The Pains of Being Pure at Heart “Eurydice” (from Days of Abandon, May 13 on Yebo) 

This American indie-pop band released an excellent Jesus and Mary Chain-inspired self-titled album in 2009. This song is a big heavier than their previous material. At parts, the vocals as whispered. Then swiftly, the simplicity is replaced with complicated arrangements.  They seem devoted to multiple elements so it will be a wait-and-see regarding the new record.

Ray LaMontagne “Drive-in Movies” (from Supernova, April 29 on RCA Records)

LaMontagne was an early adopter of the “mountain man” aesthetic. As excellent as those early albums were, with each release he moves slightly away from those rusty roots and into a more refined version of country-folk. “Drive-In Movies” is a song about simpler time with southern flair. As excepted, there are harmonies. There are parts where he goes slightly out of rhythm and scats along. Its a delightful song and will definitely be a highlight of his upcoming release.

Parquet Courts “Sunbathing Animal” (from Sunbathing Animal, June 3 on What’s Your Rupture?/Mom + Pop)

Parquet Courts is quite a band. A throwback to the punk bands of the 80s and 90s, they are powerful and frantic, yet accessible. If this new single is just a taste of what they have to offer in their forthcoming album by the same name, it is a good sign. This Brooklyn-based band will find success.

Wye Oak “Glory” (from Shriek, April 29 on Merge) 

This duo is a throwback to “shoegaze”. They are melodic at times and in this single, synth-beats are preferred over guitar melodies. The breakdown at around 3 and a half minutes leads the listener into a daze. Jenn Wasner’s enchanting vocals contribute to that feeling of freedom and lightness. But there is a slight darkness. Merge continues their trend of signing talented bands.  Wye Oak is no different.

Damon Albarn “Heavy Seas of Love” (from Everyday Robots, April 29 on Warner Brothers) 

The skills of Damon Albarn are immense. As a producer, composer, instrumentalist, and musician, he has scanned multiple genres with projects like Blur, Gorillaz, and The Good, The Bad & the Queen. This song features Brian Eno. It has a sort of sing-along, choir feel throughout the choruses. So far, Damon Albarn released three tracks; the other two previewed tracks are “Everyday Robots” and “Lonely Press Play”. After hearing all three, this album is another highly anticipated release of the next few months.