Maybe it’s obvious, but the big payoff from scouring the indie music scene is when you stumble across a release that, like Shakespeare, transcends time, style, and fads. Such is Lost in Transition, the 6-month-old release from genre-crossing, soul-voiced Sydney Miles. A compilation of (what we’ll call) acoustic soul ("Cheaper to Keep Her", "I Have a Secret", "Fall Away from Me", "A Child Sleeps"), bluesy pop ("Shorty"), and hip-hop ("Cougar Lady"); this one also manages to pop in on pop ("Karmic Ghosts", "Wading While Waiting"); and even, heaven help us, bring the occasional toe-tapping, boot-scooting country number ("A Good Man’s Love", "Crazy Hearted Whiskey").

Yet despite this collection’s genre-crazy divergence, a rock-solid center holds these numbers together – the lyrical mastery and brilliant vox of a songstress confident enough to experiment and skilled enough to bring home 11 solidly-irresistible tracks. Just back from a short European tour, Miles’ Austin residence is sure to include more forays into some of our better venues. Stay plugged in via facebook so you won’t be kicking yourself for missing the next gig. It takes a bit of scouring to uncover a gem like this one, so don’t let Lost in Transition get lost on you. –Written by Scott Osborn

Thanks Light is an eclectic quintet that released their album, Pop Rox, this past April. Their influences are as diverse as the songs on their soundcloud playlist, which is full of awesome ear candy. In “Bones”, lead singer Zane’s melancholy wailing is reminiscent of The Highwaymen, as are the solid country guitar riffs. Yet in “Starting Up” and “Re::Evolution”, their songs take on a more cosmic feel, similar to Gauntlet Hair. 

Whether you’re in the mood to folk out or mellow out, Thanks Light will be performing on July 31st in Austin at Beerland. Joining them will be: After Hours, Those Howlings, Alma Forrer, Baptiste W. Hamon, and The Navasota String Gang. Check it out! –Written by Faith Braverman

Milezo released their home recorded album, Major Tree Love’s Secret Songs for Imaginary Gurls, last May. With an album title like that, how could you not be intrigued to listen? These “secret songs” are full of love enclosed in psychedelic, rock and folk sounds. It is a dense album in which you will hear new things each time you listen.

In just over a year, this prolific four-piece is already close to completing a new album scheduled for a release this fall. Most recently, Milezo came out with a trippy video for “Animal Revelation”. As for the live act, they’re playing the Moonage Daydream Festival at Club Deville tonight. –Written by Courtney Pierce

Technically, Octant is a one-man band. Matthew Steinke stands alone on stage singing fragile dream-pop melodies over reverb-laden guitar sounds. But he’s not the only thing making noise; makeshift player pianos churn out soaring ornamentation while a bevy of percussion beats itself in time. And somehow, it all sounds surprisingly human — maybe there’s some life in Steinke’s algorithms.

While you’re waiting for Octant’s new album to release this fall, take a peek at his electromechanical backup band in the new video for “Forget", off their 2011 release. And come see Octant tonight at the Parish for a Summer Fling with Mighty Mountain, Borrisokane and Tiger Wave. –Written by Kevin Allen

Last year at Art Outside, I walked into the biggest crowd I’d seen for a daytime show to find out what all the fuss was about… and then I heard it. Dani Neff, lead singer and guitarist of Megafauna, is one of the best shredders I’ve seen in all my life. And the best part is, she makes it look so easy! Her dainty fingers seem to effortlessly glide over the strings as this hard but intricately melodious sound oozes from her guitar.  

Quickly on the rise, their latest music video, "Precious Blood", was directed by David Bellarosa of Lonely Giant. It also stars Laurie Gallardo of KUTX and The Good Music Club. This is an Austin music video that can’t be missed. Click here to watch. –Written by Charise Sowells

“There’s just something about music with soul. People like Ray Charles, Otis Redding, Etta James… Their music hits me right in the stomach; the same way I bet it did my grandparents." Listen to Aaron Stephens and after 30 seconds you will hear the passion he has for this genre. Stevens’ EP To Reach Your Soul will demand your attention from the get go.

