The music of Boston’s Modern Painters drips a syrupy sonic collage of influences that when looked at from afar create a harmonious portrait worth admiring. The various textures that range from honeyed pianoforte phrases to vibrantly colored electric guitar flourishes betray the group’s indie-folk label, transcending it, sketching slowly something far more complex. The group’s latest single “Hive” lingers beautifully, paced by an initially feather-light jazz drum beat that revs up to meet the arpeggiating guitar and thumping bass inspired by your favorite indie-rock record. The lead vocals of Gabe Goodman are entrancing enough to match today’s dream-pop stars and mist away in the single to make way for an irresistible sax solo that melts like butter under the summer sun. Modern Painters are gearing up for the release of City Folk, their first album in nearly two years. The release show will be at ONCE in Somerville on July 5th, and we are thrilled to preview the record for you by streaming “Hive” below. – Rene Cobar

Seemingly fitting for a morning drive around Round Rock, TX or a slow Saturday-night cruise down Red River Street in Austin, Welsh Avenue‘s latest single "Two-Door Coupe" has a universal feel-good vibe. The electro-pop single’s synthesized strains create a lush sonic atmosphere which nestles the groovy beat and enthusiastic vocals that give the song its vivid feel. "I wrote this song back when I drove a Mustang. I have since moved onto the SUV life, but I still enjoy open road adventures and the occasional putting the pedal to the metal; that’s what this song is about," is what Welsh Avenue project-founder Mark DiLillo had to say about the track. With the single’s rich amalgam of synth-pop and new wave, Welsh Avenue provides a sneak peek of the sonic kaleidoscope in store in its upcoming sophomore album New Ways. The record release show will be on July 5th at Butterfly Bar inside the VORTEX in Austin. Welsh Avenue is proving that electro-pop is as lively as ever, one sticky track at a time. We are premiering the Round Rock native’s single below. – Rene Cobar

Five years have passed since singer-songwriter Audrey Ryan released Let’s go to the Vamp, an indie-folk record heavy on crawling loops and lush harmonies. Ryan’s follow-up Buggy Spell is far more playful and versatile: the Boston-based artist takes full advantage of her multi-instrumental abilities by sprinkling each song with light tambourine rhythms, merry acoustic elements, and cheery vocal melodies that hint at beautiful memories. The elegant sonic layering that Ryan employs is distinctly characteristic of indie-folk music, a genre which continues to blossom as groups like First Aid Kit and The Civil Wars keep going strong. The release show for Buggy Spell is set for Thursday, June 20th at Club Passim in Cambridge, MA. We have "After a While Crocodile" from the new record available to stream below. – Rene Cobar

The sonic monsoon that is HEELE has positioned project-founder Michael Henss on the lips of several local publications (now including yours truly). It should come as no surprise that the haunting prog rock that is displayed in HEELE’s debut record Pathos has garnished such attention, the music is far too energized to ignore. Pathos is a whirlwind of heavy electric guitar riffs and shell-shocking drums interrupted by brief eye-of-the-storm moments where acoustic strings shine. The music feels like a freeing of sorts for Henss who has played in several bands (Hellrazor, Ungifted, Dead Wives) over the years while working on this personal project since 2015, the music has bubbled beneath the surface long enough, and now it sees the light of day. As groups like The Mars Volta prepare to return, the experimental and progressive rock they have championed seems ready for another vanguard run, and artists like Henss have got a head start. “Losing It All” from Pathos is streaming below. – Rene Cobar

The rich history of jazz and funk’s marriage is in good hands thanks to groups like About Time, a six-piece band that knows how to get down. The upbeat songs of the Vermont-based group flash some elegant chord progressions and right down sticky basslines. The groovy rhythms and harmonica solos that decorate the tracks of the band’s latest record I Don’t Think I Belong Here mix well with smooth saxophone arrangements and the playful vocals of Lauren Kelley and Stephanie Jacobs. The group is having fun in this debut record: the album has an experimental feel to it with the main ingredients of jazz, funk, blues, and rock measured beautifully for a compelling listening experience. About Time will be performing at Radio Bean in Burlington, VT on June 30th in promotion of the new record. We have the group’s superbly engaging song "Rose Colored Glasses" streaming below. – Rene Cobar

Connecticut’s Big Fang plays pop rough, and it sounds so good: the band’s distorted guitar chords, massive low end, and swift pace allow its vocal harmonies to flourish for a pure power-pop effect that delights listeners. Power pop always has a vintage feel to it, championed by bands like Cheap Trick, the style is light-hearted but has some serious muscle to it, Big Fang embraces that wholly by letting its instruments do the roaring and voices the howling. Big Fang’s debut EP Human Distance has arrived, and it is a thrilling sonic sprint of intrepid guitar solos and skillfully-timed drum fills throughout. In and out of vogue, power pop seems to charm regardless, Big Fang makes it easy to see why. The band is playing Cafe Nine in New Haven on July 5th to keep the momentum going. Enjoy "Emergency" streaming below. – Rene Cobar

