A fun, flashy pop-rock group has nuzzled its way into the LA music scene with the single “Feeling California”. Winnetka Bowling League has perfected the California way of life: “I don’t care if every girl at every coffee shop’s perusing acting. We can swim on Christmas. Everyone’s high and obsessed with fitness.” The upbeat group has struck a chord in my heart with their pun-ny lyrics bursting with tactful, rhythmic beats and California state of mind vibes. The visualizer video paired with this jam has artfully captured every simple but great thing about The Golden State; vintage Subaru’s, RC Cola, the beach, and being high (on life, duh). I don’t know about you, but after this song, I am definitely feeling California, too. Kayla Hay

Catch Winnetka Bowling League perform at the Peppetmint on October 1st. 

Laura Jean Anderson’s commanding voice immediately captures your attention without a second glance. The singer-songwriter delivered a knockout performance with her powerful anthem "Silence Won’t Help Me Now," where she sent out an effective call-to-arms for those whose faith has felt compromised by cultural norms. She softens her delivery dramatically with "Thinkin Bout You," but it’s no less effective, a classic pop song with a wondrous chamber feel where her cherubic tonality asks for at least some respite. It’s not exactly a love song for someone else, but for herself, where she seeks for some personal space caused by a relationship that is still fresh in her mind.

"Thinkin Bout You" is the latest single off of Anderson’s promising new EP, Lonesome No More, which is due out on October 12. Juan Rodríguez

Exploring a concept as grand as the seven deadly sins may seem like an impossible undertaking. But rather than bottling it up all at once, alluring singer-songwriter Evalyn takes it one pleasurable step at a time. Her third single off of her forthcoming EP, "A Pill to Swallow," considers the sin of wrath over layers upon layers of trancelike, frothy synths and entrancing vocals. She invokes a disorienting spell over a partner who’s been mistreating her good intentions, one that is playful, if ever so slightly nefarious in intent.

Salvation is due out in September 28. Juan Rodríguez

Adrienne VanDeRocker got inspired by the vast landscapes of the Mojave Desert for her forthcoming album, Point Defiance. The L.A.-via-Austin singer-songwriter’s first single off of her second release, "Driftwood," is a sweeping, atmospheric rocker that is tinted with an intoxicating psychedelic sheen. A prominent bass slithers beside her susurrating vocals, which cast a shadow over a sun-beamed aura of shimmering sonic textures as if Steve Albini were given the opportunity to record another Pixies record at Rancho De La Luna studios. But aside from VanDeRocker’s wandering groove, though, lies a sinister undertone whose attitude strikes with resounding clarity.

Look out FOR Point Defiance later this fall. Juan Rodríguez

Good Witch just want to have some fun, unbound to any constraints, on "Shake You Loose." The garage rock duo of Rose Shawhan and Raymond Richards’s latest single is about avoiding responsibility, to admit to yourself that sometimes it’s okay to do things that may seem a little dangerous. Bolstered with a prominent bass throb, Shawan bellows with a fiery passion, but not without also considering the track’s stomping thrust. It’s a simple, yet distinctive rock song which hits more forcefully with each repeated listen.

"Shake You Loose" is the first single off of Good Witch’s forthcoming EP, Double Life, which comes out on November 2. – Juan Rodríguez

Girl Friday exposes our city’s ingrained obsession with appearances on Decoration/Currency. Ushered by a fun, catchy groove, the indie rock quartet cleverly invoke the reverb-laden surf rock of Duane Eddy infused with a nervy punk energy that is infectiously joyous. "I see you as you are (because I want to)/They see you as you want (because they need to)," they playfully harmonize in unison, a frank declaration that may refer to the duplicitous characters they encounter within their local scene, but also holds a message that’s as universal as it gets.

"Decoration/Currency" is currently streaming on all digital music platforms. Catch the band perform at The Satellite on October 24. Juan Rodríguez

There’s nothing worse than ruminating on what you’ve done wrong. Those unproductive thoughts persist throughout IAN SWEET’s latest single, "Hiding," a mental exercise which songwriter Jilian Medford puts into elegant practice on the track’s artful music video. Medford constantly repeats "I forgot myself in you, you, you," which may imply that she’s referring to somebody else. But Medford is having a battle with herself, where she tries to figure out where or not it’s okay to accept things even if they’re not necessarily to her liking. And come to think of it, if Medford’s way of channeling this thought is through a scorching artillery of swift percussion and heavily-punctuated guitars, then that makes the self-retreat more than worth it.

