One could say that, with their influences equally split between pop-punk and brainy/noisy indie rock, The Vaughns represent the perfect balance between the most dominant musical inclinations of the Garden State and the Big Apple. But, of course, influences mean nothing if they aren’t supported by good and original songwriting, and the Springfield, NJ, quartet can certainly deliver in that department. Their 2017 single Santa Cruz is still their most accomplished track to date, with its pressing arpeggiated chord progression that seems able to build up tension for an indefinite amount of time, and vocalist Anna Lies’ borderline casual approach to singing. More recent single "Bring Your Kids to Work Day" (video streaminbg below) is a faster, punkier number dressed with Sonic Youth-style guitar stabs, Blur-worthy "who-oos," culminating into an orgiastic (sonically speaking) grand finale. The band just landed an opening slot for The Gaslight Anthem’s show at Irving Plaza on June 22, it should be fun.

Sabine Holler isn’t afraid to speak from her heart in her EP Mother of Transition: songs like “Everything I Want To Be” spill confessions to the tune of gorgeous guitar arpeggios and string-instrument embellishments. Holler can switch her vocal approach with ease from tender in “Filtered My Voice” to fierce in “Hanged Woman,” the last song boasting a killer drum beat. The artist seems entirely at ease in her indie-pop tunes, displaying the confidence of leading women of the genre such as Lorde and St. Vincent. “First Memory” is the singer/songwriter’s raging battle from the record, augmented with distortion, and streaming below, for your enjoyment. – Rene Cobar

Eighty Ninety paints a vivid portrait of a loved one long-lost in its new single “10K Summer Nights” which boasts airy vocals that dance around an upbeat sonic atmosphere decorated with bright guitars. The duo’s layered arrangements allow the listener to become engrossed with the story told by the lyrics. By the time the tight rhythm section kicks in on the second verse, you are hooked in true pop fashion. The track is kicking off 2019 for the two brothers (Abner and Harper James) who are planning to release their sophomore EP later this summer. The Brooklyn-based act is right at home alongside major indie-pop artists of the moment like Billie Eilish, helping wave the flag of a genre that’s perfectly in season. The music is relaxed, filled withrhythm and evocative messages, it’s got plenty to keep you listening. – Rene Cobar

Sea Dramas‘ new album, Until the Dark Goes Out, is sixties-inspired hazy folk and feels like the Magnetic Fields, sixties British rock and a tiny wisp of the beach. Killer warm guitar, happy melodies and pleasing vocals. We want to say this is the “perfect album for summer” but we’ll be digging on this long after the heat is gone. Enjoy their new video for single “22 Renewal,” which features lots of sixties hipsters checking each other out and looking generally aware of themselves in a very mesmerizing-to-watch way. Stay tuned for upcoming shows. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Little Wings has been busting out one solid album after another and their newest LP People is no exception. It’s lovely folk, simple plucking and marvelous lyrics that make you feel sad and amused and happy and intrigued and cozy at the same time. Since we’re talking cozy, enjoy this video from 2015 and accept the mystery of Little Wings. Their next show is July 10th at Zebulon in LA. Bless this album, bless this band. – Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

A heavy-handed drumbeat powers through the thick sonic atmosphere of The Afro Nick’s latest single "Dream Big" leading the listener toward a mighty chorus that is just so damn sticky. The single pays tribute to the larger-than-life sounds of arena rock while still keeping an indie-rock aura, seemingly a fitting song for both a massive stadium or your local bar. The song layers wonderfully to create its enormous atmosphere as distorted guitars, synthesizers, and grand piano chords swell and erupt. The Afro Nick’s childhood experiences in his hometown of Chaniá, Greece have inspired his sonic journey: the singer/songwriter channels his admiration for the rich musical history of his native country through his focus on storytelling amplified by big melodic choruses. To celebrate the release of this anthemic new single, The Afro Nick will be playing Mercury Lounge this evening at 6:30 pm. We premiering "Dream Big" for you below. – Rene Cobar

