Matt Heckler’s debut album, After The Flood, should be familiar to people who’ve followed his career, which has been closely associated with Nashville outfit The Lost Dog Street Band, but the multi-instrumentalist is committed to expanding his sound. After The Flood a throwback to mountain bluegrass/country coupled with Heckler’s darkly modern vocals and his ripping fiddle play, especially on songs like “Blue Eyes Dancing.” He isn’t afraid to slow it down and strip it down, as on “Leaving Heaven.” Heckler’s high, emotional singing is captivating and nimble enough to pair with songs of the deep backwoods, lost loves, and tales of life on the road. After The Flood is a must have for long summer nights.

-BBO

Matt Heckler will be at Martyr’s with Lost Dog Street Band on August 18th at 8 PM. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

The debut full-length from Brighton-based indie rockers Penelope Isles is a buoyant breath in the summer heat. Until The Tide Creeps In should find a home with fans of gentle flowing indie rock that is never in too much of a hurry..

Carpet Denim, the fifth album from Southern California garage rockers Tijuana Panthers is exactly as cheeky and blue-collar as the title suggests. This is classic, groovy garage rock, but the Panthers manage to integrate surf-rock to great effect, making this an exciting step forward for the band. 

-BBO

Saving synth pop tenderness for over twenty years, San Fran quartet Imperial Teen returns to the studio after seven years to bring Now We Are Timeless to life. A radiant joy of a record, this one is sure to brighten even the sourest of moods.

Soulful singer, guitar player, and all-around badass, Christina LaRocca isn’t playing any games with hip-hop, reggae, and heartbreak, all with whiskey in hand... The L.A indie artist sings her soul out in this amazing 8-track album, These Are My Whiskey Dreams... While she does have her silly songs, such as the reggae-based “Smoke Marijuana”, her vocals boast a variety of power and tunes such as hard rock, “Breathe.”  LaRocca is a musician of all trades and melodies, and she surpasses them all with her vocals and lyrics. 

 -NBL

The Steel Wheels aren’t sitting still, and the Virginia roots rockers blend a more driving, arena rock style with their more subdued catalogue, Over The Trees. . Lyrically, much of this album is about tragedy and carrying on, which fits the album’s excitability, as well as the quieter and more subdued moments. 

-BBO

Most of the tracks on this London duo’s debut were released as a series of EP’s over the past months, and Rosie Bones and Carmen Vandenburg are not messing around. Telling it how it is, BONES UK rips into it with first track “Beautiful Is Boring” and never stops the onslaught of electro rock with highlights like “I’m Afraid Of Americans” and “Girls Can’t Play Guitar” leading the charge.

The third solo album from longtime Ty Seagall collaborator Charles Moothart, Soundtrack To An Empty Room brings that signature lo-fi psychedelic rock out in full force. Mootheart appears to be stepping out of Seagall’s shadow. The smoothness that he injects into this output makes it a must-listen for fans of Seagall and newcomers alike as a new player in the world of sleazy psychedelic arrives with a bang.

-BBO

Wylder’s second full-length album, Golden Age Of Thinking, sees the indie folk outfit mixing their bouncy and enthusiastic Americana into more mature territory. Still, these are easily accessed tunes on the surface, which drives home some of the themes of loss and growth. This is a major step for Wylder and one that signals a band on the rise. 

-BBO

This Charlston jazz/soul combo follows up their fantastic debut with the gospel-infused Good Time. With plenty of southern vibes and gorgeous vocals, Ranky Tanky is all groove on their sophomore release.

Multi-instrumentalist/singer/songwriter Joanna Sternberg produces simple songs that carry the weight of their observations and experiences communicated in plain words and melodies. Then I Try Some More is a refreshing take on songcraft and the experience of modern youth.

Fans of Ned Russin’s last project, Title Fight, may be initially put off by the introduction of synths and other electronic instruments on his newest project, Glitterer. Looking Through The Shades, however, it is every bit the melancholic, post-hardcore ferocity of Russin’s past work. This is a clear evolution and is a much more accessible and listenable album, with Russin occasionally taking his foot off the gas and allowing the synths to fill the space with something a bit more playful and fun. Still, the raw, grinding guitar and Russin’s barely-controlled scream drives the action and makes this an introspective, chaotic must-listen for those looking for something a bit darker.

-BBO

Mixing industrial, hip-hop and spoken word, Bistro takes the ear senses and shakes them in this 7-track album The Foetus. The melodies and beats under the monotone rap/spoken word echoing throughout each song is interesting and pleasing.  During a couple of the songs I’m applauding at one part, then questioning whether I’m even listening to the same song the next minute. Bistro experiments with drums and industrial techniques while speaking as if. Sometimes the songs have him repeating the same things over and over.. This is a really interesting album and definitely something to listen to on repeat. 

 -NBL

One of the few famous producers left really creating inventive electronic music, Tycho has crafted a revelatory work in Weather. Expanded into a live quartet over the years, they bring Scott Hansen’s compositions to life on stage to amazing effect.

Tycho will be at the Aragon on September 15th. Tix are $39.50.

Jangly, bluesy indie rock from the Crescent City. This dual-fronted outfit brings golden harmonies to Siesta Del Sol. Motel Radio hits it big with this full-length debut. 

Bottom Lounge is hosting this New Orleans indie rock act on July 30th, opening for Summer Salt. Tix are $17.

Emotive piano-based indie-pop fills Noah Mac’s debut Pretty Boy to the brim. The type of inspiring tunes that will bring sunshine on a cloudy day.

Unadulturated, punishing hardcore from start to fiinsh, So We Gnaw is a grinding show of the power of Richmond’s Bleach Everything.

Throughout the four-plus decades of experimental rock collective, Pere Ubu’s time on this plane of reality, the only constant has been David Thomas. Even reaching middle age as a project, The Long Goodbye proves this is still an exciting, if challenging, excursion into the depths of consciousness. At any point, if the listener is feeling comfortable with the sound, Thomas and company are liable to switch things up. It’s best to let go of earthly constraints and allow Pere Ubu to take you on a journey. 

-BBO

Brought to Light collects the best demos our favorite English label FatCat (out of Brighton) has received over the last several years representing some of the brightest new indie rock England has to offer.