“Schmilco” by Wilco

Wilco’s new album impresses for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that it’s vintage Wilco. “Schmilco” gets at the sadness, humor and guitar blending that defines the band’s last two decades.

Charlotte Day Wilson

Charlotte Day Wilson hails from a booming Toronto R&B scene, but rather than match the pitch of the party, her debut EP expresses earnest contemplation over its six tracks. See her Sept. 19 at Crystal Ballroom with Local Natives.

“Signs of Light” by The Head and The Heart

With their third album, The Head and The Heart have stumbled a bit, trading their earthy voices for generic pop hooks.

Death Valley Girls

Death Valley Girls have a love of the alien and occult that frames most of the press they get. But the Burger Records rockers have put together a triumphant garage sound worthy of your attention.

“When the Birds Begin to Walk” by Coco Columbia

“To say that the newest release from Coco Columbia, When the Birds Begin to Walk, is one hell of a wild ride would be an understatement.” Read on for our full review.

“The Origin of Error” by Eclisse

“…the tracks have a deeply menacing tone that made metal so alluring to fans in the early days.” Read our review of the new album from Portland’s Eclisse.

“Innocence Reaches” by Of Montreal

Somewhere in the course of 18 studio albums, Of Montreal became a weirdness-obsessed veteran of indie rock. The band’s latest pushes some of the same thematic boundaries as their body of work, plus a few new musical ones.

“Fishing Blues” by Atmosphere

The new album from the Twin Cities hip-hop duo Atmosphere shows 20 years of kinsmanship. That can also mean a none-too-exciting comfort.

“All the Colors of the Dark” by Federale

“Federale has a sound a large as American history.” Read on for our full review of the Portland band’s new album, fit for a Spaghetti Western soundtrack.

Greys

Hailing from a revived Toronto music scene, Greys has show itself adept at melding almost every strain of hard rock music to brandish an uncommon and deeply layered sound. See them in Portland on Aug. 12 at Mississippi Studios.