New York native Davey Jones started Lost Boy ? as a bedroom pop project in 2008, but soon found a rotating cast of musicians interested in playing his music, which, however, never completely gave up its original, stripped down DIY sound, equally influenced by early Ween and Pavement. The band just announced the release their sophomore full length Goose Wazoo on September 9th via Little Dickman and State Capital Records. The record is presented as a concept album (accompanied by a comic strip) centered around the quirky idea of a detective in the shape of a blob named Goose Wazoo. The lead single and title track paints a picture of the main character in a fun and light hearted way by employing the use of jangly harmonies and catchy, cheerful vocal hooks. The group uses their fuzzy lo-fi pop and excitable drumming to craft the eccentric narrative of the song. Lost Boy ? has a string of local shows coming up in August leading to the record release show on September 10th at Shea Stadium. Strearming below also second single It Before. – John Honan

Over the years metal and its sub genres have progressed and increased in complexity thanks to the inspiration from bands such as The Dillinger Escape Plan, Napalm Death, Deathspell Omega, and Meshuggah. New York’s Imperial Triumphant draw on the experimentation of these artists for inspiration to blend black metal with classical, death metal, and psychedelic influences. Their latest full length Abyssal Gods is a dark and innovative album that uses well-crafted compositions to take the metal sound in new directions. The record’s message focuses on the eventual extinction of mankind, which is rather appropriate, since the album’s eerie mood would be the perfect soundtrack to the apocalypse. The group’s drummer Alex Cohen wields a manic and diverse style of playing, due to his background in jazz, that is the backbone of their sound. In the record, Imperial Triumphant fearlessly pushes the envelop in every song with carefully crafted guitar tones, uniquely arranged piano pieces, complex tempo alternations, angular sections borrowed from math rock, and overall outstanding production values – this is a brutal record that’s actually easy on the ears. Those enjoyng this kind of music shouldn’t miss their show at Trans Pecos on August 19th! – John Honan

At the end of last year, Brooklyn’s Fern Mayo released their studio debut, followed last month with EP Hex Signs. The three track release maintains their angular brand of indie pop, labelled by the band as “skronk pop” and “dust punk”. Opener “Pinesol” features off-kilter instrumentation, and a urgent, tense rhythm section, as frontwoman Katie Capri sings about lost love and the numbness that comes with it. On the song “New Ketamine” (streaming) Capri examines and challenges the need to cling on to traditions even when they’re destructive. The tight and anxious guitars and drums on the track seem to reflect the suffocating nature of traditions. Fern Mayo will be playing Shea Stadium on August 10th and Le Poisson Rouge on the 25th. – John Honan

In their new single "Split for the Coast," New York’s Little Racer gives a recipe to pick ourselves up during tough times, with a surf inspired track filled with unpredictable bursts of energy and sudden, soft bossanova-ish breaks (the exotic inclinations are confirmed in b-side track The Town). To let go of all your worries, be sure to check them out at Le Poisson Rouge on August 20th. 

The last time we checked in with The Landing, the solo act was making major noise, reaching the peak of the Hype Machine charts two times back-to-back. We have to say, with his latest single "Stars in Motion" a three-peat is definitely in the space-pop artist’s "stars," so to speak. On the track, he reaches critical pop mass, inflecting RnB flavored, up-beat percussion into his usual, out-of-this world synth patterns to create a track that gets heads bopping.  The vocals are also notably earthier and more seductive than on previous efforts, contrasting well with the space-y nature of the production. With this track, The Landing has proved he can do pop with mainstream appeal, but sans cheese, along with his more artful work of the past. Don’t miss him live on his American tour from 8/8 to 8/27. —Henry Solotaroff-Webber

Somewhat contrary to the spirit of her style of choice (pop punk), 28-year-old Kait Eldridge embraces maturity and self-assurance on Big Eyes’ latest single “Behind Your Eyes.” Eldridge started the band seven years ago, and since then has developed a clear writing style that allows her relatable and level headed personality to shine through. “Behind Your Eyes” is about being able to see through a loved one’s tough exterior and knowing when they are hurting due to a strong emotional connection. In the single, the four-piece blends the catchy melodic hooks of pop influenced punk acts like The Runaways with guitar work that flirts with the power rock of the ’90s and even classic rock at times. Big Eyes will be releasing their latest album Stake My Claim on August 19th via Don Giovanni Records, and will be kicking off their upcoming tour on August 16th at Alphaville in Brooklyn. Check out also the video for the album’s title-track, streaming below.  – John Honan 

