Small Black

The New York-based band Small Black conjure up images that are associated with summer--long days, jean shorts, sunglasses, cold beers, etc.--with its chillwave sound. The duo's music isn't necessarily bright, sunny and uplifting, but with hazy tones and yearning vocals, Small Black definitely manages to come off as a summer-months band. Still, with all of the images associated with June, July and August, there is a pervasive undercurrent in the music that's slightly sinister and foreboding. Tucked into many of the band's songs are hints of preeminent doom and loss, like the bitter cold of winter. Small Black released its debut album New Chain in 2010.