THE DELI

We are not even sure where to start with a band like 75 Dollar Bill, but after a series of jaw drops, we’re comfortable settling on "brilliant." The NY-based duo of Rick Brown and Che Chen produce gorgeous, winding instrumentals that are not only melodically lush, but rhythmicaly intricate and driving. Lead by a quarter-tone guitar, the band’s music draws from a distinctive North African influence, but their sound is as expansive as it is downright nuts. Stacking layers and layers of instrumentation as diverse as viola drones and bari sax licks, 75 Dollar Bill lands firmly in devilishly intriguing territory. Do yourself a favor and stream them below, or better yet, catch them live at Troost 10/23.-Olivia Sisinni

Nashville has a new indie-pop tune on its hands. But not just any indie-pop tune. Kellen of Troy‘s latest single, So You Found Yourself A Rockstar, speaks out for men who find themselves in a tough spot when their girlfriends turn out to be materialistic, money-grubbing women who leave them for men with a cooler, higher "status" — rockstars! Notwithstanding the heart breaking topic, Kellen Wenrich’s nonchalant vocals express a calm acceptance, and his lively music video does too. Throughout the entire video, the camera pans around the room, introducing new people as they play instruments, chat about, and have a grand ol’ time. Meanwhile, Kellen spontaneously appears in and out of each corner singing his tune. Everyone gets it: some people only care about one thing, so why not just let it go and party? Check out the video for "So You Found Yourself A Rockstar" down below. – Ashley Muniz

Pianos is one of the few NYC venues left that still dares to host emerging artist residencies (they actually do that in two rooms). We always pay attention to these bands, because the fact they were invited means they have a good live show and an expanding fan base, which are important factors for any band. Adiós Ghost is an adventurous Brooklyn band that plays an intricate brand of avant-pop that will excite the aural canals of those of you into Yeasayer and Animal Collective. Their recent EP ‘Endless Return‘ is their first release since 2014, and it’s a very interesting record. Employing electric and electronic instruments, and also saxophones at times, the band’s arrangements shine for their transparent quality, and very processed references to African melodies and rhythms. Each song seems to be built on musical blocks that support and complement each other, resulting in airy and flickery compositions. Check out opening single ‘Tension’ below and don’t miss one of their upcoming Pianos shows on October 12,19 and 26.

Brooklyn’s Tammy is a fiery female fronted band we stumbled upon  that – we predict – will change their name within a year. Their only single available for streaming, ‘The Fortress,’ is a lo-fi, but perfectly orchestrated homage to the early post punk years (late ’70s/early ’80s), with authentic semi-atonal vocals and an angularity reminiscent of a rougher, fuzzier version of the early Stranglers. The scores of New Yorkers who are anxious about the dystopian future should check them out.

Nashville’s psychedelic trio Ttotals might have not released any new material in two years, but that’s not preventing them from going on tour – maybe becuse their 2014 record ‘Let Everything Come Through‘ is an drone rock gem that deserves to be brought to the genre’s fans one at a time. The group leftr on October 7 for Charlotte, NC, and will drive north and then south again to hit NYC, Boston and then Philly and Harrisbourrg, VA, with a final date in Lexington, KY on October 14. Fans of Jesus & Mary Chain and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are advised.