Young the Giant – “Amerika”

In “Amerika,” the lead single for Young the Giant’s third album, “Home of the Strange,” lead singer Sameer Gadhia’s clear voice soars over the brief bells and drums of the themed introduction, eliciting gospel fusion vibes. Combined with a dreamy watercolor “visualizer” music video, “Amerika” is a creepy but magical experience. If the track is any indication, “Home of the Strange” will be reminiscent of the seamless instrumentals in the band’s 2011 eponymous debut. “Home of the Strange” will be released on Aug. 12.

Little Green Cars – “The John Wayne”

In “The John Wayne,” Irish indie rockers Little Green Cars spotlight their top-tier vocal abilities via a set of exquisite three-person harmonies. With a more poetic vibe than typical guitar rock, the five members of the band excel at establishing melancholy moods. The band’s March release, “Ephemera,” may never match up to the mournful lyrics of 2013’s “The John Wayne” and all its fellow tracks on “Absolute Zero,” but fans can see the group promote their new album at the intimate Beachland Tavern on Thursday, April 28.

The Kills – “Doing it to Death”

Long-running rock band The Kills takes male and female duets in a punky direction. In “Doing it to Death,” the first single from the duo’s fifth album, Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince darkly repeat that “night after night after night” they’re “doing it to death” as heavy guitar riffs slam behind them. “Doing it to Death” and its accompanying music video are more polished and synth-laden than previous band releases, but the track would still fit in a smoky underground club. “Ash & Ice” will be released on June 3.

Dashboard Confessional – “Hands Down”

This summer, relive the emo side of the 2000s with a collaboration tour from Dashboard Confessional, Taking Back Sunday, Saosin and The Early November. “Hands Down” is a classic angst-ridden Dashboard Confessional song. Lead singer Chris Carrabba claims that it tells the story of a date he once had, featuring a melodramatic chorus: “My hopes are so high/That your kiss might kill me/So won’t you kill me/So I die happy.” For more emo heyday theatrics, catch the Dashboard Confessional and company tour at Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica on Sunday, June 12.

#FlashbackFriday

fun. – “We Are Young”

We’ve all changed since fun. and Janelle Monáe’s “We Are Young” peaked in popularity just in time for the Class of 2016’s high school senior prom. In honor of the upcoming college graduation festivities, flashback to your awkward high school days when the catchy “We Are Young” from fun.’s second album “Some Nights” shot up the charts and won a pile of Grammy Awards. Take a second to forget about finals and sing along to the track’s unforgettable, heart-pumping poppiness.