Brooklyn’s Misty Mtn has had quite a year as they approach the release of their debut EP, set for release this Spring 2019. Drips and drops of singles and live performances have kept fans hooked to this band as they forge forward, leaving behind a thin trail of treats for us to keep nibbling on—their latest of which being their newest single, “We’ll Call It Even,” released November 19. As their third and possibly most inventive track in their string of EP teasers, this light jam gives a clean snapshot of the urban hustle and pursuing art in a big city.

Their first release as a duo was the sincere synth-driven single, “Greener,” premiered about a year ago. This song combines samples of mellow pop, folky rhythms and gorgeous melodies, blending with the band’s darker Nordic aesthetic to produce their self-coined genre, ‘dark mountain pop.’ Their single “Guess Who’s Back” was their second track to hit the NYC scene, and displayed their taste for adding an electronic edge to classic genres like post punk and RNB. This band’s consistently strong releases and imaginative sound leave little room for feelings other than anticipation for their upcoming material. Keep an eye out for the release of Misty Mtn’s debut EP coming out this Spring 2019, and stream “We’ll Call It Even” on Soundcloud. – Rebecca Carroll

Synthpop Brooklyn duo (via Atlanta) CLAVVS has been catching a lot of cyber-fan attention recently by topping the Hype Machine charts with singles Lay Back (streaming) and Slow Dive. The group has already two well received full length albums under their belt, but are showing no signs of slowing down. Atmospheric and easy on the ear without ever sounding banal, this year’s singles show a noteworthy growth in the songwriting department, which is a promising sign for a project whose songs aim at moving the listeners’ feelings more than their body, boosted by vocalist Amber Renee’s soulful and melancholic alto. You can catch them live with TEEN on January 16 at Baby’s All Right.

Brooklyn psych rockers Color Tongue are premiering here their new video for single Over the Moon, from their three-single EP Bealing Bell, released this past September. The track is (some kind of) love song for a passerby that’s at once sweet and borderline indecent, including lyrics like "I’d be over the moon, if you walk with me, we’d fork and we’d sppon." Blending a variety of genres in unexpected and psychedelic ways, the song is mostly based on a colorfully arranged reggae beat, although after minute four things change quite radically, with a slow reprise suddenly morphing into a wall of noise finale. The video itself is also a mix of different footage, where home videos depicting the band are mixed and faded with vintage B-Movies, creating a glittering stream-of-consciousness effect. Color Tongue will celebrate this release with a show at Sunnyvale on November 29 with OOX, Haunted Horses NYC, Castle Black and Private Siren.

Listening to SF afrobeat collective Sun Hop Fat makes you feel confident, like you’re on a mission and you know exactly where you’re headed. Pop on tracks like “Rhinosaur” and “Silly Putty” and it feels like you’re driving an undulating road, multicolored images calling you to dance or to ease you deeper into your chair, eyes closed toes tapping. This ten piece instrumental band tells stories without words. They’re Ethiopian jazz meets American funk, a touch of bossa nova and a little psychedelic twist. Luckily for us, they’re playing December 8th at The Independent with Royal Jelly Jive. Put your swaying, dancing, tapping shoes on and catch em. -Michelle Kicherer

Hartford’s alt-indie trendsetters Cheem always play by their own set of rules, and their new video for "Spring Breeze" (streaming below) explains why. The comedic clip mirrors the message of the song, showing what happens when a musician "finds success and becomes complacent, until a group with new ideas and motivation take over," in the words of the band. Cheem said the song "grew out of our collective frustration with how all levels of the music industry favor trendy soundalikes over fresh sounds. The video is a twisted, literal interpretation of the song." Meshing together elements of pop, indie and alternative rock, funk and more, the resulting melody is upbeat yet sardonic — a duality that perfectly describes who Cheem is as a band. Cheem is a band who is still daring to try, and it shows. – Lilly Milman

Stream an exclusive premiere of the video for "Spring Breeze" below. 

Tel Aviv-by-way-of Brooklyn electro-pop artist DOV brought pride in one’s identity to the forefront of his debut single,“Save.” “‘Save’ is about being gay, being queer – it’s a spiritual movement about releasing yourself from your past,” DOV says regarding the track, the first from his forthcoming EP Be Your Lover, out next year. Channeling his experiences as a queer man into explorative and defiantly different electronica, DOV produces a self-assured explosion of textures both synthetic and acoustic that is as original as enjoyable. The track employs tactile, plucky guitar parts against syncopated percussion and brooding keys, creating a layered, expressive sound that is simultaneously bright and dark, with TESHA’s vocal performance adding a layer of discordant pop to the mix. DOV’s strengths certainly lie in his willingness to take risks as a producer and multi-instrumentalist – here’s hoping his EP debut follows the same unique recipe.

