Joel Michael Howard plays musically light, emotionally heavy guitar pop. “Don’t Know Why,” from Howard’s upcoming 7-inch, could pass for the Shins if they were inhaling small doses of helium and gently floating skyward. There’s also a touch of Kiwi pop in the symphonically enhanced sway, and when those harmonies kick in you might almost confuse it for Boston until you remember what a gentle touch Howard brings to his music. Check it out.

The “Don’t Know Why” 7-inch is out 7/15 on Kingfisher Bluez. Pre-order it at Bandcamp.