These are groups of various genres whose albums have managed to withstand the relentless competition for Google Music dominance. And did you check out Native Dancer or Everything Everything from last week’s London post? Because you should.

WZRD – https://soundcloud.com/wzrd-official

This duo made up of rapper Kid Cudi and producer Dot da Genius is hopefully still active and created an eponymous debut album that was released in 2012. They’ve appeared on some tracks since then so I’m holding out hope for a new project soon.

Throw Vision – https://soundcloud.com/throwvision

I’m 86% sure you’ve never heard of this group unless you’re a Yalie or you just closely follow indie NYC bands but their 2013 debut In I was really good and I’m looking forward to the next. I want them to tour and come to Houston because they deserve it.

Phox – https://soundcloud.com/phoxband

I was tempted to put this group in the London post last week although there’s no reason for that except the lead singer’s voice sounds vaguely British. And her voice is the main reason why they’re here along with solid backing by the rest of the band. The folksy, soulful music of their 2015 self-titled album brings to mind simpler times in the Midwest.

Phony Ppl – https://soundcloud.com/phonyppl

One of these days I’ll write a post about music acts who have a similar generational frame of reference which enhances the way that I relate to music. They made a song all about Helga Pataki from Hey Arnold on Yesterday’s Tomorrow! I just discovered Phony Ppl this year and I’m excited because I can tell they’ll have a great live show. And the lead singer’s voice reminds me of Pharrell.

KING – https://soundcloud.com/weareking-1

This trio made huge waves when they came out in 2011, only to earn my severe distaste upon releasing practically one song a year until their album We Are KING finally came out in February of 2016. They received early cosigns from your favorite neo-soul and R&B legends including Prince, Questlove, Erykah Badu, and they created one of my favorite songs on the Dear Friends live album by The Foreign Exchange. Also allegedly we went to the same elementary school according to my dad?! The song below is perfect in the midst of the Rio Olympics and they’re coming to Houston on October 28!

The Internet – https://soundcloud.com/internet-band

A live show like no other, this group started off as an Odd Future affiliate and has spun off into an exceptional standalone R&B act. I’ve now been to two of their live shows and I love how they perform their songs along with the excellent cover choices. Hopefully they keep coming to the Warehouse Live Studio because that’s a perfect venue for them. Listen to their latest, Ego Death. Also, I had heard the term ego death exactly once before their album so kudos to them for vocabulary.