It seems as if LA. alt-rockers Goon take from two stylistic genres on their latest track "Dizzy" – either they crunch their guitars like their grunge forebearers, or they play their melodic hooks with an unpolished quality that mimics the garage stomp of the last decade. But then you listen closely and you notice they compliment those melodies with pop harmonies. It becomes quite clear how Goon are not concerned with replicating a sound that already exists, more so seeking some way to make it new. One first impression (albeit, a very good one!) is not enough to make a clear assessment of where the band is headed, but to think they’ve already written such a tuneful song that connects on more than one level proves that they are onto something special.

"Dizzy" is the first track off of Goon’s debul EP Dusk of Punk, which will be self-released on September 16. The band is also slated to play a local show opening for Lucy Dacus at the Echo tomorrow, August 11. – Juan Rodríguez

A calm, gentle drift washes over like a rippling tide in "Winona", the reverb-drenched track that opens Talk Before Sleep’s self-titled debut EP. Not to be confused with that other shoegaze ode to "Winona" by Drop Nineteens, but of a similar vein in how it treats distortion with a considerate touch, the El Monte trio later follow suit with a pair of tracks that veer from lushly poppy ("Clean") to more tensioned in its drige-like songwriting approach ("Lights"). A promising debut, Talk Before Sleep is a prudent first effort that emits a tranquil energy with its ambiguous curiosity. – Juan Rodríguez

Alternative rockers Oblio have an intriguing way to officially present themselves into the world. The Long Beach outfit are intent in revealing what their upcoming project truly means, entitled Autophobia, which at this point alludes to a nameless character who has a phobia for isolation. They’re carrying that concept into their first single, "Days", a brittle, visceral rocker that is the first reveal off of a conceptual debut album that is currently slated for a September release.

Oblio are playing at Reel Rock tomorrow, July 30th. – Juan Rodríguez

Just when you think that the current electronic R&B craze has finally reached its saturation point, there’s always a new artist that’s ready to prove how that’s simply not true. Case in point: Stalgia, a songwriting duo that manages to bring out a lot of feeling to their soulful synth arrangements. The duo of Lauren Day and Brandon Leslie’s latest single, "In the Trees", is a brooding, trap-influenced ballad that fuses the soothing textures of trip-hop with some coolly detached vocals. A truly engaging listen, "In the Trees" creates an airy, sensual atmosphere that’ll truly haunt you for days. – Juan Rodríguez

"Control", the new single by BOYO, is a sauntering psych-pop number that unspools in an unhurried manner. The group incorporates a smooth, Beatlesque chord progression that lulls the listener into passivity with its cosmic folk touch.

This is the first single off of their upcoming record of the same name, which is due out August 26 on Danger Collective Records. – Juan Rodríguez

Risen from the demise of local favorites Fonda, People & Stars wave goodbye to the miasmic sounds of shoegaze and welcome some good-natured indie pop on their latest incarnation. Featuring both original members David Klotz and vocalist Amanda Tate, the duo’s latest single, "You’re Not Alone", is a brightly uptempo number akin to the immaculately crafted chamber pop of bands like Acid House Kings and The Postmarks.

People and Stars are set to release their self-titled debut EP on July 15 via Minty Fresh. – Juan Rodríguez

Adam J. Cook first got some attention in his hometown Austin as a member of country rock bands like Genuine Leather and Dangeresque. After those two projects, the relocated Cook is taking those musical sensibilities to our shores in a slightly different direction with his first solo project, Attack Formation (Demo), a meticulously crafted collection of singles that closely resembles the current alumni of singer-songwriters looking into the early 70s for inspiration. Songs like "Adam Vile" and "Days Just Begin" blend winding folk and sophisticated soft rock elements with a keen focus on arrangement.

Cook will also be releasing accompanying videos for all the six tracks of Attack Formation. You can stream it in its entirety on his official soundcloud page. – Juan Rodríguez

Venus & the Moon are Frally Hynes and Rain Phoenix, a collaborative duo that writes brooding country-folk that strikes a heavy balance between shimmering atmospherics and lumbering balladry. The hushed harmonies play a big part in ampliying some very insular emotions, a haunting quality that gives the songs off of their upcoming full-length, Brother, Son, a quiet power. 

Brother, Son has an official date of July 15 via Mother May I Records. The duo will also be celebrating the album release with a performance at Hotel Café on July 13. – Juan Rodríguez

"Keep your head in the clouds", Water District vocalist Tice Griffin sings over a sauntering piano lead as he contemplates over an unrequited love. There’s something old-fashioned about their latest, "Supernova", an unabashedly romantic rock ballad that sports an upbeat melody against biting lyrics that resonate with subtly dramatic effect. It’s a even-tempered love song that has that crisp, uncomplicated sound akin to that of a John Vanderslice production.

Water District will be headlining a show at Ham and Eggs on July 17. "Supernova" is out now via Normandie Records. – Juan Rodríguez

We regularly hear about new bands that balance the early days of emo with post-hardcore coming from either the Northeast or the Midwest. There’s always the odd exception of course, like Torrance’s very own Joyce Manor, but there’s still a general lack of representation coming from the West Coast. Consider Chatrooms as that next promising act to bring some meaning into the current emo revival: they’re the type of band that defies categorization, sporting a guitar-driven sound that is spiked with vexed, passionate vocals, sure, but they also experiment with more steady rhythms that are plaited together with lush atmospheric touches. The title track off of their debut EP, "Negative Tension", is an urgent, melodic rocker that places emphasis on yearning chord changes with drifting guitar passages.

Chatrooms are playing at the Echoplex’s monthly emo night, Taking Back Tuesday, on Tuesday, July 5. – Juan Rodríguez

Electro pop artist Beca’s mix of dance and synth pop sounds brings back the term throwback in the best possible way. Her kinetic songs demand your immediate response, with dark, Euro disco-tinged rhythms that could be described as if Cold Cave enlisted Kylie Monigue to collaborate on their latest project. Which exhibits the potency of her focus: Beca surely wants you to join the dancefloor, but she’d appreciate it if you’d pay attention to her propulsive tempos, too.

Beca’s debut full-length album Ecliptic is out now via  All Scene Eye. You can catch her live at the next Sofar Sounds on June 28th. – Juan Rodríguez

LOVEYOU are not the first to blend dainty melodies with discordant sounds. What young songwriter Andrew Stogel does differently, however, is to approach it with a confidence that easily sets a high quality standard on its respective genre. Their debut EP, Sparkle & Crush, isn’t one to easily pigeonhole – while their first single, "Outed the Time", has something of a mid-90’s Creation records sound with its overdriven guitars and lush sonic soundscapes, the rest of the EP fluctuates its silvery snyth textures with crisp, uptempo melodies that are sometimes free-floating, other times rhythmically punchy. And it never shies away from delivering the kind of sumptious hooks that continue to reward with multiple listens.

Sparkle & Crush will be self-released on June 22nd. You can catch them that very same day hosting a free record release show at Harvard & Stone. – Juan Rodríguez