From the few bars of a radio request to a recommendation from your ultra-hip friend, we are constantly barraged with new music – but how can we find time to sift through all of it to find what’s good? In this post, BestNewBands.com will save you time and energy by highlighting some talented artists whom you might not know, but will grow to love.

Penguin Prison: Not much is known about the one-man band that is Penguin Prison. He is known only by his stage name anywhere he’s mentioned online, and he’s from New York City. Oh, and he makes kaleidoscopic, 80’s-inspired techno pop that indulges both the hipster and inner teenybopper in all of us. Play “The Worse It Gets” or “Something I’m Not” anytime you want to feel like it’s Friday night.

 

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Nicole Atkins: The music of this sultry songstress fits perfectly with the Halloween holiday – Nicole Atkins has such a bluesy/soulful sound, it’s almost spooky. “Pop noir” is how the Asbury Park, NJ artist fittingly classifies her music, which brings a touch of 1920’s glamour to free-flowing rock rhythms. Listen to “Brooklyn’s on Fire!” for a demonstration of Atkins’s impressive vocal range and classic(al) style.

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Revolver: Call me a sucker for bands with international flair, but I love Parisian Revolver’s honest, simple folk sound. It’s as crisp and classic as a freshly-baked loaf of French bread with newly-churned butter… but, y’know, for your ears. This style of “chamber pop,” as they say, is a mix of Renaissance compositions and Elliot Smith-inspired pop music. I like “Leave Me Alone” for its toe-tapping melodies and bitter-tongued lyrics (“I would kiss her so many times / I would never, never, never do the same to you”).

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The Depreciation Guild: This Brooklyn-based pop/experimental band already has five years and three albums under its belt. “Spirit Youth,” its latest release, received reviews from the likes of Pitchfork and SoundVenue that hailed the album to be “beautiful, authentic and visionary.” Check out “Dream About Me” for a sample of this tender, dream-pop artistry.

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Dive Index: Fans of alternative techno will like Dive Index for its complacent instrumentals and decorative synths. Music producer/composer Will Thomas collaborates with artists such as Joseph Arthur and Cat Martino to create music with recurring themes of “reflection, water, sleep and floating.” I like “Sea and Sky” for its airy vocals and flowing guitar melodies.

 

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Songs from these artists will be available for your listening pleasure on tomorrow’s Weekend Playlist!

Have you heard of any one of these artists before? If so, how?