Like Vampire Weekend before them, New York, self-described “warm neo-folk” quartet Morningsiders has made simultaneously regal and moving music following its birth at Columbia University. Their 2014 piano-dallied track “Empress” recently became number one on Spotify’s “United States Viral 50” chart but the early-twenties guys’ February-released debut EP ‘unfocus’ is the real striker. In the past, bands like Dirty Projectors have previously used centuries-old instruments such as the violin to majestically evoke the ageless feelings of longing and uncertainty. But, as heard on EP opener “Dots” (streaming below), Morningsiders’ ability to mix masterful musicianship (Reid Jenkins’ chimerical violin playing is especially good) and sensitively honest lyrics (“I’m telling lies to get out of socializing,” rasps frontman Magnus Ferguson) into a folk/pop/jazz/even hip-hop stew is majestic. Morningsiders play at the David Rubenstein Atrium, Lincoln Center on 8.27 and at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 on 8.28.– Zach Weg

Brooklyn band The Can’t Tells have been delivering punchy indie rock since around 2006. Since their formation in Boston, they’ve relocated to Brooklyn and matured their sound (some of their best singles streaming below), featuring a DIY LP release in 2013. Their music hears influences of power-pop, punk, and rock, while still being dancey and fun. Their shows are known to get a little wild (with a few band injuries on record), so prepare yourself for what’s sure to be a great time at Rough Trade this Friday night (8.21). – Sam O’Hara

NYC dream-pop act, The Meaning of Life, is just as quirky as its name suggests. Citing David Lynch, The Wheel of Fortune, and ’60s and ’80s pop as their major influences, the group is  making pop music that refuses to take pop so seriously. Earlier this year, they released the full length ‘Diamonds & Junk Food,’ with tracks that lean towards either pop or shoegaze (listen to their pop sound below). They’re different and they know it, but that’s what makes them so fun. They’ll be playing this Saturday (08.22) at Rough Trade for Pancakes and Whiskey’s birthday bash. – Sam O’Hara

Dicey Hollow is the new project of resilient, East London to Brooklyn transplant, Petter Ericson Stakee and, as the Facebook page states, “his friends”. The man was half of NYC’s duo country rock Alberta Cross. As it always happens after an important separation, Petter had a chance to reinvent himself – in this case musically – which led to the project’s upcoming EP “Dicey Hallow”. From it, he recently unveiled “Howl At The Moon” (streaming) a song filled with long, twangy guitar solos accompanied by Stakee’s calm and steadfast voice. Alberta Cross will be performing at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on September 14th. – Lauren Schechter

Formed after the splintering of Oakland based garage group… The Splinters, SCULLY is a Brooklyn-based psych-punk garage group with an infectious lo-fi sound. Considering that three of the four members from The Splinters are involved in the group, in addition to Burgers from NYC band The Numerators,  it’s no surprise that the two have a similar sound. "Deny," the first of three tracks available on the "SCULLY / Las Rosas Tour Split" release (streaming below), is a boisterous garage rock anthem with an in-your-face punk attitude. The tempo of the release gets progressively slower from there, with the second track, "Dana," providing a laid-back yet unmistakably punk-influenced sound, and the third track, "Mother’s Sighin’," closing the release with an ominous melody, threaded with a single two-and-a-half minute guitar lick. The group’s next release is due out on August 17th, a single entitled "Don’t Want That," which will be out on vinyl (available for pre-order here) as well as on bandcamp. The band will also be performing on August 29th at the Bowery Ballroom. – Patrick Wolff

As he shows on the airy Americana track “Let The Blue Skies Go To Your Head” (streaming below) from his sophomore release ‘Empty Seat On A Plane,’ New York/Connecticut singer/songwriter Jesse Terry understands the pure comfort that music could provide. Reassuring a worried lover that “The engine’s warm, he’s waiting for you” with his sweet voice and gentle strums, the Berklee College of Music-trained musician assuages doubts but never disingenuously; his vivid lyrics (including “carnival rides” and “halogen lights”) and surprising instrumentation (a drum-clasped interlude towards the end) make sure the song is movingly true. Jesse Terry will celebrate the release of his latest EP (apparently titled ‘The Calm and the Storm’) at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3 on Tuesday August 18th. – Zach Weg

