Only Coming Down

Kyle Emerson

Swoon City Music

Two years since his solo debut, former Plum lead singer and guitarist Kyle Emerson returns with a new record brimming with polished, deeply intimate indie rock entitled, Only Coming Down. Where 2017’s Dorothy Alice felt a bit more sparse and, at times, built completely around just Emerson’s voice and guitar, the new record finds the artist fully fleshing out his songs with a full band at nearly every turn while never losing the depth and honesty that made his music so alluring to begin with. There is growth and evolution on Only Coming Down, but never at any cost to the material. (Simon Weedn)

Hound Dog Taylor’s Hand

Hound Dog Taylor’s Hand

Novelty, Inc.

The term “melting pot” is often thrown around recklessly, but there is truly no other way to describe Seattle’s own Hound Dog Taylor’s Hand and its most recent self-titled release. Blending elements of free jazz, blues and bits of the heavier, plodding punk that influenced the grunge renaissance of the 1990s, the quartet takes pieces of things that appear dissonant to each other and somehow makes them work together. The result is a collection of songs that are far out, and yet still accessible and compelling. There is improvisation and chaos, but there’s also melody and balance. (Simon Weedn)

Arise: A Simple Story

Dev. Piccolo

Pub. Techland Publishing

Release Date: Dec. 3

Every year, AAA video game titles reign supreme in holiday sales—but every so often, an independent game shows that it can push the envelope. Enter Arise: A Simple Story, the tale of an old man who passes away but immediately wakes up in limbo. Players control this sole character (or can play with one friend) and manipulate time while gazing in awe at the simple but beautiful world. The music in this game taps into the emotions of the man’s life and journey, all while exploring an uncomplicated and surreal art style through snow-covered forests and vibrant springtime flowerbeds. (Nicole Potter)