HALLO (album release), Kate Heron, Paper Sister

Hallo (pronounced Hollow) celebrates the release of the indie folk quartet’s full-length debut, Unsaved. At first, emotionally raw single “Worth It All” feels like salt in the wound, as vocalist Tiana Stuart recalls her partner’s warped value of her, but the song ends triumphantly as the songwriter forgives herself for her clandestine self-flagellation. Also on the bill, Kate Heron pairs ethereal vocals and heartwrenching lyrics with a distinctive “indie orchestra.” Post-punk/shoegaze fearsome foursome Paper Sister rounds out this study of musical hauntology with their layered, swirling guitars and bleak, depressive-episode lyrics, as heard in their outstanding single “Brain Drain.” – Kahron Spearman