Formerly known as Relay, Arc in Round is led by local engineer and recording artist Jeff Ziegler. There were personnel changes and recalibrations, and while Arc in Round retains Relay's dense, layered sound, Ziegler says the band is "probably a lot less loud now, and maybe a little less abrasive and a little more intricate - kind of a more refined version of what we were doing before." (Metro)

Brief Candles is one of the Milwaukee’s most effortlessly melodic bands. For the unacquainted, Brief Candles plays music replete with lush guitarscapes and airy vocals that are reminiscent of Ride, Swervedriver, and the ’80s and ’90s 4AD Records scene.

Busses might be the new kids in town, but their varied backgrounds only serve to enhance the band’s sound – an organic mixture of ‘60s singer-songwriters, ‘80s post punk and drunk-in-the-basement ’90s indie rock. The transitions are fluid, and songs often rocket between extremes capriciously.

Tadoma is the name of Joe Patitucci's music project, which mashes field recordings with guitar, samplers, and a Fender Rhodes beautifully. Hopefully this isn't too weird for people, but I felt like I was listening to the old Cosmos TV show soundtrack (by Vangelis) reinterpreted by way of Boards of Canada. Which is my way of saying it is awesome....