The music of Boston’s Modern Painters drips a syrupy sonic collage of influences that when looked at from afar create a harmonious portrait worth admiring. The various textures that range from honeyed pianoforte phrases to vibrantly colored electric guitar flourishes betray the group’s indie-folk label, transcending it, sketching slowly something far more complex. The group’s latest single “Hive” lingers beautifully, paced by an initially feather-light jazz drum beat that revs up to meet the arpeggiating guitar and thumping bass inspired by your favorite indie-rock record. The lead vocals of Gabe Goodman are entrancing enough to match today’s dream-pop stars and mist away in the single to make way for an irresistible sax solo that melts like butter under the summer sun. Modern Painters are gearing up for the release of City Folk, their first album in nearly two years. The release show will be at ONCE in Somerville on July 5th, and we are thrilled to preview the record for you by streaming “Hive” below. - Rene Cobar

For many bands just starting out, the first album is viewed as an experiment with a questionable final product, or a nervous test drive with challenges at every juncture. In the case of Jamaica Plains’ folk-indie group Modern Painters, the confidence, sincerity, and precision in their self-titled debut is not unlike a veteran band with several good albums under their belt. Lead singer Gabe Goodman sits soundly on top of the crisply produced album, echoing the sounds of  Andrew Bird’s vocal talent and Father John Misty’s storytelling. At its peak intensity, Modern Painters mirrors the exciting points of Arcade Fire’s first EP, while their softer dynamics resemble the gentle cruise of Real Estate’s soft rock. Check out the album below, or on Spotify. -Charley Ruddell