Is/Is has consistently risen to the top of the local music scene, anchored by tight, vintage-inspired rhythms and scuzzy vocals that has made many a garage/psych rock fan's ears experience sonic bliss. That's a lofty statement, but the trio of musicians have been critical darlings since they first began making music. Now they are back in the spotlight with their long-awaited debut record "III."

Duluth's Trampled by Turtles made a new goal while writing and recording their latest album "Stars and Satellites." They wanted to make an album that "breathes." What does that mean? From the band's standpoint, they were able to step out of their musical comfort zones and create an album as a whole rather than several segmented pieces that feel like a live show.

Brooklyn-via-Missouri indie-rock six-piece White Rabbits, known for their dynamic and unpredictable live performances and emotionally textured songwriting, have returned with their third full-length album, "Milk Famous."

Folk-pop singer/songwriter Caroline Smith began her music career in a similar fashion to that of Mason Jennings and Elliot Smith - with a residency at the 400 Bar. This led to meeting the fine people that would later put "the good night sleeps" in Caroline Smith and the Good Night Sleeps including Arlen Peiffer, Jesse Schuster and David Earl. Their debut "Backyard Tent Set" was released in 2008 with a live album to fill the gap between that release and their follow up "Little Wind," which came out in September of 2011.

Music director swapped out local mix for Top 40 tunes last season

Local music notes for the week of April 2-6

Read about and download their new track "Fire"

Tim Meadows has long been a mainstay of the comedian community since his debut skits on Saturday Night Live in the early '90s.

Metronomy's "The Look" was one of the hottest songs to come out in 2011, harnessed on an electronic minimalism that made the track's hook immediately danceable. It didn't hurt that the rest of the album "The English Riviera" was also a fine exploration of pop music, ensuring that frontman Joseph Mount would have a hit on his hands.

Band returns home to headline First Avenue this Saturday