Step into the synth-pop fueled disco of 88 Palms, a group that seduces through glamourous imagery and vintage electronic sounds. The duo released single “Bright Lights” last year, a groovy and smooth track born to be played in vintage looking, semi-lit nightclubs. Featuring lingering synth arpeggios, rigorous electronic drums and the sophisticated, semi-whispered soulful vocals of RIA, the track is accompanied by a sensual video (streaming below) that portrays, in slo-mo, a party for two in an empty NYC discotheque. Catch 88 Palms at Bowery Electric tomorrow (07.27), and watch the video for "Bright Lights" below. – Tafari Lemma

Through an unnerving noir mannerism, Brooklyn band Twin Guns capitalizes on a sinister and cinematic sound, delivering a sludgy combination of post punk tension and Spaghetti Western influences – with all the related "hallucidelic" imagery and hazy sonics. This surreal sound is complemented in the video for "Johnny’s Dead" (streaming below) by a dark atmosphere filled with symbolism that would make Nick Cave proud. Their third album, The Last Picture Show, released in 2015, provides an ominous journey that drifts between sober, shuffling tracks and more aggressive and provocative tunes, showcasing a band comfortable with wide array of musical styles. Catch Twin Guns at Bowery Electric tonight (07.20). – Tafari Lemma

Local band Wooden/Apple/Heart incorporates rhythmic folk instrumentals, quiet harmonizing vocals, and experimental sounds to create a skillful haziness. In their new album,  The First Woman to See Her Reflection in the World Before Mirrors, the group employs a modern, experimental-folk approach to music-making; inclusive of jumpy and innovative percussion, layered guitar riffs and occasional background samples. The track “Nora,” reinforces the band’s drifting manner, traveling between a gentle scenery and a lively upbeat mood. Listen to the album below. -Tafari Lemma

Electronic trio Pool Cosby recently released their LP, Blind Gold, a record that’s at once soulful and… brainful. With its dynamic layer of samples and live instruments accompanying the electronic experimentation, the album showcases a symbiotic relation between ambient, chillwave leanings, and a hip-hop based style. The LP also includes an intriguing selection of featured artists: single “Thrive” (streaming) features the delicate vocals of Tiger Darrow alongside subtle instrumentals that shift between a calm droney atmosphere and a dancey chorus with deep electronic kick drum beats animated by a minimal, but funky, bass line. Don’t miss these guys at Bowery Electric on 07.20. – Tafari Lemma

Local indie-pop artist KYYN released her debut, self-titled EP last month. In stand out single "This is the Way Things Go" (streaming below), KYYN’s soulful vocals are immersed in a dreamy and edgy R’n’B production that delivers a perfect sonic carpet for her smooth soprano. The track features a collaboration with fellow New York artist Miss, and illustrates KYYN’s talent for delicate and sharp lyrics and dusky, detailed electronic arrangements. – Tafari Lemma

It’s difficult not to get lost in the lush, lucid indie-rock of Minor Poet. Set to release his debut solo album, And How!, next month, the Richmond-native songwriter sets lyrics inspired by his personal narratives and pairs them with stoic and steady instrumentals. On the recently released single “River Days”, the artist serves a melodic flow that travels and swirls, providing a touchstone for the rest of the album. Listen to the single, “River Days” below. – Tafari Lemma

Brooklyn band IYEZ returns to awe listeners with new single Ov Rays. In addition to the band’s signature, unearthly psychedelic sound, the single features a garage rock energy, propelled by sharp and punchy drumming and a sea of distorted guitars. Cloudy but tense vocals contribute to a psychedelic crescendo that’s as nebular as it is relentless. The single also features a demo of "You Cried Out," a super stripped down psych-folk ballad that’s at the opposite sonic extreme of the main single. Catch the sonic tunes of IYEZ this Thursday 07.13 at the Map Room at Bowery Electric. –Tafari Lemma

In their debut EP, Positions, post-punk band Dancing Tongues lays out a dynamic and energetic mix that constantly changes. Formed in 2015, the three-piece band emits a pleasurably enigmatic approach that may be hard to decipher at times. Though the band features vocals that seem distinctly new-wave, Dancing Tongues’ instrumentals smoothly shift from alternative, to garage, to pop. Catch the band at The Echo 08.02. – Tafari Lemma

Like flying over a futuristic city on a sunny day, Jay Pray’s new self-titled album has a technological feel to it, but it’s never a cold one. In a way it’s a little like the sci-fi movies produced in the ’50s and ’60s: free from cynicism, technology was portraid as an exciting and benevolent force. This is captured best on "Time" (streaming), where Pray’s smooth, soulful vocals glide over the track’s glittery and at times groovy instrumental. He’s also not afraid to slow things down, like on "I’m Sorry," where both Pray’s vocals and the arrangements get a shade bluer. On these tracks and the rest of his LP, Pray has exhibited a knack for catchy songwriting that doesn’t pull any emotional punches. You catch him live at Lantern Hall on 07/13. —Henry Solotaroff-Webber

R&B and soul singer-songwriter Amira B showcases a noteworthy vocal talent in her new album, Defined. Backed by a soul/funk group featuring also a fierce brass section, the vocalist delivers dazzling soul tracks worthy of FM radio rotation, like intimate single “I am Defined,” which expresses her self-discovery through personal hardships. Amira B landed a residency at Pianos during the month of July (every Tuesday), which is always a promising sign. – Tafari Lemma 

Aaron Spransy, Kevin Junker, Thom Valicenti, and Matt Freake of Sinnet don’t take themselves too seriously on their new LP ‘Gentle Humor,’ a fuzzy indie pop project that captures the band’s laid-back personality. It’s easy to sit back and chill to tracks like “Mikey & The Land Of Inbetweeners” (streaming below) with their catchy choruses, mellow vocals, and loungy guitar riffs. After a spring tour that hit everywhere from NYC to Madison, the band will be opening for Low Cut Connie at Middle East on August 4th. – Lilly Milman

In her debut single "9 Months", Brooklyn singer Roxiny builds an immersive story which speaks to the besetment of destructive relationships. Included in her forthcoming EP, Rituals, the track develops a climactic build-up through heavy percussion that surrounds the steady dream-pop synth and droning guitar chords, pulling in the listener until the end of this emotional and loaded four minutes. Featuring the singer’s intense and full vocals, which have earned her collaborations with Sleigh Bells and Tunde Adebimpe (TV on the Radio), the single stands as a personal message from the young artist, who is an advocate for women’s rights and victims of abuse and injustice, by working with organizations like GEMS, which assists sex trafficking victims. Listen to the single, streaming below, and don’t miss Roxiny next live appearance at the Overthrow New York Boxing Club within a benefit for planned Perenthood.. -Tafari Lemma