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

Welcome to Muse of Fire, Act 1, the first installment of Connecticut group Farmertan’s latest album. This first entry is charged-up and bursting at its seams with gritty tunes, dirty, so easy to enjoy. “Automation” contrasts crisp-clean electric guitar riffs ascending against a sonic canvas of energizing distortion. “Mud Season” showcases vocals that have more than a tinge of spice, a type of been-there-done-that attitude that fits with the fortitude of the music. The drums on the track erupt, lead, and accompany the song’s guitar solo to its summit. “Sleepwalker” keeps the intensity going and leans a bit indie with its reverb-heavy chorus lines and rich bass subtleties. This is a modern rock ‘n’ roll record at its purest, introduced by a group of gents always prepared for the long haul. Stream “Mud Season” below and stay tuned for the next act from these CT artists. - Rene Cobar

Connecticut never stops surprising with its immense pool of talent, musicians of all genres, ever-growing. Paul Michael is swimming in that pool, and boy does he set himself apart with a delicious brand of EDM that is mint-modern and scented with touches of the French invasion of DJs that included David Guetta and Bob Sinclar. In his record Pain & Love, Michael showcases tracks like “Real Fantasy,” which are sensuous, silky, and powered by heartbeat-like rhythms to close your eyes to and surrender. Tributes are alive and well in songs like “Keep” whose synths peacock the pseudo-futurism of the ‘80s. “Some Things You Cannot Hide” has hints of pop, sticky-good, and very 2020. The record is an escape route that beckons; stream “Let Go of Me” below for a taste of something uplifting. - Rene Cobar

Anxiety is normal during uncertain times, but the remembrance of one’s blessings like family, a home, and humanity united should always triumph over fear. As we sit and reflect, thoughts may feel like thunder rumbling in a storm of maddening, pouring news; on the other side of the tempest is a better tomorrow still and good music to enjoy. Searching the endless talent pool of New England, we stumbled upon an October single that feels like it fits the mood. Pattern Addict, from Vermont, embraces the highs and lows of life, and well highlights them, in its single “One Eye Open” which alternates from serene verses to furious choruses comprised of tough acoustic guitar riffs, swift keys, sharp drum snaps, and a sweet arpeggiating bass. The song’s final minute is an instrumental treat that is both bluesy and indie, perfect for a much-needed escape. Not much more to say these days: stream the single below and hang in there, folks. - Rene Cobar

Strange times, folks. For those of us who are finding time at home a bit of a blur, there is always music to liven things up. Boston’s Yavin provides a refreshing hit of electro-pop to romp in earnest. “Bitter” has all the sheen of sweet modernism: richly-layered hooks, a thumping bassline, and a much-desired summer evening vibe that feels so not far away. The young artist’s entire aesthetic is fit for the chaos and beauty of these present-day junctures; one can expect Yavin to become a talking point of the year, his single is just an intoxicatingly melancholic announcement too upbeat not to let loose to. Stream Yavin’s latest single below and stay healthy, New England. - Rene Cobar, photo by Eric Magnussen