The New Review, the Boston-based funk-soul eight-piece, are known for bringing an uncontainable energy wherever they go — and their newest single “Portrait of a Man” (streaming below) is no different. With every piece of soul they create turning to gold, it’s no surprise that a video of the band performing the song landed them a spot headlining the Tiny Desk Submissions Showcase hosted by NPR in New York City. The melody of the heavy-hitting track takes it easy in all the right places, ebbing and flowing with an intuitive sense of rhythm only accessible to the very best. The New Review will be performing in New York City at DROM on August 10, and then heading back to New England for a show at Foam Brewers in Burlington, VT on August 11.  – Lilly Milman, photo by Madison McConkey

“You’re just my type, everything’s so nice,” drawls the melodic first line of “Domino” (streaming below), the newest single by Bay Area moody indie rock outfit Same Girls. The rest of the track follows in the same carefree, fuzz-filled style, relying on the punchy guitar riff to build into an explosive chorus. It’s obvious from the first few seconds that Same Girls have ensnared a bolt of lightning in a bottle here, and made an instant hit. If this is any indication of what’s to come on their forthcoming album Young Minded, then prepare to add a new favorite album to your list. See them live at Café du Nord on July 21, and then again at the Throwin’ Bo’s showcase at the Elbo Room on August 2. – Lilly Milman, photo by Amy Lombard

After spending a few years touring with the indie-pop darlings Magic Man, Boston-based Justine Bowe decided it was time to take a step back and focus on herself — a decision that manifests itself most clearly in her solo project Photocomfort. Although she’s been working on music under the moniker for years, she only recently released her official debut EP, a triumphant five-track project called Understudy. Not only does this release showcase Bowe’s skills as a lyricist, producer, and vocalist, but it is also provides a nuanced portrait of the artist as a young woman. It’s thought-provoking, dynamic, and vulnerable — and yet, it’s light and easy to listen to. All in all, Understudy is required listening for anyone who has dealt with imposter syndrome, struggled to find a voice for themselves, or even just had a really bad day. Justine Bowe has finally taken center-stage, and it’s exhilarating to watch. – by Lilly Milman, photo by Andrew Janjigian

You can catch Photocomfort playing live at Music Hall Loft in Portsmouth, New Hampshire on July 28, as well as at her record release show at Great Scott on August 16.

Read a Q&A with Justine of Photocomfort and stream Understudy here.

Congratulations are in order for the punchy indie rock three-piece Monkeys of a Bygone Era — the Deli New England’s newest Artist of the Month. Led by Jason Zavala, the quirky group specializes in creating bouncy and infectious jangle rock with a twist and we can’t get enough. Their most recent endeavor is a 3D animated video for the track “More and Less” which, according to the band, “was conceived around the idea of ‘less is more’ being a challenging aspiration to maintain in a world where everyone wants more.” – Lilly Milman, photo by Tim Oxton

Check out an exclusive premiere of the song and accompanying video below.

Every time I’m convinced there’s no more good punk left, an act like Oakland’s Blues Lawyer pops up to remind me I couldn’t be more wrong. Their debut LP Guess Work is a stunning exercise in brevity, filled with tongue-in-cheek lo-fi tracks that hark right back to the ‘70s. None of the members are interested in attempting to impress you (or waste any of your time) with overwrought guitar solos or steep buildups. They’re only interested in making instant classics, and they do so in two minutes or less. They said it best themselves on the punk puppy love anthem “Waste” (streaming below), where the chorus declares “I don’t want to waste time / I want to waste with you.” Well, we want to waste with you, too. – Lilly Milman 

If you’re a big Chance the Rapper fan, then it’s time to take a step back and thank Garren Sean — the Bay Area producer who worked on “Smoke Break” as well as Merry Christmas Lil’ Mama: Re-Wrapped. Where Sean really flourishes, though, is on his newest EP SUNDRIP. The eclectic project blends psychedelic (and occasionally grungey) sensibilities with catchy and modern electronica, creating something entirely fresh. Sean is at his best on tracks like “Psychedelic Soul” (streaming below), which give him the space to experiment with genre. The track is not only dance-friendly, but it’s a modern take on a groovy classic sound and shows a producer who is ready to take on the challenge of creating something completely new. Garren Sean is currently on tour with Clairo and will be back in San Francisco on August 16 for a hometown show at Brick & Mortar. – Lilly Milman

