Put simply, Outer Spaces rocks. This Baltimore trio plots its essence in catchy riffs, classic drumbeats, and cheerfully nihilistic lyrics. Effortless transitioning is one of their specialties, slipping from folksy acoustic to grungy alt-punk without losing the listener. The gripping vocals are supplied by one Cara Beth Satalino, an experienced rocker whose pipes fall somewhere between Stevie Nicks and Courtney Barnett. Attendees won’t be disappointed when Outer Spaces heads up their gig at the Windup Space on 8/12. Doors at 9, bring a friend. -Jonathan Goodwin

A little over a year after releasing her second effort, the quietly moving piano affair ‘little bits,’ twenty-four-year-old singer/composer Moonheart shared latest song “Blow” (streaming below) last week. A subtly thrilling blend of heedful guitars, skipping beats, and the Brooklyn dweller’s agile voice, the romance track seems to be influenced by minimalism (like Doe Paoro’s work) but is very touching. A conservatory graduate, Mayo certainly knows theory but she never lets it stop her from conveying emotion. Kim Mayo is expected to drop her first full-length this year. She performs at Leftfield on August 6, at Rockwood on the 13th and at Muchmores on the 16th. – Zach Weg

Talking Heads were one of the most mind blowingly imaginative bands to come out of NYC (and, frankly, the universe), and their movie Stop Making Sense is a fun testament to their performing and musical talent. Indie rock trio Mount Sharp is an emerging Brooklyn band with an sound that flirts with pop and atmospheric elements, while singing about science, monsters, and bad decisions. You can see both for free tomorrow night (08.01) at the Waterfront Plaza at Brookfield Place in Battery Park. More info can be found here.

A year ago, Brooklyn synthpop duo Kodachrome self-released their sophomore LP Aftermaths. To support the ten-track full-length, the band recently premiered a lyric video for opening number "White Love." It’s a simple and sensual electro ditty that features Elissa LeCoque’s stark vocals above a bed of jittery synth lines and pumping drum machines. The cleverly conceived visual, shot by still-life photographers Matthew Chaves and John Saponara, depicts frozen, creamy-white molds handmade by Elissa that were melted for the video. – Angel Eugenio Fraden

The Mynabirds‘ third album Lovers Know is set for a summer release, and it’s a miles away from what you’d expect of singer/multi-instrumentalist Laura Burhenn. Seven years out from her indie pop stint as Georgie James, Burhenn’s newest art rock exploration, Lovers Know, melds her love for ’60s psych with the found stylings of her musical sojourn.

Her first step as The Mynabirds carried the spirit of her 2004 debut: 2010’s What We Lose In The Fire We Gain In The Flood was a hearty bite of lyricism and melody, carefully propped by acousmatic flakes. Two years after, the sophomore GENERALS mixed Arcade Fire/Vampire Weekend textures and rhythms with 80’s synth soundscapes. Now, the songs of Lovers Know effortlessly weave pop truths through all-manner of effects, with a strong affection for brisk percussion and yesteryear frequencies.

Lovers Know will be out August 7th on Saddle Creek Records — get a first-listen on NPR Music and pre-order your copy now. Burhenn and the gang are playing a free show at the Santa Monica Pier with Ariel Pink on August 20th, too. – Ryan Mo

While working on new music in the studio, Brooklyn roots rock trio Animal Years have shared a humbly anthemic rendition of “The Wire” (streaming below) by Los Angeles sisters Haim. As in Animal Years’ own songs, frontman Mike McFadden sings with both poise and passion on this guitar-blitzed cover, making it accessible yet formidable. Haim’s original was co-produced by Modern Vampires of the City wizard Ariel Rechtshaid and had electronic touches but Animal Years dust the song up with their own rafter-shaking thrills. Animal Years will play at the David Rubinstein Atrium at Lincoln Center on August 27th and at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 on August 28th. – Zach Weg

NYC rockers Born Cages just premiered a new music video (streaming below) for the single "I Just Want the Truth, Baby," off of their recently released debut album, "I’m Glad I’m Not Me." Shot in slow motion black-and-white, and partially inside of a church’s confessional booth,  the video emenates a mysterious and sexy vibe. The song itself is 3-minutes of sex-laden lyrics laid over dark, electro-rock instrumentation and an infectious melody that deviates from the traditional indie-rock formula in just the right places. The trio’s anthemic rock songs and unique fusion of electro- and indie-rock elements has garnered them a lot of attention in the last few months. Following the end of their first headlining US tour, Born Cages has signed on as a part of this summer’s Vans Warped Tour, but unfortunately it won’t be bringing them back to New York. The album is available for purchase or streaming, check out also the videos for the songs "Caiti" and "Don’t Look Back."

