DC based artist DÉVÅZ released his first EP this May titled "Narcissist". The sound is lush and mysterious, sometimes pulling samples from unlikely sonic-pals Ariana Grande, Drake, Charles Manson, Billie Holiday, Interpol, Anna Kendrick, and Iggy Pop (to name a few) into a foggy, paranoid brew. This is a mix for the listener who likes their house music in the context of a psychological thriller (or maybe an H.P. Lovecraft narrative guessing from the aesthetic of the album art). Though washed and ambient in structure, the beats keep this twisted story on fast, nimble feet from beginning to end. We’re looking forward to further releases and hoping this newcomer will start DJing some of our local haunts. 

– Leora Mandel

The latest release from Brooklyn based Indie Pop group Bellows, entitled “May 5 to 12 Songs,” is a collection of delicate folk-pop tunes that will stick with you long after they’ve ended. Singer and songwriter Oliver Kalb’s voice floats dreamily across the albums eight tracks, accompanied by minimalistic drumming, strummed guitars and simple synth lines. But do you want to know the real kicker? The entire album was completed in only seven days as a part of artist collective The Epoch’s ‘Song a Day for a Week’ exercise, with one track being written and recorded each day. Currently, Bellows is the only participants in the exercise to have released their contributions as an actual record. Maybe because… writing a song a day for a week ain’t that easy! Bellows will be performing at Baby’s All Right on August 13. – Patrick Wolff

Chimes is the kind of band that’s loud and proud. Their sound is a self-proclaimed "slackedelia," but with much more attitude than the moniker lets on. Their 2014 EP (streaming below), appropriately titled ‘Psychic Slack,’ opens up with the apathetic declaration: "I don’t care what you say, it doesn’t matter anyway." That aura of indifference is exactly what makes this feisty, genre-bending band interesting – although we wouldn’t recommend dating them. They played Shea Stadium on July 9th with Weed Houds, Bueno, and Big Huge, in preparation for an August east coast minitour with Philly’s Seismic Thrust. – Sam O’Hara

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

In preparation for the release of their latest EP, the NYC-based band Controller is taking over with a residency at Pianos, all July long. Their self-described "melodic, high energy dance rock," puts an emphasis on the high energy. You’ll be hard pressed not to dance along to their guitar-heavy rock anthems. The first singles from their upcoming EP deliver upbeat a mix of catchy melodies, gritty sound and punchy rhythm section; check out "Separator" – streaming – and "Flame." Expect their new EP at the end of the summer and be sure to catch them every Tuesday night at Pianos this month. – Sam O’Hara

 Effortlessly transitioning between laid-back dream pop and rock infused dance anthems, the 4-track debut EP from Shapes on Tape, entitled "Motivational Speakers," is a taste of the duo’s talent. The group, which consists of producer and multi-instrumentalist Adam Kruckenberg, and guitarist and songwriter Jason Matuskiewicz, first began collaborating in 2014 and released the EP in March of 2015 with the help of grammy-nominated producer Justin Craig. The band has been consistently performing around the NYC area and their next appearance will be at the Cameo Gallery on August 7th. The duo is currently at work on their follow-up EP "No Bummer," and you can check out the records first single, "Still Believe in Love," below. – Patrick Wolff 

Steeped in influences both contemporary and classic, orchestral indie pop group The Bone Chimesis a five piece indie outfit from Astoria, Queens, that just dropped their new self-titled EP, the follow-up to their 2013 debut album "In the Muck,". One track that really caught our eye, or rather ear, was "Walk Away," a song that dramatically rises and falls between verses of near-ominous bass lines, piano chords, and vocals, and a chorus of gorgeous harmonies and melodious guitar layerings. The track is streaming below, so be sure to give it a listen. The group is also regarded for their high-energy live performances, which you can experience for yourself at PIANOS on July 15. – Patrick Wolff

The name Erica Eso may sound like some music making beauty, but it’s actually the latest musical brain-child of Weston Minissali, also known as the synth player from Cloud Becomes Your Hand. Erica Eso’s synth-heavy pop melodies are a clear departure from the otherworldly avant-rock sound of Cloud Becomes Your Hand, but Erica Eso’s first singles make it clear that Minissali’s talents as an experimental composer span across genres. As of last week, the first singles from Erica Eso’s upcoming album, "2019," are now available for streaming (below) on SoundCloud and Bandcamp with the full release coming later this year. – Sam o’Hara

