Love standard fare indie rock, but wish there was something more?  Enter Olive Tiger, a prolific songwriting trio, featuring non-standard instrumentation of orchestral strings, electronics, and more.  Their debut album Until My Body Breaks expands on indie/pop sensibilities to create something new.  At times heavily orchestrated, while keeping at its core a simple and compelling singer/songwriter feel, Olive Tiger keeps you on your toes, throughout.  Check them out at Cafe Nine in New Haven on 2/17 with Xenia Rubinos. –Brian Varneke

Defenestrator (noun):  1) one who throws a person or object out a window. 2) a DC comic book superhero, who carries around a window so he can throw people through it (that’s a real thing). 3) the latest EP from Lowell, MA indie/math rockers, Horse Mode.  Window breaking aside, the eclectic quartet have crafted an impressive release, weaving together multiple genres and influences to create an original and unique flavor.  Filled with syncopated grooves and mixed meter prog elements, Defenestrator will keep you engaged and thoroughly entertained. –Brian Varneke

 Boston Calling Music Festival has announced an impressive lineup for their 2017 event, with Boston indie-rockers Vundabar joining the likes of Tool, Chance the Rapper, and Mumford and Sons.  For those unfamiliar with Vundabar, think high-energy rock with strong, catchy pop sensibilities, while managing to maintain a laid-back vibe.  With a few releases and several cross-country tours under their belt, they are no doubt going to bring that energy in full force to The Harvard Athletic Complex in May.  Click here for full lineup and hit the link below for some quality Vundabar. –Brian Varneke

Proving that big things come in small packages, indie-pop duo Giant in the Lighthouse have released an endearing and engrossing debut EP. Filled to the brim with intelligent, memorable lyrics and diverse instrumentals, ranging from soft arpeggios to driving and dirty guitar tones, All Winter is a comprehensive showcase of the band’s talents.  We will certainly have our eyes on Peggy and Adrian in the future, as they find their place as giants in the NE music scene.   Check them out below. -Brian Varneke

At times experimental and psychedelic, while at others upbeat and driving, Ian Cat‘s new album East Coast New England Boy, is truly a journey that must be experienced in its entirety.  At its core, the album is a singer/songwriter showcase, exhibiting Cat’s lyrical prowess, ranging from somber to exaltant.  However, he doesn’t stop there, adding shoegaze-y guitar tones and appropriately sporadic percussion to form an impressive soundscape.  Check out Ian Cat & The Crimsons at The Plough and Stars with The Rupert Selection on 1/12. –Brian Varneke

Boston natives, blindspot, are getting ready to release a new EP unto the world with a performance at The Middle East Upstairs on 2/25.  Armed with infectiously catchy vocals and tight, driving instrumentals, the power trio is set to continue their mission of changing the world in 2017.  Check out their new music video for single "Every Time You Close Your Eyes" below, and catch them next month when they’re joined by Aeronaut Down, Carissa Johnson, and Wonder City. – Brian Varneke

Unique and unpredicatable, Lowell MA dream/indie-rock band oldsoul (one word, all lower-case) is developing a genuinely individual sound that is all their own.  Between the entrancing vocals of Jess Hall, who flaunts the perfect level of intensity and emotiveness, whether with a soulful melody or a grunge-y scream, and the subtle leads and grooves from the band, oldsoul is carving a path through the indie scene.  Check out their latest release below. –Brian Varneke

Worcester alt-quartet, Backwards Dancer, is currently preparing to hit the road for a two-month national tour in support of Texas indie outfit Eisley.  Led by Zack Shaw (formerly of The Hotelier), the foursome will be bringing the energy and emotion of their debut EP New Life in Old Shoes to new audiences across the country.  First-time listeners, expect to hear tightly orchestrated emo-punk grooves, mixed with grunge-y, emotive vocal work with the perfect amount of intensity throughout.  Catch them locally at the following dates:

Feb 26 – Mohegan Sun (Wolf Den), Uncasville, CT

Feb 28 – Brighton Music Hall, Boston, MA

Mar 02 – Higher Ground, South Burlington, VT

–Brian Varneke

Still looking for a way to bid a not-so-fond farewell to 2016?  Ring in the New Year with Boston indie-garage rock quartet, Something Sneaky!  Infused with fuzzy guitar tones and catchy vocals, reminiscent of the best of 90s anti-grunge (a la Weezer), Something Sneaky will provide an angsty, rockin’ soundtrack to next year’s ball drop.  You can check them out at O’Brien’s Pub on NYE, alongside Today Junior, The Dazies, and Bruvs.  Also check out their latest single, "Brighten", below. –Brian Varneke

With their new album, Facade, I Was Awake has released upon the world a substantial effort that shows the versatility and raw talent of the five-piece metal group.  Weaving together a dynamic web of prog, metal, and alt-rock that invokes the greatness of bands like The Deftones and Porcupine Tree, while maintaining an original and modern energy, the boys from Beverly, MA have created a deeply engaging sound that will keep this album on heavy rotation.  From beginning to end, each track shows a different facet of the band, starting with the title track, a one and a half minute crescendo, leading up to the hard-hitting "Erasing", filled with chunky guitars and mixed meter grooves.  Facade is a journey, maintaining those strong grooves, taking periodic stops for high-energy riffs ("Gravity") and softer dynamics ("As Within…", "…So Without").  If thought provoking lyricism and intelligent songwriting is your thing, then I Was Awake will likely become a new favorite.  Give Facade a listen (or twelve) and keep your eyes open for live performances in 2017. -Brian Varneke 

Boston quintet, Pulitzer Prize Fighter is gearing up to celebrate the release of their latest EP, Everything That Makes You Feel Tired.  Embracing the aptly named subgenre of "R&Bmo", their music seamlessly combines angsty guitar licks with danceable grooves and soulful vocals.  There’s even a sexy saxophone solo or two.  Genre-bending and unpredictable, Pulitzer Prize Fighter has created a unique sound that simply works.  Check them out at their record release show on 1/7 at Great Scott.  Joining them are Jack Romanov, Split/Halves, and Dionysia. -Brian Varneke

In a time where our nation struggles with division, Gretchen & The Pickpockets, have created a vision of unity and acceptance in their video for "Old Souls".  The video follows several couples of different backgrounds and orientations, who find happiness within each other and, ultimately, as a diverse community.  A departure from the band’s soulful rock-n-roll style, "Old Souls" is a softer ballad that focuses on harmony and emotion.  Directed and produced by lead singer Gretchen Klempa, this is truly a unique and personal vision and a powerful message of togetherness that we should all take to heart.  Check out the video, then experience Gretchen & The Pickpockets live at Ocean Mist in Wakefield, RI on 12/30. -Brian Varneke