Next month the downtempo pysch-rock band Transmontane will release the follow-up to last year’s Lo Spechio Circolare. The album will be called Staring Back At You, and you can currently sample two of the track from the album below.

You can catch Transmontane opening for archi-tecture and Silo Halo on May 9th at Township (2200 N. California Ave.)

Gonzo Chicago (aka John Yingling) has posted an incredible video of Willis Earl Beal performing at The Hideout. His debut album, Acousmatic Sorcery, was released by Hot Charity on April 3rd.

There is something charming but raw about the new ep from Finding Valor. It takes me back the basement shows, VFW shows I use to live for in High School. This is somewhat polished garage rock, but it is catchy and honest.

You can catch Finding Valor at Subt on May 5th with Mahogany, Devon Kay & The Solutions, and Shaggwell.

Milano is excited to announce their show at the Beat Kitchen coming up this Saturday! They will be playing with Chicago band Canasta as well as Hotel Lights, featuring Darren Jessee of Ben Folds Five. Live Milano performances entail full costuming, face paint, and videos – all corresponding with a current album’s overarching themes. Says lead singer/composer Jon Guerra, “We figure, if people are going to be paying to see us play, let’s give them their bad-economy-dollar’s worth and really put on a show.” Come see Milano, costumes and all, this Saturday night, April 28th!

Moneypenny (Chess Hubbard and Jessica Gonyea) returned this week with a new, free ep called "Sides". The EP features the original, pop-filled single "Sides" and several remixes including an exceptional one our very own Disrupt The Scene.

You can download "Sides" here.

Sometimes you need something different, distinctive, textured, and today that something is Zamin. This is the multi-culture, genre bending trio headed fronted by Zeshan Bagewadi. The group blends traditional Indian vocal styles with hints of classical, folk, indie rock, and a touch jazz. What drives the sound through is Zeshan’s powerful and passionate vocals.

Over the last 10 years Canasta has become a mainstay in the Chicago music scene. They are celebrating their 10 birthday on June 2nd with a performance at Schubas. Their first public performance was June 3rd, 2002.

This week they released a new video for their track "Becoming You", and keep an eye out for their new Daytrotter session dropping on June 1st.

The Hudson Branch released their new album World Kid yesterday, and to celebrate they have released the track "Piggyback".

You can catch The Hudson Branch as they headline Lincoln Hall on May 8.

Rockie Fresh has released a video for his track "Into The Future" which comes from his recent mixtape "Drive 88". Just like his last video from "Drive 88", Rockie is giving the Back to the Future a fresh Chicago feel in this one.

If you miss this ’80’s or missed the ’80’s and wish you hadn’t than Ghosthouse may be the group for you. A little bit Prince, and a little Ray Parker Jr., Ghosthouse is back with their new single "Stop Drop & Roll". Any time you see a track on bandcamp tagged "1984" you new you are in for heavy synths, drum machines, hand claps, and some pure elctrofunk! The single and all six remixes can be downloaded for free.

Stephen Paul Smoker released his new album Ripe Fruit last week. The album an eclectic romp shifting from the fast paced, driving rhythm of "In Cairo" to the somber pluck guitar of "Cold As A Stone". This album seems meditative and psychedelic at the time. The are many moments through out at quite, almost restful. One of my favorites are the flute interlude in "The Light On The First Day of Spring… Pt 1.". In many way Stephen Paul Smoker is a throw back the 60’s, but the way he builds his melody’s also feel very modern. Ripe Fruit is just that, fresh and ready to be consumed.

Kilo Records has released the album on clear vinyl and Stephen Paul Smoker will be celebrating the release with a show at Empty Bottle on April 27th. The show is free with RSVP.