It’s almost the end of the school year. And with summer nearly approaching, it’s essential to prepare music playlists and compilations while we enjoy the outside heat. Knowing this, there are some bands worth mentioning that archetypal figures for 21st century summer jams.

The Drums. I remember enjoying these guys in the dead heat of Washington, blasting “The Future” and “Best Friend” in my car stereo. Signed to Minor Records, The Drums were formed out of Brooklyn, New York, and are a trio primarily influenced by the works of 80s music such as The Smiths, New Order and Orange Juice.

The Drums – Best Friend (released in 2010)

Also formed out of Brooklyn, New York, Beach Fossils debuted in 2010 with their self-titled album. They are specifically known for the low-fi atmospheric sound. Their album Clash The Truth was released in early 2013, claiming a spot on the Independent Albums chart.

Beach Fossils – Clash The Truth

Departing from Brooklyn sounds, Life In Film, an indie/pop group of four that debuted in 2012 from London, England is now starting to steal some spotlight with their brand new album Here It Comes. While I listen to some of their stuff, it reminds me of groups like Ween and Vampire Weekend.

One single group that is driving me nuts right now with excitement is the duo Moon King formed by Daniel Benjamin and Maddy Wilde from Last Gang Records in Toronto. They’re psychedelic, and have a voice like Michael Angelakos of Passion Pit, with a much more distorted punk twist.

Moon King – Apocalypse