If you’re like me and haven’t been in the local music scene for some time, then you’ve probably had a few if not all of the following thoughts while staring blankly at Crescent Ballroom, The Rebel Lounge and Valley Bars’ respective event listings:

• Where’s Mergence? I haven’t see those guys in a while.
• That reminds me: What about Black Carl?
• Who are these new bands?!
• I miss Sail Inn.

Let’s focus on No. 3: Show of hands if you’re feeling a bit clueless regarding who’s even out there anymore. It’s OK; you can admit it. So let me help re-introduce you. Here are the the bands you should be listening to…

1. Bear Ghost

Photo: Jim Fury Hesterman; logo: Monkah

Sounds like: Technical, intricate rock; a tiny bit pop; high-energy shows

Listen:

2. Slow Moses

Sounds like: Experimental, psychedelic rock

Listen:

3. Strange Lot

Sounds like: Garage rock, psychedelic rock

Listen:

4. Playboy Manbaby

Sounds like: Punk, ska; insane AF shows

Listen:

5. Wyves

Sounds like: “Loud, unapologetic rock ‘n’ roll”

Listen:

6. The Technicolors

Sounds like: Rock, Brit rock

Listen:

7. Phantom Airship

Sounds like: House, drum and base; music for your spaceship

Listen:

8. decker.

Photo: Sundawg Media

Sounds like: Folk, rock — with some covers thrown in there

Listen:

9. Dungeon Destroyah

Sounds like: Psychedelic beats, hip-hop, bass

Listen:

10. Tribal Leader

Sounds like: Electro, techno, bass

Listen:

11. Jared & The Mill

Photo: Natasha Wilson

Sounds like: Folk, indie rock

Listen: