Inspired by their first time at SXSW, Brooklyn-based quintet Future Generations wrote the melodic, guitar-driven single “One More Problem” (streaming below). The use of a catchy hook and a dynamic, fast-paced chorus with a semi-electronic production could be compared to indie pop stars like Walk the Moon. This single is notable for the band because it is the first to be written collectively by the five members and its release is also providing momentum for their brief tour. Starting in Chicago, the northeast circuit ends with a show at Brooklyn’s own Knitting Factory on August 5th. –Lilly Milman, photo by Nico Schinco 

Some of the first songs Susannah Cutler ever wrote ended up on her newest EP friendship porn, a nostalgic collection released under the pseudonym Yours Are the Only Ears. Her soft voice, coupled with her minimalistic and concise lyricism, is reminiscent of Gregory and the Hawk—the songwriting on this EP is intimate, mysterious, and (most notably) raw. The EP plays out like a bittersweet daydream, filled with fragments of memories (“I watch / as you climb a tree / sitting patiently / your tireless flame / conquers everything,”) that are conveyed through airy and distant vocals. This EP, which is available in digital and cassette form, cements Yours Are the Only Ears’ spot in the NYC scene—they can be found playing at Alphaville on August 2nd. Until then, listen to the EP, streaming below. – Lilly Milman, photograph by Julia Leiby 

Bay area funk sensation, Big Sticky Mess, is playing Boom Boom Room on July 22nd in support of Victor Little’s Big Hit. Big Sticky Mess is at once a tongue-in-cheek homage to ’70s funk, and an impressive display of musicianship, with wah-laden guitars, saxophones and punchy percussion abounding on their 2016 full-length release, "It All Looks the Same in the Dark." Listen to the title track below! – Ethan Ames

Brother Toaster, a new solo project by Boston local, Sean Galbraith, brings a new appreciation for music that is genuine. Zen Riddles, his June 2017 album release is exactly that. While it is in some ways classic guitar pop in its catchy melodies, garage-y rhythms, and a wandering, psych influence, it is not intense in any of these characteristics. The music sits somewhat quietly behind the vocals, showing a clear presentation of lyrics. In this subtle decision, Brother Toaster shows a pride in lyricism and personal creation similar to singer-songwriter stylings. Still, it remains a fun guitar project, only enhanced by Galbraith’s pride in his own work. See the band live at The Great Scott July 18th. -Allie Miller

Hoboken-based post-punk band, AIERS, will be hitting the stage at Pianos on July 30th. The band’s only shared track is a Youtube clip of their song, "Forever Comes", an impressive blend of alternative sounds. In the video, the band plays untidy, post-punk guitar riffs against a backdrop of thick, green fog, bringing to mind the enigmatic performances of Joy Division and the syncopated and ominous style of early Interpol. With blunt but driving drums and spacey guitar riffs, “Forever Comes” takes a surprisingly melodic turn, drawing on elements from new wave and modern alt-rock. Be sure to check out the band’s performance and the live song below. -Pearse Devlin

"You can’t say indie rock is dead, it’s just being taken over by women," Sophie Allison (of Soccer Mommy) once said. And with an up-and-coming band like Evelyn, it seems pretty hard to dispute. The Brooklyn indie rock band’s recent project may have proven that they possess the caliber to become one of the prominent, emerging female-led indie rock bands surging through the music scene at the moment. Their EP released back in March, Light Full, has tracks rooted in a mellow, indie rock sound, but soar into many distinct and uplifting directions throughout. The opening track, “Lament”, begins with trilling and whammy-barred guitars that build toward a more emotional, vigorous sound, eventually finishing with an emphatic guitar solo. The other songs don’t fall short either. “Endlessly” works in an indie folk vibe and “Light Full” immediately kicks off with fuzzier garage-rock. The way Evelyn brings forth a plethora of sounds while keeping it all within their style is definitely something to keep an eye on. Check out their performance at Pianos in NYC on July 29th. – Pearse Devlin

Regardless of what’s going on in the world, punk music is like a cockroach the mainstream just can’t kill. It’s constantly growing and shapeshifting into new amalgamations that its originators couldn’t even imagine. That’s where the fast-paced, frantic post-punk of Brooklyn’s Big Bliss comes in. Taking cues from legends like The Cure, Blig Bliss’s arrangements are restless and rampaging, while their vocals are cold and detached. Their new single, “Fortune” (streaming below) is an explosion of angsty energy, with a thrumming bass line, a frenzied guitar part, and a hypnotic chorus. Catch them play live at C’mon Everybody on July 14th. – Lilly Milman, photograph by Kevin Condon

Though there’s certain things that are maybe better left in Australia (sharks, poisonous snakes, spiders the size of your face, for starters) Freya Wilcox, frontwoman for the blues-punk trio Freya Wilcox and the Howl is a decidedly welcome import who (probably) won’t shoot venom into your eyes. The New York-via-land-down-under singer and guitarist creates music that’s brazen, barefaced, gritty, and unapologetically catchy. The band’s latest release, Tooth & Nail features the group’s signature powerful, raspy vocals, and blistering guitar riffs, but explores a down-and-dirty look at love, loss, and whatever is supposed to come next. Check out "Nothing" off the new album streaming below.-Olivia Sisinni

Apogee, the point in a satellite’s orbit where it is positioned furthest away from Earth. It makes sense that TIIIDAL would choose to explore this concept in their latest music video: often, the Brooklyn-based indie-gazers’ music has a distinct, astral quality to it. Their new video features band members navigating their way through the soft, ethereal-sounding track while honey slowly oozes down the sides of their heads–a sticky visual that, however strangely, aesthetically compliments the song’s meditations on space and time. Watch the Deli’s premiere of "Apogees" streaming below, and keep your eyes peeled for the band’s new EP .Wavz coming out later this year.-Olivia Sisinni

Hysterics, GhostPal, the MCFK Emergency Management Squad; Brooklyn-bred Oliver Ignatius has made music under all of these names, but never on his own. That is, until his new single “Light and Dark” (streaming below) dropped on the Mama Coco’s Funky Kitchen Soundcloud. The single is a big step away from his previous work (like the moody indie rock of Hysterics and the funk-twinged, experimental psychedelia of GhostPal.) It takes a soft and soulful turn, relying on mesmerizing harmonies and a simple, repetitive melody. He will be playing a solo live show at Pianos on August 12th. – Lilly Milman

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

Brooklyn band IYEZ returns to awe listeners with new single Ov Rays. In addition to the band’s signature, unearthly psychedelic sound, the single features a garage rock energy, propelled by sharp and punchy drumming and a sea of distorted guitars. Cloudy but tense vocals contribute to a psychedelic crescendo that’s as nebular as it is relentless. The single also features a demo of "You Cried Out," a super stripped down psych-folk ballad that’s at the opposite sonic extreme of the main single. Catch the sonic tunes of IYEZ this Thursday 07.13 at the Map Room at Bowery Electric. –Tafari Lemma

New York’s Sean McVerry, who made our Best of NYC Emerging Artist Poll 2017, is a proverbial musical sponge. A skilled pianist and guitar player, McVerry incorporates elements of electronica, neo-soul and indie-pop to create a sound that’s shifting but always recognizable, thanks to his signature, soulful voice. On his 2016 EP, Hourglass Switchboard II, McVerry’s detexerous falsetto undulates effortly over drum machines and reverb-drenched, chordal piano work. Check out a live version of "Strangers" below, and don’t miss his upcoming live show at Bowery Electric on July 27th.- Ethan Ames