When a band draws its name from a science fiction novel, chances are that the music is going to be a little unreal and based on nerdy topics. There is no exception for San Diego’s D/Wolves, which is named after a fictional creature out of Frank Herbert’s "God Emperor of Dune." The band members might wear animal themed shirts and sing about video game obsessions and ghost hunting, but that is not necessarily a bad thing. Instead of the science fiction influence being kitschy, the music is interesting and fully-developed. If the band’s latest single, "Tell Me Why" is any indication of the band’s thoughtful songwriting, the upcoming EP is sure to help grow a solid fanbase. With dreamy vocals and a touch of fuzzy instrumentation, the song is quite captivating. Since forming in 2009, the group has already shared the stage with the likes of Best Coast, Dum Dum Girls and Yuck. Be sure to catch D/Wolves perform this Saturday, August 6th in Los Angeles as part of the FMLY Bike Ride event. – Karla Hernández

Two years ago, Jonathan Devoto’s career was almost like watching a game of musical chairs. He went from being the lead guitarist and vocalist of The Matches to a solo career, then went on to form the band, Bird by Bird. These days, he stands on much firmer ground with bandmate Ross Traver, who are set to release their debut album, “While You Sleep," on August 16th. For this album, the Berkeley based indie-pop rockers created a unique yet accessible sound that one can compare to classic and modern bands such as Bruce Springsteen and U, with a smidgen of Spoon and Young The Giant, according to Devoto. The duo is currently on their summer tour and will hit the road with Plug In Stereo beginning in August.

Simple Days – Bird by Bird

For a cool treat on a summer day, take a listen to Mikal Cronin’s latest single "Apathy", from his upcoming debut self-titled debut. After a minimalistic first twenty seconds, the fuzzed-out guitars kick in to take over and sweep you through the brief, but fulfilling song. It’s a tantalizing teaser to what is in store for the full album from Cronin, originally part of Orange County surf-rock band The Moonhearts. Cronin worked with and will be touring with Ty Segall for this album, and it promises to be a great one. The LP will be out September 20th via Trouble In Mind, so mark the date off on your calendars. – Taylor Lampela

Apathy – Mikal Cronin

If you’re over 21, spend your Monday nights in August at The Echo with Pat Grossi; it won’t cost you anything. The harpist, ex-choirboy, who goes by the moniker Active Child, produces mesmerizing, prodigious arrangements that hint at M83’s post-new-wave instrumentation and Animal Collective’s layered harmonies, with Grossi perfectly hitting every falsetto note. Grossi will be releasing his debut album, You Are All I See, during the free residency. It’s slated for an August 23 release via Vagrant Records, and the album’s first single, “Hanging On,” is available for a free download on Active Child’s website. –Katrina Nattress

Active Child – Hanging On

 Patience is a virtue that can pay off. After a six-year hiatus, LA noise-punk outift 400 Blows returns to the scene to, no pun intended, blow our ears off. Their sixth studio album, and first since 2005, Sickness and Health, is to be released on August 23rd via ORG Music. It promises to be another headbanger in the vein of their previous work. You can check out their website for more info on their new release. And be sure to catch them performing live this August in support of the Butthole Surfers, which kicks off at the Sunset Junction in Los Angeles. – Taylor Lampela

If settling down in a city were the same as settling down with a significant other, The Dead Trees would be on its third marriage. Having formed in Boston and then relocating to Portland, the band is now calling Los Angeles its home. However, if the good composure and charm of the band’s latest single "World Gone Global" is any indication, Los Angeles is its best match yet. The song is the first single off The Dead Tree’s recently-released sophomore album, entitled "WHATWAVE." The track carries the power pop appeal of Weezer with a touch of tropical jangle comparable to other LA bands like Fool’s Gold. With a close connection with several members of The Strokes, The Dead Trees has had various opportunities to pick up some worldly flair. Shortly after releasing a debut EP, the band toured with Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. on two different occasions. The EP was followed by a full-length in 2008, and the band was invited to open for and perform as the backing band for Little Joy, which features Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti. When the time came to work on the second Dead Trees full-length, the band teamed up with producer Noah Georgeson, who is known for his work with Joanna Newsom and Devendra Banhart. The band will be celebrating the release of "WHATWAVE" with a European tour next month. -Karla Hernández

THE DEAD TREES – "World Gone Global"

