Sore vocal cords, odd time signatures, and math-rock sonic corridors that lead to destructive instrumentals are all part of the norm for Chester, New Hampshire’s New Forms. The group’s latest album, I don’t want to live my life again, is a collection of post-hardcore tunes that are fast and furious. "Fortunato" viciously splits between thunderous noise and intricate electric guitar melodies in true Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde fashion. "Spirals" descends with finesse into moshpit-fueling insanity that is as cathartic as you want it to be. Where tracks like "Ember Twin" embrace the mighty spirit of screamo, other songs like "[Redacted]" surprise with their tough-atmospheric sounds. New Forms embrace the type of crushing sound you are glad to get hit with at home, or inside the pit. Stream "Spirals" below and drop into the post-hardcore madness. – Rene Cobar, photo by Kyle Musser

Exquisitely alternative is the rich mash of confidently-strummed electric guitar chords, sharp snare snaps, and bubble-gum pop vocals that make up the music of daniprobably. The Connecticut-based singer-songwriter’s latest effort, Conditional Things, sets the tone early with Dani’s vocals becoming instantly familiar to the listener in such a way they will likely never be mistaken for someone else’s. It is, in fact, that familiarity in “Blooming,” the opening track, that allows the listener to immerse in the atmospheric song that slowly swells until it bursts to reveal the fierce and fast indie-pop signature track “Run to You.” Where compositions like “Sweeter Than the Truth” move delicately with brilliant acoustic strings resonating and harmonies lingering, other songs such as “ICU” strut confidently along with their plump basslines, cheeky electric guitar riffs, and dope breakdowns. Recorded, mixed, and produced by Addy Edward, Conditional Things captures an artist not just on the rise but more like in full bloom: her style and sound already unmistakable. For those wishing to catch daniprobably live, the opportunity beckons December 9th at Connecticut’s famous Cafe Nine. We are streaming the engaging “Critic’s Favorite,” our favorite track from the new record, below. – Rene Cobar, photo by Kaitlin Anne

It’s a happy Saturday, New England: revel in the luscious synth-rock of Boston’s World Federal Organization Club. The band’s latest single, “Pretty People,” is a time-traveling composition that will dazzle you with groovy ‘70s disco basslines, sharp ‘80s synth stabs, and ‘00s indie-rock electric guitar flourishes. The vocals, with a hint of Modest Mouse wildness, lead the way toward a liberating-atmospheric breakdown, a finale that drops you into the present with modern electro flair. The upbeat track flaunts its undeniable sonic colors, charming and luring you to let loose and dance away; a single play of the song just won’t do. “Pretty People” is a preview of the band’s upcoming debut record, currently in its final stages, according to the Tufts University students that fashion the group. With shows on the horizon this winter, we are thrilled to keep an eye on World Federal Organization Club; premiering their brand new single is only the start. – Rene Cobar, photo by Gabriella Melchiorri

The Wolff Sisters have added another layer to the appeal of their latest single "Drive." The folk-rock track, released last summer, now has a music video to accompany the imagery it already evoked. The grainy music video, which was shot using Super 8 cameras, is the band’s first, and it does a great job of showing the group in its most natural elements: both jamming away in an intimate-rustic space and also wandering among New England’s unrivaled natural landscapes. What is most revealing about the images, and the music they accompany, are the messages of serenity, perseverance, and friendship they communicate. The Wolff Sisters have proven in more than one occasion that they are in tune with New England’s deep folk traditions, and we throw a thumbs up to that. Both "Drive" and its video are the first offerings from the band’s newly released album, Queendom of Nothing, already listed as one of The Boston Globe’s Top 15 Fall Albums. The group will be performing at Three Squares in Needham, MA, on November 16th. We are excited to premiere the band’s first music video below; enjoy the ride! – Rene Cobar, photo by Denis Semenyaka

Boston’s answer to your power-pop cravings is Matt Jatkola, now known to some as JATK. The New England singer-songwriter has released his debut self-titled record today, and we can tell you it is some gloves-off, punchy power-pop for your ears. “How I Feel Inside” lets the distorted guitar power chords rip, and they are dirty-good against the reverb-heavy vocals that are delivered with enough glamour and enthusiasm to animate even the most resistant audience. The anthems continue between the eruptive drum fills of the track “Angry Anchor,” which culminates with an exquisite, heart-accelerating build up. For bass fanatics, there is “Come Inside Your Room,” where the low-end is silky smooth and robust against the revved up electric guitars a la White Reaper X New York’s Big Huge. The final track, “Nüebella Satan,” is fast and furious, deliciously lo-fi, and a fitting finale for an album that never drops below the speed limit. Stream our favorite track from the record below to jolt your day up just a lot. – Rene Cobar

