Once again, 2017 was a year of experiments in modern folk music. Two NYC acts that pushed the boundaries of the genre and further defined the slightly fuzzy definition of neo-folk were Swimming Bell and Thelma. “The Golden Heart,” the former’s debut EP, carved fresh arrangements and harmonic material out of familiar instrumental textures. Thelma’s self-titled record meandered into darker lyrical and melodic territory, though with a consistent crystalline vocal perched atop often dissonant chords and rockier textures. That being said, Pueblo and Hayes Peebles, on the rootsier end of the spectrum, shone with stellar songwriting and nuanced arrangements, offering up an enlightening modern take on a more traditional sound. Pueblo released their flavorful record “Boring the Camera,” stirred memories of an electric Simon & Garfunkel. Hayes Peebles’ “Ghosts EP” offered breathtaking melodies with lush, sentient lyrics, while peppering in a twangy guitar or two. We also really enjoyed Swoon Lake‘s lush ballads from her sophomore self-titled EP, although the artist doesn’t seem to be very active live. – Geena Kloeppel

Here’s a playlist with a song each from these five artists. 

Sur Back is the solo project of avant-pop NYC based artist Caroline Sans. Walking the line between orchestral and electronic, her new single Valentino (streaming below) showcases an artist able to synthesise complexity, structure and melody into music that’s relevant and current. Lovers of other deliciously edgy female fronted acts like Bjork, Portishead and St. Vincent should definitely lend an ear to Sur Back’s debut EP and look out for the upcoming sophomore entitled KITSCH II, bound to drop on February 2.rd. Sur Back will be performing live at The Knitting Factory tonight, January 9th.

Describing themselves as "pure ear candy," Gingerlys provide catchy and hazy dream pop tunes. The female-fronted, five-piece indie pop band began when guitarist Matt Richards started sharing acoustic demos of his pop songs with his fellow bandmates in his Valley Stream, New York basement. The band’s guitarist Matthew Richards recently talked to our sister blog Delicious Audio about the band’s sounds and the pedals used to create it, check out the Q&A here. 

Walking the line between punk and alt rock, Brooklyn’s QWAM delivers generous doses of anthemic energy in their debut EP "Feed Me" (a title that surely resonates with most emerging musician in the city). The record was born and raised in Brooklyn, and recorded at legendary Studio G in Greenpint by Jack Counce. You can catch the band’s driving guitars, frenetic drums, and snarling vocals from lead singer Felicia Lobo at The Knitting Factory on January 24th, during which they’ll be celebrating the record’s release.

Nervous Dater gives us the best parts of early 00’s pop punk (the energy and fun) minus the worst parts (the whiny vocals). Guitars get big and the lyrics tell stories of bad decisions, broken friendships, and feeling like a hot mess. Singer Rachel Lightner carries most of the band’s tracks as if she’s gleefully marinating in life’s ugliness over the band’s fun, catchy rock. They released full length "Don’t Be A Stranger" in September 2017. Favorite lyrics: "It’s hard to ask for help if you don’t really want it / passed out on the train in your own vomit", "I still dress just like I’m sixteen / and I still get way too drunk during the week", and the shimmer of hope: "I’m so fucking lucky / you’re so fucking lucky". They play Bushwick Public House on Friday, January 5th. We are looking forward to seeing what this band does in 2018 as their tour date book already has them playing Pouzza Fest in Montreal in the spring. – Meghan Rose

Neaux (pronounced "no") is duo Sierra Kay and Nick Fit. They describe their music as "the intersection of shoegaze and grunge" – which is actually pretty accurate. Sierra’s wailing and delayed vocals and Nick’s distorted chord progressions have a certain dark and tense quality to them, while the band’s visual style matches their sonic appreciation for the ’90s, as it appears evident in their music videos for the singles off "Chain Up the Sun," their sophomore album, released in November of 2017. Recent video Whistlegirl features an unsettlingly happy papier mache Mario-esque figure dancing in a living room. Favorite lyric: "just give me what i want / it doesn’t have to be so hard." Favorite song: Stuck Like A…" – streaming below. – Meghan Rose

Lexie is a collaboration between NYC’s bedroom pop chanteuse Frankie Cosmos and two members of Atlanta’s Indie Rockers Warehouse (Alex Bailey and Doug Bleichner). The trio quietly released this side project’s 8 track debut “Record Time” in June of 2017. The album, recorded with Carlos Hernandez of Ava Luna, lives up to both band’s past achievements, although it’s obviously more skewed towards Greta Kline’s intimate pop format. Those who are in desperate need of new material after enjoying 2016’s sublime "Next Thing" should check it out. – Cameron Carr, photo by Sarah Cass

If you are still looking for a rocking way to spend new year’s eve in the city, we’ve got an exciting show filled with excellent NYC bands for you (and very few dudes involved!). Brooklyn garage poppers Fruit & Flowers will be headlining this Cape House presented bill at the Rose Gold Cocktail Lounge together with Kino Kimino, a trio that plays an intriguing blend of post punk and what we call avant-indie (a word we forged to avoid using the ever-pretentious term "experimental"). Check out the two groups’ video in the embedded compilation, and get there early to witness openers Coco Verde and Mima Good, whose tracks are also embedded below. DJ Chuck Berrio will take the party into the wee hours.

NYC hardcore is alive and well if it can produce bands as ferocious and tight as Brooklyn’s Closer, who are readying the release of their debut album "All This Will Be." Featuring members of Real Life Buildings, the trio has recently unveiled this video for single "Gift Shop," which reveals drummer vocalist Ryann Slauson’s screaming talent and a group of skilled musicians who, within the format’s overall preference for aggression and depair, are not indifferent to dynamic changes and sonic variety. See them live (with earplugs) at their NYC release party on Jaunary 19th at Silent Barn.

Brooklyn-based quartet High Waisted is a fierce garage pop band that dwells in sunshine surf vibes. Though they draw from the sound of the mid-’60s, the four musicians are fearless in their determination to put their own quirky spin on each one of their tunes. The band is fronted by the formidable Jessica Louise Dye, who recently talked to our sister blog Delicious Audio about the High Waisted’s latest release, and what she’s currently using to coax the wildest sounds out of her gear. Read the Q&A here. Check out their latest video for single "Firebomb," streaming below.

We’ve been keeping an eye (and a couple of ears) on Mothica for a few years now, and the NYC (via Oklahmoa City) electronic artist has been able to confirm her talent also in 2017, with a new EP that takes her soulful synthpop in edgier directions. She has also been keeping a regular live show schedule, something many "web famous" electronic artists aren’t able to pull off. Music fans will have a chance to see her live at Elsewhere on January 28th.

Rockwood Music Hall is one of the best places in NYC where you can enjoy what we call "the unpretentious musical genres." The three-room venue specializes in folk, soul, Americana, pop songwriters and rock with a classic/southern flavor. The majority of acts they book is local. Their two New Year’s Eve line-ups are a perfect reflection of this, featuring soul pop collective Lawrence as a headliner for the (sold out) night on Stage 2, with pop-soul songwriter Raycee Jones and upbeat pop band Scruffy Pearls (pictured). The smaller Room 1 will host performances by a series of emerging local artists, mostly local. We put them all in the playlist below, check it out!