Bent Knee, is that you? The Boston-based group’s aggressive new identity takes no prisoners in their latest single “Catch Light.” The band commits fully to its avant-garde identity in this new track that possesses a beguiling rhythm section that mutates throughout the song, commanding its many facets. Courtney Swain’s assertive vocals rev up and explode adjacent some heavy electronic percussion before the song modifies into an atmospheric collage of delicate keyboard notes, only to climax stupendously. A bit of Florence Welch, with a hint of Lorde, Swain showcases a fierceness in her delivery that is fitting for the song’s theme of women empowerment. Bent Knee is currently touring in support of Thank You Scientist all through the U.S. and Canada, with the next New England stop being Hamden, CT at Space Ballroom on Jun 19th. The band is a new breed of itself and deserves an abundant listen below. – Rene Cobar

The Last Great Kings invite you to sit back and enjoy the world around you, to the tune of vibrant acoustic guitars strings. The indie-folk trio from Lynn, MA released their debut full-length album Starry Eyed Kids back in January, and it is filled with tunes that highlight the band’s fluid basslines, lively acoustic guitars, and quick-witted drums patterns. Songs like “Wow, That’s a lot of Jet Skis” have the vital story-telling ingredients of folk, that great sing-along vibe that is characteristic of New England’s famous Irish pubs. The group has a style similar to Noah and the Whale, albeit a bit more playful and stripped down. You can catch The Last Great Kings Aug 2nd at Club Bohemia in Cambridge, MA. “Wow, That’s a lot of Jet Skis” is streaming below. – Rene Cobar

Among The Acres aren’t your typical New England folk band, they boast an impressive pop/rock magnetism that sets them apart from the flock. The group’s debut record Looking In is evidence that this quartet from Hartford, CT focuses on layering their already passionate folk compositions with elements of rock and pop for added attraction. Songs like "Moon on Fire" (streaming) make full use of gorgeous string instrument harmonies that accompanied by a throbbing kick drum and a low but intense vocal melody explode into emotional choruses. Among The Acres add killer electric guitar riffs and shimmering piano notes to many of the album’s tracks, which keep the listener pleasantly surprised, and solidify the group’s place among folk-rock bands of the moment such as The Lumineers. You can catch Among The Acres playing a hometown show this evening at The Half Door with support from Old Fox. – Rene Cobar

April’s release of ANONYMOUS FRIENDS START A BAND by Somerville’s Anonymous Friends announced beyond just their debut that this group’s music punches with some powerful hands. Reverb-heavy vocals are at the center of "Bury The Bones" a sonic vortex that pulls you in with its pounding drums, extended chords, incessant riffs, and thumping bass. Anonymous Friends take the pace of The Jesus Lizard, the experimental style of Polvo, and the darkness of Bauhaus to create an ominous brand of post-punk. The group recently played at O’Brien’s in Allston and is gearing up for what is sure to be a busy summer for them. We got "Bury The Bones" for you below. – Rene Cobar

The music of Andrew North is precisely what you would expect to listen to on a cheery Saturday night at your favorite Bean Town jazz club. As New England as a delicious cup of clam chowder or a walk by the seacoast, Andrew North’s cheery piano melodies, and uplifting lyrics have that unifying feel to them; they evoke a strong sense of community. Backed by former bandmate and good friend Pete Casselman on drums, North stepped into a Burlington, VT studio to record Lost City, his first EP released in March that encompasses years of musical and personal discoveries. In “Out of Time” Casselman’s funky drumbeat drives North’s intricate jazz tunes while in “Go North” the upbeat tempo and tender piano embellishments ooze ardent devotion for the craft. The story of Andrew North is one of resilience, of returning to long lost passions, of acceptance and love. Andrew North’s story continues as he will perform June 21st at Market Days Music in Concord, NH. “Go North” is streaming for your enjoyment below. – Rene Cobar

The new single from Boston-based indie-rock project Paper Citizen is a sonic kaleidoscope worth revisiting. The instruments in "Hands Dirty" have a luminous quality to them: the guitars are bright, the bass pristine, the drums easy on the beat, and the reverb-dipped vocals of Claire Gohst beaming with confidence. Gohst, a Singapore-born artist now in Boston started her musical journey at a young age, playing classical music, then folk, and currently penning the evocative tunes of Paper Citizen. The music has an atmospheric vibe to it, an Explosions in the Sky type of instrumentation that elicits a dreamy and upbeat feeling that borders on hope. The music carries Gohst’s influences and travels and is a tell-tale sign that in Boston, she feels right at home. – Rene Cobar

