Lions Lions – “Hear Me Out”: Want to hear a pop punk band sing about stereos? You found them. Lions Lions prefer to extend their melodies and riffage rather than pack a punch in half the time, like many of their scene counterparts. While the vocals sound a bit teeny-bopper-ish, they fit the huge chorus well. A listen or two, and this song will be stuck in your head in no time. This quality ought to help the band gain notoriety quickly.

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu59mvA2jRQ[/youtube]

Fort Lean – “I Don’t Mind”: Fuzzy art rock is the name of Fort Lean’s game. A publicist noted that you’re never quite sure who is playing right in a press release about the band. While the composition doesn’t feel washed out or incomprehensible, the unique mixing diverts our attention from instrument to instrument such that this idea is true. The “subject” of the song, that is the sonic element that my mind is most consistently drawn to, is constantly changing. In spite of this, we yet end up with a catchy tune.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/185917956″ /]

COIN – “Run”: People will notice the Young the Giant comparisons almost immediately. “Run” is the lead single from the band’s forthcoming full length. The band is touring with Grizfolk and it’s obvious why they are getting buzz. The chorus soars and the synth driven rock, while following a trend, still captures a sound all it’s own. The vocals are a little more poppy, but I have a hard time seeing COIN ditching the alternative sound for something purely Maroon 5-esque. I hope they don’t. No offense to Maroon 5 fans!

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/187536843″ /]

War Games – “Foundations”: Off the band’s debut full length Holding Patterns, “Foundations” applies an emo twist to an otherwise straightforward rock track. I’d love to hear this song in a big room, which is where this band belongs. Too often, bands with this sound are pushed aside to the smaller clubs, yet there is enough going on that I want to absorb the full potential of War Games in a mass of humanity.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/184444679″ /]

DUBARRAY – “Depth of Perception”: DUBARRAY is not a dubstep project, contrary to what their name might lead you to believe. Sultry, ambient vocals back a track that invokes odd visuals in my mind’s eye – no shrooms needed. Get tribal to this track and get hip to this artist. Let this artist implore you to explore the depths of your mind in a new way, but don’t do anything irrational! Just enjoy the music.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/188404881″ /]

Surrender the Spirit – “Hard Enough”: Last time I discovered a Brooklyn duo rooted in electronic music I was captivated by their simplicity (Weeknight is the name). This time I am captivated by the complexity. Get on board this train very very early. Think of the genre as art punk meets shoegaze. Other blogs are calling it a new genre. I think they may be on to something.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/152686584″ /]

The Score – “Oh My Love”: For fans of Bastille, The Score is ready to take the airwaves by storm with “Oh My Love.” The harmonies of Bastille aren’t present, but I don’t think you want a copycat, do you? The harmonies go deeper than this. The hook is quite simply one of the most immediately riveting I’ve heard thus far this year. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments.

[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/188069334″ /]