Rahim / Photo by Casey Brooks

Who? This Quogue, NY, band's second full-length, Laughter, drops experimental post-punk in favor of a mature vein of indie rock that ponders the differences between town and city life. Fittingly, the music mixes the sounds of New York City hustle and Long Island calm, juxtaposing tense percussive pitter-patter and jangly guitars with langorous vocals. Singer/guitarist Michael Friedrich laments inevitable urban gentrification in "Cities Change," softly emoting the lines "cities change/strangers and fools move in/this neighborhood is gone now/your neighborhood is gone." And the sparse addition of electric blips, melodica, and harpsichord to the sonic mix moves this quartet beyond the traditional indie rock scope (legendary producer J. Robbins -- Jets to Brazil, The Promise Ring -- helped polish this ambitious band's sound). Listen below and experience the ethereal textures for yourself.

Their Latest: The foursome's sophomore full-length, Laughter, arrives September 9 via Pretty Activity.

Recommended if you like… Jets to Brazil, Blonde Redhead, Meneguar

Now Hear This: Rahim, "Tired Man" (DOWNLOAD MP3)