Noisy and dreamy at once, Brooklyn/Philly trio Museyroom hits a soft spot with their nostalgic flavored, evocative music. The band’s roots go way back to 2003, or rather the end of middle school when guitarist and singer, Jack Donavon started playing with multi-instrumentalist Ben Cohen. The duo became a proper band later on when they found their drummer in Matt Coppola. According to the group’s Facebook page, Museyroom’s forthcoming album “Pearly Whites” is promised to be “a dense and harrowing work of rare quality.” Although this brought a smile to our faces, we sure found their music good enough to be highlighted in this blog. Check out their dream soaked, 2009 self-titled EP and – if you dig it – don’t miss their show at The Knitting Factory on August 16th. – Lauren Schechter

Formed at Princeton University in 2005, Miracles of Modern Science (MOMS) is a goofy, Brooklyn based chamber rock band that keeps it simple. Choosing to forgo electric guitas hasn’t prevented them from creating some fresh tunes – or maybe contributed to that, you, guitar obsessed masses! The band members stick with violin, cello, mandolin, drums and double bass, played by front man, Evan Younger. Having just released their newest LP, “Mean Dreams”, MOMS will be playing a release show on August 14th, at Mercury Lounge. To get a taste of their music check out their music video “Swipe”, a homage to Tinder, featuring brooklyn vocalist Kristin Slipp. -Lauren Schechter 

Originally the solo project of singer and songwriter Will Rutledge, Pupppy (yes, three "p"s) is a Purchase and NYC based indie-rock outfit that has since evolved into a quartet. Debut album "Shit in the Apple Pie," was released back in April and the band just recently finished touring in support of it. The record is an oddly satisfying mixture of poppy melodies contrasted by rough-sounding instrumentation and filled with an assortment of cynical and depressive lyrics. The first single from the record, "Beans," perfectly embodies the group’s overall attitude, as Rutledge sings, "My foot is stuck / In my mouth / Until I shove it all the way down / To the bottom of my throat / Then I puke / Truth all over you." Influences from early slacker pop pioneers such as Pavement and The Lemonheads, and at times also The Pixies (who only slacked on Kim Deal’s songs) are present throughout the record, especially on the tracks "Puking (Merry Christmas)," and "Or Maybe We’re Not." Overall, "Shit in the Apple Pie" is a solid debut containing 9 refreshingly catchy indie-rock / pop tunes. The band’s second album is currently in the works and you can catch them at Aviv on August 29th or at Palisades on September 5th. – Patrick Wolff

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

You rarely hear the word ‘neo-classical’ describing bands coming out of Brooklyn right now, but for the progressive quartet ensemble, et al. it’s the first thing that comes to mind. For their first full length album (in its entirety below), ‘Present Point Passed‘, the band cultivates expressive, post-rock symphonies out of chimes and just about any instrument on hand, all while forgoing vocals. ensemble, et al.’s meticulous orchestration of percussive elements revives the seemingly antiquated spirit of classical genres in order to create a modern, minimalist sound in part reminiscent of post-rock masters Tortoise. Be sure to catch them in Brooklyn tonight (08.11) at the Knitting Factory. – Sam O’Hara

Suspicious Light is a three-piece indie rock outfit from Williamsburg, Brooklyn. The three tracks they’ve released thus far are a collection of home recorded (but for the most part competent sounding) melancholic, reverb-soaked, indie-rock. The latest release from the band is "Tell Her Everything," a 5-minute long track about regret that is steeped in early indie-rock influences (Adam Franklin of the UK legendary band Swervedriver is featured on guitar). Our favorite track though is "Mistakes Were Made," (check it out below) which is vaguely reminiscent of that gorgeously blue masterpiece that’s the Doves’ debut LP "Lost Souls." The group’s first record is currently in the works, and their next appearance will be at Brooklyn’s Rough Trade on September 8th. – Patrick Wolff

FIELDED is the stage name of Lindsay A. Powell, a singer and songwriter currently based in Brooklyn. She describes her music as both "future-pop" and "post-apocalyptic pop;" certainly seem to be apt descriptions after listening to her most recent full-length, "Ninety Thirty Thirty," infused as it is with dark gospel tones and hints of goth. Powell’s powerful melodies lend a pop sensibility to the varied and genreless instrumentation, which includes synths, electronic drum beats, pianos, and even some jazzy, 80s sounding saxophone work (like in older single "Eve of a New Moon"). The latest release from FIELDED is "I Choose You," a track from 2014 which will be included in her upcoming EP "Boy Angel," to be released on August 18th. The song (streaming below) is a wonderful testament to Powell’s vocal abilities and unconventional songwriting, as she crafts a powerful and personal pop-gospel sound accompanied by only a low-key synth line, effected backing vocals and, towards the end, some catchy finger snaps. The release party for "Boy Angel" is scheduled for August 27th at Cameo’s. – Patrick Wolff