Omniphonic Globalnova (OPaque)

Lightning strikes twice. There's probably a Live-meets-Rage Against the Machine combo in every city, but as Austin's, Soak is notably leaner, sharper, and funkier than the formula calls for. The surprise bonus on this EP may be frontman Jason Demitri's voice, which is nearly as ambitious as the material that finds its maximum impact in minimalist lyrics.
-- Andy Langer

a folding sieve (ND)

Here's something to sleep on 'til Bedhead comes back to town. Depending on your temper, a folding sieve is either a lilting journey or a hapless meander. It's the kind of music that could engage you like a broken washing machine might if you sat and listened to it long enough. The seven selections are top-heavy on texture, but light in design. If you'd enjoy listening to a perfectly white cube, the listening booth beckons. -- Greg Beets

The Simple and the Beautiful (Tree Dog)

Yet another Austin songwriter of merit, this native Georgian won the Austin Songwriter's Group award for "Best Rock Song" in 1993 with "1,000 Miles Away," which is included here. He sounds a lot like Bruce Springsteen mixed with ample Jonathan Richman, Tom Petty, and plenty of crunchy guitar. It's music that's well-crafted and listenable with just enough roughness for street credibility. -- Joe Mitchell

Evidence of Me (Rosemary's)

Shiny happy people laughing; in other words, don't go see this band if you've ever been fired from a government job. It's just too much of a risk, and we don't want anyone to get hurt. We've seen this before, with Deep Blue Something and Toad the Wet Sprocket, and -- even if this does have a fiddle in it -- once was more than enough. Stay home and count your ammo. -- Christopher Gray