Perfect for a smoky, haze-filled cocktail lounge, Ezra Mae and The Gypsy Moon have an excellently refined grasp on backroom blues, with a touch of garage lo-fi for flavor. A rare treat, this DC-based foursome has good stage presence and the sort of sultry vocals that induce deep trances of wistfulness. Kicking it right after only two years on the scene, Ezra Mae and The Gypsy Moon have a sound modeled after the greats of blues-rock, replete with weepy guitars and thick bass lines. Do yourself a favor and catch them headlining at The Pinch, 8/7, $7. -Jonathan Goodwin

Montclair, NJ band Stolen Jars, started by duo Cody Fitzgerald and Molly Grund,  plays an intimate and imaginatively percussive brand of dream folk. They haven’t rushed things since the release of their well received self-titled debut album in 2011, releasing few tracks tracks in the following years (including a cover of Beyonce’s hit "Love on Top"). However they’ve been very active live, playing shows all over the East Coast, and opening for the likes of St Lucia and Jessie J, and you’ve even heard their catchy single, "Driving", in an iPad commercial. This year, Stolen Jars have released three singles off of their upcoming album, "Kept." The eponymous track (streaming below) highlights the band’s sweetly melodic vocals, and their peculiar, creative use of drums. The song boasts an energy that’s snappy and gentle all at once. After packing Pianos last week, they’ll be celebrating the release on August 28th at Arlene’s Grocery and touring around the NYC area leading up to the date. The home party will be back at home in Bloomfield, NJ on August 29 at All Sounds. They are also playing Elvis Guesthouse on 08.07. Check out also the more recent single ‘Bright Red.’ – Sam O’Hara

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

Collapsing Scenery‘s musical comfort zone can be found somewhere between the barriers that separate sound and image. And they’ve been sharing that creative vision with their home cities of New York and LA through a series of eventful art installations. The faces behind this electronic act and multimedia project are Don De Vore of Sick Feeling and Reggie Debris, and their collaboration has transformed into something more than just music. They debuted the video installation in NYC this past May, in time with the public release of the video (check it out below), and this Friday they’ll be taking it to Los Angeles. The music video is just a sample of the aesthetics behind the installation, pairing their raucous electro track "Metaphysical Cops," with dark and ethereal images of nature, kaleidoscopic cityscapes and historic war footage in neon. Expect an artistically experimental night of immersive environments, video projections, and live music at the event this Friday (8pm at the Dilettante), and look out for Collapsing Scenery’s full length debut album coming later this year. – Sam O’Hara

If you’re looking to spruce up your playlist for the second half of summer that’s creeped on us, look no further than the laid-back dream-pop of Like Herding Cats. The Brooklyn-based group began as the solo project of producer and songwriter Dom P., but has since blossomed into a full, four-piece band. Their first, self-titled EP, released back in 2013, contains five songs and runs for just about 17 minutes. Written, recorded, and produced by Dom before the rest of the band was added, the EP floats gently along over warm melodies and expressive lyrics, resulting in a delightfully fresh debut. The group’s sound has been compared to the likes of MGMT and Phantogram, and the EP is not without its hints of influence from the likes of 80s masters. Now with a full band in order and a host of attention, Like Herding Cats have begun working on new material and are in the middle of an east coast tour. According to their website, the group is also preparing to work on their first full-length album. In the meantime, you can see them at the Cake Shop on August 5th. – Pat Wolff

 This Saturday, they’re driving all the way from Norfolk, VA, to open for the Loud Boyz release party for their new LP. They’re called The Seeers and they have something for everyone who likes rocking out. Grinding out tasty guitar progressions and understated vocals never sounded so great. Inspiring headbanging, crowdsurfing, and casual swaying all at once, these guys have great crossover appeal in their repertoire, from garage grit to mellow indie vibes. Switching from emulating The Who to a punky REM, The Seeers will be a perfect opener for the party at DC9 on 8/1. Doors at 9, $10. -Jonathan Goodwin