Jason Gonulsen

Singer-songwriter Sara Wasserman knows a little something about patience. Her debut album, Solid Ground, took seven years to finish, and the carefully crafted project is as promising as it is polished. 

While his band, Minibar, is on hiatus, Simon Petty has resurfaced, recording under the alias Solomon’s Seal. His solo offering, The Sea, The Sea, is a collection of mostly delicate acoustic tunes that tug at the soul and bring a sense of wonder.

“There’s something about life that’s worth living,” sings Sarah Siskind on “Worth Fighting For,” one of many standout tracks on her newest album, Say it Louder. Over 13 tracks, Siskind delivers messages on love, regret, and ultimately, hope for the future through vocals that possess seemingly endless range.

With poppy hooks and an alluring voice, Lisa Donnelly has created a charming solo debut, We Had a Thing. Donnelly, who admits she’s a “writer who sings,” often shows a hint of sass in her lyrics, delivering lines like “Open your heart and close your legs/ They only want what makes ’em beg” on the opener, “Laugh.” There’s a slick attitude that encompasses all 10 tracks, and while there is nothing groundbreaking, there are certainly enough funky surprises here to keep you interested and smiling; a solid start for Donnelly.