THE DELI

Nate Brenner, aka Naytronix, just released the single “Come Back” off his forthcoming album, Air, and it’s a fantastically mixed, warm and pleasing jam that pushes the limits of psych pop. The percussive backbone is blessed with drummer Hamir Atwal’s hard-to-mimic snappy jazz touch. The album features some other Oakland favorites, including Madeline Kenney and Tune-Yards’ Merrill Garbus. After his work scoring Sorry to Bother You, we’re not surprised. “Come Back” is a killer teaser and we can’t wait for the full album, out June 7th on Botcave records. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Union Jersey group Fire is Motion’s 2017 EP Still, I Try, put their dream pop and folk combination on full display and gives you plenty of reasons to check them out. The group recently toured the Midwest and is now back in the Tri-State Area prepping for shows in Brooklyn, the first of which will be at Elsewhere on April 27. The group appears to be growing both in recognition and band members as they have added a fifth guitarist in Shannon Moore (for a few shows for now it seems.) The music is seamless in its delivery of rich acoustic arrangements, and emotive vocal crescendos which, coupled with several minor chords help create a style that’s at once moody and light. Fire is Motion is keeping their story going, one performance and band member at a time. – Rene Cobar

Ravens & Chimes are ready to make some noise at Mercury Lounge on April 23 in support of their brand new album The Empty House. The NYC group has been a mainstay of the music scene in the city for nearly a decade, and new single "Big Ups" (streaming) showcases an undeniable maturation of their fervent indie-rock style. The speedy guitar riffs and body-shaking drum beats are still there, but a more polished production and singer songwriter Asher’s vocals gain in urgency and confidence take this track to a new level. The group’s record release will also include a performance from L.A.’s The Palms. – Rene Cobar

The Vaughns are about to have a fun spring.  Led by the euphonious vocals of singer and guitarist Anna Lies, the New Jersey natives have been building steady hype with each sticky new single, and on April 26 they are playing Gold Sounds in Brooklyn to kick-off their spring tour. The quartet has catchy hooks to spare, and used them to capture the hearts of their home state with their 2015 entry tomfoolery, which was nominated for three Asbury Park Music Awards. Now they are ready to share their infectious yet heartfelt brand of indie rock with the rest of the country. The Vaughns will tour the U.S. for fourteen dates and return to NYC May 23 for the final show at Arlene’s Grocery. – Rene Cobar