Clear your schedule, stock the fridge and turn on the lava lamps, because Nashville's dual-fronted Twiggs are taking us all on a neo-psychedelic trip through time and space with their sophomore release Twiggs II.

After catching the TN-via-OK 4-piece in the back room of Crying Wolf last spring, even after putting a dent in my second flask, I knew to keep an eye on them. Wearing their 60s and 70s influences on their sleeves, swirling in droney grooves and gritty riffs while maintaining a freewheeling punk disposition, Twiggs have incorporated the past and present into a 11-track album that is nothing short of hallucinogenic.

Reminiscent of experimental guitar rockers like The Velvet Underground and Jefferson Airplane, "One is for the Gun" and "Touching You" are instantly classic, while "Crazy Nights" adds modern percussion and cadence to the mix. The band gets a little Pink Floyd-y with the melancholy "I Love You So Love Me," and the echoing chant at the end of "Lonely Coyote" will rip your heart right out. Staff pick "Are You High" will burrow itself into your brain and stay there. Forever.

Give Twiggs II a listen here, download it on iTunes and catch Twiggs 10.10 at The Five Spot with Buffalo Rodeo, Santah and Seratonins, put on by Palaver Records. -Caroline Bowman

Riot Fest – The punk, rock, alternative, metal, and hip-hop crowd’s favourite festival of the Year is on this weekend. Besides Heavy Hitters taking the stages (Alexisonfire, WuTang Clan, Weezer, Motorhead, Rancid) we’ve got some suggestions for bands you might not be too familiar with, but are definitely worth taking the time to check out.

The OBGM’s Ladies and gentlemen...the Oooh Baby Gimme Mores...OBGM's for short. You may recognize them from a Budweiser commercial from about a year ago. These guys straight rip though. A four piece garage band from Toronto that's hectic and fuzzy. Pure punk rock with some keyboards/synth spice sprinkled on top. Their debut full length record was released almost a year ago to the day. Fire it up from the top... "Beat Up Kidz" is a sweet tune. I've only heard good things about their live show. They must be doing something right as they cracked the Riot Fest lineup this year! See them at 1:45pm on Saturday at Downsview Park! – Kris Gies

Wildlife – Describing themselves as “weapon- rock” Wildlife is ready to hit the Riot fest stage with their Catchy tunes – letting you know what it’s like to be young and reckless. Let these Toronto Natives start out your day Sunday on the Riot stage @ 12:10

The Dirty Nil – Playing full fledged Energetic Rock ‘n’ Roll these dudes are sure to put on a good show for you, Get your dance on when these dudes hit the stage with their in your face, guitar driven, fast tunes! They’re playing Saturday on The Radicals Stage @8pm

Foxtrot- Travelling all the way from Montreal – - Although not quite a hometown act, Foxtrot will surprise you with heavy electric pop sounds, you just may need a break from all those, heavy rock bands, and there’s no better way than checking out FOXTROT, Sunday on The Radicals Stage @1:30pm

Rarity – Saturday Sept 19 on the Radicals Stage @2:45pm Another Local, surprising your ears, and the Riot Fest lineup with their fantastic burrito eating abilities, amoung their obvious talents of playing you singable rock songs. Fitting in to the line up like seasoned veterans. Make sure to catch them on The Radicals Stage @ 2:45pm on Saturday Sept 19

-Courtney Chalapenko

The inaugural Bay Area Vibez music festival officially announces its 3-stage, 2-day music, arts and urban lifestyle festival being held at Middle Harbor Shoreline Park in Oakland, California on Saturday, September 26th and Sunday, September 27th, with more than 25 artists to represent the line-up. The festival was created in celebration of music, art, diversity and the rich culture that mirrors the Bay Area and its unique characteristics.

The first round of artists to be released are Grammy©winning artist, Damian "Jr. Gong" Marley, Nas, who has a #1 album on American Billboard top 200, eight time Grammy© winning artist/producer, Stephen "Ragga" Marley, Grammy© nominated Meshell Ndegeocello, #1 Billboard reggae performer Morgan Heritage, Tarrus Riley, Jo Mersa; son of Stephen Marley, Fiji, Fishbone, Krooked Treez, Richie Spice, I-Wayne, Queen Omega, Ghetto Youths, The Courtney John Project, Black Am-I and the Oakland based fan-favorite band, Forrest Day, along with a few big surprises!

"...The eclectic mix is what constitutes the urban festival and represents the very nature of the Bay Area," says festival coordinator, Yurel Hassan Cooke. "The location is impeccable for an annual festival. With other surrounding fest locations as California Roots, Outside Lands, Reggae on the River and Treasure Island, the Bay Area Vibez seemed to fill a void on the map, and blending the genres for the Bay Area just felt right."

The water-lined breathtaking views of the city of San Francisco and the Bay Bridge have made Middle Harbor Shoreline Park in Oakland the perfect backdrop for this urban lifestyle festival. 

"Keeping the music alive for the next generations is key. Collectively, we need to support the creative flow of our children and open their eyes to a new world filled with creativity and a universal appreciation for diversity," says festival co-founders, an Oakland native; Tressa Wells, along with tour manager to Damian Marley, Albert "Pretty" Cooke.

General Admission are set at $85 for 1-day passes, $160 for 2-day passes and $225 1-day VIP, or $400 2-day VIP passes, which include early entrance to grounds, special VIP viewing and lounge area, VIP beer and wine garden and select organic foods and snacks. Shuttle services will be available for convenient entrance to the festival. Parking passes are $29 per day. Festival hours go from 11am to 10pm daily. For more information, or to secure tickets, visit www.BayAreaVibez.com.

The popular San Francisco based indie rock band, Social Studies is returning with a new full length album entitled, Wake. Releasing their first EP in 2007, San Francisco’s own indie pop/rock outfit, Social Studies, have undergone multiple reincarnations before finding their current line-up and signature sound.

You can take a listen to a track from the band's dreamy new album called Drifty in anticipation of the official release on September 18th. You can preorder a vinyl version of Wake at Social Studies' record label, Aerobic International's website. The digital version of the album is available now.

We're totally excited for this news. Make sure you support local independent music!