When I first clicked on the bandcamp page of Lobo Marino, the cynic in me scoffed at the idea of two Americans living in Richmond, VA imitating throat singing and chanting meditatively about the sun setting. However, after listening to a few tracks I was impressed by the power of Lobo Marino’s music, the versatile song-writing and moving meditations on the ebb and flow of life.

A lot of bands claim to be making music more for its own sake than the money, but with Lobo Marino one gets the sense that it might actually be true.

-Written by Michael Dranove

Haybaby, a self-described "sludge-pop" band from Brooklyn, are a force to be reckoned with on the DIY scene. Each song on their latest record, Blood Harvest, showcases the band’s remarkable skill at controlling its dynamics, utilizing tension and release to devastating effect. Leslie Hong’s vocals are saturated with a pop sensibility but ready to explode, providing an ear-catching contrast to the grunge-like dissonance of the rhythm section. The band just announced they’ll perform two shows the same night this coming Thursday (06.08), at Our Wicked Lady and Tender Trap! Check out the video for "Yours" below. – Ethan Ames

Washington D.C. based quartet My French Roommate creates bedroom pop that draws inspiration from 70’s euro disco, 80’s synth pop, dance punk, and tech noir (among other genres). On their debut EP MFR (streaming), they combine three singles into one 13 minute long track. The record’s sound progresses from upbeat and relatively pop (“CTRL”) to dark and psychedelic (“REPLICA”). Last track “LUV DG” even has clear garage rock influences at one point (with lyrics “love me like a dog” and “I wanna be your dog” drawing a connection to Iggy Pop and the Stooges), blended in or rather juxtaposed to an EDM bass line reminiscent of Daft Punk. The band will be releasing their new self-titled EP on June 8th at DC9 alongside Marc Monet and Furniteur. – Lilly Milman

Nashville rockers Pocket Science provide an answer to anyone who’s ever asked why they should keep defending pop punk. With lyrics based on criticizing social norms (like “Well I’ll take my time, my dollar, and dime the hell away from here” in “Health Insurance,”) clean but quirky guitar riffs, and fun (or more importantly, loud) vocals, they’re the full package. Their EP The Cult of Alien Jesus is a cross-section of everything pop punk should be—passionate, with a reserved optimism. Their noted influences Weezer and Foo Fighters shine through on this project, in everything from the energetic shouting to the title itself.-Lilly Milman

Listen to our favorite track “Take Flight, Ignite” streaming below.

People’s Champs, the afro-beat indie funk group whose members are known for touring with Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings and Delicate Steve, are bursting back into summer with a music video release show at C’Mon Everybody this June. The event celebrates the remix release of their song “Hostages” and its accompanying music video. “Hostages’” blend of upbeat jazz and gentle ambient synth here is joined by artists Melanie JB Charles (who sang for Gorillaz), and Starr Busby (Gorillaz, Esperanza Spalding.) The video and release show are bound to continue in the celebratory tropical vibes of People’s Champs’ prior work: celebratory and warm summer grooves. – Allison Miller 

The intimacy of the debut LP ‘Magnolia Grandiflora’ by Nashville-based Peters Jacket is jarring. Recorded with the help of friends in various bedrooms and basements, the LP explores the gritty details of college relationships through lo-fi indie rock. At times, the listener becomes almost like an eavesdropper on Nic Discepoli’s memories. Songs like “Recess” (streaming below) employ a minimalistic lyricism, giving glimpses of a past life (“Did your friend wake you today? / And was he charming in my way? / Did he bring you, some coffee? / Or was he naked?”). The raw progression of the album is unique because Discepoli is on the same journey as the listener, still attempting to answer his own questions. He will be playing a live show at The End on June 13th at 9:15 p.m. – Lilly Milman 

With an adept lyricism and powerful, yet cool vocals, Brooklyn-based Mirah is getting a lot of interest with her soulful electronic songs. Stepping away from the bouncy sounds usually associated with her genre, her voice can switch from airy to soulful at any given moment. Harmonized and effected vocals give songs like “Oxen Hope” (streaming below) and “Radiomind” a sound that’s at once dreamy and futuristic. She’ll be bringing her ethereal songs to Baby’s All Right in Brooklyn on June 9th at 8 pm. – Lilly Milman

Brenna Ehrlich and Morgan Enos are the driving force behind Brooklyn-based spooky garage-pop project Medium Mystic. Their debut 2016 demo progresses from energetic power pop (“This Is A Head”) to slower (and eerier) tracks like “Halloween,” whose lyrics reveal a more emotional side (“Hey, you can say goodbye in summer / then you can fall asleep. / Would I take care of you? Would you take care of me?”). The band is building up to the release of their debut LP and recently unveiled a new track on their Soundcloud profile entitled "When The Shutter Snaps" (streaming). Medium Mystic will be performing within the Northside Fest at Pete’s Candy Store on June 8th. – Lilly Milman, photo by Katie Chow