The other day a townie saw his shadow out on Boston Common, and so it was settled: We’re in for at least eight more weeks of winter. The temperatures should flirt with the freezing mark, our heating units should fail without hesitation, and the threat of snowstorms should beat us down emotionally and mentally before (they arrive and do so physically). Nothing says “fun” like winter here in New England. Luckily, while the touring bands stay away, there’s plenty to do on the local level, providing a wide variety of live show opportunities just a slushy sidewalk away. Over the next few months, the new release calendar is full of fresh, vibrant sounds, and our 2016 Vanyaland Winter Music Preview showcases a handful of the new homegrown albums, EPs, and singles that should keep us all warm throughout the frigid winter.