It’s been said that a great song shouldn’t sound as though it was written but as if it has always existed. I disagree. Sure, it is hard to imagine a time when, say, “House of the Rising Sun” wasn’t around. But in the case of local songwriter Aaron Flinn and his latest record, Miss Ready Blossom and the Seed of Dreams, there is nary a moment when it doesn’t sound as though these songs came together slowly and with great care.... Read more

(Self-released, CD)... Read more

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

(Self-released, CD, digital download)

With their latest EP, Kiss My Grits, Burlington’s Villanelles aimed to get the rock out, as bassist Evan Borden told Seven Days last month. Makes sense, too. Who wouldn’t like a break after an eponymous debut that channeled comparatively mellow styles ranging from psychedelic art rock to shimmering pop?... Read more

(Love For All Music, CD)... Read more

(Aether Everywhere, CD)

In the liner notes of their debut Watching the Watcher, Neon Magus offer the following explanation: “We found these sounds beneath the ash and sand.” And then, an advisory: “Play at maximum volumes, equipped with headphones.”

That’s good advice.... Read more

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