Turnip King’s swirling blend of psych rock and dream pop was born in Long Island’s’ coastal town of Sea Cliff, where the band hails from. The group is about to release their debut full length (or rather "mini-album, since it’s comprised of only seven songs) Laika on August 19th via Fire Talk Records. The two singles unveiled so far showcase slow burning songs reminiscent of acts such as Slowdive and The Jesus and Mary Chain. The first single off the album “Carsong” encapsulates their experiences of growing up in the suburbs, while making references to driving around aimlessly listening to music with a friend. Its sparse intro highlights Lucia Arias’ youthful vocals before breaking down into a shoegazy wall-of-sound. Second single “Metonymy” is a slower number characterized by wailing psychedelic guitars, breezy drumming, and echoing melodies. Turnip King just wrapped up an east coast tour with a show at Trans Pecos and will be performing again at Shea Stadiumon August 10th. – John Honan

Doll Baby formed a little over a year ago in Richmond, and released their debut EP Polliwog in June. Their sound combines an energetic punk rock with guitar driven heaviness of alternative rock bands like Jawbox and The Smashing Pumpkins. The opening track “The Great Divide” puts frontwoman and guitarist Julie Stroey’s flexible vocals and introspective lyrics on display, while the layered guitars help to drive the track’s moody atmosphere. Following song “Drift” was originally included on their 2015 demo, but appears on the EP with a reimagined sound characterized by swift, crashing drums, shouted vocals, and distorted glistening guitars that show the band’s versatility. Doll Baby will be playing Strange Matter on August 12th in support of Solids. – John Honan

The words "close-knit" are definitely appropriate when referred to NYC rootsy pop band Saint Adeline, since the it’s comprised of three sibilings: Drew, Kasie and Chloe Gasparini. After trying separate artistic careers, the trio almost accidentally found themselves on a stage performing together, only to realize what kind of rare chemistry existed between them. Since then, they’ve been working on material for a debut record, and what we are premiering here is the band’s first single, entitled Jumpstart. Written by Drew, this is a song about reclaiming control of one’s life narrative after a negative (sentimental) experience. Chloe’s bright and optimistic soprano fits the theme perfectly, while the acoustic arrangement and well orchestrated vocal harmonies convey an uplifting and hopeful sonic carpet. 

Saint Adeline is holding an EP release show on 9/19 at Joe’s Pub. —Henry Solotaroff-Webber, photo Credit: Michael Hull

 The Wimps could easily be mistaken for a 60s band that never quite made it big, instead they’re a young Richmond based quartet who formed less than a year ago and take inspiration from prominent artists such as The Beatles, The Velvet Underground, and The Stooges. In April they released their debut self-titled full length, which features 10 garage pop tracks dripping with infectious melodies and catchy lyrics. The record highlights a variety of different sounds from the 60s that range from the easy going melodic pop of female singers like Lesley Gore to the R&B soul of artists like Percy Sledge. It also contains the energy and attitude of garage rock characterized by buzzing guitars and precise drumwork. The Wimps will be playing Strange Matter on August 9th in support of Lady God. – John Honan

 There’s always been a thin line between songs that pay homage to the past, and songs that regurgitate it. Tracks of Quincy band The Way Ways are definitely in the former camp, offering a fresh take on 50’s and 60’s soft-rock. Like who would’ve been their contemporaries, they have knack for strong song-writing that doesn’t try to do too much.  Chilled out vocals, steely guitars, and soft-spoken piano parts gently intermingle to create a sound that’s tranquil, but has enough teeth to keep things interesting. They also have some pretty fly solos on tracks like "Jeanne" too that probably sound great live. Speaking of, you can see them on 8/6 at Great Scott. —Henry Solotaroff-Webber 

Photo Credit: Hawley Shea Photography

Newcomer pop artist COTE has clearly been keeping her ear’s peeled to indie pop’s current state of affairs. On the NYC artist’s debut track, "London," she brings together dreamy guitar licks in addition to nostalgic synth patterns — both of which are hallmarks of today’s pop landscape.  Her dark and sultry vocals might be slightly reminiscent of mellow-pop goddess Lana Del Rey, but make no mistake: her debut single ‘London’ shows a peronality that’s all her own. Most importantly, this is a beautifully produced track that showcases a young artist with a noteworthy voice and very promising songwriting chops. — Henry Solotaroff-Webber

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best mellow songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!