Halycine is the stage name of NYC rock songwriter Chloe Raynes, who used to be the lead singer in bluesy grunge band Blue & Gold. Her solo material, crystalized in debut EP ‘In The Salt‘ showcases a more developed artistic identity and also undeniable improvement in the production department. The video for single ‘One More Try’ adds visual, disturbing power to the most intriguing song on the record, check it out below.

Alpenglow has stripped technology down to its dark essence with their new video for "Flicker Flutter," a song included in their debut full length, Callisto. The song/video combo tackles the fascinating topic of reality vs. perception, in a way that’s at least in part reminiscent of classic sci-fi movies like The Matrix and Strange Days, whose central question is: would our lives be happy and fulfilling if we simply perceived them that way, thanks to some kind of device that messes up with our brain? Both the video and the song seem to accept that possibility, stressing though the utter disconnect that kind of happiness would inevitably create between human beings.

Lily Cato’s Parlour Tricks are back with a new single from an upcoming EP ‘Bodies’ scheduled to be released later in October. Check out preview single ‘Need Somebody,’ streaming below.

There’s a loose, easy going vibe in the ramshackle rock of Montclair, New Jersey quintet Forth Wanderers two track, EP “Slop.” A twangy two guitar groove on the opening title track sets an unhurried pace evoking Neil Young’s finer electric-country moments. Vocalist Ava Trilling shifts the focus with the lines “I know I’m slow – I’ve been told – things change, I’m still young” and “I’ll breathe through your lungs.” As the track evolves into a straight ahead chugger, Trillings oddly poetic lyrics and vocal delivery fluctuate between resignation and hope. “Know Better” moves at a quicker pace, enhanced by clicking stick percussion and Americana Folk vocal stylings. “I hope one day you’ll see, just what you done to me” leaves little doubt someone has been wronged. “I can’t be this naïve anymore” becomes the self-help mantra over double-time snare drum hits and coiling guitar figures. “I need to grow up, I need to be tough” is the ultimate realization as driving bass guitar accelerates to the end. The band play their EP release show Friday November 11 @ Shea Stadium. – Dave Cromwell

After finishing up a tour across the states with Ages and Ages, promoting their debut album Excuses, Nashville’s uplifting folk-pop five-piece band Cereus Bright found their rehearsal room and home burnt down and destroyed. In the midst of this dreadfully dark circumstance, Cereus Bright filmed a video performing the track Silver Lining in their once beautiful space, thanking everyone for their support and showing us what hope, modesty, and courage really looks like. Listening to "Silver Lining", one can’t help but feel an overwhelming strength in the group’s sweet, soothing vocals, as well as a passionate perserverence in each delicate pluck of a string. Watch the heartfelt video down below and get a dose of inspiration. – Ashley Muniz

Brooklyn’s Small Black is on their Fall US tour promoting their third full-length release, Best Blues, an album whose… blue aura is likely to resonate with us in our toughest days in the city. The lyrics “loss of wonder,” “A sea of pasts,” and “pictures of youth / picturing you” from the track “Boy’s Life” express these feelings linguistically, while the tight-knit electronic soundscape recreate them musically, supported by a rhythm section that doesn’t renounce a dancy, upbeat tempo. The lyrics are embedded within layers of spacious synths, warm piano embellishments, guitars lingering behind, and the graceful ambience of Kolenik’s vocals. Small Black will be back in New York on November 14 for their performance at Warsaw Concert. In the meantime, listen to “Boy’s Life” down below. – Ashley Muniz

Brooklyn-based, instrumental electro trio Forma released their third full-length album Physicalist on September 23rd, and are now ready to bring their new, hypnotic sound to the stage. The album contains astonishing soundscapes, mostly carved from synchronized arpeggiators and atmospheric pad sounds.The title track (streaming below) id founded on a loose rhythmic foundation created by drum machines and swelling arpeggiated synths. But it is the organic breath of flute that carries the piece and creates an expansive sonic dimension. Experience Forma live at The Good Room on November 2nd (the show was moved from Market Hotel). – Ashley Muniz

Uber obscure NYC artist Fritz Cook croons cool, doo-woop-flavored acid dreams that will lull his listeners down the blithe headspace of Alice’s rabbit hole. The Brooklyn-based artist, aka Michael Busse, has a set of pipes so buttery that you could just melt into them, and they’re paired with instrumentals that feel both familiar and strange–maybe like a ’45 that’s been left out in the sun too long. Check out b-side "Tundra Rye" off of the newly released Sings streaming below. You can see Fritz live at Sunnyvale this Saturday October 22, supporting Miniature Tigers. – Olivia Sisinni

Baltimore’s premier dance rock outfit The Milestones and one of the South’s hottest rock bands, Seratones, are teaming up for what’s sure to be a stellar night at DC9 this Thursday, 10/20. If you’re familiar, Seratones are a fourpiece coming all the way up from Shreveport, LA, to bring their R&B-infused soulful rock to the nation’s capital. Frontlady A.J. Haynes has pipes for crooning and belting out verses that surely reach the heavens. Kicking the night off for Seratones are some of Baltimore’s favorite sons, The Milestones. They’ve been on a tear, playing a ton of shows since the start of the summer and spreading their standout indie-dance vibe for all to enjoy. Show at 8:30, $15 at door. -Jonathan Goodwin

The Yeahtones’ debut album is 9 tracks of snarling, garagey blues rock that hit the listener with fuzzy, sledgehammer riffs right out of the gate. The LP, titled Eviction Notice, promises lots of bluesy licks and sweeping visceral payouts, all while managing catchy, melodic leads. Though the album is called Eviction Notice, I think it’s safe to say that the Yeahtones won’t be getting kicked to the curb anytime soon. Listen to the premiere of Eviction Notice streaming below, and catch the Yeahtones at their album release party at Rockwood’s Stage 2 on November 6th. – Olivia Sisinni

There’s only one thing that can make a great song even better, and that’s a visually stunning video, and that’s what the collective called SWIMMERS pulled off for NYC’s orchestral pop quartet Pavo Pavo’s single "Ran Ran Run," a single we alrady raved about when it came out more than one year ago. The video comes with some news we were waiting for: Pavo Pavo is about to release their debut album on November 11 under Bella Union Records – it will be entitled ‘Young Narrator In The Breakers.’ This is a group of young but extremely competent musicians who worked closely with indie and classical heavyweights such as Here We Go Magic, John Zorn, Dave Longstreth, Porches, Olga Bell, Lucius, Roomful of Teeth, and San Fermin. The record was co-produced by Danny Molad (Lucius) and Sam Cohen (Yellowbirds, Apollo Sunshine), so expectations should be high. Check out also the other single available for streaming, ‘Wiserway,’ also streaming Below. The band will be performing at Manhattan Inn on 10.19.

Claiming to have been “writing music that makes all the moms cry since ’96,” singer/songwriter Theo Kandel writes straight from the heart. In his single, “Jumping Ship” he has a strong command of voice, knowing when to belt and when to soften up a bit to create a truly genuine song.  Inspired by the likes of The Avett Brothers, The Lumineers, and Bob Dylan, his poetic lyrics are seamlessly accompanied by the soft strumming of a guitar.  Having recently played a show at Rockwood Music Hall, Theo Kandel is working on new music aimed at make you think, and possibly, cry. – Madeleine Grossman