Hayes Peebles’ cerebral folk has been permeating the Brooklyn scene since the release of his debut single, “Ghosts” (2016). A couple of singles, an EP and two acoustic b-sides later, Peebles has accumulated a collection of sparkling acoustic Americana that conjures bittersweet and melancholic thoughts. Just released earlier this week, his newest single, “I’ll Be Fine,” flows with a lighter tempo that remains grounded with expressive and heart-tugging lyrical content. Many artists make an effort to show the softer side of their taste, but tracks like “Short and Sweet” and “Bella” display the effortlessness of this artist’s melodic style. Though raised on indie rock idols Interpol and The Strokes, Peebles has wandered quite a bit from his roots with a style that channels the gentle spirit of Bob Dylan and the twang of Neil Young—but all rock is not lost. Sometimes you can snag a taste of his younger influences in songs such as “Straight to Hell,” which burns steadily through big-stadium blues riffs. Hayes has torn through his local scene and, with the help of industry acclaim, is quickly becoming one of most distinct emerging voices in folk music. Check out his new song “I’ll Be Fine” below and stream his full discography on Soundcloud or Bandcamp. – Rebecca Carroll

Having spent the month of November touring numerous west coast cities together, Felte Records label mates Public Memory and Devon Church celebrate their respective new releases with a show at Alphaville on 11/30. Robert Toher’s Public Memory (previously featured here) released his second full-length album “Demolition” earlier this month, with lead single “The Line” (streaming below) making an immediate impresson. On an hypnotic trip-hop beat, layers of synths and samples create dark and atmospheric soundscapes. Vocals soon emerge within deeper padding textures as space is cleared for additional live drums. As the track continues to progress, elements of sampled voices materialize, adding one more element to its otherworldly nature. Both albums can be streamed everywhere and ordered at the Felte bandcamp page here. – Dave Cromwell

Brooklyn indie-rock trio Noble Kids are announcing their forthcoming sophomore album, Messy Pretty, with the release of a new single “Rain Hat,” a sentimental song with ribbons of synth-sounding instrumentation spiraling in the background. "The mess we made was proof / Can’t rid myself of them so soon / And i’m just so glad for you.”

Their upcoming album Messy Pretty meditates on questions of the self and the other—the ways you can misinterpret the identities’ of your loved ones and visa versa. It’s a perfect coming of age track with plain-spoken lyrics and conversational vocals that fits right in as the band grows into their nostalgic pop sound. 

“Messy Pretty is a very human record,” says Barsten in a press release. “There is a sheen to it, but it’s messy at its core and direct in a way that made us all a little uncomfortable while making it. That was a new feeling, and it became an important feeling to embrace. It pushed us.”

Listen to “Rain Hat” below. Messy Pretty is out February 2019 and you can pre-order it here.  

Currently based in NYC, Lucite Tokki is a duo that formed in Seoul in 2005 and had a pretty good run so far, releasing four full albums and six EPs. Their songs shares delicate melodies and a variety of instruments, from the acoustic to the electronic, that are the basis of their always sparse arrangements. Their latest album "L+" features both Korean and English lyrics and delivers plenty of charming pop moments. Our favorite songs is opener "every you" (streaming), which use a jazzy piano progression to build a sophisticated soul pop composition filled with nods to the masters of the genre from the early ’80s. Lucite Tikki will be performing live at Rockwood Music Hall on December 23rd.

It’s hard to not be charmed by Oakland’s pop rock bunch Small Crush. They’re like The Strokes met a Weezerly guitarist and a crispy-wispy lady vocalist and threw in some extra smiles. Lyrics are often bittersweet and romantic in that man, I’ve been there, type of way. Take the song “Signal Dreams” from their latest album, Blush: “If I’m asleep or awake/what difference does it make/if you’re not here with me?” Killer melodies and like they say, Fun! Natural Fun! We agree and we’re not the only ones. Small Crush killed it at last summer’s Noise Pop and we can’t wait to see them again. Enjoy listening to their songs below and catch them at The Art Boutiki in San Jose on December 22, where they’re playing with their Asian Man Record label mates Get Married. – Michelle Kicherer

Brooklyn’s Misty Mtn has had quite a year as they approach the release of their debut EP, set for release this Spring 2019. Drips and drops of singles and live performances have kept fans hooked to this band as they forge forward, leaving behind a thin trail of treats for us to keep nibbling on—their latest of which being their newest single, “We’ll Call It Even,” released November 19. As their third and possibly most inventive track in their string of EP teasers, this light jam gives a clean snapshot of the urban hustle and pursuing art in a big city.

