Santa Cruz-based Lady Lazarus just released her single “I Know What it Feels Like” and it is a mystical, gentle journey. The accompanying video is mesmerizing and almost nerve-wracking in a “what’s about to happen” type of way. It’s dreamy folk pop, with quiet keys and vocals and a touch of that warm synth feel. She’s playing Hotel Utah on August 14 and you should join the night. Hypnotize yourself with her video then come feel the happy daze at her next show. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor 

This Friday August 2, the Milk Bar is the lucky host of another Throwin’ Bo’s night. Those boys sure know how to put a bill together. The night will feature a couple of Bay Area favorites and some sweet LA gems. From the Area we have Half Stack, those fun and funny folk music folks that know how to tickle a guitar. There’s Max Gardener, whose gentle dreamy bedroom folk will make you bat your lashes and tap your fingers. Tied for best former Summer Twin we have Chelsea Rose with a true and lovely voice and delightful presence–see video demonstration below–and Easy Love, that 60’s inspired indie pop that hits just the right spot. Me oh man, what a night! – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

This May San Francisco’s Talkie released their latest, Everything Matters and it’s a refreshing and impressive album of good ol’ rock and roll. They’ve got a Strokes thing going on with some softer surf rock, dream pop moments (check track “Proper Way”). The album sounds great, too. Mixed, produced at Headfone Audio; mastered by Jerry Ososkie, the drums had the right amount of punch, vocals are invitingly warm and harmonies are touched in just right. Speaking of which, unless their Bandcamp is lying, one of the musician’s parents may or may not include their vocal harmonies on some tracks. Must be a musical family because mom n pop sound great. I’m an extra big fan of track “Summer Bummer.” What’s not a bummer is that Talkie will be playing at Bottom of the Hill on July 27. Now go listen to “Eraser” and feel impressed with those vocals.  – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

This August 3rd at the Starline Social Club, Ariel Wang releases her second single, “House Upon a Hill,” off of her forthcoming album Bridges. The set will feature her string chamber orchestra, The Composer Arranger Performer Orchestra (CAPO). Wang’s music has simple folk melodies with an orchestral feel and although the vocals are at times not the strongest component of these songs, they are enveloped by a warm chorus of violins, booming cello and compelling drumlines. Wang’s music feels like the soundtrack to a powerful moment and listening, watching, you can’t help but feel overwhelmed in the right kind of way. Join the band at Starline, where they’ll be opening for Meerna’s album release. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Little Arcs’ latest release, First One, is a trio of songs with beautiful harmonies and surprising key shifts that work bright and true, every moment of it. It’s clear these folks have an understanding of creative composition and some jazz backgrounds. Little Arcs is for diggers of Whitney, appreciators of Radiohead and lovers of juxtopositions. It’s like if Grizzly Bear was even more chill and included a female vocalist in the mix to lighten the harmonic balance. The band just put out their first cassette, which you can snag at their last show before summer break–July 13th and 14th at their own abode. You can find out the location of these semi-secret shows on their Facebook. It’s all high praise, we know. But these folks are a gem and we recommend catching them while they’re around. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Looking for something fun to do this 4th of July weekend? Do you love you some great mountains majesty, music of all shapes and genres, and food? Beverages? Trees? Camping? We recommend the High Sierra Music Festival for some good ol’ fashioned American purity. From Dispatch to Jim James, Del & Dawg to The New Mastersounds, the festival has something for most musical tastes. It’s like Burning Man but peaceful. Local favorites include Midnight North, Royal Jelly Live, Rainbow Girls, More Fatter and Eric Long. The festival runs from July 4th thru 7th in the lovely Quincy, Ca. We hope to see you there and tell us post-fest: which acts were your highlights? Land of the free, home of some killer music. May music bless America! – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

 

On July 20th the Temescal Block Party is back with some killer Oakland and Bay Area-based bands. The punk rock Paper Dolls will be bustin a move, alongside rock n roll group Destroy Boys and dream pop duo Billie Gale. Come out to this (free!) festival. – Lucille Faulker

 

China the Band is geared up for some local shows this summer, starting with their June 27th show at the Minnesota Street Project. Band members have been involved numerous musical collaborations throughout the Bay Area and beyond, including San Francisco favorite Sonny & the Sunsets, Sugar Candy Mountain, Odawas and Papercuts. China takes influences from Neil Young, The Band, and The Byrds with a little more twang here and there and some modern twists. If you can’t see them at Minnesota, they’ll be playing at The Makeout Room on July 14. –Lucille Faulkner

Photo credit: Ginger Fierstein

Oakland’s Makeunder (aka Hamilton Ulmer) just released another single off forthcoming album Pale Cicada and it’s a force of soul and funk, Prince-esq vocals and gyrating horns and baselines. There’s so much going on in track "In Between My Dead-End Jobs" that you’ve got to give it a couple listens. The full album comes out June 28 on Good Eye Records and it’s a fun experience of songs that are full of passion and positivity, despite messages full of struggles and loss. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Bells Atlas just released their latest music video for song "The Mystic" and it’s full of mystical tones and trippy dance moves. It’s difficult to look away from what feels like a live painting jolting into action and feeling. The song starts out with a kick-kick drum snap like a call and a march, then eventually moves into that psyched out R&B vibe they’re known for. Enjoy this fascinating scene and wait for the shimmering dance plastic. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Oh, Rose is playing with Yeasayer at The Fillmore this June 28 a few weeks ahead of their official album release date. While My Father Sleeps (Park the Van Records) is dizzying, at times enigmatic, grungy rock with distorted guitars. Songs are fiery and emotional. Song "25 Alive" opens with "Am I strong enough to tell my truth/25 I am alive and I am angry." Sweet vocals pair with with perfect amount of chugging guitar. Come see them at The Fillmore June 28. – Lucille Faulkner

The lyrical stylings of Zyles’ new single “Slow Learner” are captivating and funny in an unassuming way. There’s certainly some Flight of the Conchords humor in there, along with a fun and simple synth pop backbone. We’re hoping that if they release a music video we’ll see some of these funny charms in action. Check out the single here and come out for their June 26 show at Brick and Mortar. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor