Goose, the band from Norwalk, Connecticut, surprised with a year-end single so fun it had to save it for last. The year-closing single “Wysteria Lane” is funky with its smooth ‘70s guitar riffs, hot bassline, and reverberating vocals that evoke a festive feel. Known for its excellent live performances, Goose is a group that injects that communal feel into each piece, and this new single is no different: close your eyes, turn up the volume and feel the vibe so lively. The final seconds of the track are exquisite; the overall composition is primed for a solid live showing to come. Stream the new track below to kick off your weekend right. – Rene Cobar

An authentic poet is Norwalk, Connecticut’s Sarah Golley: the artist’s complete devotion to maximum exposure is the trademark of her latest record As We Crawl. From the spoken poetry of the opening track, “From the Sea,” to the grandiose string-instrument-driven composition that backs up her soulful vocals in “At a Snail’s Pace” the album opens majestically. The honeyed symphonies continue in tracks like “Over Time” and “Into the Flames” where the melodious grand piano keys fire away as Golley dramatically spills her heart; the music takes on a rich theatrical form that is as exquisite as it is immersive. Sarah Golley channels ferocious energy in the vein of artists like Amanda Palmer, yet her music has a softer touch to it that is rooted in the theatricality of it all. Tracks like “On the Treadmill of Thought” hypnotize with vibrant harmonies and thunderous kick drum patterns. From the onset, As We Crawl requests one surrender their thoughts and emotions entirely to each piece, weaving both for an experience unique, and satisfying. Listen to the gravity with which “Through a Black Hole,” from the new album, blossoms below. – Rene Cobar, photo by Jesse Newman

Boston’s Oddysseys are delighting this December with a dual single release sure to catch your attention. “Testimony” and “Goon” complement one another with their lo-fi edge and dreampop sheen displayed at different tempos—both equally satisfying. The speedy pace of the drums in “Testimony” create along with sparkling-lingering guitar chords, a retro soundscape that brings out the brightest colors of ‘80s dreampop while finishing with light strokes of modern indie rock. “Goon” is far more atmospheric a track, yet its fat groove is undeniable as a voluptuous bassline drives the song into the euphoric breakdowns that characterize Oddysseys. The vocal delivery on both tracks should also be noted: “Goon” displays a softer and more sensitive tone while “Testimony” a confident baritone. Both singles stand on their own just fine, but together they are part of a greater work that demands it be appreciated as a whole. The band is set to perform at Lilypad Inman in Cambridge, MA, on December 28th. Stream the singles below for a ticket to a dreamworld rich in character. – Rene Cobar

Connecticut, and New England, for that matter, never stops surprising with its rich crop of talented artists. New Haven’s Sargasso is a collective that dips its indie rock in sugary electro-R&B for a sound so dreamy-seductive sweet. The group’s self-titled EP opens with brilliantly soft electric guitar strings and a stout bassline that transport one to a world desired, one of serene indie rock. “One Enemy” with its sustained synth notes and relaxed vocals, is more than an opener, it is a solid statement by a group defining its signature sound. The record’s second track, “Secret Compartment,” expands on the band’s strengths as it delivers rich vocal harmonies that melt to a hot groove, irresistible and soothing. Songs like “Lifetime” surrender to both Strokes-y guitar riffs and blossoming synth melodies with a retro glaze. The record flirts with escapist themes, and it is that tease with complete dreaminess that makes the album such a treat. Listen to the ‘70s space flick intro of “Secret Compartment” from the new record streaming below. – Rene Cobar, photo by Xinyuan Chen  

For listeners familiar with Fire in the Field’s funky and upbeat style, a sonic treat awaits, surprisingly tame but deeply wild. “Jimmy Rover” showcases the band’s appreciation for the slow-cooking nature of the blues as it lets its normally dance-inducing guitar riffs build slowly, ripping on occasion to smooth vocals from lead singer Mike Moore who is committed to storytelling. As the guitar solos shred, at high-voltage, one is reminded of the band’s old-school passion and youthful energy: Fire in the Field has a strong essence of classic rock. During the song’s final breakdown, the bass and drums lock-in even in their euphoric state to complement the song, which echoes the beauty and grit of Chicago blues. Recorded, engineered, mixed, and mastered by Jay Frigoletto at Oak Hill Music in Brookline, NH, this latest single by the band offers something wholly different from its usual style, but remains a track that fits perfectly into the band’s archives. We are thrilled to premiere “Jimmy Rover” for you below; catch Fire in the Field at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton, MA, on Dec 14th. – Rene Cobar

