One of the most powerful assets of art is its ability to transform negative or sad experiences into positive emotions.  A Valley Son does just that in their new, moody Americana and folk rock infused single, “Dark Places,” which tells the story of a mysterious old man full of dark tales – and of his undignified, lonely death ("They found him in his bathroom’s floor…"). The song keeps the band’s promise of “encompassing the dark, poetic lyricism of Bruce Springsteen,” yet they do so with accents that are more Southern and twangy than the ones adopted by The Boss. You can catch A Valley Son at Union Hall on August 13th. – Madeleine Grossman

CVS at Night delivers music for moonlit escapades, and the bleary eyed wonder-ers up past their bedtime. The Brooklyn indie rock quartet’s self-titled EP combines catchy hooks and soft dance-able beats with a warm, lo-fi psych tint that seems to point toward insidious emotions that lie beneath simple words and poppy melodies. The quartet’s debut, self-titled EP is as bewtiching as it is absorbing, so be sure to check out the newly released tracks here (with a promise of more to come!), or listen below. – Olivia Sisinni

Simply put, Gothic Tropic melted faces during the release party for their new single at the Satellite last Friday. Building momentum off openers Green Gerry, Hooops and Terri Terri, the Gothic crew were in unbelievably top-form—I have not been so utterly blown away by a bass player in a long time, thank you for that! I have to say the band packed a much bigger melodic punch than I first anticipated and Cecilia Della Peruti and friends shredded through the night like they shared one mind. Cecilia’s subtle guitar genius really shines when she’s executing frenetic solos that teeter between classic rock and psych.

The band unveiled their new single "How Life Works" in all its refined glory towards the end of their set—a ferociously catchy jam that at first floats sublimely in an aquatic guitar melody, carries the listener through a little doom-and-gloom, and then ultimately allows the sun to rise again with some uplifting catchy chorus work. And the whole thing grooves. In a sort of dark, vaguely mysterious way. Particularly the lumbering, downward walking bass line during the verses. It adds a new shade to the already diverse musical palette that makes up Gothic Tropic’s output thus far. Cecilia and co.’s dark psych-pop continues to mature as their audiences grow and I for one will be on the look out for their next drop: Fast or Feast on October 28th via Old Flame Records. – Andrew Mendoza

Some artists are able to create music that provides the perfect accompaniment to life as we imagine it in our most hopeful moments – which in turns actually helps us live a better existence. NYC bands Beach Moon, Peach Moon and Parrot Dream (pictured) play elegant dream pop that’s just as good of a companion on the commute to work as it is during a night spent alone with our thoughts. Beach Moon, Peach Moon’s lo-fi shoegaze is filled with warm, melancholic guitars and softly lush, self-reflective vocals, and often juxtaposes melancholic instrumentation to optimistic lyrics, like in opening track ‘Philosophy at 23/at 24′ (streaming). Slightly more upbeat, the dream pop of Parrot Dream is centered around Christina Appel’s vocals and her lyrics, which heavily rely on metaphors to construct poignant and distinct imagery. Both bands will be playing at the Silent Barn on August 3rd. – John Honan

Alana Amram‘s songs could belong to a different era. Wielding a vocal authority that feels very Patti Smith, Amram deftly crafts narrative lyrics that paint images ranging from pastoral to wild – but always a far cry from the brick and bustle of Brooklyn where the songwriter currently resides. The sound is Americana by way of late 60’s psych-tinged folk, and is ever-present on her spellbinding 2014 release Spring River. Catch her at Union Pool on August 4th or headlining at the Cake Shop with Ian O’neill of Deertick, Reservations, and Heaven’s Jail on August 31st, and be sure to listen to the track below. – Olivia Sisinni

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

Bummed that summer is slowly dwindling down before our eyes?  Join the club. Luckily there’s bands like Boston’s own Aüva, whose dreamy surf-pop sound reminds us that we still can make the most of August. Their latest video for "Better," the bands first ever video, positions the band’s two vocalists, tongue-in-cheek, as a pair of exes. The male vocalist is despondent, smashing bottles and wallowing in self-pity. The female one on the other hand has moved on, and started anew with another male suitor. It’s a funny, cute take on that whole "Mr. Brightside" catergory of songs, and it reflects the lightness of the track’s nature well — which jams by the way. Aüva are releasing a new LP in a few days, and you can check them out live when they play O"Brien’s on 8/13.