Brian Fisher has been writing songs under the moniker Eastern Souvenirs since 2014, concocting his brand of electronic psych-pop tunes. Synth-driven and guitar heavy the songs of his 2017 debut full-length record Green Valleys had a healthy balance of indie-folktronica as it was, now in his upcoming EP Getting There they are being served with a psych tinge. Both of the singles released for the record so far put the artist’s skills on full display: “Falling” has the surreal sounds of bands like Animal Collective while the title track (streaming) leans more on its cool electric guitar, for a more indie quality. Fisher seems to be blossoming in this upcoming EP, finding a style that incorporates the best of the psych-pop genre, which makes us excited for the release on July 12th. Fisher has recently relocated to Boston and will play Sofar Sounds July 23rd. – Rene Cobar

Do yourself a favor and check out the music of Portland Maine’s SnugHouse. The indie-folk group’s second EP Like Water is silky smooth from start to finish, with its Americana gloss shining brightly. “A Long Walk Home” and “Glass” feature rich harmonies and dreamy melodies while “Firefly” has some sweet electro-keys that jingle to the warm vocals of Nikhil Dasgupta. The EP has an emotional honesty to each song that is characteristic of indie-folk and reminds one why bands like Fleet Foxes have found such success. SnugHouse will be playing the Music in the Park series at Shevenell Park in Biddeford, ME on Jun 19th. We got “Firefly” for you below. – Rene Cobar

Mike Morrissey‘s latest single "Set The Record" has a neat character to it that suggests you sit back to take in its sprightly sounds. The Somerville-based singer/songwriter delivers in the song a lively collage of unadulterated electric guitar riffs that gush out to the rhythm of an energetic drum beat. The vocals—relaxed and poised—have a perpetual coolness that fits the track’s breezy vibe. Morrissey’s indie-pop music fits in beautifully in that relaxing Sunday morning playlist of yours, next to Belle and Sebastian. Mike Morrissey is hosting Aeronaut Brewing Company’s monthly open mic event in Somerville on June 5th. Enjoy "Set The Record" streaming below. – Rene Cobar

Mathew Mercury’s music is like a thick and cool slushy for your summer days, a hot and creamy beverage for your crisp fall evenings, with your crush: Matthew Mercury is a sonic supplement for your better moods. The Vermont-based band serves up Strokes-inspired guitar riffs, resonant electro-key embellishments, and elegant drumbeats that could easily get a nod of approval from the late Dennis Davis (in our opinion at least). The band’s identity was formed in a synth-pop crib, but as it matured, it spread its wings to flash indie-rock elements in splendor. Ezra Oklan (Nicole Atkins, Ambulance Ltd, Dwight & Nicole) is spearheading this project and seems to be having fun enjoying the influences his bandmates are bringing to the party. The celebration is ongoing as Matthew Mercury will be playing their record release show June 14th at ArtsRiot in Burlington, VT, and we got a preview of their self-titled debut album for you below. – Rene Cobar

Indie rock trio Today Junior have announced April 6th as the release date of their newest album, Single Forever. The album, nearly two years in the making, was recorded by Elio DeLuca, head engineer at the exclusively analogue recording studio The Soul Shop. Today Junior will be celebrating their new album with a release show at the Lilypad on April 5th, with support from Lady Pills, Shane Tripp, and Dutch Tulips. Check out the show details here, and watch Today Junior perform “Tramps” below, the first single off Single Forever. -Charley Ruddell

The rustic music of folk-pop singer/songwriter Kris Gruen is almost entirely suggestive of his hometown of Montpelier. The lushly remote capital of Vermont, New England’s most folksy and possibly beard-iest state, provides a gorgeous and peaceful backdrop for any artist in touch with their natural side, and Kris Gruen holds no exception.

However, the newest release from Gruen, the anthemic “What Brings You”, is a coastal shift in Gruen’s approach. Where Gruen’s previous releases call to mind beer hall sing-alongs and bucolic romances, “What Brings You” is large and powerful, amplified by shimmering pop production courtesy of Los Angeles producer Brad Gordon.

“What Brings You” employs the massive hooks and sing alongs that have become synonymous with neo-folk superstars like Mumford & Sons and The Lumineers, while still maintaining the folksy charm and authenticity of the New England countryside. Gruen invites us to partake in his wide-eyed vision of the southern California oceanside in all of its humbling glory, and for a snow-buried New Englander, the invitation has never sounded better. Stream “What Brings You” below, and look out for Coast & Refuge, out on July 22nd via Mother West. -Charley Ruddell