The tenderness that radiates from Boston’s Maddi Ryan’s music comes from the singer’s clear ability to engage her most honest emotions, and deliver them cordially through her vocals, full of grace. Ryan’s latest alt-pop single “Wrong” is very right with its Southern tinge ever-present in the ambient electric guitar notes that linger splendidly, the drums that beat away cool as can be, and a bassline that embellishes in all the right places. The brand new track inspires images of the vast New England outdoors, the long road-trips one dreams of taking, and the afternoons where reflection beckons. The song has our vote for the kind of warm tracks you need to have on your playlist this winter. Maddi will be playing at Loretta’s Last Call in Boston on November 30th. Listen to the cozy melodies of “Wrong” below. – Rene Cobar

Divine in composition and execution is the delicate and peaceful music of Hartford’s Bandshes. The Americana trio released last month their latest record titled Small Talk; listeners will find within the album one beautifully composed tune after the next. Take the title track as a shining example of the way lead singer Zoe Chatfield commands the piano-driven song’s mighty sentiment while being backed by the vocals of bandmates Athena Demaille Von Schmidt and Emily Gregonis, creating rich harmonies to spare. While "Small Talk" is fierce, other tracks like "Dreamers" are both melancholic and hopeful, lingering with their piano melodies in the minds of listeners. Intentional or not, the lo-fi feel of the recordings, or perhaps the rusticity of production, makes each track the more powerful and elegant. The group is set to play a hometown show at the Hanging Hills Brewery on November 10th. Stream the silvery track "Surrounded" from the new record below, and start your weekend right. – Rene Cobar

Boston’s NPK has a brand new track that hits the mark titled "Zodiac." The song is a lo-fi hip-hop production that moves quickly and makes its point with a robust layering of synthesizers swells, a plump bassline, and a reverberating flow. While NPK typically leans on his R&B influences, he surely glazes this new single with a sweet, retro synth-pop sound to contrast the rugged nature of his assertive message about domination. The synthesizer embellishments could be something to further explore as the new song sparks curiosity for NPK’s future work. Where hip-hop artists like Wale are keeping things clean and soulful, NPK offers something more evocative to a rugged throwback. Stream the new single below to wrap your head around the subtle tributes to ’80s hip-hop music. – Rene Cobar 

More indie than folk, more folk than indie, or maybe just perfectly both is the music of Arlington, Massachusetts group Cold Expectations. The band’s latest EP, No Panic In My Veins, opens up with resonant drums and crisp electric guitars. The lead song “Can You Feel The Distance?” displays rich harmonies and lead vocals that are rugged against the clean instrumentation. That same contrast follows in the Growlers-like psych-tinged track “Aliza Don’t Care” which lets its guitar leads linger and its choruses pop. The band keeps things cool and collected and offers music to kick your shoes off to; each tune releases tension. Cold Expectations are what New England cooks up best: comfort indie-folk music. Stream the hopeful track “You Are The Ocean” below and relish in its atmospheric guitar solos. Happy Monday, folks! – Rene Cobar

Creepy and satisfying is the noise rock of Manchester, New Hampshire’s Willzyx. For metal aficionados, the group’s latest effort, The Raw Congenital Complex, is jam-packed with tracks that ooze with rage and demolish melodic structures. Take the furiously-paced track "Cauterized Eye" as a prime example of the band’s tendency for bursts of distorted vocals, synthesized strains of doom, and eerie overtures. Other songs like "Cast Off" drift into more serene territories, and with patience and a hypnotizing guitar riff bubble into thick, steely-cold compositions. The band is a year-long Halloween special that is too damn creepy and good to pass up. The band’s next gig is booked at Koto in Salem, Massachusetts, on November 13th. Listen to the mechanic bassline that leads "Calloused and Cynical" streaming below and drown in the math-rock madness. – Rene Cobar, photo by Selena Barker

Boston’s Rachel Sumner‘s 2019 has been quite eventful: April, June, August, and October single releases all worthy of recognition. The latest of these singles "Between The Bars" displays the singer-songwriter’s trademark vocal melodies, known to haunt the mind with their atmospheric nature, giving way to graceful acoustic guitar solos tinged in a bluegrass spirit. The newest track from Sumner balances both light and dark sonic colors that elicit from the listener both hope and despair; the experience is all up to you. Perhaps perfect for the chilly and spirited night ahead, Rachel will be performing her haunting tracks at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge on October 31st. Stream "Between The Bars" by Rachel Sumner below. – Rene Cobar

Lynn, Massachusetts’ Nick Zaino, is a perfect piece in the colorful puzzle of New England’s music scene. The serenity found in folk music is captured in his latest single, "Pour Me A River," which is a story of devotion told with nothing more than a mighty acoustic guitar composition and Zaino’s country-cordial vocals. The new track is engulfed in a feverish excitement that radiates with each chord change and drops embers in the minds of listeners: a song memorable enough to have one singing along. The bareness of the song is part of the charm and fits perfectly with the honest ode to a loved one. The new track is a preview of Zaino’s upcoming album, Habitual Salvation, due out November 29th. We are streaming the new song for you below and looking forward to Habitual Salvation out soon. – Rene Cobar