We discovered Aüva through our submissions page. If your a band that’s looking to get checked out, you can send us some tunes here. – Henry Solotaroff-Webber 

The chaotic and angry nature of hardcore punk can become exhausting, causing many musicians to seek other, tamer forms of self-expression. PAWNS was formed in Brooklyn after its members felt the need for a break from full-on anger and decided to settle for just gloomy animosity – an attitude reminiscent of some early post punk bands of the late ’70s/early ’80s. On their latest seven-inch Eternal Return the band harnessed the gothic influences that were prominently featured on their first release for a more urgent sound inspired by anarcho-punk, as in “Masquerade” (streaming below) where singer Gage Allison uses a throaty shout instead of his usual deadpan vocal tone. If life is a little too good for you these days, you don’t want to miss PAWNS live at the Knitting Factory on August 16th. – John Honan

Simi Valley shoegazers SHEER are back with their latest single "Room", their first since their debut album Uneasy last November. The captivating guitar line that runs throughout the song is enough on its own to make this a stand-out track in the band’s discography. Gina Almaguer’s vocals are as ethereal and lethargic as ever, a beautiful contrast with the relentless assault of guitars. "Room" is an excellent reminder that SHEER are one of the best modern shoegaze bands in the game.

"Room" will be pressed on a made-to-order lathe 7", available to purchase until August 4th. – Justin Ashby

Those who like to listen to music for "mind-traveling" purposes (a lot cheaper than real vacations!) should check out this new mysterious psychedelic NYC band called Lady James Monroe – they’ll be playing their third show ever at Pianos on August 18th. The band is the project of a dude called Doug Moss, but none of the images on their online profiles feature band members. Their music (although a little shy in the production department) sounds intriguing indeed: vintage sounding lounge-soul floating in a psych-pop sea, with vocals full of character – can’t go wrong with that! Give this song below, entitled ‘Body Control,’ a few minutes, it gets better and better…

Comprised of Ella Zoller, Gabriel Stanley and producer Champagne Dave, Prom is a Brooklyn based band that’s been active since 2012 and call their music "Dreamwave" – just like the famous massage chair! Admittedly, the trio is not entirely foreign to that concept, since it can be said that their slow, uber-melodic male-female vocal lines feel like a massage for the soul – and considering their number of plays, it seems to rub many people… the right way! The band released a debut EP about one year ago entitled ‘Keeping Company,’ featuring their popular single ‘Flickers.’ Since then the’ve been focusing on recording new material and playing live. After a very busy July, when they opened for for High Waisted and Carah Faye (of Shiny Toy Guns), they will be celebrating the release of their debut album with a live show at at Baby’s All Right on August 23rd. Check out their brand new single ‘Let it Out,’ streaming below.

Southland’s music communities say farewell to the much-loved and respected venue Pehrspace at 325 Glendale, which will be demolished on August 4th. The venue is hosting a 36-hour Pehrathon to go on all through Saturday and Sunday as a final effort to raise funds for relocation. The farewell celebration features many long-time musicians connected with the venue, with concert blocks curated by Michael Vidal, KChung Radio, L.A. Takedown, Slow Rose, The International Adventure Club, Fourth Fridays with Mary & Eli, and Young Lovers—over 20 artists are slated to perform.

In a panel discussion last week with organizers of DIY venues The Smell, Pacific Nature, and Bridgetown, Pehrspace manager Pauline Lay lightly mentioned the prospect of attaining non-profit status as Pehrspace searches for its next brick-and-mortar location to call home. In the month leading up to its imminent closure, the music and arts space has hosted benefit concerts and an auction and moving sale to help with costs for relocation. Artpunk tenants TrapsPs even opened up their last practice to friends and fans earlier in the week at Pehrspace. In its ten years of existence, Pehrspace has fully supported creative expression and become a powerful hub for DIY music, art, film and more. Sliding scale donations will be in place for this last event ($10-$20); consider further donating to Pehrspace’s GoFundMe for its relocation and continued existence.

On her third release, LAMB, New York songwriter, Nadia Kazmi shows an enviable range of genres, moods, and influences.  Opener “Kill the Monster” adopts angsty blues and punk elements, with results reminiscent of a Karen O with Janis Joplin’s melodic tendencies.  The rest of the album, starting with second track Lamb in Wolf’s Clothing, takes a narrative turn, as it displays more folk rock leanings with a vocal cadence reminiscent of Bob Dylan, and various other ’60 influences.  “Haunting” proceeds to evoke The Doors and as the album progresses, the songstress continues to release intense energy and something akin to inner turmoil that manages to pull us in.  For what is guaranteed to be a lively show, check her out at Baby’s All Right on August 8th. – Madeleine Grossman

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