We’re enthralled with "Gravity", the first track from Alex Rajabi’s alias Plaster Cast since last year’s debut "Sunless". A spiritual transmigration of the prophecized "future of R&B" duo Malta, Rajabi shifts weight in this tandem production with the self-proclaimed GodKing BRAH1M. A current that rides the minimal structure of "Gravity" exemplifies the sublation of hip-hop and electronic music without washing out the je ne sais quoi of Plaster Cast’s past life, from the vocals of Michaela Wilson (previously featured in Malta’s "Out of Bounds") to the permeating future rhythms. But something was left behind in the metempsychosis, whether real or perceived, and we can’t help but listen again and again to find this void, this absence that haunts and beckons our ears.

Stream "Gravity", the first track from Plaster Cast’s debut EP "Permanence" — out March 4th on Los Angeles’ Zoom Lens. – Ryan Mo

Noisy duo-plus-drummer Dirty Dishes, who moved from LA to NYC in 2015, just released this video for single "Thank You Come Again," which definitely betrays influences from the loud/quiet/loud sound of the best Nirvana songs. If you are into cathartic, dyonisiac music, this is definitely something you want to experience live: the band will be playing Shea Stadium on February 4th, and then venture for an extensive west coast tour starting February 16.

You really don’t need much to create a compelling video, and Brooklyn self-defined "slop-folk" band Paul Meadow knows that: all you need is a good two minute song, and – in this case – the footage of a cute dog stretching by the beach (in slow motion). "Heart of a Dog" sounds like a more Americana version of Mercury Rev from the days of Deserter’s Songs, which should be taken as a compliment, since the Buffalo based collective is one of the most imaginative psych rock acts of the last twenty years. "Paul Meadow is the creation of Sunset Park, Brooklyn’s Stirling Krusing and Chris Lee, and their upcoming EP ‘Cheap & Easy’ is the host of a series of "reflections engulfed in the symbolism of meaninglessness." Stuff that dog doesn’t seem too concerned about.

Paul Meadow_Heart of a Dog from Paul Meadow on Vimeo.

Drawing on traditions of old-timey doo wop and proto-surf rock, Cinema Hearts bring a uniquely catchy sound out of Fairfax, VA, to the DC music scene. Incorporating contemporary elements of lo-fi indie and dream pop, this innovative trio brings a sound that evokes flashes of the Greatest Generation’s dance halls and of DIY basement stages. The playful lyrical content is amplified by vocalist Caroline Weinroth’s deep, mellifluous tones, which the guitar and drums are crisp and tight. Catch them play Songbyrd Music House, 2/11, after which they’ll be dropping their first LP, Feels Like Forever, on Valentine’s Day, 2/14. -Jonathan Goodwin

Brooklyn based band Mon Khmer made their appearance in the NYC music circuit back in the late aughts with an electronically infused, guitar-laden sound that they carefully developed throughout their two beautifully textural EPs. It’s been four years since they’ve released any new material but they surface every few months to play shows around the city, including one of the last shows at Glasslands Gallery – they are truly talented musicians. If catching them live is on your bucket list then don’t forget to keep an eye on their Facebook page, where they post information on upcoming shows, and definitely don’t forget to see them tonight at Baby’s All Right. – Adriana S Ballester

The Deli NYC is sad to announce, and The Deli Portland is happy to report, that synthpop duo My Body – who impressed us at our latest electro CMJ Stage this past October – relocated from the east coast hipster capital to the west coast one. Well, at least we can still cover them! Check out their latest single "Manjacked," streaminig below. Portlanders can see them live at Mississippi Studios on 02.18.