(Self-released, digital download)

Uncertain how to navigate 2012? Fear not! Guides for the Future will show you the way. Their sophomore effort, Dansicola, plays like a guidebook for days to come, complete with advice on how to survive the impending Zombie Apocalypse (“Apocalypse Army”), a pulling back of the curtain on a failing political system (“Politician”) and a spread-the-word, the-end-is-already-here soapbox sermon decrying an overpopulated world (“Push Then Shove Then Free).... Read more

(Self-released, CD, digital download)

Vermont, meet Jesse French. Yes, some may recognize him from his days behind the microphone as guitarist/lead singer in the Burlington-based Neil Young tribute band Ragged Glory. Others may know him from his nascent music-playing days in the Charlotte-born outfit Metameric. But on his first full-length album, Jesse French steps out on his own, showcasing not only his growth as a musician but also his talent for songwriting.... Read more

(Magali Records, CD)

Fans of Radio Bean regulars Trio Gusto will be spilling their Five-Dollar Shakes to put hands on the group’s latest release, Trio Gusto with Mike Martin. The 13-song assortment of jazz standards, gypsy waltzes and swingin’ French chansons neatly represents the musical influences and abilities of the Burlington-based quartet.... Read more

(Self-released, digital download, CD)

Music critics’ default state is cynicism. We hear a band and say something like, “Not bad, but it sounds like they’re trying to be like so-and-so.” Blame our eclectic musical tastes, and the human need to group and classify and compare. Of course, in some cases it’s envy. We’re in a dark corner with a laptop; musicians have microphones, amps and attention. Secretly, we hates them, we does.... Read more

(Self-released, digital download)... Read more

(Self-released, CD)

Sometimes old rockers need to give up chasing the dream. Thankfully, Grant Black never got that memo. The seasoned local duo — average age 48 — of singer/guitarist Josh Brooks and drummer Kent Blackmer drops its latest EP, Babylon, like an alt-blues textbook on the desks of skinny-jeans-wearing wannabes. Class is in session, kids. And, like most textbooks, this one will probably be ignored by the young folk. Their loss.... Read more

(Elevated Press Records, digital download)... Read more

(Rurally-Urban Records, digital download)... Read more

(GTD/Coalmine Records, digital download)... Read more

(Network Production, digital download)... Read more