Heavenly Beat is the Brooklyn based solo project of former Beach Fossil’s bassist John Peña, and it certainly lives up to it’s title. the project’s latest and third release, entitled "Eucharist," is a glistening 40 minutes of refreshingly laid-back indie pop. Peña’s wispy voice elegantly floats over a procession of airy guitars, drum machine beats, and ethereal pop melodies, resulting in a record that lives up to the heavenly moniker. A fourth LP, tentatively titled either "Designer" or "Latino," is currently in the works and Peña is also gearing up for a new tour in the fall. Heavenly Beat will be returning to New York on October 9th for a performance at Baby’s All Right, and the first track’s from the upcoming LP are expected to be released sometime this summer, so be sure to keep an eye out. – Patrick Wolff

Helado Negro may be a familiar name in the scene, but its mastermind, Roberto Carlos Lange’s library of work never ceases to surprise. Helado Negro’s sound is a mélange of genres – it’s electronic and experimental, orchestral and atmospheric, and also sports bilingual lyrics and Latin influences. Lange doesn’t shy away from admitting that his music is a product of his identity as both Latino and American, and his live shows are just as much of a undeniably fun mix. His newest singles ("I Krill You" streaming below), released under Sufjan Stevens’ label, Asthmatic Kitty, are just as playful and experimental as he’s always been. Catch Helado Negro headlining tonight at Central Park SummerStage, with Compass and Systema Solar. And did we mention admission is free? – Sam O’Hara

Brooklyn DIY venue Shea Stadium will be hosting a show tonight featuring four local artists, and we found two new intriguing electronic bands we never covered before in it.

Kicking off the night with a fresh set of lo-fi avant indie is Brooklyn natives Operator, with a sound that blends Kraut Rock influences with dreamy guitars. The quartet is new to the scene, having just released their first demos on May 4 and played their first show on May 29. This will be their second performance and they are planning to release more tracks over the course of the summer. 

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Immediately following their act will be Felicia Douglass. Douglass’ music is pure electro soul-pop, combining modern electro techniques with 80’s influenced melodies and a voice that’s reminiscent of many a 90’s R&B star. Douglass has released four tracks thus far and has also collaborated with fellow New York electronic artist BAILE on two tracks entitled “Matter” and “Leaves” for his latest EP. – Patrick Wolff

Sleepy Brother, a folksy acoustic duo from Richmond, VA released a single called "Glimpse" last month featuring lulling plucks on guitar and smooth vocals explaining an upbringing inspired narrative. This month they are preparing for the full unveiling of their upcoming album "Let in the Light". They will be celebrating this achievment with a performance at Sound of Music Recording Studios on 7/18 accompanied by fellow Richmond based band Ocean Versus Daughter and NC’s Bear Stevens. Heather Wiederholt’s voice enters the sacharine, her lyrics encouraging nostalgia and optimism, while Nathan Burns brings the grounding keys, guitar, and percussion.

– Leora Mandel     

Husbands is a dreamy bedroom-pop duo made up of two married guys (though not to each other) Wil Norton and Danny Davis. They met at undergrad in Oklahoma City while Norton was playing in instrumental prog-rock band "The Non" and Davis was recording songs with Beach Boys inspired vocal harmonies. The two started a project that would later succeed in transcending state boundaries when Norton moved to DC to attend Georgetown for an MA in Literature. Not only has the band’s production survived, but flourished! On July 2nd they released their first full, 8 track album, "Golden Year". They’ve noted that this particular record was made with the intention of playing live shows, which for the duo meant less experimenting with Animal Collective reminesent sampling, but also gaining the discipline necessary for writing tighter, catchier tunes. We’re excited to hear their future work, which will without doubt further perfect combining both of these songwriting methods. Golden Year melts seamlessly with warm and drowned guitars, sad surfy vocals, bright synths and samples, and hip shaking percussion. These songs derive strength from the duo’s ability to add layer over layer (sent over dropbox) without overdoing it and washing out the core of the song. Give the lyrics a look-see when listening, there are some real gems. Husbands is proud, excited, and fast at work on their next two albums already. So go to Bandcamp, enjoy your new summer jams! We’ll likely have some more good news from Husbands in time for fall or winter.

– Leora Mandel