We’re so into Laying Down Rock, the new single from the art rock duo, DRINKS, a new music project consisting of the San Francisco based musician, Tim Presley also known as White Fence and the lovely, Wales native Cate Le Bon. If you like Violent Femmes, the Magnetic Fields, Talking Heads and oddly composed art rock in general, DRINKS’ sense of humor and quirkiness is going to quickly earn your admiration.

Presley and Le Bon switch duties as lead vocalists from one track to another. Their previous single, the title track of their upcoming album, Hermits on Holiday had Le Bon sharing her angelic voice without any presence of Presley's vocal talents.

The tongue and cheek-ness of Laying Down Rock is only appropriately enjoyed with a slightly sadistic grin drawn across your cheeks, as Tim Presley’s off putting, slightly dark confidence and vocal expression is funny, but also a bit sinister. That said, if you listen closely you'll hear a glimmer of hope and a moral in Presley's troubadour-esque declaration that affirms that true love does exist. Take a listen and look out for DRINKS’ upcoming album, Hermits On Holiday, which is due out on August 21st through Birth Records & Heavenly Recordings.

Now this is one we’ve posted before as part of a previous Artist of the Month Poll roundup, but now we’re givin’ local pychpoprock (mmmhmmm, smush them genres) act Three Bones its own damn post because they’ve got a neat lil July residency goin’ on at the Historic Scoot Inn that’s jammin’ along quite nicely. We’ve been quite into this pair (headed by Victoria de Benedicty and Dalt Jacob with Grant Johnson and Mike Stavitz as well) since they put what has been one of the year’s prime headspace occupyin’ tracks and eyeball a’pleasin’ vids out earlier this year with the strummmeriffic and oddly super satisfyin’ “Hold on to Ya” earlier this year. Goddamn psychedelic earworms y’all: in a genre that finds itself in the long-noodlin’ territory more often than not, it’s not somethin’ you really expect for a psych track to be a tight, clean piece of pop that gets right up between your brains and shakes its tail for a week or two, but damn if “Hold on to Ya” ain’t just that.

I think what really gets this track and vid movin’ is that it just feels legit as Texas barbeque; even when hammin’ it up all weird and creepylike for the camera (as Dalt does just freaky fuckin’ well), you get that unfakeable sense of authenticity that tells ya these are some good damn people just doin’ the damn thing thing in the way they damn well wanna do it, and they’re down if you’re down and cool if you ain’t. We think y’should be, and a trip out yonder to Scoot Inn will likely get you on the Three Bones wavelength quicker than a blonde dude in an all white get up can strum a guitar, which if you check the vid, is pretty fuckin’ fast.

You may recognize his voice if you're familiar with Hamilton's indie rock heroes Young Rival. Aron D'alesio has released his debut solo material in the form of a 4 song cassette. Much like his work with Young Rival, his tunes have come with some interesting music videos. Most recently released is a video for my personal favorite track on the album "Diamond Ring". Looks like Aron was able to pick apart some scenes from an obscure oldies movie to go along with the sad nature of the song....in love with a girl but she's wearing a ring...we've all been there before. The vibes of the tune are great. Like an oldies AM radio. Peaceful tone with thoughtful lyrics. Watch the video for "Diamond Ring" then you'll be looking at his other videos right after. Do it. -Kris "Big City" Gies

Originally from Hawaii, The Fourth Wall is a Portland based indie quartet with a sound swimming in post rock and psychedelic influences. Their melancholic melodies and soaring songs are a little reminiscent of a less orchestral version of late Mercury Rev. The band recently announced they will release their new LP, 'Lovely Violence,' on July 31st via Bug Hunt Records. You can catch them live at Mississippi Studios on August 2nd.

We added this song to The Deli's playlist of Best songs by emerging Portland artists - check it out!

The Naked Wild is a folk/indie rock band out of Toronto. I think it's also the website I was watching late last night...but that's a different story. Their tunes are pretty chilled out but they can fire it up when they have to. They have a bunch of live tunes available for stream on their soundcloud. The first tune I listened to was "Neighbour". The acoustic rhythm guitar gets you in a very campfire like setting. The lead licks over top bring you to the point when your buzz kicks in and you're ready to drift away. The walking bassline keeps the party going and the drums are thumpin away giving you reason to stomp. So that pretty much sums up most camping trips...in the wild....naked. Canadian folk rock for sure. I'm interested in hearing what they come up with in the studio. The Naked Wild play the Rivoli on July 16th.-Kris "Big City" Gies