Sometimes a collaboration is all a band needs to to reach the next level, and a prime example of this phenomenon is "Making Plans," Bodies Be Rivers' collaboration with mysterious pianist/singer Lacrymosa. On their past work, Bodies Be Rivers mostly relied on their guitar parts to hold down the song's structure, anchoring their ethereal vocals from floating off into space. With the addition of Lacrymosa's piano, however, the load is lightened, allowing the guitar to contribute to the song's overall atmosphere. The result is something far dreamier and uplifting than anything they've done in the past. "Making Plans" is the lead single off of a collaborative 7'' split between the two artists, and you can check out their release show on 8/29 at Manhattan Inn. — Henry Solotaroff-Webber

North Hampton psych-fusion experts Mammal Dap will be making a triumphant return to the road tonight (July 27) at the Radio Bean in Burlington, VT, followed by a small set of dates around New England and New York in July and August. If you like the ‘80s, synthesizers, lush chords, thinking about outer space, good vibes, the ‘90s, and seriously nice dudes, this band is for you. Each show they’ve played has delighted the crowd with upbeat grooves, positive vibes, danceable jams, lightly psychedelic melodies, and a sound so tight you may as well assume it’s vinyl. It’s been a while since we’ve seen the Dap come this far north, and it should be a real treat to get a FREE concert at the Radio Bean on Wednesday, July 27 at 11:30, as well as in Portsmouth NH at the Birdseye Lounge on July 28. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear what’s been cooking in Western Mass. More tour-dates can be found here. - Dan Rome

"I don't like to be limited," says Lawrence Lindell in the interview snippet opening up his latest album. Composed of film score-inspired piano pieces, Raw Imperfections is a break away from the experimental artist's comfort zone in electronic music. Lindell knows his way around a keyboard, from the gently-rising beauty in "Eighty Eight" to the urgency of "Unpolished Frequencies"—the album is also dotted with electronic pieces like "Creator", the hip-hop percussion of "Fist, Roots, and Rhythm", and the Baths-inspired glitch beats of "Young King".

The scores on this album range from calming ballads to thumping bouts of anxiety-ridden electronics. It's a wide array of styles which show just how talented Lawrence Lindell is, and serves as a fantastic introduction to his foray into film scores. Listen to "Creator", the second track off Raw Imperfections, below. - Justin Ashby

With her latest project, Half Waif's Nandi Rose Plunkett has successfully bridged the ever-growing chasm between "avant" and pop, taking Radiohead's lesson to a more intimate and less pretentious place. The band's sophomore album 'Probable Depths" is an intriguing blend of synth and orchestral pop full of texture and otherworldly melodies. Half Waif will be back in Brooklyn performing as a trio on June 6th at the Market Hotel, to the end of their ongoing tour throughout the US. —Henry Solotaroff-Webber

Read Half Waif's Q&A about gear and the creative process on Delicious Audio.

Even when singing about being “bored to death” or “sick in bed,” Queens-based band, Thin Lear has the ability to sound light and carefree. Even “seven days without sleep” seem like a walk in the park - a testament to endurance, surely a handy quality for any independent musician! In the Thin Lear EP Matt Longo – the man and voice behind the baroque-pop project – creates waves of nostalgia, supported by tastefully restrained melodies and his gentle voice. The record (the project's fourth release since 2011) makes endearing references to New York City and single “Second Nature” (streaming) uses light, yet dynamic instrumentation along with subtle calipso influences.  You can catch him at Pianos tomorrow (July 9th). - Madeleine Grossman