Diversity above all else, production and delivery excellent—that is the motto of Salem, Massachusetts’ Big Finny, and it shows in his new collaborative single “Back in The Woods.” The new 3LTHEGOD x Ran-produced song has Finny’s addictive brand of melody stamped on it, accompanied by a flow for flow performance with Boston area rappers Tyre$$e X, Genuine and Jdot. Arpeggiating piano notes chart the path for each of the artists to tactically deploy their pressing thoughts, stinging and reminding the listener, in rhythm, that New England can be a hot spot for the genre too. Genuine’s Spanish verse adds to the trap beat a hint of reggaeton’s hot commodities; each rapper takes its time on the mic, heating up and transferring that energy to the next performer with fierce intent. “Back in The Woods” is a power move and paid tribute to the New England rap community, performed by a group of young artists on the rise; we are thrilled to premiere “Back in The Woods” below for you. - Rene Cobar

Kerrin Connolly gives us something sweet to chew on, something excitable to muse over with the release of her fun indie-rock record Almost. The new compilation of tracks by this talented Weymouth, Massachusetts resident is a blast from start to finish: tracks like “It’s a Conspiracy,” and “Planesong” blend ukulele strings with slightly overdriven electric guitar riffs and bop-pop drums for a chill type of entertainment. “Contagious”  is true to its namesake: funny, catchy, and almost theatrical in its presentation. The title track features a groovy bassline, slow dance-inducing, and Connolly’s impressive vocal elevations reaching falsettos that soothe ears with their lovely warmth. “Thanks for Playing” is intimate and honest, like the whole record, and that is the charm that Connolly can’t separate from—thank goodness for that. Stream “Contagious” below for a style you won’t soon forget, for an artist destined to be a part of your playlist. - Rene Cobar

This past April, Boston’s Woundikin released a gritty folk single that seems to float, smoky and soothing even. “So It Goes” lets its acoustic guitar arpeggios fly, and the lead vocals linger to form a melody that comes from reflection, understanding, and acceptance for the unknown things of this world, as beautiful as they can be. Woundikin, like many of us, is making the best of his time in quarantine and so we have this gift for the weekend ahead. Check out Woundikin’s Tiny Desk Contest 2020 performance of the song streaming below. - Rene Cobar

BOOM! POW! KABAM! That is how the music of Hartford’s Aunts cracks, and more so in their latest record The Last Great Place. “Open Space” erupts in such fashion that nothing is missing: from the revved-up electric guitars to the classic pop-punk screams that move in unison with the powerful rhythms of the track, all exists vivid as can be. “Canon” brews for a while, very hot and all, as it eventually pours out a furious drum pace sizzling. “Zihuatanejo,” an ode to the band’s last EP, lets the softer side of pop-punk show with sweet hooks that beg you join in. Overall the record is a refreshing listen for all who love this brand of alt-rock worth discovering time and time again; stream “Canon” below for a punchy good time. - Rene Cobar

Alternative hip-hop has always been the main artery supplying the life of mainstream rap trends. So, if you are to look into the future, you may wish to appreciate Boston/NH rap group Pomagranite whose new record Supply has something refreshing and addicting in each track. The use of smooth-sinister electric guitar riffs in tracks like “Too Much” and “Linens” draw attention to pulsing drums and festive flows that combine bravado with street class. “Look at You” leans on R&B, but its cool hip-hop retains its grit and danger, using the collective performance as an unpredictable variable hard to resist. Pomagranite has a record to be proud of and a piece of knowledge about where hip-hop is going: the collective, and the experimental. - Rene Cobar