You may recognize the name Sean Rubin from his old project Ladyhips, a Deli New England Artist of the Month dating back to 2012, but if you haven’t heard of his solo project then it’s time to catch up. Rubin recently released his debut album everybody shares a name, an avant-folk project that finds a surprising comfort in the dissonance, asking difficult questions and accepting the fact that there isn’t always an answer. It’s striking for its lack of conventionality; this project takes risks, but it’s still easy to listen to for those willing to enter Sean Rubin’s weird and intricate world. Take the leap with us, and stream our favorite track “old birds” below. – Lilly Milman

When Boston-based singer-songwriter Maxwell Bailey decided to record his EP, he kept it simple. Featuring only his own solo vocals and guitar playing, the In Between live EP is a bare bones tribute to storytelling. It combines a raw performance with relatable lyrics, resulting in a record that’s easy to listen to and even better to dive into. Primarily a live performer, Bailey thrives in the spontaneity of this project, having recorded the entire record in one day at an Airbnb. He will be playing at the Noise Floor Sessions at Aeronaut Allston on July 18. – Lilly Milman

Stream the title track “In Between” below.

Bay Area natives Wax Statues make music for sitting back, hanging out and not thinking too hard about it — that is, until you take about one second to listen to the lyrics. Their newest single “Stranger” off the forthcoming debut LP Exclusive / Reclusive begins with the eerie line “There’s something inside / crawling through our space.” The integration of psychedelic twinges into a jangle-rock foundation create a compelling, yet easy-listening experience — reminiscent of a West Coast reincarnation of Dr. Dog. – Lilly Milman

Listen to an exclusive premiere of “Stranger” below.

LittleBoyBigHeadonBike, otherwise known as Will Orchard, may just be New England DIY’s most prolific songwriter. The Rhode Island native has roughly 500 songs available online, spread between 99 EPs and LPs. That would make his new album Big Blue Butterflies number 100. Very few artists boast such a wide discography, and even fewer can be proud of all their releases. But that’s what makes this album exceptional. Rich with his usual whimsy — most apparent in the arrangments, which make full use of synths and the harmonica — and embedded with simple and vulnerable lyricism that could give early Death Cab a run for its money, this album shows the portrait of an artist in the midst of maturation. In this release, Orchard is exposed, but he is also careful — these are no random thoughts or loose strings. Once again, through the project LittleBoyBigHeadonBike, Will Orchard has proven that even when things fall apart, a few poignant lyrics may be enough to make the center hold. LittleBoyBigHeadonBike is kicking off a tour with an album release party at Columbus Theatre in Providence on June 28 at 7 p.m. – Lilly Milman, photo by Nicholas Lussier

Stream an exclusive premiere of Big Blue Butterflies below. 

The new EP, no boundaries, from San Francisco’s indie electronic duo Analog Dream is a deep dive into who Jorge Sandoval and Rich Cannon are as a band, and as individual people. Opening track “Choke” (streaming below) explores themes of pushing through difficult times and maintaining faith, culminating in a crescendo of emotion. The duo’s guitar-heavy brand of electronica is intense and hits hard, built to be listened to loudly and to be played live. Stay tuned for their next gig! – Lilly Milman

It’s hard to believe that the moody indie outfit Sinnet started in a bedroom on the laptop of Aaron Spransy not too long ago — given the band’s refined aesthetic, obvious chemistry, and knack for inventive songwriting — but that’s how the story goes. Boston’s favorite fuzz-rockers released the official music video for single “Part of Yourself” (streaming below) and, once again, it is a quirky project that impresses and leaves a lasting memory. Check out the video below, and see Sinnet play live at the Lizard Lounge in Cambridge on June 30. – Lilly Milman