Soft News, the NYC alt-folk project of Erik Laroi, is releasing a four-song EP of Everything But the Girl covers entitled The Only Way Out is Down. The four covers dramatically reimagine the originals, stripping away the sophistipop masters’ electronic arrangement in favor of a chamber instrumentation. Cello and violins abound on this release, and the instrumentalists’ mastery of dynamics lends a contemplative, melancholy air to the songs. The Only Way Out is Down is out today. 

Philly and NYC-based Field Mouse have been known for their dreamy, shoegazey tunes, but while their hook filled songwriting is still on full display on their latest album, "Episodic," the five-piece’s sound has evolved in a punchier direction, which is a bit more barefaced, and less shrouded by layers of fuzz and reverb. Our sister blog Delicious Audio recently spoke to the band about the tonal shift, and what kind of gear goes into the making of their music – check out the link below!

Q&A with Field Mouse about pedals and the creative process.

One of Brooklyn’s fiercest emerging bands will be releasing their debut EP next week. Grim Streaker, a five-piece punky outfit out of Brooklyn, will release Girl Minority, a four track collection, on July 7th. Their release show is scheduled for the day before at Wicked Lady, and, judging from the video below for single "Guts," we’ll surely be in for a ferocious performance; the band has already picked up a reputation for their raucous, fanatical performances, that resurrect the intensity of 70s/80s punk rock. Singles “Psycho” and “Miami Girl” are ruthless punk anthems, carried by rapid drumbeats and bass lines, fuzzy guitar riffs, and abrasive, powerful vocal bursts from their charismatic lead singer, Amelia Bushell. – Pearse Devlin

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

We don’t think there will ever be a day when we’ll get tired of dream pop, and newbies Orchin are a confirmation of this. Perfectly timing their June tour with the start of summer, this group of Losangelinos is about to end their US tourwith a show in Phonex, AZ, on 06.30. With a sound and aesthetic reminiscent of beloved groups such as Tomorrow’s Tulips, Cosmonauts, or Froth, their lingering, cosmic new single “I Think I” (streaming) illustrates a deep familiarity of the genre, although featuring a slightly more aggressive twist to it. – Allie Miller

With the recent roll out of lead single "Get Away" (streaming below), Brooklyn psych-rockers BIRDS prepare to release their debut album “Everything All At Once” on 8/18 through Greenway Records. Emerging from a two-chord progression similar to Iggy & The Stooges “Search & Destroy,” the single adds bass counter-melody and rising background vocals, positioning the track closer to a pop song. “I’ve been awake all morning, watching the light pour in. I keep away from stealing – I do my own healing,” describe the self-reflective lyrics. Catchy melodic lines unfold via speedy guitar lines woven in and around emphatic vocals. “I get away so easy” becomes the ultimate key line towards the end of a power-packed two and a half minute song. You can pre-order “Everything All At Once” now and catch them live at the Greenway Pop-Up + Free Day Show on July 8 at St. Vitus. – Dave Cromwell

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

R&B and soul singer-songwriter Amira B showcases a noteworthy vocal talent in her new album, Defined. Backed by a soul/funk group featuring also a fierce brass section, the vocalist delivers dazzling soul tracks worthy of FM radio rotation, like intimate single “I am Defined,” which expresses her self-discovery through personal hardships. Amira B landed a residency at Pianos during the month of July (every Tuesday), which is always a promising sign. – Tafari Lemma 

Green Day fans, fear not, there is a new band that will satisfy your pop-punk needs. NYC-based trio Remnants, which boasts several releases dating back to 2013 under their belt, brings back that positive, heartbroken spirit that you’d been missing with their 2017 release "True Places Never Are." With perfectly whiny vocals, energetic guitars, and sturdily reliable drums, Remnant has everything in the right place, and their power trio sound on songs like "Lay off the Book Club" and "Less Irony" (streaming) is nothing short of epic. Catch them on July 1st at Bushwick Public House. – Allie Miller

Yoke Lore’s newest EP Goodpain is a triumph of "indie pop persuasion." In a genre cluttered with cookie cutter synths, bubblegum lyrics, and insincerely grandiose choruses, Yoke Lore’s work sets itself apart with its concision. Restraint is the virtue of good music production, and the Brooklyn based artist demonstrates to be familiar with the concept, giving the listener space to "breathe," while still creating memorable tunes enveloped in a charming, abstract aura. His voice soothes, surprises, and soars on this project, showing his range as a songwriter and as an artist. After a series of well received singles, Yoke Lore will be kicking off a summer tour with his EP release show at Baby’s All Right on July 7th. – Lilly Milman, photography by Wes Santos & Alex Gomez

Listen to our favorite track, “World Wings,” streaming below. 

Playfulness takes center stage with Brooklyn-based four-piece Huck. The semi-electronic band provides a perfect soundtrack for summer, whether you’re cruising down the highway or sitting by the pool. Their single “Without You” (streaming below) takes cues from 8-bit music with its vintage video game sounds, while the arrangement in their other track available for streaming, “Summer Lovin’,” develops in a more linear and soulful way. Their quality songwriting and playful approach solidify them as a New York City artist to watch. – Lilly Milman

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

Dating shows, hot dogs, and hook-ups while covered in neon slime: that’s what you’ll see in Hot Flash Heat Wave‘s hilarious new music video. Aside from the absurdities, HFHW seems to be offering a more delicate, yet mature sound on "San Fransisco Dating Life", the middle track off of their newest album, Soaked, released June 2nd. Distancing themselves from some of the garage/surf-punk elements off of their previous work, this song has a crisper, more soothing sound–it’s an unmistakable transition from their "Wavves-esque" material towards an indie pop presence. "San Fransisco Dating Life" is reminiscent of San Cisco (and one might even notice the similarities to Portugal. the Man on Soaked’s second track, "Raindrop") proving the quartet possesses a wide range of sounds and influences, refusing to stay in one lane. Hot Flash Heat Wave will be wrapping up their tour on June 30th, but be sure to check out their newest record and to keep an eye out for future shows.-Pearse Devlin  

The end of July will be an exciting time for Moonrise Nation, with the release of their debut LP, Glamour Child, coinciding with their show at Schubas Tavern in the band’s hometown of Chicago. The trio possesses an impressive blend of indie, folk, and pop, and delivers their sound in a highly harmonic fashion. “Demo Day”, their latest single, begins with mellow indie guitar plucking, lifting itself up through vocal harmonics into a faster paced sound reminiscent of the alt-rock outfit Sleeper Agent. With introspective and personal lyrics, accompanied by well-placed piano and percussion, and even creative album artwork, the band has left a lot to anticipate. Check out their release show on July 28^th , and be sure to check out their newest material and upcoming shows. – Pearse Devlin      

This past Friday, New Brunswick band Modern Chemistry announced that they will be self-releasing their debut album  "Everything in Gold" " on July 7th, as well as going on a summer tour with iconic alternative/emo band Taking Back Sunday and hardcore group Every Time I Die. Along with the news came the record’s first single, titletrack “Everything in Gold,” an enthralling three-and-a-half minute song that builds from soothing, clean electric guitars and echoing vocals, into a dense and droney alternative pop/rock sound. Be sure to check out their single below as well as their tour dates this coming July, kicking off with two shows at Webster Hall on July 14-15. – Pearse Devlin