Their first release as a duo was the sincere synth-driven single, “Greener,” premiered about a year ago. This song combines samples of mellow pop, folky rhythms and gorgeous melodies, blending with the band’s darker Nordic aesthetic to produce their self-coined genre, ‘dark mountain pop.’ Their single “Guess Who’s Back” was their second track to hit the NYC scene, and displayed their taste for adding an electronic edge to classic genres like post punk and RNB. This band’s consistently strong releases and imaginative sound leave little room for feelings other than anticipation for their upcoming material. Keep an eye out for the release of Misty Mtn’s debut EP coming out this Spring 2019, and stream “We’ll Call It Even” on Soundcloud. – Rebecca Carroll

Synthpop Brooklyn duo (via Atlanta) CLAVVS has been catching a lot of cyber-fan attention recently by topping the Hype Machine charts with singles Lay Back (streaming) and Slow Dive. The group has already two well received full length albums under their belt, but are showing no signs of slowing down. Atmospheric and easy on the ear without ever sounding banal, this year’s singles show a noteworthy growth in the songwriting department, which is a promising sign for a project whose songs aim at moving the listeners’ feelings more than their body, boosted by vocalist Amber Renee’s soulful and melancholic alto. You can catch them live with TEEN on January 16 at Baby’s All Right.

Brooklyn psych rockers Color Tongue are premiering here their new video for single Over the Moon, from their three-single EP Bealing Bell, released this past September. The track is (some kind of) love song for a passerby that’s at once sweet and borderline indecent, including lyrics like "I’d be over the moon, if you walk with me, we’d fork and we’d sppon." Blending a variety of genres in unexpected and psychedelic ways, the song is mostly based on a colorfully arranged reggae beat, although after minute four things change quite radically, with a slow reprise suddenly morphing into a wall of noise finale. The video itself is also a mix of different footage, where home videos depicting the band are mixed and faded with vintage B-Movies, creating a glittering stream-of-consciousness effect. Color Tongue will celebrate this release with a show at Sunnyvale on November 29 with OOX, Haunted Horses NYC, Castle Black and Private Siren.

Listening to SF afrobeat collective Sun Hop Fat makes you feel confident, like you’re on a mission and you know exactly where you’re headed. Pop on tracks like “Rhinosaur” and “Silly Putty” and it feels like you’re driving an undulating road, multicolored images calling you to dance or to ease you deeper into your chair, eyes closed toes tapping. This ten piece instrumental band tells stories without words. They’re Ethiopian jazz meets American funk, a touch of bossa nova and a little psychedelic twist. Luckily for us, they’re playing December 8th at The Independent with Royal Jelly Jive. Put your swaying, dancing, tapping shoes on and catch em. -Michelle Kicherer

Hartford’s alt-indie trendsetters Cheem always play by their own set of rules, and their new video for "Spring Breeze" (streaming below) explains why. The comedic clip mirrors the message of the song, showing what happens when a musician "finds success and becomes complacent, until a group with new ideas and motivation take over," in the words of the band. Cheem said the song "grew out of our collective frustration with how all levels of the music industry favor trendy soundalikes over fresh sounds. The video is a twisted, literal interpretation of the song." Meshing together elements of pop, indie and alternative rock, funk and more, the resulting melody is upbeat yet sardonic — a duality that perfectly describes who Cheem is as a band. Cheem is a band who is still daring to try, and it shows. – Lilly Milman

Stream an exclusive premiere of the video for "Spring Breeze" below. 

Tel Aviv-by-way-of Brooklyn electro-pop artist DOV brought pride in one’s identity to the forefront of his debut single,“Save.” “‘Save’ is about being gay, being queer – it’s a spiritual movement about releasing yourself from your past,” DOV says regarding the track, the first from his forthcoming EP Be Your Lover, out next year. Channeling his experiences as a queer man into explorative and defiantly different electronica, DOV produces a self-assured explosion of textures both synthetic and acoustic that is as original as enjoyable. The track employs tactile, plucky guitar parts against syncopated percussion and brooding keys, creating a layered, expressive sound that is simultaneously bright and dark, with TESHA’s vocal performance adding a layer of discordant pop to the mix. DOV’s strengths certainly lie in his willingness to take risks as a producer and multi-instrumentalist – here’s hoping his EP debut follows the same unique recipe.

Stream "Save ft. TESHA" below. –Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt)

Adeline, neo-soul diva and frontwoman of NYC disco revivalists Escort, has recently broken out as a solo artist and released her debut, self-titled LP, [ad•uh•leen]. Out earlier this year, singles "Emeralds” and “Swirl” gave a cheeky, synth-driven sample of this artist’s stunning vocal style, and are now followed by “Hi Life” (streaming) which delivers spunky and danceable energy reminiscent of the vibrant voices of the disco era, filtered through modern soul. This collection of jams burns through savory melodies with a sultry disposition and plenty of glitter to go around. Listen to Adeline’s single, “Hi Life,” below and check out her latest solo material on Soundcloud. – Rebecca Carroll