New local music – from indie rock to alt-country

Here are a handful of recent albums from some East Bay artists:

“Maybe Someday.” The debut album from Martinez singer-songwriter Shelby Helburn is a very well-produced record of mostly upbeat indie rock of the Americana variety.

It’s loaded with references to driving and chasing dreams, and active listeners will find themselves sitting shotgun with Helburn in his 11-song journey to a place of existential acceptance. Expect elements of Tom Petty, Kurt Vile and The Shins. “Maybe Someday” will be released widely on July 21.

“Down to the Fat –

Grease Dealer Live!” This hard-hitting live album of instrumental funk fires off with little warning and relentlessly persists with ferocious energy and remarkable precision. In fact, the Oaklandbased quartet plays so tightly, it can be hard to believe that you’re listening to a live recording. If I didn’t know better, I’d assume that all the instruments were individually tracked in a studio, the best takes of each all spliced together, and then crowd noise added in post-production. However, having seen them live, I can attest that these guys really are just that tight. Shout out to the sound