SHEPHERDS

"A reverie isn’t a slumber, yet it is not wide-eyed consciousness either. It lies balanced between the two, the state of a peaceful and blissful daydream, of getting lost in your thoughts and ideas. This notion of a dreamlike stupor is perfectly embodied in “Reverie”, the new single from post-punk band Shepherds. The song floats and shimmers in gentle waves, its ethereal sounds drawing from synthpop, shoegaze, R&B, and noise-rock. Shepherds is the project of singer and guitarist Jonathan Merenivitch, accompanied by an Atlanta supergroup that includes bassist Peter Cauthorn of Mood Rings and drummer Adrian Switon of the George Bataille Battle Cry." -Katie Siregar / Stereogum

PAPERHAUS

"Pulsing just around the corner from the headlines that dominate the D.C. news cycle is an arts scene that’s agitated, inquisitive and highly collaborative. New music from native son Paperhaus feels right here, right now, both in big ways -- such as themes exploring the conflict between reliance on technology and a yearning for nature -- and smaller ones reflecting on poignant everyday collaborations. Paperhaus -- which comprises founding member Alex Tebeleff, Matt Dowling, Rick Irby and Danny Bentley -- is an architect of the city’s DIY music scene. Its name reflects the physical structure that’s provided both a home for various incarnations of the band and fellow DIY travelers, and a performance space for Paperhaus and other local artists that’s been visited by ultimate autonomous beltway’ers Fugazi. The band’s upcoming album Are These The Questions That We Need To Ask?, due October 6 via Misra Records, continues along its post-punk arc of guitar- and synth-driven psych, with influences ranging from Brian Eno to Kraftwerk (Tebeleff has fronted a legit Kraftwerk cover band). It also continues the band’s wont for long, immersive songs." -Billboard