Kairos,

Kairos EP (out now, Fin Records, finrecords.com)

Trained in classical clarinet, Lena Simon (Pollens, Tomten, Throw Me the Statue, and most recently La Luz) is nothing if not teasingly diverse. Kairos is the 24-year-old Cornish grad’s solo project, showcasing her talents as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist. Simon performs almost every instrument on this six-track EP, resulting in a carefully curated labor of love—one that elects not to include two tracks she dropped in advance of its release, “That Which Does Not” and “Undermine.” Instead, she opens with the down-tempo “Casanova,” marked by dreamy, wistful vocals that immediately envelop you in a warm, comfortable sadness. “Dirt & Grit” stands out as the most instrumentally elaborate, taking us on a wonderful and strange spacy journey guided by Simon’s lush, silvery voice. The record ends with its first single, “Can/Cannot,” a song about the ache of holding on and letting go. From a new solo artist who has certainly proven her promise, these 23 minutes are well worth your time.

Other upcoming local releases:

Soundgarden,

20th Anniversary Superunknown Reissue, A & M, 6/3

Wheedle’s Groove, Seattle Funk, Modern Soul & Boogie Vol. II CD & 2xLP, Light in the Attic, 6/3

Rose Windows, There is a Light 7”, Sub Pop, 6/10

Darto, Hex, Mother Image, 6/28