Josh Onstott of Other Lives’ new project, New Mystics, brings a sunny, fresh energy into a new band. With tracks like Sparrows and Modern, Onstott’s vocals communicate a sense of regret and longing that’s perfectly reflected in the band’s sound: the songs serve a purpose. When lyrics like “such a lovely day to say goodbye” are translated into these bright sounds, the pairing is therapeutic. New Mystics follows on the footsteps of bands like Delta Spirit and their emotional alt folk, don’t miss their live debut tonight (June 22nd) at Baby’s All Right.

Brooklyn-based Evolfo plays garage rock with the sort of heart, grit, and flourishes you’d expect from a group of vinyl store junkies with a massive b-side collection. The band, an ensemble of music school students who originally united (to much acclaim) in Boston, crafts tunes that play like a well-curated list of late 60s-70s cult hits. They’ve created a reputation for songs that are visceral, infectious, and immediately bewitching, and their most recent release, "Last of the Acid Cowboys," does not disappoint. From the crunch of opening track "Vision of Sin," to the bluesy saunter of "Moon Eclipsed the Sun," the record manages to cover a lot of ground but never relinquishes its too-cool, old-school vibes. Tracks like "Frank the Fiddler" add a swirling, synth-led mystique to the album but the core of the LP is the brash and brazen garage rock fun pulsing throughout it. All in all, Last of the Acid Cowboys is an electric record that puts a much-welcomed twist on revivalism. – Olivia Sisinni

In their new album Old Dog, New Tricks, released in May 2017, Brooklyn band Flearoy adapts old and new classics to their textured and elegant roots pop. Popular songs ranging from The Zombies’ “Time of the Season” to Justin Bieber’s “Sorry” find a new light in the five piece’s fusion of vintage motown soul vibes with a folky instrumentation. – Tafari Lemma

Indie-pop artist Majken returns to awe listeners with her new single “Fainted Love.” The track features the artist’s distinct mix of whimsical and cheerful lyrics, intertwined with clean-yet-jumpy rhythms that capture a lucid landscape. This song, however, is just a taste of what’s to come. The nordic-born artist is set to release a full album, Dancing Mountains, in August–a record which details her personal stories of living between Denmark and LA, while also paying homage to her experimental and dreamy influences. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for Dancing Mountains’ release but in the meantime, listen to the new single below.-Tafari Lemma

“Soulful Psych Rock Explosion” is the listed genre on Lovejoy’s Facebook page, and while the jury is still out on whether or not that moniker will ever gain traction, it seems to hit the nail on the head when describing their two singles “Phoebe” and “Against Me.” The Chicago band’s music features wavy psych elements, catchy guitar chords and memorable alt-rock choruses, as well as wobbling organs that fit nice and snug in the background–keeping both tracks colorfully unpredictable. Be sure to check out the band’s final summer tour performance at Schubas on July 23rd. -Pearse Devlin

After releasing their debut album earlier this year, NYC’s lounge pop band Office Culture is scheduled to play C’Mon Everybody on July 14th. With vocals reminiscent of Smokey Robinson, and slow and groovy instrumentals interwoven with refined pop and jazz influences, these Brooklyn natives conjure up smooth music that’s at once sophisticated and easy to the ear. Catch them at their LP release show at Sunnyvale 6.11.

New York duo Andy Suzuki & The Method does not shy away from developing rewarding, eerily mixed pop songs. Their third album, The Glass Hour, released in February, indicates a steady transition from the live band folk-rock pop of their previous installments to their current R&B and alternative rock sound, providing a positively translucent record which still yields their folk roots. The album further incorporates rhythmic percussion, both electronic and live, topped off with catchy melodic vocals which endorse both thoughtful experimentation and skillful experience. Catch the duo at the Mercury Lounge on 06.29. –Tafari Lemma

New York artist Quiet Luke treks over an interesting array of styles, blending sedated but emotional lyrics that heed to the classic R&B feel, with distorted electronic beats and heavily modulated synth lines accompanied by funky, staccato guitar parts. He released his debut album Beholden last year, which included the energized single “Escapist” (streaming), a track embodying his exploration of modern electronica styles and signature vocals, serving as a bold debut for the young artist. You can see Quiet Luke live at Sunnyvale on July 20st. – Tafari Lemma 

In May 2016, NYC’s Thirdstory released their debut EP ‘Searching’, a feel-good, folk-rock album with epic pop overtones that ended up resonating with tens of thousand of people. “Searching For A Feeling”, the first track off the EP, combines open, honest lyrics that reflect the contemporary struggles of today’s hookup culture with layers of vocals and guitars that build in emotion. Check it out below and, if this is your cup of tea, don’t miss their upcoming show at Warsaw this Friday June 23rd. – Ashley Muniz

With a minimal presence on social media, little is known about noise rock band Squad Car, besides the fact that they are not afraid to get loud (and messy). Their debut EP ‘Eschaton’ features seemingly endless combinations of screeching guitars, nearly indecipherable shouts, and relentless drum lines, laid on a bleeding bed of post-hardcore anger. – Lilly Milman

The chorus is the most memorable part of Nashville-based garage rock quartet Early Humans’ new single “Verge” (streaming below.) Instead of getting boring, the repetition of the phrase “I’m on the verge” is actually electrifying—Hart Williams’ vocals increase in power with every line, layering perfectly over the thrashing guitars to create an infectious rhythm (think early Weezer.) A fairly new band who has already seen their fair share of recognition, Early Humans describe the feeling of being “almost there, but not yet.” They will be bringing this energy to The End on June 21st at 8 pm. – Lilly Milman

Bay Area indie-pop band Nine Pound Shadow, consisting of brothers Breandain and Christopher Langlois, are playing at Ivy Room in Albany, CA on June 22nd, with Young Moon and The Daily Evening. The duo’s most recent release, a self-titled EP, is a collection of five harmony-laced pop songs that are simultaneously airy and punchy. The brothers invoke the melancholic folk of James Taylor, The Shins and Sufjan Stevens on songs like "Bright Like Gold" and "Tiger Smile," as well as the grandiose orchestral pop of MGMT on "Tell Me Why." Check out the official video for "Tell Me Why" below, and be sure to get to the gig! – Ethan Ames