Teri Gender Bender and her Butcherettes are currently touring the West Coast with rock gods Queens of the Stone Age, gearing up for their Lollapalooza debut and summer festivals in Portugal and the Netherlands. Since the band’s conception as a duo in 2008, many opportunities arose for what began as vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Teri Gender Bender’s brainchild. Getting a start in Guadalajara, Mexico, the self-proclaimed feminist quickly got her brazen garage-punk twosome the recognition it deserved with her primal, cathartic live energy and debut EP, Kiss & Kill, scoring Le Butcherettes nominations for “Best New Artist” and “Best Punk Record” from Mexico’s Indie-O awards in 2009, and slots alongside the Yeah Yeah Yeahs “It’s Blitz” Mexico tour dates. In 2010, the band relocated to Los Angeles, and the 21-year-old musician recruited renowned drummer Gabe Serbian (The Locust) and bassist Jonathan Hitchke (Hella, Broken Bells) to round out the group’s raw, concise sound. This past May, the quartet released its debut LP, Sin Sin Sin via Sargent House. Keep your eyes peeled for local dates once the foursome returns from Europe; I’ve heard the live show kills (pun intended)! – Katrina Nattress

Ximena Sariñana (pronounced he-MEN-a sa-rin-YAH-na) sure has plenty of titles – actress, singer, songwriter, keyboardist, and most recently, VH1’s “You Oughta Know” artist for the month of August. Since 2004, the popular VH1 series features fresh acts on the come up (who are now full-fledged superstars), such as: Adele, Feist, Amy Winehouse, Mumford & Sons and many other talented musicians. This achievement comes in time for the August 2nd release of the Mexican starlet’s American debut. She recorded the album in Los Angeles and worked with Greg Kurstin, Dave Sitek and Natalia Lafourcade – the producers responsible for top hits by Lily Allen, The Yeah Yeah Yeahs and others. The self-titled release is said to showcase the 25-year-old’s wisdom, wit and of course, her brilliant chops. Ximena will join Sia and Oh Land on a nationwide tour beginning July 22nd in Chicago, IL – to August 19th in Vancouver, BC. Upcoming appearances include this year’s Lollapalooza and Outside Lands festivals. – Nicole Dawley

 The set up for the Milk Carton Kids couldn’t be any simpler: two earnest musicians, two classic guitars, and dual vocal harmonies. The Los Angeles duo, comprised of Kenneth Pattengale and Joey Ryan, emote an old timey feel that warmly invites some basking under a glowing afternoon sun. Behind the minimalist arrangements lies a distinctive spare sound that mercifully dodges the current barrage of rustic artists aspiring for Appalachian folk resonance. And with good reason – the plainness provides a wisdom that is wise beyond their years, which translates to songs that are sincere, relaxed, and altogether unassuming. They’ve just released their first studio album, Prologue, via their own Milk Carton Records. – Juan Edgardo Rodríguez

The Milk Carton Kids – Michigan

 Even though this married couple/musical duo is based in Los Angeles, you can feel the influence of their Midwestern roots in Big Harp. Bringing in the bygones of country and folk from the sensibilities of small town Nebraska, vocalist Chris Senseney blends his classic guitar style seamlessly with wife Stefanie Drootin-Senseney’s steady and grounded modern age basslines. You can see Big Harp’s sweet, folk-rock tunes at the Satellite today, July 19th, and then pick up their debut album White Hat on September 13th via Saddle Creek. – Taylor Lampela

With the success of Kina Grannis’ debut album, Stairwells, and high-traffic YouTube channel, it is hard to believe that the singer-songwriter was once a bit of a recluse when it came to sharing her music with others. Almost eight years ago, while attending the University of Southern California, she quietly perfected her skills on any secluded stairwell she could find so no one could hear her. The silence was considered to be her safe place to create music – her private studio. A record deal and three self-released EPs later, the Mission Viejo, CA native can be seen and heard worldwide with her candy-coated second single, “The One You Say Goodnight To,” that recently premiered on mtvU. You can catch Grannis live at the Largo in Los Angeles on July 28th before she begins her European tour in October. Kina’s album, Stairwells, is available now through One Haven Music. – Nicole Dawley

Los Angeles based pop-folk band, Milo Greene, transports us away from the looming Carmageddon to the melancholy thoughts of a lonely lover on some distant country side in “Autumn Tree", a follow-up to the band’s "1957" live video. College buddies Robbie Arnett, Andrew Heringer, and Marlana Sheetz showcase a lovely arrangement of multilayered, gospel-like harmonies coupled with good ole’ pop-folk melodies that leave you wondering if you should cry or hug somebody. Milo Greene will perform live this summer, on July 21st, with Grouplove at the Hammer Museum as part of the "Also I Like to Rock" summer concert series, presented by KCRW. They’ll also make an appearance at the Sunset Junction Street Fair on August 27th, the same day as the release of the 7” white vinyl pressing of "1957"/"Silent Way". – Nicole Dawley