Little Wings has been busting out one solid album after another and their newest LP People is no exception. It’s lovely folk, simple plucking and marvelous lyrics that make you feel sad and amused and happy and intrigued and cozy at the same time. Since we’re talking cozy, enjoy this video from 2015 and accept the mystery of Little Wings. Their next show is July 10th at Zebulon in LA. Bless this album, bless this band. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

A heavy-handed drumbeat powers through the thick sonic atmosphere of The Afro Nick’s latest single "Dream Big" leading the listener toward a mighty chorus that is just so damn sticky. The single pays tribute to the larger-than-life sounds of arena rock while still keeping an indie-rock aura, seemingly a fitting song for both a massive stadium or your local bar. The song layers wonderfully to create its enormous atmosphere as distorted guitars, synthesizers, and grand piano chords swell and erupt. The Afro Nick’s childhood experiences in his hometown of Chaniá, Greece have inspired his sonic journey: the singer/songwriter channels his admiration for the rich musical history of his native country through his focus on storytelling amplified by big melodic choruses. To celebrate the release of this anthemic new single, The Afro Nick will be playing Mercury Lounge this evening at 6:30 pm. We premiering "Dream Big" for you below. – Rene Cobar

“Summer’s never long,” Justin Buschardt croons on the first track of Brooklyn indie outfit Sharkswimmer’s debut, Shut-In. It’s a fitting introductory note to the band’s first release, which over the course of five tracks straddles the worlds of easygoing guitar rock and fuzzed-out, palpably frustrated punk inclinations. A seasonally well-timed release, Shut-In aligns well with the current New York weather, energized by lyrics that focus in part on the imperceivable fast movement of time and lofi, occasionally discordant instrumentation. Recommended listening “PhD in Anxiety” and title track “Shut-In” are perfect for when the brisk city pace and June humidity inclines even the most extroverted among us to shut ourselves in and take a necessary, warm weather mental health day. Stream it below, and catch them at Brooklyn Bazaar on July 7th, playing alongside Taciturn, Cup and Trash TV.–Connor Beckett McInerney, Photo by Daniel Topete

The Oakland group Blisses B have released two singles off their album Tell Your Friends You Love Them And Why and they have just announced their record release party at Bottom of the Hill on Friday July 5th. Their music is rock, Americana and indie rock, and it’s positive and fun. Go support their new album and the 10th year of their band! -Lucille Faulkner

Brooklyn’s Sooner lets each of its influences shine on their own in its 2018 EP Stranger, and, with that name, a My Bloody Valentine reference shouldn’t catch any shoegazer fan by suprise. The band does an excellent job of flashing some serious shoegazing in between their jangly pop tunes. Snappy drum beats and easy-going vocal melodies make way for furious guitar drones and elaborate basslines drenched in dfuzz. Songs like “Humid Air” and “Notes from Underground” (streaming) gradually build up, slowly revving up each instrument for a grand climax. The ease with which the band switches up their intensity keeps the listener engaged, while sonic layers are added and removed as the song progresses. The group has kept busy since releasing their EP by playing a string of shows throughout Brooklyn, a string which will continue on June 13th with a gig at Brooklyn Bazaar. – Rene Cobar

Brooklyn-based quartet Damn Tall Buildings is getting ready to release their new album Don’t Look Down on June 7th, the final single “I’ll Be Getting By” is a whole lot of fun. The band is fully committed to the high energy and storytelling of bluegrass music; this is evident in the new single’s bright choruses and swift pace. Each string instrument alternates between playing melody and accompaniment for a layered sound that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. Damn Tall Buildings’ faithful approach to bluegrass follows in the footsteps of groups like Punch Brothers, which have done a fantastic job of leading the genre’s resurgence, with their compositions that bring out the history of American Music’s roots. Damn Tall Buildings will be playing the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival up north in Oak Hill, NY on July 18th. “I’ll Be Getting By” is streaming below. – Rene Cobar