Not only is his voice rich, but like any great soul musician his lyrics are powerful. He sings, “Everyone has a weapon of choice; let mine be my voice.” If that’s the case, get out of his way. Nothing stands a chance against someone who has this much spirit and love for their craft. Aaron is touring all over Texas and will be back in Austin on July 30th to move you at The Hole in the Wall. –Written by Courtney Pierce

Time to gear up for Summer Slang II. It was so good last time that a sequel was in order. This year’s soiree will be hosted in style by Heard Entertainment at the Empire Control Room & Garage (across the street from Holy Mountain). On the inside, we’ll get Cabrini Green, Jeffi DeLuxe & MoxieContin, Texas Microphone Massacre, Young Pharaohs, and FLAVOR RAID.

Outside is for DJs, and they are going to have the best there is in Austin: DJ Miguel Sanchez, DJ Scorpio (the brains behind Nite School and Blacklist), and DJ Nathan Green. But naturally you want more, so they’ll be throwing in "…an immersive 8-projector visual experience and sound system that embraces your body…". And who doesn’t like their body to be embraced? –Written by Scott Osborn

Rixon is a rock/jam band from Austin on a mission to be "the best band on the planet.” With the kind of credentials these bandmates have, they are well on their way to accomplishing that goal. Each of Rixon’s five band members have studied at the renowned Berklee College of Music, and it shows. Their seamless blend of rock, pop and jazz is unique and catchy, while their technical skills are flawless.

Dan Rixon, lead singer/guitarist and the band’s namesake, has injected his love for the Dave Matthews Band, the Beatles, and Pink Floyd in their debut album When Morning Comes. Rixon’s hauntingly melodic voice, the band’s natural rhythms, and the overall tight instrumentation create a symphonic journey through their music’s psychedelic tendencies. See Rixon play live, this Friday at Dizzy Rooster, 8:30pm. –Written by Faith Braverman  

Canned Beets are an up and coming band that’s been spreading their psychedelic sound waves all over Austin and Central Texas. This self-described “groove trio” has a quite a bit of clout. Band members RyDogg Johnson, Doug Leveton, and Rolf Ordahl are no strangers to the Austin music scene and have been involved in several other successful music projects.

Their latest collaboration combines improvisation with solid pocket grooves, making them reminiscent of the Roots or Phish. With their wah-wah rhythms, New Orleans inspired organ funk, and danceable beats, Canned Beets will have you biting that lower lip and moving to the groove in no time. Their next two shows are at Easy Tiger on July 24th and 31st. –Written by Faith Braverman

One month after its release, Knifight’s first LP, Dark Voices, still dominates the heavy rotation list. From the preeminent dark wavers, these dance-fast, poppish numbers run through with fuzzily-verbed rhythm. Stabbed clean with synths, organs, and other forms of 80-ish digitalia, the album is finished with a solid skewering via John Gable’s Voice of God, reverbed into near-psychedelic places.

Try "In The Fire", "Whisper Room", "Black Dagger", or the title track if you’re looking for a faster, can’t-get-enough-of-it number. If you favor a slow twist, give the deliciously-romantic "Cosmonaut", "Peace Cry", or "My Angels" a spin. I’m calling Dark Voices one of the best collections of dark wave rock to grace 2013. You should thrust this one into your iPod. Better yet, catch these guys in the act. Knifight will be ascending Holy Mountain tomorrow, 7/10/13 and then transfixing the Empire Control Room on 7/19/13. –Written by Scott Osborn 

Super Thief released their first EP last January entitled Two for No. Be prepared for a twisty journey through of a spectrum of soundwaves. It’s four tracks exploding with rock, punk and some long instrumental breaks that show off their skills; heavy one song, soft and lyrical the next.

They note some of their influences as LCD soundsystem, The Pixies, and The Jesus Lizard, which makes for their combo as a self-described "rock-indie-post/punk-something-or-other band". You are sure to hear something that will appeal to your musical palette. Check them out for yourself tonight at The Mohawk. A 6 dollar show, doors open at 9pm. –Written by Courtney Pierce

Smooth as butter on a hot summer day, the groovy bass lines and silky harmonies of The LaRues melt all over you when you listen to their self-titled album, The LaRues. Fronted by three female singer-songwriters, this piping hot band has been turning their personal heartbreaks and original love songs into a funky good time since 2010. Their behind the scenes video will tell you the whole serendipitous story of how the members came together and their process of creation.

For the live act, they’ve got a sweet spot in the Oh Snap! Festival, 7/13/13, at the Historic Scoot Inn. You can check out the rest of the lineup here also featuring Dana Falconberry, The Hikes, Space Crazies and Emily Wolfe. If you just can’t wait until then, Antone’s is up next, 7/11/13. -Written by Charise Sowells