Warning: the new single “Happy or Sad” (streaming below) by the Brooklyn trio Dead Stars might become your new slacking song of the late summer of 2017 - yes because late summers are the perfect time for slacking. Taking inspiration from classic '90s outfits like Dinosaur Jr. and even Nirvana, the band integrates that distorted, loud-quiet-loud sound with pop-influenced, melody-driven choruses, creating self-deprecating songs you can dance to. The chorus of the single is infectious, as Jeff Moore sings “I know it’s really a drag, that I’m neither happy or sad” over completely fuzzed-out guitars. The song is an anthem for the ordinary—one that would even make Weezer proud. The band will be celebrate the release of their new full album Perfect Patterns at Sunnyvale on September 1st. - Lilly Milman

Whoever said Queens isn’t cool (hey! it's the new Brooklyn!) surely must not have heard of the Out In The Streets Festival coming to the Onderdonk House in Ridgewood for its fourth year on July 16-17.  Filled with some of our favorite local artists, such as The So So Glos and Frankie Rose, the festival is primarily a rock'n'roll fest. Bands will be playing with a backdrop of art, food and the Ridgewood market.  We’ve prepared a playlist to give a taste of the artists playing this weekend, but be sure to head over to the Out In The Streets festival to hear them for yourself. - Madeleine Grossman

1.21 Gigawatts - a Brooklyn DIY magazine that did a great job of covering the scene's punky, garagey and psych emerging bands - is sadly closing and it will be gracing us one final time with their hosting skills come this weekend at Alphaville. With Deli favorites like Dead Stars, Haybaby, Dances, and 11 more taking the stage we can expect a weekend of great music and spectacular shows. On top of getting 14 amazing bands performing in two days, it’s all just $10. Insane, right? It is always with a heavy heart that we must say goodbye, but Gigawatts really knows how to go out with a bang (and how to give you more bang for your buck). So head on over to Alphaville this Saturday and Sunday for some memorable performances. Check out the playlist below to get a feeling of what you’ll be listening. - Adriana Ballester

Having recently released the single “Calm Punk” off their forthcoming sophomore album, Brooklyn fuzz-pop trio Dead Stars played some wonderfully blaring songs at The Gutter Spare Room last night. Forming a tight triangle on the small stage, the Jeff Moore-led band blasted simple yet powerful tracks that reminded one of the sheer thrill of loud guitars and relentless drums. Perhaps “anyone can play guitar,” as Radiohead once sung, but it’s special when it’s done with the kind of focused passion that these guys brought.

While working in a completely different genre, Brooklyn-via-Colombia avant-pop duo Salt Cathedral exuded a similar no-nonsense energy at The Living Room. As guitarist Nicolas Losada strummed with poise, singer Juliana Ronderos hand-motioned and pulsated with a rapper’s swagger. Round light fixtures flashing different colors behind them, the band played an entrancing set of fidgety effects and gentle guitars that had the audience in silent thrall. Although the group mostly played their undeniably engaging original material, they did a cover of “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child which, with its propulsive electronics and long guitar lines, was simply great. – Zach Weg

With their new single "Calm Punk" (streaming), from upcoming sophomore LP, Brooklyn's Dead Stars convincingly rides the nu-grunge wave that's been sweeping Brooklyn in the past two years. Against what's considered as "booking common sense," the band is going to push the new release through a series of local shows very close to each other (five in ten days!?!). But hey, rock'n'roll hates common sense, so we invite you to support the guys, who have a great live show and shared last year's 4Knots stage with Dinosaur Jr., Mac DeMarco and Speedy Ortiz among others. Find your most convenient date here.