Hearkening back to the UK twee pop sound of the mid-80's, Brooklyn's Jeanines are set to release their self-titled debut album on June 14th. Partnering with Slumberland Records makes perfect sense as that label has specialized in next generation bands emulating the C86/early Creation sound since it's inception in 1989. The wistful lyrics, vocals and guitar of Alicia Jeanine and My Teenage Stride Jed Smith's bass and drums perfectly combine to create new songs within this timeless sound. “Either Way” (streaming below) captures the melancholy charm of original era bands like Talulah Gosh, who were as influential as any of the Sarah Records pioneers. It's jangly, indie-pop that couples doubt with a sense of hope (“you have got to stay.”) Just released new single “Too Late” (streaming here) takes that a step further, with a more frantic velocity echoing its lyrical sentiment of regret. The album is now available for preorder, while the band play next on 6/12 at Trans-Pecos, and 6/22 at Alphaville for their release show. -Dave Cromwell

Retro singer/songwriter Lily Frost has released the lead single from her upcoming album “Retro Moderne”. Produced by Gus Van Go (The Stills, Terra Lightfoot, among others) this first track “I Dodged A Bullet” aligns well with the “Retro Moderne” idea. It has a great 60’s doo wop feel to it but also could be a from an old action movie soundtrack. The new album will be available June 1^st at The Rivoli for the record release party. – Kris Gies

Power pop’s deliciousness derives from its embracing of catchy tunes, bold personalities, and playful theatricality. But it's kind of like an ice cream sundae: take an ingredient out, and it kinda sucks. Astoria's The Hell Yeah Babies are able to serve this genre with a cherry on top through their blend of garage, glam, and Costellesque vocal melodies, taking us on a musical ride that flashes rich harmonies, intrepid guitar solos, and enough showmanship to make Broadway’s musicals blush. The Hell Yeah Babies' 2018 record All The Things That You Believe is evidence that this group is working hard and aiming high. See them live at The Footlight Bar on March 29 in Queens, NY. - Rene Cobar

Bands like New York’s own BIG HUGE seem to exist sometimes for the single purpose of making you remember the past, only to suddenly find yourself relishing in its fascination. Power pop was an American counterpunch to the British Invasion of the '60s and in their 2017 record CRUEL WORLD BIG HUGE channels it beautifully. With the fun and upbeat tempos of power pop heroes like Cheap Trick well ingrained into songs like “WENT BAD” and “LOST CLASSIC” the group takes full liberty to crank up the style to one hundred with fuzzy vocals and crunchy guitar licks that will shine proto-garage undertones at you. This New York City quintet remains above everything faithful to themselves, catch them on April 15th at Brooklyn Bazaar. - Rene Cobar