Boston’s spookiest indie-rockers, Sinnet, are celebrating the culmination of years of hard work in their new LP, Gentle Humor.  The band, led by Aaron Spransy (The Fatal Flaw) creates a smooth, soulful vibe that immediately infects the listener.  At times moody and ambient, Sinnet are becoming the masters of off-kilter indie pop.  Check them out at The Lilypad in Cambridge on May 5 for their record release, featuring The Silver Mirrors and American Echoes or hit up their website for Spring tour dates in a city near you.  You can also pick up Gentle Humor on 5/8 when the album drops. –Brian Varneke

The Rupert Selection is a progressive alt-rock power trio from Manchester-by-the-Sea, MA that has curated not only a spellbinding musical vibe, but a darkly intriguing visual style, bridging the multimedia gap.  They’re strong sense of narrative and technical skill is plainly apparent in their latest video for "Tree Hands", the opening track on Baseball Practice.  Opening with a haunting soundscape, the EP continues with tight, mixed-meter grooves on "Moon Cats in Taxi Cabs", and consistently progresses through a tale of provocative songwriting and musical prowess.  Check out The Rupert Selection on Bandcamp here, and experience "Tree Hands" below, a music video that will likely become an early favorite for our "Best of 2017" list. -Brian Varneke

 Boston guitarist R.D. King is preparing to release an album of masterfully crafted instrumentals in vs. Self, his debut effort.  Comprised of nine tracks of transformative journeys of sound, King fully utilizes and expands the capabilities of the instrument, creating an ensemble sound with his fingers.  It’s easy to get lost in the genre-defying work of King, with each track taking you to a different, unexpected place, from classical to pop to progressive metal and beyond.  Experience it for yourself at the Rockville Theatre in Somerville, MA on 4/27, featuring Jenee Halstead.  Click the link below for the first single, "An End to Wandering".  -Brian Varneke

 Northampton, MA based Hammydown is bringing her brand of infectious garage-pop to Allston next week in preparation of her upcoming EP, Pizzaface.  Singer/songwriter Abbie Morin combines bright, catchy melodies with understated, fuzzy guitar work to create a memorable and unique style that will appeal to a diverse pool of fans.  The EP is set to release this July, but we’ve heard it and can assure you it is worth the wait.  Check out the video for the first single, "People You May Know", below and catch Hammydown at O’Brien’s on Tuesday, 4/25, featuring Workman Song, Honeymooner, and Fossy Jaw.  –Brian Varneke

 We’ve all been there: that ill-advised drunk dial that you would never have had the nerve or reckless abandon to make in the light of day.  That’s the subject of "Hung Up", the latest single from Boston electro-pop/R&B group luhx.  Weaving within genre lines, luhx has a sound that would be at home on a top 40 radio station, while maintaining a current of melancholic, soulful vibes throughout.  Invoking the spirit of artists like Jack Garratt and Marian Hill, this is the future of soul.  Hit the link below and let us know what you think. –Brian Varneke

 Boston-based alt-rockers, Pace Car Joe, are in preparations to release a brand new EP, Moonlight Convicts, unto the world.  Just a few months after January’s Ghost of the Boulevard (which earned them an artist-of-the-month nod), the band is sure to repeat, with another collection of catchy crowd-pleasers that will keep them on our radar.  Check them out with Jake Hill and Deep Creek at Thunder Road Music Club on 4/21 and hit the link below for their new single, "Camouflaged By Happiness".  -Brian Varneke

The Northeastern Railroads, brain-child of Boston’s Tony Moureilles, is a full-bodied wall of sound, nuanced and expressive.  A pleasant mix of indie-rock and shoegaze flavors, Tony’s debut record, Hope, is a dynamic study of unconventional songwriting, keeping an experimental flair (at times, somewhat Bowie-esque) without sacrificing the integrity of the song.    Check him out at his album release party, 4/22 at Out of the Blue Gallery.  –Brian Varneke

 With their most recent album, Providence surf-garage rockers, Atlantic Thrills, re-embrace the Vices and excesses of American rock n roll.  Harkening back to the psych/surf rock bands of the 60s and adding a modern indie/garage flavor, Thrills challenges the need to wait for the weekend to indulge in some…..extracurriculars.  Classic vocal melodies and blistering guitar riffs make Vices the perfect soundtrack for all your iniquitous behavior.  Check them out at AS220 in Providence on 4/24 with RIPS and Midriffs. –Brian Varneke

 Earlier this month, Connecticut’s Cheem dropped a video for their recently released single, "Spiral", a catchy, pop-punk laden alt-rock tune that establishes the band firmly as an artist to watch.  About a year out from their debut album, Making a Planet, the Hartford five-piece shows they have plenty more to say, with interesting instrumental breakdowns and a classic dual vocal style.  Check out the video below and keep an eye out for upcoming shows. –Brian Varneke

 An homage a distant star, far brighter than our own Sun, Massachusetts natives Carinae produce their own brand of psych-rock as individual and unique as their name.  Their latest, Zephyr Window, has a strong focus on vocals and lyrical content, an element overlooked by many of their colleagues, without losing their laid-back grooves.  Recorded in a ten-hour period, the album voyages the spectrum of the band’s sound, never feeling rushed or unprepared, a testiment to the talent displayed.  If you find yourself in Brooklyn this week, check them out at Alphaville on 3/30. –Brian Varneke

 Burlington indie-rock outfit Paper Castles is an exceptional voice coming from the still-snowy landscapes of Vermont.  Alternating between melancholy and optimistic (sometimes both simultaneously), their album, Vague Era, is a must for your last-remnants-of-winter playlist.  Strong psychedelic roots, uniquely catchy pop sensibilities, and introspective songwriting will keep these songs on repeat.  Catch them at The Monkey House in Winooski, VT on 4/2 with NE-HI and J Bengoy.  Philly and NYC readers can also catch them locally later this month. -Brian Varneke

 DIY indie rockers The Water Cycle released their debut EP, other boys, last month.  An endearing, organic record, infused with catchy melodies and relatable lyrics, other boys is a surprisingly refreshing entrance for the Boston trio.  A strong indie base, with hints of surf and folk make us eager to hear more from this emerging artist.  –Brian Varneke