While you wait for that new Taylor Swift album which is surely in the works given the artist’s recent break-up, here are a few songs to enjoy in the warm weather. No matter whether it’s more #endlesssummer or more endless bummer…

1. Stabwounds’ “Fragile Boy”
Don’t let their name fool you. Despite the fact that their name makes them sound like a metalcore band, Stabwounds is more indie folk than -core. Together, bandmates Emma March Barash and Amanda Brooklyn form what they call “the sexually charged reincarnation of Simon and Garfunkel”. The duo crafts soft harmonies that drift likes breezes about heartache and relationships. Layered atop acoustic guitar or occasionally unaccompanied, they’re an easy listen. If you missed the chance to see the band live at their recent Pianos gig, they’ll be playing an upcoming show at The Manhattan Inn in Brooklyn on July 11th!

2. Modern Baseball’s “Wedding Singer”
Although both Brendan Lukens and Jake Ewald share the duty of primary vocalist in Modern Baseball, this single off their new record Holy Ghost features Ewald alone and perhaps at his best. The video features a pink haired hearse driver (think a younger Kate Winslet in Eternal Sunshine of a Spotless Mind) coming to the rescue of a frantic young man, pacing the gates of a cemetery. The two drive around in the modified cadillac, eventually roller skating and karaoking. It’s like a four minute rom-com complete with all the will-they, won’t-they meaningful eye contact you could possibly want.

3. Julien Baker’s “Sprained Ankle”
Julien Baker’s Sprained Ankle is a real staggering work of a genius (sorry Eggers). Baker can’t even legally order a beer in this country, but yet at the tender age of twenty she’s already crafting songs that are turning everyone’s head. From Amy Poehler to NPR, she’s everyone’s favorite. Why? It’s hard to pick what it is or even name the best quality of her work, because every element is perfect. From her carefully crafted lyrics to her harmonic guitar work to her soft vocals, it’s clear that Baker simply has a natural talent. She can even cover Jawbreaker on the piano.

4. Kaleo’s “Way Down We Go”
Originally from Iceland, Kaleo descended hundreds of miles into their motherland to shoot this truly unique video. Sure the Thrihnuagigur volcano hasn’t erupted or anything in thousands of years, but its internal cave-like space is the perfect setting for Kaleo’s video. With their mix of indie rock and americana, the band sounds like an amalgamation of Bon Iver, Hozier, Tracy Chapman and Johnny Cash with a touch of Black Keys. Lead vocalists JJ Julius Son’s gravely voice is perfect for the genre. The band recently relocated to Austin, Texas, a move which makes total sense given their almost country roots. Catch them on tour this summer and check out their US debut A/B.

5. Wolf Parade “Mr. Startup”
After re-emerging from a five year hiatus, Wolf Parade played a highly successful residency at The Bowery Ballroom. Their return included a handful of other shows in major cities, as well as a night during Brooklyn’s Northside Festival. The band played a mix of old favorites (“I’ll Believe In Anything” and “Sons and Daughters of Hungry Ghosts”) to die-hard fans. Their set also included songs from their new record Wolf Parade, the fourth EP to be released by the band under that name. It’s clear from “Mr. Startup”, “C’est La Vie Way”, and the response of the crowd that the band hasn’t lost their touch.

By Zoe Marquedant