Local music: New albums by the Arndt, Abyssmals, Asili

With the arrival of spring comes a batch of new releases from local artists. Highlights include albums from a few musicians with profiles and reach beyond the Capital Region. Here's a glimpse at some of the new LPs making their way 'round the 518:

"The Fun in the Fight" – Jocelyn and Chris Arndt

Siblings and Fort Plain natives Jocelyn and Chris Arndt made waves back in March when they performed their single "Outta my Head" on NBC's "Today Show." "The Fun in the Fight," their third full-length album, exhibits the Arndts' progression in delivering guitar-heavy, big-voiced rhythm-and-blues-based music rooted in classic rock structures and sensibilities to the masses. And to be sure, as songwriters and performers they make real strides on "The Fun in the Fight." The acoustic groove of "Be That as it May" utilizes some funky licks from guest contributors Corey Wong of Vulfpeck on lead guitar and Gov't Mule's Danny Louis on keys, while "Weatherman" displays a delicate structure and subtle vocals that provides a nice contrast to Jocelyn's typically booming delivery. For fans of the duo's broader, more rock-driven fare, there's album opener "Witness." The lyrics are a touch corny in their referencing classic rock iconography, but Jocelyn belts them out with verve while Chris plays some squealing leads underneath. And there's "Original." It's highlighted by a punchy hook and showcases the full range of both Jocelyn's vocal abilities and Chris' melodic flexibility. The Arndts continue to mature artistically as they move out of their teen years and into their mid-20s and overall, "The Fun in the Fight" marks their strongest, most consistent set of material to date.

"Gospels, Hymns, and Other Trash!" – The Abyssmals

The Arndts aren't the only Capital Region act to have their tunes heard by a national audience. Schenectady...