There’s always been a thin line between songs that pay homage to the past, and songs that regurgitate it. Tracks of Quincy band The Way Ways are definitely in the former camp, offering a fresh take on 50’s and 60’s soft-rock. Like who would’ve been their contemporaries, they have knack for strong song-writing that doesn’t try to do too much.  Chilled out vocals, steely guitars, and soft-spoken piano parts gently intermingle to create a sound that’s tranquil, but has enough teeth to keep things interesting. They also have some pretty fly solos on tracks like "Jeanne" too that probably sound great live. Speaking of, you can see them on 8/6 at Great Scott. —Henry Solotaroff-Webber 

Photo Credit: Hawley Shea Photography

Newcomer pop artist COTE has clearly been keeping her ear’s peeled to indie pop’s current state of affairs. On the NYC artist’s debut track, "London," she brings together dreamy guitar licks in addition to nostalgic synth patterns — both of which are hallmarks of today’s pop landscape.  Her dark and sultry vocals might be slightly reminiscent of mellow-pop goddess Lana Del Rey, but make no mistake: her debut single ‘London’ shows a peronality that’s all her own. Most importantly, this is a beautifully produced track that showcases a young artist with a noteworthy voice and very promising songwriting chops. — Henry Solotaroff-Webber

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

If this is what bad magic is then I don’t even want to know what good magic is because I’m sure I will keep coming back to the beguiling clutch of Bad Magic’s music. The Richmond trio–consisting of Julie Karr, Jimmy Held and Tim Falen–hits a sweet spot between rough and tender, coaxing us listeners with the rugged charm of high strung guitars and then easing us down with languid vocals. Julie bewitches with her vocals, textured with longing and fire, and commandeers each track with a snaking guitar riff that sneaks up on you before exploding. Bad Magic’s music is raw but melodious, packing every inch of each chord and progression with feeling and desire, melting everything around you away. Luckily enough they’re performing at Strange Matter on August 8 so if you’re looking to be enchanted just take a listen below and catch their show on monday! – Adriana S. Ballester

The sweet summery delicacy of a beach boys-y sound set against lyrics heralding apocalyptic doom? Def.GRLS is a band of devilishly delicious contradictions, combining elements of late 60’s garage-pop with disco beats, and laying down distorted guitar tracks that sound almost Zeppelin-esque in scope. The result is a sound that’s at once edgy and dulcet, delighting in retro vibes while never taking itself too seriously, and delivering lyrics that meld both fun and snark. Be on the lookout for their new EP dropping soon, but in the meantime listen below to single ‘The 4 Horsemen…’ and catch them tonight playing Shea Stadium with Sexy Neighbors, Dead Sexy Shelia and Das Black Milk.-Olivia Sisinni

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

What neosoul outfit Votive Crown lack in material, they make up for with potential and promise. Having released only three tracks over the past three years, the Brooklyn group has been coy, if not shy, about demonstrating what they’re truly capable of so far. What they have cared to share, however, is a shimmering, fresh take on vintage soul, just as their name would suggest. Their most recent release, "THEREMIN" (the first since 2013) gently weaves in worldly influences into a deeply melodic soul sound that’s headlined by silky, female vocals and ethereal synth and keys patterns. Votive Crown can’t release something else soon enough, and you can check them out at Mercury Lounge on 8/8. —Henry Solotaroff-Webber

Aerial View hail from Silver Spring, Maryland, and play a rather tranquil brand of indie rock that combines the ethereal sounds of shoegaze with the technical complexity of math rock. Their latest EP Wear breezes by with clean guitar tones that exhibit a different sound on each song. The track “Desiderium” (streaming) evokes the guitar playing of Hum, but with a more elegant and less crunchy tone. The EP’s closer “Hypnotist” ventures into prog rock reminiscent of the band Yes, while maintaining a dreamy guitar-driven shoegaze inspired sound. Aerial View will be playing at the Velvet Lounge on August 7th in support of HTML. – John Honan

San Clemente’s fuzzpop trio Iris Jupiter brings sunburned riffs and infinite sadness up north, touring through California for the release of their newest EP "Zero Cool". With member roots in the OC DIY collective and grassroots label Sun Terrace (Pedestrian, Ridgeway, SEIZURES, Red Curtain), Nadya Diaz, Devan Fuentes and Cole Sattler break you down faster than prolonged periods of direct sunlight. Blistering fuzz pairs with the bleak, opaque lyrics that’ll have you wondering if this might have been Billy Corgan had he not adorned himself with paisley and psychedelics.

Iris Jupiter kicks off their tour with a show at Beatnik Bandito on August 4th with Shutterings, Silver Spring, and Casual Friday. Listen to "Dream Helium" off Iris Jupiter’s newest EP "Zero Cool", out on Pacific Nature Records.