In mid-June, four topnotch Seattle acts are debuting, re-releasing, or returning to the music scene with new CDs up for grabs. Since they represent different facets of our local music landscape, we’re highlighting this bunch as a mini cross-section of recommended Seattle music.

The Stranger threw three writers into the ring for three different rounds with the groups in question. Megan Seling lived in Schoolyard Heroes’ humble abode, Charles Mudede dined with Blue Scholars and Boom Bap Project, and Jennifer Maerz took to Lake Washington with Razrez. No black eyes or bloody lips ensued, but Jennifer did get a nasty sunburn. -Eds.

round 1
ROUND 1: SCHOOLYARD HOUSE PARTY
BY MEGAN SELING

 

round 2
ROUND 2: BOOM BAP PROJECT VS. BLUE SCHOLARS
BY CHARLES MUDEDE

 

round 3
ROUND 3: RAZREZ ROLL WITH THE PUNCHES
BY JENNIFER MAERZ

Megan Seling is The Stranger's managing editor. She mostly writes about hockey, snacks, and music. And sometimes her dog, Johnny Waffles.

Charles Mudede—who writes about film, books, music, and his life in Rhodesia, Zimbabwe, the USA, and the UK for The Stranger—was born near a steel plant in Kwe Kwe, Zimbabwe. He has no memory...