While working on new music in the studio, Brooklyn roots rock trio Animal Years have shared a humbly anthemic rendition of “The Wire” (streaming below) by Los Angeles sisters Haim. As in Animal Years’ own songs, frontman Mike McFadden sings with both poise and passion on this guitar-blitzed cover, making it accessible yet formidable. Haim’s original was co-produced by Modern Vampires of the City wizard Ariel Rechtshaid and had electronic touches but Animal Years dust the song up with their own rafter-shaking thrills. Animal Years will play at the David Rubinstein Atrium at Lincoln Center on August 27th and at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 on August 28th. – Zach Weg

NYC rockers Born Cages just premiered a new music video (streaming below) for the single "I Just Want the Truth, Baby," off of their recently released debut album, "I’m Glad I’m Not Me." Shot in slow motion black-and-white, and partially inside of a church’s confessional booth,  the video emenates a mysterious and sexy vibe. The song itself is 3-minutes of sex-laden lyrics laid over dark, electro-rock instrumentation and an infectious melody that deviates from the traditional indie-rock formula in just the right places. The trio’s anthemic rock songs and unique fusion of electro- and indie-rock elements has garnered them a lot of attention in the last few months. Following the end of their first headlining US tour, Born Cages has signed on as a part of this summer’s Vans Warped Tour, but unfortunately it won’t be bringing them back to New York. The album is available for purchase or streaming, check out also the videos for the songs "Caiti" and "Don’t Look Back."

Perfect for a smoky, haze-filled cocktail lounge, Ezra Mae and The Gypsy Moon have an excellently refined grasp on backroom blues, with a touch of garage lo-fi for flavor. A rare treat, this DC-based foursome has good stage presence and the sort of sultry vocals that induce deep trances of wistfulness. Kicking it right after only two years on the scene, Ezra Mae and The Gypsy Moon have a sound modeled after the greats of blues-rock, replete with weepy guitars and thick bass lines. Do yourself a favor and catch them headlining at The Pinch, 8/7, $7. -Jonathan Goodwin

Montclair, NJ band Stolen Jars, started by duo Cody Fitzgerald and Molly Grund,  plays an intimate and imaginatively percussive brand of dream folk. They haven’t rushed things since the release of their well received self-titled debut album in 2011, releasing few tracks tracks in the following years (including a cover of Beyonce’s hit "Love on Top"). However they’ve been very active live, playing shows all over the East Coast, and opening for the likes of St Lucia and Jessie J, and you’ve even heard their catchy single, "Driving", in an iPad commercial. This year, Stolen Jars have released three singles off of their upcoming album, "Kept." The eponymous track (streaming below) highlights the band’s sweetly melodic vocals, and their peculiar, creative use of drums. The song boasts an energy that’s snappy and gentle all at once. After packing Pianos last week, they’ll be celebrating the release on August 28th at Arlene’s Grocery and touring around the NYC area leading up to the date. The home party will be back at home in Bloomfield, NJ on August 29 at All Sounds. They are also playing Elvis Guesthouse on 08.07. Check out also the more recent single ‘Bright Red.’ – Sam O’Hara

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!