Most EPs serve relatively simple purposes: a brief taste of what an artist can offer or a slight deviation so they can experiment without dwelling on new ideas for too long. Rarely does an extended play feel like a proper introduction to an artist while also showcasing how versatile they can be; yet that’s exactly what Shapes In Calgary pulled off with the release of their second EP. As a follow-up to the band’s 2016 release, Here (streaming below) finds the two-piece fleshing out their sound in colorful new ways. Emphasizing the simplicity of synthesizers and drum machines, Shapes In Calgary’s brand of synth-pop has always valued small moments of quiet beauty, whether it’s a bubbling melody or Alyssa Ciorciari’s vocals echoing into nothingness. The songwriting on Here is a kaleidoscopic expansion of their previous creations, exploring new territory in fresh and inventive ways. The swaggering synth lines of “U Do” sound nothing like the electroacoustic production of “Falling Forward”, yet each song has moments where the band’s clear and naturalistic songs are brought to soaring new heights. This release showcases Shapes In Calgary’s knack for creatively finding their own voice in a multitude of moods and only adds to the excitement for what they can do with a full length album format. Here will be released on July 20 and will be celebrated with a live show at Union Pool on 07.21. – Tucker Pennington

I wasn’t feeling NYC rapper Mike at first. He sounded like just another rapper busting lazy rhymes over poorly mixed beats. However, I also know that I can be somewhat jaded and judgmental from so many years in the game. Mike’s got HUGE numbers on his Soundcloud so I decided to let one of his 50-minute track mixes ride. The dude put me in my place. He could use a little polish, but his hustle is real. He’s more concerned with being prolific than polite and his catalog is as diverse as it is dense. Let the mix ride. Not only does Mike conjure lush heady vibes, but the dusty drums carry some serious lyricism on their shuffling shoulders. -brokeMC

Uncertainty is a powerful force that drives people to do absurd things, especially during times of personal upheaval. Not knowing what comes next can be paralyzing for some, but it seems to be driving Carlos Hernandez to create some of the most eclectic music of his varied career. Composed during a period where he was moving on from the city and the scene he contributed to, Hernandez used the unknowns in his life to piece together a record that balances his past work with something that feels uniquely his own. On Folly is the debut solo record from Hernandez, but he is far from a newcomer to the independent scene (his avant-soul band Ava Luna was featured on the Cover of The Deli back in 2012) and this album is far from a one-man show. Bringing in prominent collaborators such as Julian Fader and Sandy Gordon and featuring additional contributions from many more artists, Hernandez crafted a collection of songs full of delicate yet agitated avant-pop arrangements. Tracks like “Nausea” feature a ramshackle and off-kilter beat as the lyrics “I can feel it coming under my skin/A confusion I can taste” gently add to the preexisting tension that doubles as a relaxing and bizarre jam. On Folly thrives on the anxieties of uncertainty, dwelling on sounds that would feel appropriate on early Dirty Projectors’ records as well as D’Angelo’s newest album; the album is due July 27. Check out first single "Second Man," streaming below. – Tucker Pennington