Brian: Here's one of Long Island's freshest faces playing seriously fresh tunes. Halfway to Hell Club takes the best of gruff yet melodic post-hardcore (Hot Water Music, Embrace) to write potent, affecting material. Stream "Kitchen Window" at the band's MySpace page. It's from their debut EP, Knowledge Is a Curse, which should be self-released eventually.

Adam: While I've gotten very good at justifying the inclusion of off-genre bands in our news coverage, I'll concede this time and keep my personal preferences here in the safe confines of the Editors Picks. If you've followed the Canadian independent music scene at all (or spun a recent Neko Case record) then you know all about alt-country / garage / indie / surf / vintage rock act the Sadies. The band's following up last year's incredible double live album and 2004's stellar Favourite Colours with a new record this fall titled New Seasons. It hits on September 18th in Canada via Outside Music and later on October 2nd in the US via Yep Roc. The latter label has the entire new record streaming online now.