For singer-songwriter talent, such as Connecticut’s Kelly English, words seem to come easy, and they use them to express with sincerity their ups and their downs. In English’s latest piece, “Errors of My Ways,” she lets the gentle strings of her acoustic guitar and her graceful vocals tell a story of acceptance and forgiveness. The track never needs to stray from its serene mood, because it soothes and empowers with its honest emotion. English, who normally swims in alt-pop waters, takes a stroll around the shorelines of folk music to deliver an enchanting composition that is short but lasting in memory. Kelly will be performing at the Urban Lodge Brewing Co. in Manchester, CT on Dec 15th. Stream “Errors of My Ways” below to welcome the evening softly. – Rene Cobar

A defining characteristic of modern musicians today is that they do not only create tunes to jam to but entire worlds to immerse in, atmospheres rich with their personalities. Amy Beauregard and Corey Zwart, known to some as AB/CZ, have done just that with their December single “Yellow Into Blue,” which takes traditional Americana instrumentation and blends it slowly with lingering distorted guitar-chords for an ever-quaking track that is a feast of sonic delicacies. You have an assertive drum beat, distant guitar solos, mighty vocals, and the best part, which is how one can truly appreciate each thanks to the track’s length: bask in the composition. The debut single is a fine introduction to the duo’s psych-Americana vibe; the Lowell, Massachusetts duo gets extra points for blending New England’s folk history with a more modern feel. Stream “Yellow Into Blue” below for a much-deserved Monday pick-me-up treat. – Rene Cobar

Almost as if you were there, well, you kind of are, the music of New Haven Connecticut’s Eggy oozes out of your preferred listening device, rich and runny in its latest record Live at Nectar’s 11​.​1​.​19. The band calmly and confidently plays signature tracks form its latest record Watercolor Days: sweet funk songs like “Graceless” and “Golden Gate Dancer” create an atmosphere that is both fun and intimate; surely Nectar’s, the music venue in Burlington, VT, and its crowd did not mind. The production, as is typical for Eggy’s live albums, is excellent, and one can fully immerse in the music without ever feeling detached from the live setting. We recommend this latest entry for fans of the jam-band feel this group deploys. The band is on tour, but it returns to Orlando’s in Burlington, VT, on December 14th for those that want to experience the fun live. Stream “In It For The Ride” below and dive right into the moment. – Rene Cobar, photo by Miles Hurley

Back in October, Muddy Ruckus released a single pleasantly infectious, a song with a sinister rhythm that haunts. “From The Floor” is led by an ominous banjo riff that is followed by a thumping bassline, marching to the rich harmonies of both Ryan Flaherty and Erika Stahl on guitar and drums respectively. The duo that is Muddy Ruckus takes in this song, and their work at large, a more somber approach to America’s usually upbeat style, and it works. With eerie lyrics like “I’ve been sleeping for so long/ I don’t know what’s right from wrong/ I don’t know if I was ever born at all/ Something’s happening again/ Hey man don’t you understand?/ There are voices coming up/ from the floor.” the Americana music the duo produces has a deliciously ghastly tinge. The Auburn, ME, duo will be playing on December 5th at the Stone Church in Brattleboro, VT. Stream “From The Floor” below for something different today. – Rene Cobar, photo by TBERG Photography

Where can you find an artist producing refined, potent, and intoxicating dubstep? One may say Las Vegas, NV, before Portland, ME, but one should reconsider. Portland’s Of The Trees recently released an exotic-rhythmic electronic track honeyed with ambient-distorted noises that evolve the beat into an experience. “Honeydust” ft. Kala is both chill and feral at once with its bossa nova tinge and reggae whispers: a sonic jaguar just waking up. It is refreshing to see this genre blossoming among the vast greens of Portland, Maine, and we can thank Of The Trees for that. Of The Trees, known to some as Tyler Coombs, is touring the United States at the moment, and hyping up his fans for the release of his EP, Tanglewood, December 12th. Stream “Honeydust” ft. Kala below and enjoy that Cowboy Bebop sample at the end of the track because we sure did. – Rene Cobar, photo by Maya Tihtiyas

There is nothing quite like discovering new music that is provocative, inspiring, and tastefully unique. Boston’s Rhett Price impresses with his novel take on hip-hop: by letting luscious violin melodies lead the way Rhett creates feverish beats that have a touch of the classical, an urban haze to them, and an elegant club tinge. The intrepid violin work of Rhett is on full display in the artist’s latest track, “Get It,” which boasts an ominous-lingering bass that complements the violin flourishes coloring the composition. The song is direct, graceful, dangerous, and wholly unique. Rhett is an artist doing things his way, one not afraid to try something different; if you ask us, we say that he is walking down the right path. Stream his latest single below and discover something different. – Rene Cobar

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