Boston’s Hazel Bloom has created an alt-pop decadence too delicious not to indulge: once you get a taste of his EP Space Between Words on a Page you will be hooked. The richly-layered sonic confection of pop melodies is glazed with sweet R&B rhythms and topped with irresistibly syrupy synthesizer riffs. Bloom is taking the best of pop’s current climate and adding whichever ingredients he sees fit to pay tribute to the recipe that makes the genre so addicting while still keeping it a signature serving of his own. The return of Madonna—for better or worse—revitalizes the genre and heats the spotlight on artists like Bloom, no matter to him though, as he has plenty of goods to bake still. "Lipstick Love" is streaming below. – Rene Cobar

Portland, Maine’s Luniere is releasing its sophomore album Leave The Light just in time for the vibrant New England summer. The band’s blend of pop, rock, and folk is gorgeously displayed once again in this second entry to the group’s discography. "Always" (streaming) for instance has a lax drum beat that accompanies exquisitely-timed electric guitar embellishments, a sweet hook, and a haunting chorus to finish off. The group graces pop, country, rock, and folk, it caresses these genres to produce tracks perfect for those easy-going summer evenings by the fire with friends, or for reflective times of solitude. The trio will be celebrating the release of their EP with a show in their hometown at Blue on June 16th, singer-songwriter Molly Ladd will be providing support. – Rene Cobar

Kwaku’s devilish flow kills pretenders with high precision in his new single “Ties.” The Boston-based rapper is ruthless in his calling out of opportunists and lukewarm supporters, blasting them to smithereens with street probity and a booming low end. Kwaku rides the beat with style, not needing speed to break necks and blow minds, his words penetrate his targets like flaming daggers. “Ties” is the second single released by the hip-hop artist in two months, showing his intent to stay busy through the summer and get some truths out in the process. Kwaku recently showcased his style at O’Brien’s Pub and now looks poised to excite with new material at his next gig. Check out “Ties” for your daily dose of reality. – Rene Cobar

The glory of heavy metal in the late ’70s and throughout the ’80s casts a large shadow on the genre today, making it difficult for groups to rise to the occasion. Allston’s Worshipper pays tribute to the grandeur of the past while also shining brightly enough to kill the shadows. In Worshipper’s latest record Light in the Wire, the band brings the goods: yes, there are screaming electric guitars, agile drum fills, and soaring vocals but there are also bright synthesizer flourishes and gentle acoustic guitar overtures. The acoustic strings and synthesizers are in full display in the album’s title track; they shine brightly among the power chords, passionate vocals, and steadfast rhythms, they summon the great power-ballads of the past for a modern audience. Worshipper will be playing at ONCE in Somerville on June 21st, bringing the old and the new aspects of metal to light. "Light in the Wire" is streaming below. – Rene Cobar

Few things are as powerful as music that has a confessional vibe to it, an outpouring of emotions that maybe was not meant for anyone to hear, Vaughan Supple’s debut album sounds like that outpouring and feels a bit forbidden. A Lovely Grave—quietly released a couple of months ago—is filled with heartfelt tunes that are fashioned using distorted riffs, orchestral swells, light but engaging rhythms, and much more. Songs like “Trace Of You” and “September” with their gentle acoustic guitar strings and soft harmonies have that feeling of familiarity to them; they are quiet afternoon sonic treats that you enjoy alone. “And We Drown,” and “Anemic” have all the rage of throbbing drums and serrated vocals, they bleed grunge. Vaughan Supple, the Boston-based singer/songwriter, has left his heart on the table with this release, and we are damn sure glad we found it. “Anemic” is streaming for you below. – Rene Cobar

The Callouts are a band you can’t help but cheer for, and get the feeling they are cheering for you. The connection comes from the group’s upbeat style, ideally suited for both that summertime house show where you finally kiss your high school crush, or the Tuesday night bar stumble-in that exceeds your expectations. The band creates a unique mold for itself in its latest record Give Up: high-energy electric guitars and speedy drum patterns are balanced with sensitive pop hooks for a style that narrowly escapes the pop-punk label. Yes, the energy and breakdowns that characterized pop-punk bands of the early 2000s are there, but the group feels distinctly modernized and less commercial. The band is playing Dusk in their hometown of Providence, RI on June 12th. When you listen to The Callouts, you can visualize a group having fun in a garage, no labels needed. “Hot Tuesday” is streaming below. – Rene Cobar