More June gems: Scott Gagner, The Amplifier Heads, Bramwell, Little Gold, Barry Walsh, The 286

Scott Gagner is back with a serious sugar rush. His upcoming album Sweet Tooth leans harder into pure pop than his previous work, and the first taste is irresistible.

Next up, The Amplifier Heads are ready to turn up the volume. Led by Boston power pop veteran Sal Baglio, the band delivers a crunchy preview of their forthcoming album that reminds you why rock and roll still matters.

UK outfit Bramwell channels the golden age of British AM radio on the excellent “Standing on Stones,” blending timeless melodies with sharp songwriting.

Little Gold offers another standout preview from its upcoming LP, mixing power pop hooks with a warm, lo-fi country spirit.

From Ireland, former Fireflys frontman Barry Walsh returns with the infectious new single “Star Ride,” packed with melody and charm.

Closing things out, The 286 delivers an EP worth your attention. Drawing inspiration from Jeff Lynne’s melodic style, the collection mixes strong covers with standout originals like “Midnight Symphony” and “Unbreakable.”

It’s December goodies: The Leb Trip, Jupiter Motel, Action Shelly, Barry Walsh, Incredible Weapons, Rum Bar Records assortment

The Leb Trip is the new indie psych folk rock pop project by Jordi Bel, guitar and voice of the Barcelona psych rock band Stay and ‘Rising High’ is the new EP produced by Daniel Wylie (Cosmic Rough Riders). While it’s too short and bittersweet, I still liked it. Check it out. Jupiter Motel is the side-project of Steve Monteith, long-time guitarist of Star Collector. It’s got that nostalgic rocker vibe. Get it at Kool Kat Musik. Action Shelly is a based in Italy but rooted in the UK sounds. Fans of early XTC will like them, even their debut from last year. Barry Walsh really has a great song here with “The Sound,” a self-referential gem! Incredible Weapons is a study in contrasting sounds, sweet female vocals and spacey synths, heavy guitar riffs with hooks, just listen to “Crushing it.” Finally our friends at Rum Bar Records gives us a Black Friday freebie — 38 mouth watering tracks, but only the first one, “Santa’s in a punk band now,” has that Christmas theme. More on those records later this week!