Stream "Save ft. TESHA" below. –Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt)

Adeline, neo-soul diva and frontwoman of NYC disco revivalists Escort, has recently broken out as a solo artist and released her debut, self-titled LP, [ad•uh•leen]. Out earlier this year, singles "Emeralds” and “Swirl” gave a cheeky, synth-driven sample of this artist’s stunning vocal style, and are now followed by “Hi Life” (streaming) which delivers spunky and danceable energy reminiscent of the vibrant voices of the disco era, filtered through modern soul. This collection of jams burns through savory melodies with a sultry disposition and plenty of glitter to go around. Listen to Adeline’s single, “Hi Life,” below and check out her latest solo material on Soundcloud. – Rebecca Carroll

Natalie Claro’s music is a menagerie of influences – her full length debut Disconnect is a fluid collection of songs equal parts garage, singer-songwriter, and folk, with additional nods to electronic R&B and classical piano composition. It may sound like a lofty undertaking for a single record, but Claro’s strength comes primarily from her ability to channel a variety of genres into a cohesive, exciting sound, one united by her explosive vocal performances. Throughout Disconnect, Claro shows that she’s equally comfortable hollering with an acoustic guitar on “Mountains” (streaming) as she is interpolating elements of Für Elise on “Interlude The Disconnect,” while still finding time to croon against colder, moodier synths on “Blood” and album closer “Poor Boy.” Today’s musical landscape frequently pushes artists into comfortable shticks and niches, and Natalie Claro’s decision to circumvent the norm is fearless and admirable.

Claro will perform at the upcoming Women That Rock show, supporting Starbender alongside Scarlet Sails and Astra The 22s. Until then, stream Disconnect below. –Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt)

New Jersey band Wyland offers an heartfelt blend of melodic rock and folk rock, and they have big plans for the upcoming months. They just unveiled single "Nowhere Now" (streaming) from their upcoming EP to be released in early 2019, and also announced a supporting tour with Universal Canada artist Valley. Our local readers will be able to see them at the Asbury Park Brewery on 12.08 and at Rough Trade on 12.15.

In the best synthpop tradition, Brooklyn trio Jaguar Dreams makes music that yes melodic, but features an aftertaste of mystery and darkness. Lead single "Mean Somethin" (streaming below), progresses seamlessly from a mid-tempo verse to a catchy, dance-inducing chorus, reinventing ’80s post-new wave electronic atmospheres supported by soulful vocals that conjure up an imaginary summer. Second single "A Real Woman" (video streaming underneath) is a more edgy tribute to that same decade, with references to Talking Heads, David Bowie and Depeche Mode.

Brooklyn solo artist COTE’s luscious dream pop continues to charm in her newest single, “Restoration.” Having recently released an accompanying video for her single “London,” filmed from the back corner of a local convenience store, this artist has come to define her style by her pure, unembellished approach to production. Her vocals in this track are reminiscent of the haunting styles of Lana Del Rey, exhibiting her balance between delicacy and power. This, combined with her nonchalant sonic demeanor, creates a clean sound that has shed its layers of excessive production. The positive spirit of her previously released single, “Meet Me In The Middle,” belongs in your ‘Morning Motivation’ playlist for when you need a bit of optimism to kick-start your day. This artist has found the middle ground between atmospheric and grounded, and aptly carries it into her timeless sound. Keep an eye out for COTE’s forthcoming album, out this November, and catch her album release show live at Union Pool on November 28.  

Santa Cruz-based band Getaway Dogs take beachy psych rock to a refreshing new place. What makes these guys stand out from the sea of surf pop is the unexpected turns their songs take. There’s plenty of time to zone into the music but you won’t zone out—just as you feel the foggy reverb floating through the air a nice touch of tambourine walks in, a snappy drum, maybe a whistle, and those soothing vocals reminiscent of a younger, more angelic Anthony Kiedis—and we mean that in the best of ways—and you’re hooked all over again. Songs like “Excuses/Opinions II”, which starts, “I cannot explain myself / to my demons” bring listeners into the story and give a feel for the characters within each song. Getaway, indeed. Check out their links and take a little musical journey. -Michelle Kicherer