THE DELI

Local band Wooden/Apple/Heart incorporates rhythmic folk instrumentals, quiet harmonizing vocals, and experimental sounds to create a skillful haziness. In their new album,  The First Woman to See Her Reflection in the World Before Mirrors, the group employs a modern, experimental-folk approach to music-making; inclusive of jumpy and innovative percussion, layered guitar riffs and occasional background samples. The track “Nora,” reinforces the band’s drifting manner, traveling between a gentle scenery and a lively upbeat mood. Listen to the album below. -Tafari Lemma

One consequence of music streaming is the over-saturation of the DIY scene with sloppy EPs recorded in bedrooms and basements that all end up sounding very much the same. But Sault’s spring and summer demos is not one of those records. Recorded by Nashville three-piece Sault, the EP travels between emo, folk, and indie rock in just four songs. Tracks like “socks” start off slowly, but eventually explode in an outpouring of emotion too raw for a conventional scene (a vocal tactic not too far off from Conor Oberst.) As a first release, this project is extremely promising and marks Sault as a force to be reckoned with on the local scene. – Lilly Milman

It’s not surprising that Brooklyn-based Atlas Engine, the solo project of Nick LaFalce, experienced a whirlwind of success following the release of his debut EP After the End. Without question, this EP is upbeat, melody-driven indie pop, but it is also saturated with lush, dream-pop elements. The intimacy of this record is sure to be paralleled by his upcoming double single release, which he is previewing at The Mercury Lounge on July 20th. –Lilly Milman

Electronic trio Pool Cosby recently released their LP, Blind Gold, a record that’s at once soulful and… brainful. With its dynamic layer of samples and live instruments accompanying the electronic experimentation, the album showcases a symbiotic relation between ambient, chillwave leanings, and a hip-hop based style. The LP also includes an intriguing selection of featured artists: single “Thrive” (streaming) features the delicate vocals of Tiger Darrow alongside subtle instrumentals that shift between a calm droney atmosphere and a dancey chorus with deep electronic kick drum beats animated by a minimal, but funky, bass line. Don’t miss these guys at Bowery Electric on 07.20. – Tafari Lemma

If the chorus of Boston-based bellwire’s new single sounds familiar, it’s because it is. The classic repetition of the word “dream” comes from the Everly Brothers song “All I Have To Do Is Dream,” but that is where the similarities between these two tracks end. bellwire’s take on this song is dark, stripped down, and is more comparable to the likes of Patti Smith than the pop duo (maybe not sonically, but definitely lyrically.) Tyler Burdwood, the lead vocalist of bellwire, is currently on a solo tour with Massachusetts-based Jake McKelvie, of The Countertops. – Lilly Milman

Describing themselves as “musical soulmates,” founding members of Moon Honey, Jess Elaine Ramsey (vocals) and Andrew Martin (guitar), make music that is complexly romantic. In wild, bird-like vocals battling powerhouse guitar melodies, they illustrate an especially human relationship in their psych-rock sound. Hand-Painted Dream Photographs, their 2013 release, is not just a turning, twisting psych record, but an emotionally personal music. On later releases like “Boy Magic,” it gets even more pseudo-confessional, with lyrics like “on wings of fruit trees/my boy sings sweet to me.” Moon Honey illustrate an adventurous marriage of sound and meaning, and if you’re not yet convinced, just look for their Magritte references.-Allie Miller

Frills, a newcomer duo to the Brooklyn scene, consists of two seasoned songsters who’ve given time to other projects; only now do they combine to release their first single "My Love." Dropped in late April, the track ekes summer groove in the style of MGMT and slow-jam Vampire Weekend. The New Zealand-based artists behind the track — Simon Oscroft and Dan Gibson — have years of indie experience under their belts. Oscroft comes from projects such as Midnight Youth and MOTHXR, while Gibson comes from Streets of Laredo. The band don’t seem to have any shows lined up, but "My Love" on repeat will do to tide you over until Frills announce a live gig. Listen to the debut single below. – Will Sisskind

Harry & the Hitmen are a soul-laden six piece that rely heavily on lighthearted, loose takes on some of the most influential sounds of Motown. Each member is an accomplished multi-instrumentalist and well-versed in on-the-spot improvisation, making every experience a unique and certifiable hit. Last fall they released their debut album, Deep In Your Soul, and are gearing up for a string of live dates this fall. – Joshua D. Huver

Local indie-pop artist KYYN released her debut, self-titled EP last month. In stand out single "This is the Way Things Go" (streaming below), KYYN’s soulful vocals are immersed in a dreamy and edgy R’n’B production that delivers a perfect sonic carpet for her smooth soprano. The track features a collaboration with fellow New York artist Miss, and illustrates KYYN’s talent for delicate and sharp lyrics and dusky, detailed electronic arrangements. – Tafari Lemma

With the release of their EP Diamond Jubilee, Bent Denim has carved out a dreamy space for themselves in the world of indie pop. The new release has the same narrative drive as their 2015 LP, Romances You, but with more detached vocals and a hazier soundscape. There is a sobering honesty that comes across in these five tracks, which mostly focus on mortality and the human experience. However, ultimately, this is a record about space: considering that this band is equally based in Nashville, New York, and New Orleans, Bent Denim’s music fills in the space between these cities (quite literally, as the band members send each other tracks through the internet.) The group will be reconvening in Nashville to play a show at The End on August 27th. – Lilly Milman

Listen to our favorite track, “Miss You, Kid” streaming below.