"Hiding" is the first single off of IAN SWEET’s forthcoming LP, Crush Crusher, which comes out on October 26 via Hardly Art. You can also catch Medford perform at the Lodge Room in Highland Park on October 18.

A ringing bell beckons Anna St. Louis on "The Bells." We’re never exactly sure what the call entails, or what is about to transpire in Louis’s darkly sinister present, but there’s always the expectation that something crucial, even dangerous, is about to happen. Much like a western score, the Kansas City-bred, Angeles singer-songwriter’s sweet, yet parched vocals describe an expansive, natural setting alongside a thrumming bass line and a heedful fiddle. With the assistance of Kevin Morby and Kyle Thomas of King Tuff, Louis’s calm, moody suite leaves an indelible impact due to its seductive nature.

"The Bells" is the latest single off of Anna St. Louis’s forthcoming LP, If Only There Was a River, which is out on October 12 via Woodsist/Mare Records. She’s playing a hometown album release show at Permanent Records in Highland Park on October 20. – Juan Rodríguez

 On C L E A R E R, the previous video Tennis System released off of their latest LP, P A I N, a young woman is caught up in the midst of a personal dilemma as the rest of the world continues to move on. Continuing on this theme, the restless shoegaze trio once again focuses on this character’s plight on the video for their latest single, C O M I N G D O W N. This time, though, the young woman is put front and center, as we see her go by her day in a hazy state of lethargy and solitude. Let the trio shimmer a guiding light on this narrative, since their cascading noise hits with an emotional pulse unlike we’ve seen from them before. – Juan Rodríguez

Tennis System will perform at Teragram Ballroom in support of post-rock duo El Ten Eleven on November 29. P A I N is out now on all streaming platforms.

Daise, a dark and dreamy pop group from the Inland Empire, is tearing their way through the local music scene. Their newest and innovative single, “Sights Of Blue,” out today, is a haunting reflection of leaving a relationship where you are not being treated well and trying to finding happiness within you. A path we have all found ourselves walking down at one point in our life, and one that some of us still struggle, too. DeLeon’s vocals, paired with the smooth beats of Edwin Robles, Justin Barner, and Luke Johnson together bloom a tranquil and hypnotic sound to be envied by all musicians. Daise has created a powerful combination of balancing the raw emotions of heartbreak and renewal into a deep yet masterful ensemble that should be required to hear during a time of healing. Catch Daise at the Fox Tower on August 31, and at the Teragram Ballroom on September 27, as they will be opening for The Boxer Rebellion. – Kayla Hay 

Creature Canyon document the natural ebb and flow of a meaningful relationship on Hurricane. The collaborative trio of Austin Steele, Ryan Amyot, and Kyle Victoria likens the experience to that of a hurricane, a force of nature which could disturb a seemingly calm phase.  But there’s an optimism that shines through in their soulful resolve – an assurance that things will get better – and they sell it with a hook-driven vibe chorus which beams with color and festivity. Because once that mighty storm hits, the next step is to repair what’s been broken.

You can watch Creature Canyon perform at Resident on October 18. You can buy tickets here. Juan Rodríguez

Amy Gionfriddo, the bombshell lead singer of Mint Trip, is joined by the talents of Brian Gross (bass) and Max Molander (guitar) to produce an intriguing and retro take on the glam pop/indie rock genre. Expanding their musical talents into multiple genre categories has broadened their expertise and headlined their career paths, with Gionfriddo’s expansive lyrical and vocal techniques somniferous in the most sincere way. The trio’s range of talent jumps from gospel ballads to synthesized 80’s pop, alongside subtle hints of laid-back rock and roll to keep audiences on their feet. They take a leap with their music, and it lands them wherever they very well please, and it is definitely worth the trip. 

Catch Mint Trip with Keira Moran at Brewyard Beer Company on August 25, or at The Hi-Hat on November 15th. Kayla Hay