THE DELI

Armed with an arsenal of synth sounds, soaring vocals, and experimental electronic vibes, Paris Monster weaves effortlessly across genres and decisive categorization. On his latest release, "Ain’t No Movin’ Me," the Brooklyn-based act showcases its prowess for hook writing/crafting a track that could stand without accompaniment as a blues-y, spirtual declaration, but is launched into another realm by its bed of synths and echoing choruses. An inspired take on blues-folk that’s both hypnotic and engaging, Paris Monster’s sound seems to edge toward what could be the new face of American roots rock. Check out his new single streaming below. – Olivia Sisinni

Brooklyn-based Vagabon’s vocals are sometimes wistful, sometimes haunting, but always seem to have a soft ethereal quality to them. An indie rock project spearheaded by Laetita Tamko, Vagabon navigates the spaces between dulcet tones and crunchy feedback effortlessly. While every track on her Persian Garden EP is worth spending time with, "Cold Apartment Floors" is a distinct stand-out–featuring the juxtaposition of thick, noisy guitars, against Tamko’s soft vocals; resonating like thunder and rain. You can check her out at Baby’s All Right with Mal Devisa and Jelani Sei 2/24, and in the meantime, be sure to stream her music below. – Olivia Sisinni

Need something to warm you up as you truck along the NYC-slush? Check out Dakota Jones, a Brooklyn-based four piece specialzing in the type of soulful rock that’s guaranteed to melt away even the steeliest winter blues. With warm, roots-rock guitar licks, and singer Tristan Carter-Jones’s honey-sweet vocals, the band makes unfussy music that refuses to compromise on visceral punches. Check them out live at the Bitter End 1/20 playing with Liquor Radio, Samia, Danielle Cardona, The BeriBeri, and The Bowery Boys, but in the meantime stream Dakota Jones below. – Olivia Sisinni

Facebook has gained such influence on our perception of the world, that finding a really good band when they only have a few hundred likes always feels very special. Enter Fixtures, a Brooklyn group with 204 – now 205! – Facebook likes. The quartet released their debut EP ‘Experienced Fainters‘ in 2014, combining the earnest yet creative slack rock of Modest Mouse with the lighthearted pop of Violent Femmes. Following LP ‘Watch Your Head,’ out in November 2015, develops a more personal voice, blending in other influences from the ’80s and ’90s (we hear R.E.M. and XTC and The Cars among others), within a sound that’s fuller and often also heavier. Track #3 ‘Gone Crazy’ (streaming below) is the pop highlight of the record, an enthusiastic love song where everything works like clockwork. You can see Fixtures live at Sunnyvale on February 1st.

 Having a song included in Little Steven’s Underground Garage "Coolest Song in the World" poll is one of those “honor just to be nominated” moments.  Diane and The Gentle Men’s single “Motorcycle” (streaming below) earned a place among that weekly group with 51 other artists ranging from local stars to very big international names.  The song and video pay a playful homage to the late 50’s/early 60’s ideal of a youthful desire for rock n’ roll kicks.  While clean-cut teenagers watch bad boy motorcycle movies on TV, Diane sings about “riding on the back with her ray bans and leather jacket” over a chugging rock rhythm.  Soon the kids are up dancing as the chorus hooks with lyrics “blame it on summer heat, when the moon is high, and the air is clear, and the sky is wide.”  The track stands out with numerous unexpected sonic twists, like the slightly askew descending keyboard line in the second verse and the momentum shifting percussive breaks, scattered throughout the tune.  There’s a country-western warmth to the chorus, with its chord structure, big impassioned lead vocal and sweet background harmonies. – Dave Cromwell