Are you missing As Tall As Lions since the band parted ways in 2010? Then take a listen to Salisbury, Mass.’s Animals and Shapes. With spacey guitars and radio-ready vocal hooks, the band certainly takes a few cues from the former Long Island indie rockers. It’s clear that the sound has connected with fans: Animals and Shapes is now in the running for The Deli New England’s Best Emerging Artist of 2013. For first-time listeners, we suggest the jazzy “Ghosts in the House” or “Numbers,” which comes complete with a synth-aided bridge colossal enough to fill an arena. – Jake Reed