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

Our friends at Tricycle Records released their 9th compilation album this month featuring a whole lotta women that we dig on. There’s Kendra McKinley, whose “Asleep in Winter” showcases her connective and empathetic lyrics in funky pop with looping pedal work (Performed by Kendra McKinley, recorded and mixed by Scott McDowell at the Henry Miller Memorial Library).

We dig on Micropixie’s “Dark Sight of the Moon,” with its Pink Floyd inspirations and the powerful push against modern day politics on the home front and beyond. It’s electro psych pop dripping with social justice narratives. If you haven't caught it yet, check out her video for "Como Minimo," shot at our beloved Lovejoy's Tea Room in San Francisco. 

Another favorite is Beckylin and Her Druthers with “You Ain’t Woman Enough”…to take my man. Damn straight. A nice and exciting find for any country fans. Beckylin and Her Druthers are bluegrass and twangin’ and powerfully sassy. -Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Audrey Kang made waves in 2015 with cult debut LP Floaters, a lush, indietronic project replete with tactile guitars, dissonant electronic keys, and lurid songwriting. Kang returned earlier this year with a full band for Lightning Bug’s sophomore effort, October Song, further delivering off-kilter earworms and killer experimental indie pop. Title track “October Song, pt. ii” is a cool demonstration of the outfit’s penchant for soft, melodious songwriting and synth-driven, easy-going grooves; stream it below, and catch Lightning Bug on November 24th at Trans-Pecos, supporting Bethlehem Steel, Ben Seretan, and Sinai Vessel. —Connor Beckett McInerney

Shallow Waves combine elements of surf, pysch and garage for a wonderfully noisy sound. This Toronto band sounds like they are shattering their amps on the latest single “Dust”. This track appears on their album “Parallel States of Consciousness”. It is an in-your-face stoner track that’ll take you for a ride around your mind. They are hosting a release party for this album on November 22^nd at Cameron House along with Psychic Void, Wave of Terror and Dark Trip. – Kris Gies

“Blue Haze” is the latest “end-of-summer glassy groove” from New York synth outsider Tatum Gale, and while billed as a seasonally-apt slow jam when it came out in September, it’s spooky, dark drops resonate just as closely during these sub-30 November nights. Between its hazy chords and spacey percussive backbone, the track endows the listeners with a sense of distance, making it perfect listening for a small kickback among close friends or a dissociative episode in the club. Gale’s additional ability to inject indietronica into a future-funk bop gives “Blue Haze” a sound that’s accessible as it is groovy; stream it below to get your weekend started right. —Connor Beckett McInerney