This past fall, Nashville-based experimental rock project Boom Forest (aka songwriter John Paul Roney) released a sublime chimera of an album with ‘Post Knight Errant.’ Starting with the guitar-soared “Silver Hair,” which elegantly segues into the a capella-flecked “Been” and then leads to “Cameron” (streaming below), an electronics-flirting track that pleasantly recalls ‘White Album’-era Beatles, the work is both dark and warm, anxious but welcoming, and emerges as something of near beatific power. Roney recently relocated to Brooklyn, and quickly landed a three week residency at the Knitting Factory - the last night of which is next Wednesday (6/15). - Zach Weg 

NY's American Pinup formed in 2010 out of Westchester County and combine elements from punk rock and power pop, blending catchy pop hooks and melodies with the spirit and energy of the punk ethos. The track “Living the Dream” off The Radio EP is a swift punk song characterized by its infectious drumming and West’s snotty vocals reminiscent of Gwen Stefani. “Start” highlights West’s contrasting vocal styles as she bounces back and forth between her smooth, crooning vocals and a raspy yell. The singer channels Brody Dalle of The Distillers with a little more bite to her vocals, while still remaining catchy enough to be good for radio play. American Pinup will be playing Court Tavern in New Brunswick, NJ on June 9th, and then The Bowery Electric on June 20th. Stream their track "Radio" below! - John Honan

Some artists aim to make music that make you think, whereas others seek to make you feel, or move. Recent Brassland signee Fusilier somehow manages to play music that does it all. His electronic-funk sound enters through the ears and spreads to the rest of the body like a virus - a virus that only dancing with abandon can cure. Simple drum grooves drive 'The Moment,' while his seductive R&B vocals and the track's shifting arrangements contribute in forging a very personal sound. Bringing it alltogether is Fusiler's rock pedigree, as his distorted guitar riffs and bass paterns add a pop to really make the music standout.  Fusilier's sound is fresh, no doubt, and we can hopefully expect an EP from the ex-RIBS member soon. — Henry Solotaroff-Webber - Photo by Chris Oquist

Bringing back the raw alt-rock tunes from the early 2000’s, Higuera’s genuine passion for creating fresh sounds and heart-wrenching lyrics transpires in all 4 tracks of their EP “Always Have a Secret Plan.” The 5-piece band showcase a flair for writing honest and relatable lyrics, the kind we lay in bed listening to late at night because they simply pierce the heart like a double edged sword. Their most notable track, “Pieces”, starts and ends with a steady beat that evokes a feeling of anticipation, while vocalist and founder Valley Taylor melodically unravels the many stages of love and life. Natives to sunny Southern California, Higuera unveil memorable tracks that show their love for creating music for the sake of the art. - Yesenia Carvajal

The laid-back indie rock band Hovvdy came out with their newest album Taster (Merdurhaus and Sports Days Records) on April 15, proving again with the new record just how easily slacker rock can toy with emotions.

This (now) four-piece band started out with just Will Taylor and Charlie Martin at first, both of whom were originally drummers, but in recent days they've added Sam Jacobson (bass), and Andrew Stevens (drums) and have expanded their sound heavily. With the emphasis on rhythm heard in tracks like “Note” and “Can’t Wait,” Hovvdy sets a tempo that allows the audience to really think about what the band is doing with that nostalgic vibe they are so great at. One unique aspect of this record is the fact that the band has recorded some of these tracks as iPhone voice memos first, which is also how “Problem” and “In My Head” happened from Hovvdy's initial EP. The compressed sound in the resulting product gives this album a raw and DIY feel that extends deep into the music, and this interesting recording method creates a mood that is fitting for the slacker act's intimate and personal lyrics.

If you need music to listen to when you're out on the road lettingyour hair get swept away by the wind, Taster is the perfect soundtrack for that moment, especially standouts “Meg” and “Try Hard”. The album gives you space to reflect on yourself, and it's hard to avoid the music taking you back through your memories, good and bad, which is the sign of a mature and well-made piece of art.

Listen below, and see if you feel the same way.

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Chandana Kamaraj