RFA bassist Brendan McHale, a.k.a. Whaler Jr., has a new album out now via Castle Crank Records, titled Wasting Time. Bright, at ease, acoustic guitar and keys radiate an inherent warmth, which draws one toward the shoreline. An inviting, unpretentious nature is soaked in vocal harmonies, soothing the tension and offering reprieve. Tonight, Whaler Jr.'s record release will be held at PhilaMOCA, with support from NYC's The Misters and Tokyo's The Molice.

Joseph D’Agostino (of Cymbals Eat Guitars) recently announced a new project, Empty Country. As a precursor to a forthcoming album that is slated to arrive early next year, a pair of songs, "Ultrasound" and "Jets," were recently made available via Tiny Engines. "Ultrasound" explores the emotional turmoil and anxiety of waiting for a biopsy report “…following a suspicious-looking ultrasound”. With D’Agostino's wife Rachel, as well as Charles Bissell of The Wrens, featured on vocal harmony, the song fuses a sense of a loving connection and appreciation as one goes through a whirlwind.

Matt Kelly (formerly of Toy Soldiers) recently dropped a new release, EP 2019. Beginning with a jangly, surf-psych vibe, brightened by synth/keys, the three-song selection is threaded with an infectious, rumbling rhythm. That charming energy pushes the musical motor into high gear, daring you to sit still. Kelly will be performing next in Philly on Wednesday, August 21 at Ortlieb's, as part of the Cherry-Veen-Zine-curated residency. (Photo by Skyler Jenkins)

Sheena, Anika and Augusta, a.k.a. Sheena Ozzella (Lemuria), Anika Pyle (Katie Ellen, Chumped), and Augusta Koch (Cayetana, Gladie), will release their debut EP Simple Pleasures on September 6 via Asian Man Records. Its lead single, “For Billy,” is a spellbinding a cappella that interlaces the trio's vocals in a penetrating, fluid beauty. The song is seemingly a reflection of the emotive path taken to reach the present moment. (Photo by Katie Krulock)