One of the great powers of music consists in its therapeutic ability to allow us to create personal universes where we can get lost when needed.  If this is what you’re searching for, the songs of Atlas Engine might come in handy. This is the new project of multi-instrumentalist Nick LaFaice (formerly of BRAEVES and Terrible Terrible), offering dreamy tracks sung in his reassuring alto, like in single 'Everest,' streaming below.  Atlas Engine's debut EP, “after the end” will be released on July 29th, and you'll get a chance to see them live at Bopwery Electric on July 25th. - Madeleine Grossman 

With her latest project, Half Waif's Nandi Rose Plunkett has successfully bridged the ever-growing chasm between "avant" and pop, taking Radiohead's lesson to a more intimate and less pretentious place. The band's sophomore album 'Probable Depths" is an intriguing blend of synth and orchestral pop full of texture and otherworldly melodies. Half Waif will be back in Brooklyn performing as a trio on June 6th at the Market Hotel, to the end of their ongoing tour throughout the US. —Henry Solotaroff-Webber

Read Half Waif's Q&A about gear and the creative process on Delicious Audio.

We´re excited to share the news up the 4th Annual 20th Street Block Party in San Francisco!

Noise Pop is excited to announce the music lineup for the fourth annual 20th Street Block Party taking place Saturday, August 20 from noon to 6:00 p.m.  The event will take place on 20th Street between Harrison and Bryant streets in the Mission district; however, this year the party has expanded to include 19th Street, also between Harrison and Bryant. The free neighborhood celebration of music, food and drink, and art just outside the doors of Noise Pop HQ will bring some of the community’s best sights, sounds and flavors to thousands of guests throughout the afternoon.

For more information on the event, please visit http://www.20thstreetblockparty.com. Event artwork was done by renowned artist Jason Jagel.

Below is a new music video from Free Cake For Every Creature for the track "All You Gotta Be When You’re 23 Is Yourself," which was directed by Allysa Yohana. It stars the band subdudely performing at a bday party. You can find the single on their latest album Talking Quietly Of Anything With You, which is out now via Double Double Whammy. Free Cake For Every Creature will be hitting the road this September with Diet Cig.

Throughout their more than decennial career as a band, Letters to Nepal have continuously redefined their sound, and they show no signs of settling. On past projects, the New Yorkers by way of Siberia have showed ambient post-rock inclinations, building atmoshperic arrangements to emphasize Evgeniya Kuznetsova's mellow but vivid voice.  Their latest track, "TRICKY," shifts towards a sound that's more electronic, with trip hop overtones (hence the title?). Kuznetsova's vocals are pushed more to the forefront than ever before, her poetic lyrics meshing nicely with the tranquil electronic production.  "TRICKY" is a promising new-new beginning for Letters to Nepal. See them live at Rockwood Music Hall on 6/30. —Henry Solotaroff-Webber