Eighty Ninety paints a vivid portrait of a loved one long-lost in its new single “10K Summer Nights” which boasts airy vocals that dance around an upbeat sonic atmosphere decorated with bright guitars. The duo’s layered arrangements allow the listener to become engrossed with the story told by the lyrics. By the time the tight rhythm section kicks in on the second verse, you are hooked in true pop fashion. The track is kicking off 2019 for the two brothers (Abner and Harper James) who are planning to release their sophomore EP later this summer. The Brooklyn-based act is right at home alongside major indie-pop artists of the moment like Billie Eilish, helping wave the flag of a genre that’s perfectly in season. The music is relaxed, filled withrhythm and evocative messages, it’s got plenty to keep you listening. – Rene Cobar

A heavy-handed drumbeat powers through the thick sonic atmosphere of The Afro Nick’s latest single "Dream Big" leading the listener toward a mighty chorus that is just so damn sticky. The single pays tribute to the larger-than-life sounds of arena rock while still keeping an indie-rock aura, seemingly a fitting song for both a massive stadium or your local bar. The song layers wonderfully to create its enormous atmosphere as distorted guitars, synthesizers, and grand piano chords swell and erupt. The Afro Nick’s childhood experiences in his hometown of Chaniá, Greece have inspired his sonic journey: the singer/songwriter channels his admiration for the rich musical history of his native country through his focus on storytelling amplified by big melodic choruses. To celebrate the release of this anthemic new single, The Afro Nick will be playing Mercury Lounge this evening at 6:30 pm. We premiering "Dream Big" for you below. – Rene Cobar

Brooklyn’s Sooner lets each of its influences shine on their own in its 2018 EP Stranger, and, with that name, a My Bloody Valentine reference shouldn’t catch any shoegazer fan by suprise. The band does an excellent job of flashing some serious shoegazing in between their jangly pop tunes. Snappy drum beats and easy-going vocal melodies make way for furious guitar drones and elaborate basslines drenched in dfuzz. Songs like “Humid Air” and “Notes from Underground” (streaming) gradually build up, slowly revving up each instrument for a grand climax. The ease with which the band switches up their intensity keeps the listener engaged, while sonic layers are added and removed as the song progresses. The group has kept busy since releasing their EP by playing a string of shows throughout Brooklyn, a string which will continue on June 13th with a gig at Brooklyn Bazaar. – Rene Cobar

Brooklyn-based quartet Damn Tall Buildings is getting ready to release their new album Don’t Look Down on June 7th, the final single “I’ll Be Getting By” is a whole lot of fun. The band is fully committed to the high energy and storytelling of bluegrass music; this is evident in the new single’s bright choruses and swift pace. Each string instrument alternates between playing melody and accompaniment for a layered sound that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. Damn Tall Buildings’ faithful approach to bluegrass follows in the footsteps of groups like Punch Brothers, which have done a fantastic job of leading the genre’s resurgence, with their compositions that bring out the history of American Music’s roots. Damn Tall Buildings will be playing the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival up north in Oak Hill, NY on July 18th. “I’ll Be Getting By” is streaming below. – Rene Cobar

If Brooklyn-based Manager’s 2017 self-titled debut EP is chunky peanut butter, then this year’s follow-up Landline is creamy smooth. The band layers beautifully in songs like “Steven Tipton” (streaming) whose guitars create a surfy, relaxed vibe that slightly warps in the choruses. “Hybrid” has an upbeat drum pattern you cannot help but move to and distorted guitars that highlight the rock aspect of this group’s indie-rock vibe. The entire EP is decked with rich harmonies and jaunty melodies that, along with the music’s breezy ambiance, produce a suaver version of the sound that bands like Wavves offer. Manager has played at Pianos NYC on more than one occasion, and with the release of this EP, they are gearing up for a busy summer. – Rene Cobar

EXNATIONS is a trio out of Brooklyn with a devilish knack for creating some moody synth-pop. The group goes against the grain of the genre’s typical upbeat style to create something a bit more broody, but that still pays respects to the sugary synth-pop ethos. The band’s latest single “Tether” is driven by a speedy drum beat, stylish guitar riffs, and the vocal delivery of lead singer Sal Mastrocola, whose verses have that seemingly effortless color to them à la Alex Turner. “Tether” is the lead single of the group’s upcoming EP Pink Haze, set for release June 28th. The group’s current live schedule has stops in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, but the release party will be at Gold Sounds in Brooklyn July 13th. Check out “Tether” below. – Rene Cobar

