Brooklyn-by-way-of-Burlington’s Little Slugger exists at the intersection of indie rock, rockabilly, and surf rock, creating music from a DIY show in Westworld. Their recent single “You’re on Your Own,” the debut track from forthcoming LP I Want To Live Here Forever, is full of unexpected musical twists, from the introduction of vocalist Sam Bevet’s drawling, baritone vocals, to a metamorphosis from high gain synths to jangling guitars, to a sliding, Surfaris-inspired shredding breakdown. And while the listenability of “You’re on Your Own” derives in part from this unpredictability, these varied instrumental components coalesce over the track’s nearly four minute run time to create Americana that’s weird in the best way, the sonic equivalent of the Further bus chugging down Interstate 80 and incorporating all Statesian influences it happens upon along the way. Hop aboard, and stream the single below. –Connor Beckett McInerney, Photo by Meera Jagroop

The few tracks that have been released by the newly formed Brooklyn quartet The Weird Years showcase a unique hybrid of folk music. Employing slowly strummed guitars and vocal harmonies, the group initially shroud their sound with simplicity, dwelling on themes revolving around the march of time and the paradoxical feelings that come with being alone. It’s only after prolonged listening that their DNA unravels, revealing a double helix that equally relishes in a slow-burning ambiance. It’s an arresting combination which makes their EP deserving to be unpacked patiently. -Tucker Pennington

The elegant hip-hop beats that dominated the tracks of 50 Cent’s 2003 breakout album Get Rich or Die Tryin’ feel like a relic of olden days. The splendor of those beats was in their concentration of funky bass lines, R&B buffs, and kickdrums that popped alongside the velvety verses that laid on the track. It is the smoothly-layered words of NYC’s Akinyemi—alongside his tribute to those beats—that make the artist a standout in the current crowded hip hop market. In his song "Fleece" (streaming) the young MC suggests protection from the elements: he references the frigidness of greed, the heat of competition, the winds of change. Akinyemi says, "the weather isn’t bigger," and the more you listen to his track, the more you feel inclined to believe him. The Queens Village rapper is ready to bring his message to Zone One, Elsewhere on May 25th, loud and clear. – Rene Cobar

Cha-ching! NYC’s Quarters of Change continues to score with some wickedly addictive songs. Since the release of their 2018 eponymous EP, the group has been keeping their work rate in high gear with a trio of singles. Each tune is more refined than the next and displays the band’s vibrant blues-rock style—bass lines slip and slide, guitar melodies cavort, snares crack, and crooning voices harmonize. The smooth players will be further affirming their entry into the NYC music scene by playing Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on May 24th. Check out the sleekness of “Feathers” below. – Rene Cobar

Noise Pop nailed another solid show next month at Cafe du Nord. A power trio of a line up: Red Steppes, Sis, and Range of Light Wilderness. Red Steppes presents a surreal folk with vocal stylings like a less high-pitched Joni Mitchell infused with just the right touch of gentle keys and synths (god bless you, Native Cat, another gem). To be quite frank, it’s beautiful. We’re proud to premier the video for “Madera” here. Stay tuned for much more on Sis and Range of Light Wilderness. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor