Released just last month, Kat Robichaud’s latest single “Criminal” is a haunting, strong peek at her anticipated next album. The opening chords feel like the opening to a rock opera–and with her theatrical outfits, wigs and a long-time history of orchestrating and performing cabaret, we’re not surprised. It takes a certain type of creative to channel all the different energies that Robichaud musters here. Her last album, Misfit Cabaret, was like listening to a one-woman circus act that keeps your imagination open and whirling, empowered and invigorated. Not that we’re telling you how to feel about it. Listen yourself. Shout out to track “Bully” from Robichaud’s previous album, where the sheer power in her vocals is shiver-inducing. Think Heart meets a not-so-poppy Katy Perry, with some Rocky Horror and Bowie inspirations gyrating throughout. Check out the captivating video for her single Criminal, shot and edited by Daniel Garcia, and if THAT weren’t enough, go see her next cabaret show, “Lost in Z Space” at San Francisco’s Z Space. These music-filled shows start February 7th and run through the 16th. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Listening to the entirety of Facsimiles’ latest EP, “Details,” is like watching a film that leaves you quiet and changed by its closing scene. Each track of this anti-folk, gentle pop album has its own feel, its own layering of electro reverberations and changing paces, all accompanied by Rob Voigt’s vocals, which range anywhere from a James Russel Mercer-esq charm to a Jeff Mangum-like backing, but quieter. Opening with the expansive track “Faint Signals,” we’re taken into the landscape of Voigt’s magic: the quiet reverberation of the baseline partners with a guitar plucked crisply as a harp. The next song we’re strummed into offers a much quieter reflection, a solid holding point for the center of the album. The last track, “One Thin String,” is a personal favorite. Filled with catchy little hooks and more of those late 90’s indie rock influences (there’s that Shins feel again), we’re provided an uplifting end to this quiet saga of an album. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

After last year’s debut “Night Night at First Landing,” we were curious what direction Madeline Kenney’s newest album would take. Mercy me, we were not disappointed. "Perfect Shapes" is a multi-genre, multi-layered album with touches of synth infusions partnered with melodic bass lines and touches of shoegazy guitar melodies all grounded by that strong, twang-touched voice. A beautiful key to the success of Kenney’s latest is her ability to keep us moving with her throughout each song’s journey. Empowering snappy songs transition into melodic dreamy driftings that are in a land far away from rock n roll–kudos to the spaceship that flies into “Your Art”–but let’s be clear: this electric pop album is centered around solid musicianship, fantastic compositions and lyrics we can relate to. Brava, lady. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor 

Yes yes yes! Poppy, punky and some solid rock n’ roll, The Six Sevens are working some justice on their new album, “Watch Your Head.” We’re glad to have snagged them from down in Santa Barbara, whose beachy skater vibes sneak into a couple tracks in just the right way. Influenced by groups like Joyce Manor, The Front Bottoms and The Districts, their songs have funny, youthful lyrics, a refreshing mix of old school harmonies and guitar ticklings that remind us of the Strokes with a touch of Weezer. Shout out to track “San Francisco” for obvious reasons and “Back to the Start” for those killer melodies. It’s an album that’s easy to fall for on the first listen and it was all written, mixed and produced in their garage. We’re glad to have these boys around to play the local scene. Stay tuned for details on their next show in Oakland this January. And ‘til then, crank it. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

This lady is a force! We feel empowered just listening to Rose Droll. A genre-less wonder, Miss Rose gives us a little bit of a lot of things and we want more more more. Samples are interwoven in tasteful snippets, from Lou Reed baselines to “This Little Light of Mine” lyrics. There are parts we can only describe as coy-strong lady rap, interjected at the perfect moments (a poetic “…so baby, when you gonna give a fuck?” in the same breath as a line from “Ring Around the Rosie”…what the hell? Yes!). There are colorful bursts of instrumental delight–all her own doings–and to accompany it all, is that voice: fluid, lovely and nailing every pitch it tries to reach. Like we said, she’s a class all her own, but in an attempt to compare: if you enjoy Angel Olsen, Sharon Van Etten, Tune Yards and badass versions of your favorite nursery rhymes, you’ll probably dig this as much as we do. Come see her at The Independent this Thursday the 13th where she’s playing alongside Pllush, Pardoner and SOAR. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor 

