Kingsley Ibeneche was raised in Camden, NJ, and studied dance at University of the Arts in Philly. He has toured as a dancer with artists like James Blake and Travis Scott, which is stylistically reflected in Realms, his new EP, which was released on New York independent label Astro Nautico. Sultry, smooth vocals permeate through a tapestry of live instrumentation and sampling, enveloping the listener in a dreamlike state. The tracks are dynamic and rich, scintillating between unease and tranquility. The world  that he builds is full of life and sound, but leaves plenty of room for Ibeneche’s vocals to thrive in the center. A release full of surprises and genuine twists, there’s a uniqueness to the music that betrays an instinctual familiarity. Realms packs so much quality into so little time, an achievement that really tags him as an emerging artist to keep an eye on. He'll be hosting his record release show on February 28 at World Cafe Live, supported by Great Time and Madison McFerrin – Josh Kelly

Active Listening: Night on Earth, the forthcoming album from Empath, is slated to arrive on April 2 via Get Better Records. The sounds of nature are quickly traded for the more immediate thump of bass as the album’s lead single, “Soft Shape,” comes into focus. Encircled by creepy dolls as synth eerily rings, there’s a creepy mesmerizing quality to the band's accompanying video. As though in a neon fog, a magnetizing, mysterious aesthetic unfolds, and as the instrumental ending suggests, it's part candy, part chaos. (Photo by Alysse Gafkjen)

“All My Loving,” the latest single from Ceramic Animal, is an expansive (almost 10 minute) musical sojourn. Steeped in a nighttime groove, the song hovers between a smooth, weightless, cruising approach and a heavier, psych-blues stomp. Those adventurous escalations continually increase the pressure, until the top appears ready to explode. What results is a locked-in yet wide-reaching trip that precisely pushes the limits. You can catch Ceramic Animal at Johnny Brenda's on Tuesday, March 26, with touring compatriots Spendtime Palace.

Psych-Pop Quintet Lucille Furs have released a third single, “All Flowers Before Her”, from their forthcoming LP, Another Land. The album is set to be released on March 15th via Requiem Pour Un Twister.

You can help the band celebrate the release of the album on March 15th at Virgin Hotels (203 N. Wabash Ave).

After the “Sky So Blue” single released last month we were excited for Hot Flash Heat Wave’s EP release on February 15th. Praise Prince above we were not disappointed. Tracks are refreshingly varied and full of life, from surfy psych rock to electro pop-rock. Songs have similar feels as Animal Collective but with a touch of Smith Westerns and an Italian pop vibe. Can you picture it? Probably not but listen and discover what we’re putting down here. An EP favorite, “Floating,” starts with a chugging guitar moving with distorted spacey vibrations that gives the same feelings as the song’s title. Hot Flash Heat Wave kicked off their tour last night at The Independent and are about to glide across the states. -Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor