While in quarantine, Flying Vipers, a group hailing from Waltham, MA, took the time to unearth a couple of old tapes that are now a double trouble remastered set of singles for all to enjoy. The instrumental reggae compositions are just what is prescribed, for the hot summer: with their relaxed-confident rhythms and cool embellishments of sparkling keys, they can cool down the body and mind. The additional production work on the singles is evident, with delays creating a more robust listening experience and an ambiance pleasant and intriguing. The trip may be a short one, but it is a good one, stream both singles below right now. - Rene Cobar

The music of Queens-based musician Tall Juan frequently eludes genre-descriptors, ever the joyful amalgamation of sounds contemporary and classic, performed in a manner that’s wholly unique. His new single “Irene” is representative of this wide-breadth of influences; a freak-folk instrumental provides the backbone for a modern interpretation of Caetano Veloso’s 1969 track, wherein Juan Zaballa’s vox leaps and bounds with energy reminiscent of his previous garage-rock efforts, albeit this time decidedly more acoustic. Such an approach is demonstrative of Zaballa’s ethos for his forthcoming LP Atlantico, a collage of differing sounds and languages that ultimately pays tribute to the influence of African music in South America. Give it a listen below, ahead of Atlantico’s release next week on May 11th. Photo by Matthew James-Wilson

We all need to disconnect a bit these days, and with some extra time on our hands, we can do just that. Manchester, NH resident, and prolific guitarist, Scott Geraci offers us just that in his latest record, Wander. The nearly 100-minute album is a sonic spiral staircase that one can ascend or descend in solitude or fellowship, each track glistening with worldly acoustic guitar compositions. The influences range from Spanish in ”Solitary” to tribal in “Sun Lover,” and each is brilliantly layered so that the experience is satisfyingly transportive. Geraci is timely in his delivery of a record that demands you nix crude noise and surrender to something far more sophisticated. Stream the peaceful track “Abundance” below for your racing thoughts. - Rene Cobar

The man, the traveler, the folk singer-songwriter you got to check out is Chance Emerson. Shifting his time from Concord, NH to Hong Kong to Providence, RI, and beyond this artist has crafted a sonic journal of his travels titled The Raspberry Men, and wow does it tell a story. The new record has a worldly feel from the start as “How Can I” showcases toxic rhythms often found in Africa and some parts of Latin America; Emerson’s rich choruses are grandiose and provocative. Songs like “Annabelle” are rooted in modern melancholy: the feeling of missing someone real among the many faces in our various phone apps. “Coming to Japan” is an atmospheric tour of Emerson’s experience abroad as well as a confession, as he says, “No, I’m not from anywhere, I’m a nowhere man at heart.” Each song is a fantastic chapter in the life of an artist that dares to see the world for what it is, and he for what he could be in it. Stream the laid-back and oh-so-honest track “It Won’t Be Pretty” below for the midweek vibe you deserve. - Rene Cobar

Fans of Thee Commons will find that the brother duo of David and Rene Pacheco have rebranded to become Tropa Magica, taking their psychedelic cumbia punk and infusing it with smoky, funky sounds. They'll bring their act to La Santa for a performance on February 9th. The Pacheco brothers put out their debut record as Tropa Magica near the end of 2018, showcasing their affinity for music which blends world beats and pop together into infectious dance tracks. They'll play several shows this spring up and down the West Coast to introduce old Thee Commons fans and new Tropa Magica fans to their tracks. Take a listen to the sultry "La Flor" below. - Will Sisskind