NYC on June 10th and Pete’s Candy Store on June 11th. – Allie Miller