 

Since last year’s lovely-brilliant EP “The,” we’ve been awaiting the next move from Oakland’s own Perhapsy, solo project of artist Derek Barber (Curls, Bells Atlas). The new album, “Kingdom Starlight Bliss,” weaves an energy both soothing and invigorating. A shoegazing lover’s dream, songs are textured with the intricate guitar work that earned Barber his mad respect. Resonating melodies reach an almost intergalactic quality (check out The Curse!). His sweet vocals express emotions that are at times darker than most of his previous work: sad stories sprinkled with tough emotions and epiphanies; references to dooming relationships and dark times ahead. But as Barber puts it, “Kingdom” is an album full of endings, changes, and the eventual sparkle at the end of the tunnel. Give it a listen and check out those sweet images, too (did we mention he’s also a cartoonist?)….Enjoy! – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Balms’ anticipated album Mirror hits the streets in February 2019 and the intriguing taste they’ve given us so far is their newest single, “Candle.” Self-proclaimed bummer pop, this chugging indie rock jam might make us a little more anxious if it weren’t for the cooing, sweet vocals shining through the darkness. It’s like Grizzly Bear took a dip in the grunge bath and we want to jump in. Every part of this song—the composition, the lyrics, the feelings—is a multilayered mélange that’s hard to shake. “I want your soul,” he says, a charming, echoing call. Songs like this are why categories like dream rock exist. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

LoFi Satellites take psychedelic rock n roll, turn up the warbling reverb, add a chugging rhythm and tie it all together with the energy of Marc Belluomini’s vocals, ranging from wistful to angry and wild then back again. Track “Feet to the Fire” rumbles in with a sassy booming bass-drum duet and carries the song throughout its highs and lows. Did we mention that baseline? Recorded in San Francisco’s own Tiny Telephone studio, tracks are mixed warm and fuzzy. And better yet, they know how to put on a killer live jam. See them November 30th at Caravan in San Jose then mark your calendar! They’re playing Winters Tavern in their home town of Pacifica on February 16th. And what do you know, they’re a leading contender for November’s Artist of the Month by their adoring fans. Bravo, boys. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor 

It’s hard to not be charmed by Oakland’s pop rock bunch Small Crush. They’re like The Strokes met a Weezerly guitarist and a crispy-wispy lady vocalist and threw in some extra smiles. Lyrics are often bittersweet and romantic in that man, I’ve been there, type of way. Take the song “Signal Dreams” from their latest album, Blush: “If I’m asleep or awake/what difference does it make/if you’re not here with me?” Killer melodies and like they say, Fun! Natural Fun! We agree and we’re not the only ones. Small Crush killed it at last summer’s Noise Pop and we can’t wait to see them again. Enjoy listening to their songs below and catch them at The Art Boutiki in San Jose on December 22, where they’re playing with their Asian Man Record label mates Get Married. – Michelle Kicherer

Listening to SF afrobeat collective Sun Hop Fat makes you feel confident, like you’re on a mission and you know exactly where you’re headed. Pop on tracks like “Rhinosaur” and “Silly Putty” and it feels like you’re driving an undulating road, multicolored images calling you to dance or to ease you deeper into your chair, eyes closed toes tapping. This ten piece instrumental band tells stories without words. They’re Ethiopian jazz meets American funk, a touch of bossa nova and a little psychedelic twist. Luckily for us, they’re playing December 8th at The Independent with Royal Jelly Jive. Put your swaying, dancing, tapping shoes on and catch em. -Michelle Kicherer

Santa Cruz-based band Getaway Dogs take beachy psych rock to a refreshing new place. What makes these guys stand out from the sea of surf pop is the unexpected turns their songs take. There’s plenty of time to zone into the music but you won’t zone out—just as you feel the foggy reverb floating through the air a nice touch of tambourine walks in, a snappy drum, maybe a whistle, and those soothing vocals reminiscent of a younger, more angelic Anthony Kiedis—and we mean that in the best of ways—and you’re hooked all over again. Songs like “Excuses/Opinions II”, which starts, “I cannot explain myself / to my demons” bring listeners into the story and give a feel for the characters within each song. Getaway, indeed. Check out their links and take a little musical journey. -Michelle Kicherer