Photo credit Andrew Paynter

Berkeley-based Sis is playing Amnesia tonight to celebrate the release of their sophomore album, Gas Station Roses (Native Cat Recordings). The band, led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Jenny Gillespie Mason, has a soulful psych rock feel with Peter Gabriel and Talking Heads influences alongside Afropop and Japanese pop. Sis is composed of Mason and two members from the band Meerna, Carly Bond (electric guitar, flutes, vocals) and Rob Shelton (synths, programming) who help bring this album into the new dimensions. Come check them out tonight with Lalin St. Juste and Sitka Sun.  - Lucille Faulkner

Country-twinged rock group Oakland’s Half Stack just released their latest EP, Aw Hell. The collection features four tunes that showcase the group’s lovely picking, twangy guitars and lyrics that are at times sad, at times funny. Self-described “choogle” and psychedelic rock, Half Stack is worth a good listen. -Lucille Faulkner

You know someone’s album will be good when you hear their demos and think, oh well now that’s sounding pretty solid. That said, Affectionately just released a wee little collection of demos--some of which you may have heard on other albums before--and it’s a true delight of a listen. “Bedroom Waltz” is a personal favorite, but they’re all impressive with fun with disorienting distortions and pure, pleasing vocals. It’s always fun to hear a little gentler behind-the-scenes of one of the Bay Area’s finer secrets. Check ‘em out and don’t wreck ‘em out. Stay tuned for the full album out, comin' in soon. -Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Bear Call’s latest single, “Harsh” was just released as an end of summer jam and the title is oh-so deceiving. The smooth chill of “Harsh” is a jazzy mellow jam with warm strums and some nice key action with lyrics that are secretly funny. Oh la la, take a dive. Bear Call will be back playing in San Francisco in December playing with Goon at The Knockout. ’Til then, jam on. -Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor