Bad Galaxy‘s latest self-titled EP displays the band’s prowess for crafting indie tracks with thoughtful, poignant lyricism and a moody sonic textures. The brainchild of musician Alexis Pastuhov, the project started after Pastuhov moved to NYC from Colorado. The songs on the record speak to both his transition and the broader culture and identity shifts that occur when living in a city like the Big Apple. Says Pastuhov, "…just like the city, the music is dynamic both sonically and thematically. There are a lot of highs and lows as the album progresses from song to song and those shifts are just as much a product of my own creative neuroses as they are a product of the city’s ever-changing mood." We’re stoked to premiere the new, self-titled album so hit the play button on Bad Galaxy streaming below, and if you want the live version of it, don’t miss the band’s live show tomorrow at Muchmore’s in Brooklyn. – Olivia Sisinni

With the recent release of their sophomore album “New Moody Judy,” Brooklyn post punk rockers Honey deliver an aggressive collection of fuzz and wah-wah guitar-fueled songs.  Opener “Wage Agreement” is propelled by a furious power trio wall of sound featuring an ominously tense bending guitar part and half pleading/half shouting vocals, reminiscent of early Richard Hell.  Follow-up “Dream Come Now” amps up the groove to punk rock levels with a nod to the Ramones.  The album’s title track leans on a heavy psych guitar riff and Iggy Pop Detroit city drawl.  Deeper cuts like “Hungry,” “Bagman” and “Power” go for the high-speed velocity of an accelerated hyper-blues.  Album closer “Peggy Ray” rides fuzzy bass, slashing guitars and smack-down drumming for nearly eight full minutes.  The album is available on Wharf Cat Records and will be released with a party on Friday 10/13 at Alphaville. – Dave Cromwell

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best punk/garage/diy songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

Brooklyn based producer Esseks (Sam Eckstein) brings a distinctive flavor of electronica to his latest EP release, “Broken Bones” (Sticks & Stones).

The EP is divided in two: Five tracks under “Sticks.” Five tracks under “Stones.” This concept plays nicely. The “Stones” tracks are tonally “heavier” than the rest of the EP. 

At times, “Broken Bones” almost feels like a throwback to the stomping fuzz of prime-era dubstep. But ultimately, Esseks’ glitch-hop and hip-hop influences assert dominance. J Dilla-referencing tracks like “Dill” show off Esseks’ swagger and ear for inventive melody. While the emotive, “wonderfully strange “Pigeon Toes” showcases the range of Eckstein’s inventive production. “Broken Bones” is good ‘ish. -juan leon

Jean Jeanie, of the avant-pop project Future Twin, offers up a deliciously synthy power ballad in new song “Head Like a Halo.” Future Twin’s music is above all else fueled by activism and social theory.

This is clear in her single’s 360˚ music video that was filmed in a living art installation on the night of the presidential election. The video captures the frenzied energy of that night and its kaleidoscope of emotions, all of which are fueled by the lyrics insisting on the need to step back from the computer and interact with others off-screen. You can catch Future Twin at KWTF Sonoma County on 10.15. —Amanda Ogea

The funky, stripped-down Southern soul made by emerging act Wheetay—fronted by Thomas White—is exactly what the Nashville scene needs right now. White takes on the responsibility of writing, recording, producing, mixing, and mastering all the tracks, yet he still considers the project a collaborative effort as his friends play a role in inspiring his tracks and bringing them to life. Explained in his own words as a “lo-fi approach to high fidelity music,” Wheetay is finally taking to the stage with a lineup of live shows, in which he will combine live instruments with looping tracks. The sultry, semi-electronic sound created by White and co. is fresh, fun, and a nice change of pace for Music City. If you can’t make his show tonight at the Tin Roof, then definitely make sure to catch him opening for Willie Shaw at The Country on the 13th. – Lilly Milman

Listen to our favorite track “Probably Nothing” streaming below.

Fits stay true to their name with their especially short songs, each one bursting into the limelight with compelling and near-addicting guitar riffs. It’d be too easy for a band to get lost in the music, but Fits know just when to end a song early enough to cause a craving for more. Fits’ penchant for brevity (as well as quirky humor) keeps the themes of their upcoming LP “All Belief is Paradise,” themes of queer identity in the shadow of grief and disillusioned meditations on childhood, from being too overwhelming. Instead, the music is refreshingly sincere. Celebrate the LP’s release with Fits at Alphaville on 11.17.  —Amanda Ogea

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

New York’s electric pop artist, Blonde Maze is the project of self-produced Amanda Steckler whose sound is anchored on a dreamy blend of woven piano, electronic marimbas and layered vocal harmonies. Her newest single ‘Thunder’ is a translucent dive into melodic bliss that needs only a repeat button. Her 2015 debut EP ‘Oceans’ was very well received, going to #18 on Spotify’s ‘US Viral’ chart, and receiving attention from MTV’s ‘Radar’, and BBC Radio 1 among other channels. She is currently armed with a new and improved material, and another EP slated for 2018 release. – Vernon McGhee

Saturn Rising produces moody R&B that sounds as astral as his name suggests. The singer/dancer crafts dreamy, dark soundscapes that strike powerfully on the rawest of human experiences, while still managing to fit in against other club bangers. The musical prowess and fierce individuality of Saturn Rising makes his music a must-listen, so be sure to stream him below.-Olivia Sisinni

If an artist suddenly climbs our "NYC New Bands With Buzz" charts (look around on this page, you’ll find it), there’s always a reason. It happened this month to Brooklyn based dreamy songwriter Cape Francis, whose record release show we recently previewed in this very blog. In this circumstance, what pushed the project of Kevin Olken Henthorn to the top of that list is the fact that he made the cover of Spotify’s popular weekly playlist Fresh Finds (the playlist gets erased and updated weekly, so you won’t find Cape Francis in this week’s list of tracks). Congrats Kevin! 

Cape Francis is scheduled to perform tonight in the East Village at Berlin and on November 10 at Bushwick’s C’Mon Everybody.

Returning with a fifth album set to further the band’s exploration of ambience and shoegazey guitar effects, Grooms brings the music to Brooklyn Bazaar on October 25. Lead singles from Exit Index showcase swelling synths amidst the moody wash of sound without straying from Grooms’ usual noisy fare. The band’s brigade of fuzz and other-worldly effects is ideal for live shows where the onslaught of guitar and drums crashes into you with the force of a brick wall. One of the few brick walls you should be excited to crash into. – Cameron Carr

Warren Heller, formerly of Dream Logic and now performing as Isador, has released his first single under his new moniker called "Falling". The new track comes as Heller’s first as a signee of 300 Entertainment, the label of Fetty Wap, Migos, and Young Thug. "Falling"’s repeating lyrics and building echoing vocals have a trance-like quality about them; when taken with the thumping beat, the song takes on an intoxicating groove much like Heller’s remix of Daft Punk’s "Get Lucky", which in 2013 alerted many new listeners to this rising talent. Listen to "Falling" below. – Will Sisskind

NYC rock duo QTY shares their latest single ‘Michael’ in advance of an October-November headline tour and releases of self-titled debut album on 11/3.  Produced by Bernard Butler of iconic 90’s Britpop band Suede, the album promises an excess-free listening experience full of hooks and charming character.  The single (streaming below) delivers that with a thoroughly catchy chorus “that’s how it goes.  You’re alright until you’re sweating chemicals.”  Clever lyrics are woven throughout, with one verse stating “I miss the stresses of being strung out a couple months – now all my stress is from what somebody else wants.”  Deep voiced and conversational, singer Dan Lardner channels Lou Reed’s style, while cohort Alex Niemetz adds female harmonies and essential guitar licks.  The band’s album will be released on Dirty Hit records, and will be supported by a tour starting on 10/11. The NYC stop will be on October 28 stop at Irving Plaza.  – Dave Cromwell