Dice, Reflections in Broken Glass (out now, self-released, soundcloud.com/onlyonedice/sets/reflections-in-broken-glass): Lyrically tired, hook-reliant

Dice, Reflections in Broken Glass (out now, self-released, soundcloud.com/onlyonedice/sets/reflections-in-broken-glass): Lyrically tired, hook-reliant tracks like “Celebration” and “Dollars & Sense” aren’t home runs, but well-crafted songs like the opener “All I See” and the relaxed dance single “Best Is Yet to Come” are good listens. TODD HAMM

(Fri., Mar. 8, Lucid)

Cascadia ’10, Song of Nehemes (out now, self-released, cascadio10.com): The nine-piece world group’s latest tune is an instrumental Afrobeat slow jam, with horns blowing like a gust through the mountains and the rhythm section providing a swayable foundation. It’s up-tempo enough to move to, but slow enough to catch your breath. DAVE LAKE

Hannalee, Brassica (3/1, self-released, hannaleesong.com): Inspired by the Methow Valley in winter, this six-song follow-up to the fall-themed Curbita EP is full of folky melodies and gentle harmonies, perfect for cross-country skiing across the valley’s snow-covered fields. Yes, Hannalee (led by Motopony’s Michael Harley) has spring- and summer-themed releases planned. GWENDOLYN ELLIOTT

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

Family Force 5, The Third (3/12, Tooth & Nail, familyforce5.com): Back to take the title of America’s favorite crunk-rock band, Family Force 5 continue to offer their signature ATL hip-hop-rock feel. Tracks like “Wobble,” “Cray Button,” and “Paycheck” emphasize the band’s commitment to upbeat, in-your-face madness. JOE WILLIAMS

Humble Cub, Telegram From Your Future Life (out now, self-released, humblecub.bandcamp.com): Little but significant moments flit across the second release from these Tacoma veterans. Authentic and earnest, singer Allan Boothe sings of lost love and rounds out the picture with hopeful melodies and funky sounds that complete the story. MARTHA TESEMA

(Sat., March 2, Northern, Tacoma)

Shake Some Action!, Full Fathom Five (3/5, self-released, shakesomeaction.bandcamp.com): Shake Some Action! mastermind James Hall was inspired to write songs for his band’s first album since 2009 after buying a Rickenbacker guitar. So it’s unsurprising that the final product takes cues from the timeless jangle of R.E.M. and the Kinks. Professional, unabashed pop-rock classicism. ANDREW GOSPE

Karuna, Regret (out now, self-released, karunaonline.com): This two-song release from this synth-heavy duo mixes contemporary alt-rock with ’80s pop, especially in the breathy vocal delivery and retro synth patches. DL

Swamp Meat, Swamp Meat 7-inch (out now, self-released, swampmeat.bandcamp.com): Swampy is an apt descriptor for this trio’s latest, given their penchant for muddy, lo-fi production values and love of large-room reverb. The B-side, “Filling Up the Void,” is particularly thick and languid, with both a male and female vocal buried in the marshy mix. DL

*Rose Windows, “Native Dreams” (out now, Sub Pop, facebook.com/rosewindows): This tasty little piece of grunge psychedelia is a teaser for Rose Windows’ forthcoming debut LP, The Sun Dogs (June 25). Actually, I take that back. There’s nothing little about this cut: It’s an expansive, futuristic, long-playing howler, and the most recent reason why 2013 already sounds better than its predecessor. 
CHRIS KORNELIS

E