Praise be, what a lovely discovery. Oona Ruin’s vocals echo with folk notes, a unique raspy strength, combined with soothing finger picking. A haunting and catchy song that is leaving us hoping and searching for more. Stay tuned for more releases and Bay Area shows. -Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Photos by Isadora Sales

Oakland-based Pendant (the musical project of Christopher Adams, of noise-rock group Never Young) released the first two singles ahead of their forthcoming album Through a Coil (out November 8 on Tiny Engines). Title track is alternative reverberating rock with enough poppy touches to keep things interesting and extra sweet. We’re staying tuned for more shows on the horizon and the full album release next month. - Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Photo credit Andrew Paynter

Berkeley-based Sis is playing Amnesia tonight to celebrate the release of their sophomore album, Gas Station Roses (Native Cat Recordings). The band, led by singer and multi-instrumentalist Jenny Gillespie Mason, has a soulful psych rock feel with Peter Gabriel and Talking Heads influences alongside Afropop and Japanese pop. Sis is composed of Mason and two members from the band Meerna, Carly Bond (electric guitar, flutes, vocals) and Rob Shelton (synths, programming) who help bring this album into the new dimensions. Come check them out tonight with Lalin St. Juste and Sitka Sun.  - Lucille Faulkner

Country-twinged rock group Oakland’s Half Stack just released their latest EP, Aw Hell. The collection features four tunes that showcase the group’s lovely picking, twangy guitars and lyrics that are at times sad, at times funny. Self-described “choogle” and psychedelic rock, Half Stack is worth a good listen. -Lucille Faulkner