Like the Sirens’ temptation of Odysseus, Brooklyn-via-London folk-pop artist Robert Leslie’s new single, “Say it Enough,” successfully courts us into his misery. From the very first organ notes, to the soothing roll of the bass line, the bright and welcoming melodies catch your attention drawing the listener into what is soon discovered to be an undeniably lonesome desolation. Leslie’s voice almost cracks in heartbreak as he sees an old love leaving for destinations unknown, and from which he knows there will be no return. The notion of love slipping through fingertips echoes not only in the pitch of his voice, or the effected tonality of the guitar, but also (and especially) in lyrics like, “or are you only ever dreaming of some other kinda scene, where you’ll always be a stranger and the people talk in code, and no one has to miss you when you go.” The track fades off in dwindling incredulousness and we’re left, like Leslie, unsure of where to go from here. Leslie plays Pete’s Candy Store on February 18th. – JP Basileo

Big Bliss, who recently won the Indie/Post Punk category of our Best of NYC 2015 readers’ poll, is a very new project formed in 2015 by brothers Cory (drums, Party of Helicopters) and Tim Race (guitar, Russenorsk/Narrow & the Brights), after recruiting local songwriter and bass player Wallace May (Young Tides). The trio is working on a full length album to be released later in 2016, and – while doing so – have been putting out tracks that are bound to inspire fans of Interpol, early The Natiopnal and all the music lovers who seek the dark and tense atmospheres inspired to British post-punk bands like Echo and the Bunnymen and Wire. After unveiling two debut songs in September 2015 featuring a confident, suspenceful sound modeled around Wallace’s deadpan vocal delivery (which is one of the most important traits of post-punk music),  Big Bliss put out their strongest single to date this past January, entitled "Constants" (streaming below). You can see them live at Cake Shop on March 25, and new Bushwick bar Gold Sounds on March 18.

Many of our readers should be familiar with ​​​​​​Deidre Muro and her clean soprano, since she was one half of self defined "fantasy pop" duo Savoir Adore – which is still active, led by the other original member Paul Hammer. Deidre, who left the band in 2014, has just announced that her revival pop project debuted in 2011 under the moniker "Deidre & the Dark" will be releasing a new EP in late 2016, and that the band will also tour with French Horn Rebellion and Mystery Skulls in March. Check out the video for single ‘Classic Girl,’ from 2012, which gives you an idea of the uplifting and theatrical performances this band has been known for. They’ll be playing Music Hall Of Williamsburg on March 10. Deidre also plays in electronic trio  Violet Sands (single ‘No Matter What’ also streaming below).

Considering how gostly and dark his music is, it’s quite remarkable that synth-soul singer Kevin Garrett‘s debut EP ‘Mellow Drama’ managed to amass over 12.8 million streams and saw him charting on Spotifyʼs Viral 50 List. The Brooklyn via Pittsburgh artist just released a new single entitled "Where Are Ü Now" that doubles down in his signature souflul eeriness. He has a great live show, don’t miss the next one at Mercury on march 25th.