“Summer’s never long,” Justin Buschardt croons on the first track of Brooklyn indie outfit Sharkswimmer’s debut, Shut-In. It’s a fitting introductory note to the band’s first release, which over the course of five tracks straddles the worlds of easygoing guitar rock and fuzzed-out, palpably frustrated punk inclinations. A seasonally well-timed release, Shut-In aligns well with the current New York weather, energized by lyrics that focus in part on the imperceivable fast movement of time and lofi, occasionally discordant instrumentation. Recommended listening “PhD in Anxiety” and title track “Shut-In” are perfect for when the brisk city pace and June humidity inclines even the most extroverted among us to shut ourselves in and take a necessary, warm weather mental health day. Stream it below, and catch them at Brooklyn Bazaar on July 7th, playing alongside Taciturn, Cup and Trash TV.–Connor Beckett McInerney, Photo by Daniel Topete

The Oakland group Blisses B have released two singles off their album Tell Your Friends You Love Them And Why and they have just announced their record release party at Bottom of the Hill on Friday July 5th. Their music is rock, Americana and indie rock, and it’s positive and fun. Go support their new album and the 10th year of their band! -Lucille Faulkner

Brooklyn’s Sooner lets each of its influences shine on their own in its 2018 EP Stranger, and, with that name, a My Bloody Valentine reference shouldn’t catch any shoegazer fan by suprise. The band does an excellent job of flashing some serious shoegazing in between their jangly pop tunes. Snappy drum beats and easy-going vocal melodies make way for furious guitar drones and elaborate basslines drenched in dfuzz. Songs like “Humid Air” and “Notes from Underground” (streaming) gradually build up, slowly revving up each instrument for a grand climax. The ease with which the band switches up their intensity keeps the listener engaged, while sonic layers are added and removed as the song progresses. The group has kept busy since releasing their EP by playing a string of shows throughout Brooklyn, a string which will continue on June 13th with a gig at Brooklyn Bazaar. – Rene Cobar

Brooklyn-based quartet Damn Tall Buildings is getting ready to release their new album Don’t Look Down on June 7th, the final single “I’ll Be Getting By” is a whole lot of fun. The band is fully committed to the high energy and storytelling of bluegrass music; this is evident in the new single’s bright choruses and swift pace. Each string instrument alternates between playing melody and accompaniment for a layered sound that keeps the listener engaged from start to finish. Damn Tall Buildings’ faithful approach to bluegrass follows in the footsteps of groups like Punch Brothers, which have done a fantastic job of leading the genre’s resurgence, with their compositions that bring out the history of American Music’s roots. Damn Tall Buildings will be playing the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival up north in Oak Hill, NY on July 18th. “I’ll Be Getting By” is streaming below. – Rene Cobar

If Brooklyn-based Manager’s 2017 self-titled debut EP is chunky peanut butter, then this year’s follow-up Landline is creamy smooth. The band layers beautifully in songs like “Steven Tipton” (streaming) whose guitars create a surfy, relaxed vibe that slightly warps in the choruses. “Hybrid” has an upbeat drum pattern you cannot help but move to and distorted guitars that highlight the rock aspect of this group’s indie-rock vibe. The entire EP is decked with rich harmonies and jaunty melodies that, along with the music’s breezy ambiance, produce a suaver version of the sound that bands like Wavves offer. Manager has played at Pianos NYC on more than one occasion, and with the release of this EP, they are gearing up for a busy summer. – Rene Cobar

EXNATIONS is a trio out of Brooklyn with a devilish knack for creating some moody synth-pop. The group goes against the grain of the genre’s typical upbeat style to create something a bit more broody, but that still pays respects to the sugary synth-pop ethos. The band’s latest single “Tether” is driven by a speedy drum beat, stylish guitar riffs, and the vocal delivery of lead singer Sal Mastrocola, whose verses have that seemingly effortless color to them à la Alex Turner. “Tether” is the lead single of the group’s upcoming EP Pink Haze, set for release June 28th. The group’s current live schedule has stops in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, but the release party will be at Gold Sounds in Brooklyn July 13th. Check out “Tether” below. – Rene Cobar