Certain songs illicit an immediate emotional response. Birdtalker‘s "Blue Healer" is one of those golden few.

It’s like standing in the rain on a July afternoon. It’s warm yet biting. Refreshing and purely natural. It soaks you to the bone and reminds you that you are human. And you are alive. Their soul-soothing harmonies are delicately placed on dancing guitar riffs over a simple, steady rhythm; It’s enough to break down and cry to. And we need more.

If their very first recording is any indication, Birdtalker are headed for big, big things, and we can hardly wait. -Caroline Bowman

Everyone’s had it: That urge to sell everything you own and take to the road for a life of adventure and self-discovery. After a tragic loss, Ryan Murphy acted on that urge, and luckily for us, he took his guitar with him.

Fast forward a few years, add a couple of other talented musicians, and First Year on Earth was born.

With crystal clear vocals, upbeat down-home rhythms and well-crafted lyrics telling tales of life on the road, First Year on Earth is shaking things up on the roots scene. And in support of their self-titled EP, they’re bringing their folksy/pop sound to Nashville.

The award-winning Austin trio will be at Mad Donna’s TONIGHT with Noah Peterson and local bands Little Raven and North N South, and at The Bluebird Cafe’s Sunday Spotlight on 7.12. -Caroline Bowman

With bold, smoky vocals and a straight-shooting live show, Whoa Dakota is making quite a name for herself in Nashville’s flourishing underground scene.

Congratulations to The Tendoor, our Band of the Month, on the release of their single, "Mama."

Fearlessly lead by Blake Milliron (of The Burps) and Riley Thayer, the now 8-piece troop is even bigger and badder than before, and their newest cassette release digs deep into the most moody and groovy side of rock and roll. Thayer’s bewitching vocals drip over bluesy harmonies and keys, while the rest of the crew gives us the alt/pop/rock vibe we know and love. With a ridiculously catchy chorus and a spine-tingling ending, "Mama" will leave you reaching for the rewind button.

Purchase "Mama" digitally and/or on cassette (along with their B side: "Dragons") at SoundstampMusic.com, and let them knock your socks off at any of their upcoming shows. -Caroline Bowman

Some bands are formed out of convenience. Others are built with the intent of fame. But the best are magnetically drawn together, with all of the natural elements needed to create something organic, earnest and beautiful.

Oliver Ocean is one of those fatefully created bands, and their EP "Until I Go" is a luminous showcase of their individual talents and collective creativity. Layering folky harmonies, indie rock guitar riffs and jazz-infused percussion in waves of waxing and waning soundscapes, "Until I Go" is an impressive and refreshing effort.

Hear the full EP below, and see them live this Saturday at Foobar with Only, The Business People and Creature Comfort. -Caroline Bowman

 With temperatures rising around East Nashville, nothing’s better than a chocolate-drizzled, sprinkle-covered, cherry-topped lo-fi single from hometown indie sweethearts Waterfall Wash.

Anemoia is nostalgia for a time you’ve never known, and if you’ve never experienced it, you’ve never listened to Nashville’s vintage desert rockers, Blank Range.

Originally from the Midwest, the 5-piece troop has blended earthy guitar riffs, warm organ chords and earnest rock lyrics into a one-way ticket to a cool desert night with a heartache, a six pack and a turntable. Blank Range will soon wrap up their nation-wide tour at Sloss Fest in Birmingham, AL, and begin recording their debut full length album. Until then, sink your teeth into their 7" vinyl or EP, Phase II. -Caroline Bowman

The Southern rock revival is happening, and Blackfoot Gypsies are behind the pulpit. Snakeskin boots, fringe vests, flowing locks and oversized sunglasses: This Nashville 4-piece radiates rock-and-roll stardom. And with the musical chops to match, Blackfoot Gypsies are making sure Southern rock is alive and well, and having a damn good time doing it.

Shortly after signing with Plowboy Records earlier this year, the guys dropped their latest LP, Handle It, in April, followed by a video for their swampy voodoo single, "Under My Skin." Their home-cooked brand of Southern punk rock deserves to be cranked loudly and often, and their live show, packed with harmonica wails and high kicks, is more of a psychedelic spiritual experience than anything else.

Catch them on the road this summer, and order your own copy of Handle It on vinyl at SoundstampMusic.com. -Caroline Bowman