With fuzzy basslines, bold vocals, and a classic, guitar-driven sound, DC-based The Effects deliver angular alt rock with indie rock vibes. Anthemic, and instantly catchy, the trio’s sound is aggressive but melodic and immediately accesible without being boring. You can check out the band playing DC9 10/14 with Cinemechanica, but in the meantime stream them below.-Olivia Sisinni

With most tracks clocking in at the under 2 minute mark, Knoxville-based Hellaphant is proof that good things come in small pachyderms packages. The band plays high-energy, garagey punk, perfect for your parents-out-of-town party, or the next time you’re vandalizing something. Check them out live at the International 10/29 with *repeat repeat and Mountains Like Wax, and in the meantime stream them below.-Olivia Sisinni

Mountains Like Wax deliver the Southern-tinged ambient-indie rock you didn’t realize how much you wanted. The TN-based fourpiece’s EP, Tetraology, hits in all the right places: serving up some quiet introspection to the tune of post-rock vibes. Check out their EP streaming below, and be sure to catch the band 10/29 at the International with *repeat repeat and Hellaphant.-Olivia Sisinni

It makes sense that Jubilee would take her name from the X-men member known for shooting pyrotechnics out of her palms. The Brooklyn-based DJ by way of Miami produces explosive mixes that span multiple genres and leave your stereo spitting sparks. On MAGICITY II, Jubilee channels her tropical-city roots, but also manages to pivot between dancehall, R&B, techno, and grime–seamlessly flipping feels and rhythms. Anyway you carve it up, Jubilee is bringing the party and you can expect fireworks. Listen to Jubilee streaming below, or catch her 11/4 at the Good Room with Danny Daze, Jimmy Edgar and Barnt, a show that’s part of the Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival. – Olivia Sisinni

Catchy but soulful, vintage but vogue, Retail Space is a Brooklyn-based duo dropping some highly dynamic music. In a scene that is getting increasingly weary of the neo-psych aesthetic, the band manages to masterfully package synth-y, psych pop vibes with a charming, indie-folk tinge that feels crisp instead of tired. The band, who recorded their most recent release, In the Lotia, using only analog equipment, was kind enough to talk to us about their recording process, their creative process, and of course, the gear that helps drive it all forward. We recently asked the band a few questions about their creative process and the gear employed in their release, you can read about it on our sister blog Delicious Audio. – Olivia Sisinni 

We are not even sure where to start with a band like 75 Dollar Bill, but after a series of jaw drops, we’re comfortable settling on "brilliant." The NY-based duo of Rick Brown and Che Chen produce gorgeous, winding instrumentals that are not only melodically lush, but rhythmicaly intricate and driving. Lead by a quarter-tone guitar, the band’s music draws from a distinctive North African influence, but their sound is as expansive as it is downright nuts. Stacking layers and layers of instrumentation as diverse as viola drones and bari sax licks, 75 Dollar Bill lands firmly in devilishly intriguing territory. Do yourself a favor and stream them below, or better yet, catch them live at Troost 10/23.-Olivia Sisinni