Navigating the new music scene in Vermont can be challenging for music editor Chris Farnsworth, who often uncovers hidden gems in his regular reviews. Recently, he highlighted several standout albums.

Locate S,1 – Wicked Jaw
Christina Schneider’s project, Wicked Jaw, combines sunny indie-pop with experimental elements, reflecting her journey through therapy for PTSD from childhood abuse. Key track "Go Back to Disnee" critiques American culture over an indie-jazz backdrop.

Chris Weisman – Plum Appointments
Brattleboro’s Chris Weisman showcases an eclectic mix of folk and electronic sounds in Plum Appointments. His work features dreamlike, kaleidoscopic lyrics, especially illustrated in the whimsical "You’re in the Road," where he humorously comments on everyday life.

KOMODO VT – Tomorrow Is No Longer A Must
This Burlington doom-metal duo delivers a formidable sound with their heavy riffs and dark themes. Their album leans into humor amidst the brutality, exemplified in the track "Stoner Violence," blending aggression with a lighthearted take on stoner culture.

Freeway Clyde – Music From the Motion Picture Sept Etoiles
Michael Chorney leads this free-jazz ensemble in creating a fictional film score for a "lost" movie. Their soundtrack transitions smoothly between jazz and ambient sounds, highlighted by the psychedelic trumpet work in "Celaeno."

Moondogs – Nectar’s 12.16.23 (Live)
This live album captures the Burlington jam band’s essence, showcasing new tracks and a refined sound. It features a mix of funk and blues influences, with the standout "Sweet Tooth" emphasizing tight songwriting over extended jams.

Patrick Fitzsimmons – Apple Tree Days
Returning after six years, Fitzsimmons delivers heartfelt pop-folk with clear, powerful vocals. His cover of Gordon Lightfoot’s "If You Could Read My Mind" encapsulates a sense of nostalgia and regret.