Brooklyn’s UV Rays are debuting the music video for their song “Existential Dread.” The track is from the band’s recently released debut EP Try and Begin and features beautifully intertwined electric guitars parts that play to the rhythm of a poised drum beat, and accent borderline jazzy pop choruses. The video is filled with extreme wide shots that show the band members playing their instruments, seemingly miniature to the huge backgrounds. The video’s simplicity is eye-catching and suits the track’s avant-pop vibe. The female/male vocal chemistry and the vibrant guitars that accompany it are in the vein of groups like The Pastels, with an added mathy element. Ever the hard-working group, UV Rays are already working on a second EP, and if it is anything like the first, we will be glad to premiere it too.

Êmia offers listeners a pure and potent brand of pop that gets the heart fluttering. The Brooklyn-based artist’s music explores the universal themes of broken relationships, almost-was romances, and identity struggles, but it does so with an opulent elegance. In “Teleprompter” (streaming) the acoustic guitar notes, robust bass, and echoing vocals all help create a song embroidered with messages that resonate, and hooks that captivate. Êmia’s confident delivery and commitment to pop music’s fundamental elements puts her right in the middle of the female pop star resurgence that Ariana Grande has championed. Êmia will be headlining Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on July 5th, with support from Illicit Ghost and Caroline Lazar.

Phoebe Ryan’s vocals have a haunting sharpness to them, greatly showcased in the powerful hooks of her new single “A Thousand Ways.” The track’s music video (streaming below) is gritty shot-for-shot and matches the intensity of the mighty percussion in the choruses. The verses are calm and accompanied by trickling acoustic guitar notes, with Ryan’s vocals commanding the sonic storm that intensifies toward the end of the track. The New Jersey-native’s confidently vulnerable attitude in the song is somewhat reminiscent of Halsey, with whom it shares a magnetic and intense appeal. Check out “A Thousand Ways” to see what we mean. – Rene Cobar

Each instrument in The Wants’ new single “Ape Trap” (streaming) has its grand entrance: a vigorous drum beat is followed by a gruff bassline, then by a sinister-sounding guitar riff, as smooth vocals creep in. The song draws you in, grips you, and does not let go easily. The single blends elements of pop and post punk with a mechanical feel reminiscent of some semi-robotic sounding bands of the early ’80s, forging a style that pulls you in multiple directions. The clarity of the recording adds to the track’s detached aura as do the lyrics of singer and guitarist Madison Velding-VanDam, both awkwardly abstract and oddly relatable. This band has devised an edgy style that reimagines the sound of post punk in simple but effective ways. You can catch The Wants live on June 30th at Union Pool. – Rene Cobar

The old saying that two heads are better than one is confirmed by the pairing of Manchildblack and Monstah Black. Known collectively as The Illustrious Blacks, this NYC duo takes the rhythms of ’70s disco and enhances their pizzazz through iconic ’80s influences (Boy George, Prince). Their latest single "Revolutionary Love" (streaming) is driven by an infectious bassline and a sophisticated arrangement that slowly builds towards a brass section-enriched chorus. "Revolutionary Love" was specially made for last year’s Pride 2018 and its anthemic lyrics reflect that as they chant "I don’t give a fuck what they think about us/We got something none can touch/A Revolutionary Love." The duo has a string of shows through Brooklyn in June which culminate with a performance at Baby’s All Right Jun 20th. – Rene Cobar

A Beacon School concots a fascinating sonic puzzle in its 2018 record Cola—vibrant electric guitars, exuberant vocals, subtle synthesizer melodies, and evocative musical breakdowns constitute the various elements of this overall dreamy but upbeat album. Songs like “ I Don’t Believe It” and “Glue” ramp up the pace and pound away at punky drum beats to create surprising blends of dream pop and garage rock in part reminiscent of 4AD cult shoegazers Pale Saints. The group is gearing up for a vinyl release of Cola and is celebrating with a performance at Baby’s All Right on June 14. The vinyl will include three unreleased songs from the original album sessions and a clear version limited to 250 copies. Check out “I Don’t Believe It” streaming below. – Rene Cobar