The Sheila Divine pours heavy emotion into its new track titled “The Lighthouse,” and that is not surprising at all if you know the group. The band’s brand of indie rock is atmospheric: burbling basslines, sturdy drumbeats, and vocals distant that are glazed with emocore energy create a sonic world easy to live in and appreciate. The band allows its sound to carry and linger, offering the listener valuable time to soak in the message, the pain, or the realization of something liberating. The recent release by The Sheila Divine is something soothing and much welcomed; stream “The Lighthouse” below for music meant for reflection. - René Cobar

Idle Pilot soars above the rest, the Boston group’s eruptive sound is unapologetic and displays sharp edges that drip the same focused-aggressive emotions that bands like Foo Fighters fire off so well. Adding a touch of math rock to the mix, the group has us excited for the release of its upcoming record Balancing Act, set for September 9th. The first single for the new record is titled “Blind Initiation,” and its breakdowns contain twist and turns both jagged and infectious: the guitar riffs are sick, the drums explosive, and the vocals haunting and rich in post-hardcore devilishness. Stream the new single below for a real power-up. - René Cobar

Yavin is not letting the summer heat go to waste, pouring every last drop of it onto his new single “Hot.” Like molten chocolate on ice cream, each verse drops to sweeten and melt the listener’s heart, exploring the summer passion one feels for another, the desires that feel endless as the longest days of the year. Yavin is no stranger to intoxicating beats and sleek production, but “Hot” is a step-up in that department, showing pristine sound and execution that preserves Yavin’s trademark sound so soft. The Boston artist is working hard and enjoying himself, harder; stream “Hot” below for something to groove to this week, and the rest of the summer. - René Cobar

Few showers can match the splendor of those that wash over Portland, Maine, be it on a hot summer morning or a chilly fall evening. David Karl Roberts draws inspiration for his sinister folk single “Walking in the Rain” from such ambiances: whistles, ominous, bluesy guitar riffs, and the harmonious dance of Roberts’ experienced voice with musician Molly Ladd’s confident tone mimics the tranquility before the storm. “Walking in the Rain” carries the atmosphere of New England’s dark corners, bathed in its folk tradition, and timeless enough for all sorrows and passions; stream the new single below, pour a drink, the week is early. - René Cobar 

Roslindale, Massachusetts, can be proud of its artists when it is those like X-Ray that lead the way. The resident rapper takes a stand and bares his soul in his latest single “Live & Die In America,” which comes during a time when the message deployed hits hardest. X-Ray flows with conviction, to a beat by Urban Nerd Beats that is both melancholic but uplifting at the same time. X-Ray does call in its lyrics for unity, for recognition of broken systems, and ultimately for a rediscovering of the human spirit that seems so faded right now. For a weekend of reflection, stream “Live & Die In America” below. - René Cobar