If Brooklyn-based Manager’s 2017 self-titled debut EP is chunky peanut butter, then this year’s follow-up Landline is creamy smooth. The band layers beautifully in songs like “Steven Tipton” (streaming) whose guitars create a surfy, relaxed vibe that slightly warps in the choruses. “Hybrid” has an upbeat drum pattern you cannot help but move to and distorted guitars that highlight the rock aspect of this group’s indie-rock vibe. The entire EP is decked with rich harmonies and jaunty melodies that, along with the music’s breezy ambiance, produce a suaver version of the sound that bands like Wavves offer. Manager has played at Pianos NYC on more than one occasion, and with the release of this EP, they are gearing up for a busy summer. – Rene Cobar

EXNATIONS is a trio out of Brooklyn with a devilish knack for creating some moody synth-pop. The group goes against the grain of the genre’s typical upbeat style to create something a bit more broody, but that still pays respects to the sugary synth-pop ethos. The band’s latest single “Tether” is driven by a speedy drum beat, stylish guitar riffs, and the vocal delivery of lead singer Sal Mastrocola, whose verses have that seemingly effortless color to them à la Alex Turner. “Tether” is the lead single of the group’s upcoming EP Pink Haze, set for release June 28th. The group’s current live schedule has stops in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, but the release party will be at Gold Sounds in Brooklyn July 13th. Check out “Tether” below. – Rene Cobar

Hearkening back to the UK twee pop sound of the mid-80’s, Brooklyn’s Jeanines are set to release their self-titled debut album on June 14th. Partnering with Slumberland Records makes perfect sense as that label has specialized in next generation bands emulating the C86/early Creation sound since it’s inception in 1989. The wistful lyrics, vocals and guitar of Alicia Jeanine and My Teenage Stride Jed Smith’s bass and drums perfectly combine to create new songs within this timeless sound. “Either Way” (streaming below) captures the melancholy charm of original era bands like Talulah Gosh, who were as influential as any of the Sarah Records pioneers. It’s jangly, indie-pop that couples doubt with a sense of hope (“you have got to stay.”) Just released new single “Too Late” (streaming here) takes that a step further, with a more frantic velocity echoing its lyrical sentiment of regret. The album is now available for preorder, while the band play next on 6/12 at Trans-Pecos, and 6/22 at Alphaville for their release show. –Dave Cromwell

Brooklyn’s UV Rays are debuting the music video for their song “Existential Dread.” The track is from the band’s recently released debut EP Try and Begin and features beautifully intertwined electric guitars parts that play to the rhythm of a poised drum beat, and accent borderline jazzy pop choruses. The video is filled with extreme wide shots that show the band members playing their instruments, seemingly miniature to the huge backgrounds. The video’s simplicity is eye-catching and suits the track’s avant-pop vibe. The female/male vocal chemistry and the vibrant guitars that accompany it are in the vein of groups like The Pastels, with an added mathy element. Ever the hard-working group, UV Rays are already working on a second EP, and if it is anything like the first, we will be glad to premiere it too.

Êmia offers listeners a pure and potent brand of pop that gets the heart fluttering. The Brooklyn-based artist’s music explores the universal themes of broken relationships, almost-was romances, and identity struggles, but it does so with an opulent elegance. In “Teleprompter” (streaming) the acoustic guitar notes, robust bass, and echoing vocals all help create a song embroidered with messages that resonate, and hooks that captivate. Êmia’s confident delivery and commitment to pop music’s fundamental elements puts her right in the middle of the female pop star resurgence that Ariana Grande has championed. Êmia will be headlining Knitting Factory in Brooklyn on July 5th, with support from Illicit Ghost and Caroline Lazar.

Phono del Sol is a free festival at Potrero del Sol park. This year’s lineup features an Oakland favorite, Boy Scouts, whose folksy bedroom pop-rock is relaxing, charming and damn good. Taylor Vick’s vocals are sweet and pitch perfect, a fine complement to the keys and strums. Boy Scouts’ last release, Spiritual Pickle, is a 2-song sampler. Tracks “Kite” and “My Idiot Brain” are lofi, low pressure and highly pleasing. Catch Boy Scouts at Phono del Sol and wherever else they’re playing comin’ up soon! Stay tuned. – Lucille Faulkner