New York alternative-R&B crooner Harrison Lipton returns with his latest slow jam, “2 Good 4 Me,” a song billed as the “world’s softest diss track.” Inspired by a less-than-positive public critique of Lipton’s 2018 single “Pool," Lipton, rather than going on the offensive, finds himself cooly turning inwards, examining facets of his persona, his personal journey with queerness, and his life as an artist in NYC. While the song’s primary narrative is rife with self-doubt and anger, its surface level vibe is as nonchalant as ever; easygoing 80s keyboards, Lipton’s distant vocal performance, and an Act 5 surprise sax solo layed down by Zach Berro exude radiant coolness. This combination of components both introspective and confident make “2 Good 4 Me” a resonating effort, a relatable tune for anyone who’s struggled to keep their composure in a world of constant criticism. Listen below, and catch Harrison Lipton at Mercury Lounge on December 12th. —Connor Beckett McInerney

It’s easy to imagine yourself in a verdant, lonely locale when listening to the music of East Village-based songwriter Trafton, and new single “Gone” is his coldest, most distant destination yet. Damper-pedaled pianos and an at times whispering falsetto endow this recent offering with visions of wintery woods, a more key-friendly take on the isolation familiar to fans of Bon Iver or Thoreau’s Walden. Within this distance established between Trafton and the listener, however, is a separate, more intrinsic loneliness, the product of a separation between the artist and their now-gone ex-love, as well as a desire to return; Trafton’s parting words implore the individual to “come tell me I’m wrong, and please don’t be gone.” It’s a haunting track that will resonate with fans of folk and good songwriting during this cold December— listen below. —Connor Beckett McInerney

Alt-rock duo A Shadow of Jaguar will release their new full-length album Different Brain on January 11th at Knitting Factory, but they’ve released its first single “Love You, Hate You” as a preview. One listen to this Deli premiere and you’ll understand why A Shadow of Jaguar are a band to watch going into the new decade. The duo’s grunge-inspired riffs pack lots of energy and emotion, especially on a track like “Love You, Hate You” which tells the story of love without the happy ending. A Shadow of Jaguar will release Different Brain on a bill alongside fellow Brooklyn bands The Rizzos and Ovareasy; ring in the new year with all of them on January 11th. – Will Sisskind

Dreamy, introspective songwriter Annie Hart releases her sophomore solo album “A Softer Offering” this month, two years after her “Impossible Accomplice” debut. Already known as an innovative film composer and founding member of Lynchian synth-faves Au Revoir Simone, Hart continues to expand her body of work with this latest release. Opting for a more spacious, minimal sound, first single and video (streaming below) “Wilderness Hill” centers around a steady low note pulse and stark electric piano chords. With self -directed video footage shot in the songtitle referencing area of Margate, England combined with hometown Rockaway Beach imagery, Annie’s hushed vocals match this early morning contemplative mood. Follow-up single “Don’t Breathe For Me” employs singular held keyboard pads, angular electronic percussion and deep-twang melodies behind a raw vocal recitation on the need to move on. The whole album is a cohesive work that emphasizes the spaces inbetween our hectic lives, where our own thoughts are encouraged to mingle with the artists creations. The album is out in full on 12/13 with a release show that night at Union Pool. – Dave Cromwell