Mist and Mast is the solo project of Jason Lakis. Also a member of The Red Thread, this new project was created entirely by Jason over the last year in his Oakland apartment. Musically, Mist and Mast keep it pretty simple. Most of the songs are driven by layered acoustic and electric guitars, with the occasional addition of keyboards and perhaps a tambourine or two. Over all of this, Jason's papery vocals float perfectly, creating the perfect music for the last summery days in the Bay. Its a treat to have this music stuck in your head!

The many contributors to this Ray's Vast Basement album know about the power of melody, subtlety and effect. It is peppered with whistles and drones atop flowing, catchy melodies. The highlight of the album, "California's Gone" is a happy-go-lucky tune that takes advantage of the clear talent and power that each member brings to the record. "Tall Bob Smoke" boasts Dead-like harmonies which lead into a jazz rhythm in the drums and a girl-from-Ipanema lilt. To be clear, this album is not recorded by a typical four-piece band. Each song has between three and 13 people who contribute, with instruments ranging from a simple guitar to a washboard. The tunes tell stories that guide you through what is ultimately a peaceful adventure. The album is available on their website at raysvastbasement.com.

Gothy, glammy, arty, punky – it’s hard to put your finger on exactly what is so good about Oakland’s Death of a Party, but it’s definitely something. On the band’s highly anticipated second release, ‘Rise and Fall of Scarlet City’, they do all these adjectives well and cram in some Clash-y bounce for good measure. Singer Gareth Lloyd’s bratty yelp will remind you of about a half dozen other frontmen, but his band’s theatrical pomp and confident strut separates Death from the pack. Surprising twists and sudden singalongs erupt throughout this album, keeping you on your toes even after you think you’ve got a handle on this sound. ‘Rise and Fall of Scarlet City’ is available May 22nd on Double Negative Records. The band’s record release party will be on May 24th at the Bottom of the Hill.