Animistic metaphors play center stage on “Olive Mountain,” the new single by Brooklyn psych-rock veterans Futurist. Interspersed among syncopated sunny guitar lines and trance inducing background vox, frontman Curtis Peel waxes on about “fountainhead’s through the noose,” “diamond science,” and “separating blood from a stone.” Futurist’s lyrics wouldn’t be out of place in a tarot deck, but they’re not entirely detached from reality; at the core of “Olive Mountain” is a clear yearning for closure, likely of a romantic nature. As such, the band’s ability to bridge the gap between the tangible and the transcendental endows their music with a unique magical realism, and promises more esoteric imagery on their forthcoming sophomore effort, Omens, out September 27th. Dig it below. -Connor Beckett McInerney, Photo by Shervin Lainez

So Sensitive — the dark-pop outfit born from the ashes of experimental duo Muscle & Marrow — will release their debut album Bedroom Drama on August 2nd. They’ve just released second single "My Heart Is Open," after setting the tone with "What’s A Girl To Do?". The new track continues the lightening of So Sensitive’s sound from their earlier days; the indie pop of Kira Clark and Keith McGraw seems accessible compared to the rumbling rawness of Muscle & Marrow. Despite that, "My Heart Is Open" remains full of emotion and grit as an homage to Clark’s songwriting hero Courtney Love. The single channels Bedroom Drama‘s themes of sexual identity, obsession, and sacrifice, showing that though the duo’s music is lighter, the subject matter certainly isn’t. Take a listen to "My Heart Is Open" below. – Will Sisskind

Queens-based songwriter Kolb stepped not-so-quietly onto the scene last year with debut release Making Moves, an audaciously experimental effort that blends Bowie-esque vocal delivery with delightfully eclectic (and occasionally campy) instrumentation. With no shortage of out-of-tune toy instruments, unexpected cello lines, and bird calls, Kolb basks in the unexpected and outrageous, his voice endowed by a musical theater quality that, when situated among acoustic guitars and shifting time signatures, creates a vivacious, incredibly fun energy. While Kolb has yet to release a follow-up, the project’s glam-folk vision is unique in the New York scene; stream it below, and catch him at Mercury Lounge on July 6th, supporting Flying Fish Cove. -Connor Beckett McInerney