Philadelphia

Happy St. Patty’s Day!

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It’s St. Patty’s Day, and I love it! It reminds me of my teenage days in my hometown getting drunk with my friends before hitting the parade and getting even drunker at a Japanese hibachi restaurant while we watched the parade through the front window by the bar. I know. Japanese hibachi restaurant on St. Patty’s Day? What do you expect when you are sixteen? You take it where you can get it. Since I’ve already started the day with some Guinness and Jameson, I’ll keep this short because my motor skills may leave me very soon. If you want to shake a little booty and kiss anyone who is Irish or not, I would swing by Silk City for Prowler and Reef the Lost Cauze. If you want to drunkenly sing-along to some Irish tunes and witty-ass lyrics, head over to the M Room where our favorite anti-folk hero Death Panel (a.k.a. Charles Latham) will surely be bringing grins to everyone’s faces. If the drunk and belligerent college crowd is your scene, then grab your baseball cap and favorite frat/sorority gear and meet someone (whose name you’ll probably not remember in the morning) at The Blockley Pourhouse with The Quelle Source. Just remember swallowing anything green isn’t always a good thing. Cheers! – Q.D. Tran

 

New England

Jenee Halstead needs your support!

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Jenee Halstead, a country-folk singer-songwriter out of Boston is planning a European and US tour to promote her new EP Hollow Bones. The only catch is she needs fans to pledge 2500 dollars in 30 days toward funding the tours. She is playing in the Deli showcase this Friday at the Armory (see above) so obviously we like her. Check out her cute video on her website to see how you can help this lovely young artist get her music across the pond and across the conutry. You can make your pledge and watch the video here.

–The Deli Staff

 

NYC

NYC artists at SXSW: Air Waves

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Nicole Schneit wears the folk tag very liberally on her sleeve, dabbling in country, pop, punk and rock in Air Waves. The familiar, basic folk structure underlies Schneit’s songs, but the music isn’t fragile; it’s raw in a good way that feels comforting at the same time. She draws listeners in with her deceptively simple songs with memorable melodies and swinging vocal lines. Building upon 2009’s popular surf rock trend, a rolling, coastal sound seeps through Air Waves’ music. There’s also a bit of The Moldy Peaches in Schneit’s songwriting, especially in the Dan Deacon-approved “Shine On,” a tune perfect for a spring bike ride. This entrancing EP warrants repeat listens to get completely caught up in the beautiful soundscapes. Air Waves have 5 dates in Austin during SXSW – for more details go here.

Chicago

The Fakeout, the Tease and the Breather

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One of the more anticipated releases of the Spring has to be the new album from Canasta. The Fakeout, the Tease and the Breather will be released on May 8th and the band recently gave fans a little sneak peak by posting three tracks on their website. The first track, “Mountains of Molehills”, is a shimmering ‘70’s AM pop gem complete with horns and piano. “Mexico City” is an all out indie rock assault and never gives up. The last track they posted is my favorite. “Becoming You” is a slow burning, atmospheric ballad that is simply irresistible. The album promises to be worth the wait.

Canasta will be celebrating the release on May 8th at Schubas with two separate shows. The first will be with Gregory and the Hawk and is 18 ad over, and the second will be with Brighton MA and will be 21 and over. Best of all, a copy of the CD will be FREE with each and every $14 ticket!

L.A.

Best of LA #21 Slow Mo Erotic

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If you have been yearning for a band that fancies rhyme and vulgarity, look no further than Slow Mo Erotic.  This duo of gentlemen play catchy pop music.  These pop songs however, are certainly not run of the mill.  Songs off of their new album, "The Holla!caust" are laced with profanities, sexual innuendo and general cleverness.  They fill a void in my heart that was once steadily occupied by the Bloodhound Gang.  Can you really argue with a band that equates sex with eating?  No, I don’t think you can.   

Portland

Nice Nice Go Extra Wow on Debut and SXSW

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It’s a year of firsts for our little electronic duo, Nice Nice. Jason Buehler and Mark Shirazi are probably currently soaking up the rays in good ol’ Austin, TX, gearing up for their debut SXSW appearance, and performing at not one, but four venues. The festival kicks off a nationwide spring tour for the psychedelic electronica outfit, and will be in support of a new album.

That new album, my friends, is Buehler and Shirazi’s debut effort on Warp Records, Extra Wow.

According to Nice Nice’s publicist, Extra Wow is an extremely apt title for an album that presents itself as a constantly unfolding collection of kaleidoscopic musical sediments. Each song effectively builds on the one before it to create the effect of an album-length crescendo that encompasses everything from forward-reaching psychedelia and neo-primitive electronic experiments to dub rhythms and learned lessons from the pillars of krautrock. From the acid-punk opening of "One Hit," it’s apparent that establishing your equilibrium within the world of Nice Nice will not be easy.

After playing together for nearly a decade, it’s about time Nice Nice gets the chance to gain exposure. The album drops April 6th, and I don’t know about you guys, but I’m pretty stoked on giving it a listen. Now if only they were playing in Portland…

Check out the video for "Everything Falling Apart":

 

TOUR DATES

03.17 SXSW 2 PM – Music Gym

03.17 SXSW – Warp showcase 8 PM – The Phoenix

03.18 SXSW – Hype Machine/Lose Control Party 12 PM – Vice House

03.21 El Paso, TX – Black Market

03.22 Phoenix, AZ – Trunk Space

03.23 Los Angeles, CA – Spaceland

03.24 San Diego, CA – Casbah

03.26 San Francisco, CA – Mezzanine

04.15 Washington, DC – Rock and Roll Hotel

04.16 Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brendas

04.17 New York, NY – Santos Partyhouse

04.18 Brooklyn, NY – Market Hotel

04.19 Cambridge, MA – Middle East Downstairs

04.20 Montreal, CANADA – La Sala Rosa

04.21 Toronto, CANADA – Legendary Horseshoe Tavern

04.22 Pontiac, MI – Crofoot Ballroom – Pike Room

04.23 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle

04.24 Cincinnati, OH – Northside Tavern

– Katrina Nattress

Nashville

The Grayces Vinyl Release w/ Mattoid & Hans Condor – 3/13/10

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The Grayces’ vinyl release show on Saturday night at The End proved to be one of the stranger nights we’ve witnessed. First, there was an inspiring performance by The Mattoid, who treated us to some sensible, nonsensical rock, one straight-faced, faux-Communist monologue, and several melodramatic ramblings by the lead singer/Pavarotti-lookalike, Villa Kiviniemi (of Finland). After he managed to get everyone in the room to listen to his dream about wishing that there were "a crack whore in heaven who can sell [him] pussy and crack," it was time to sing along to the infamous "Party Time."

Burlesque dancer, The Violet Vixxen sidled onstage for a short, sultry striptease, and then it was time for the moment that everyone had been waiting for.

The Grayces rocked everyone’s faces off, (not surprisingly), grinding their way through ten energetically raw wailers, and one persnickety encore. They played their usual crowd pleasers with additional flare; we were certain that "Yep’s" yodels were  shriller, "Opposite Day’s" screams were lengthened, and the extra smarminess of "Needer" left the crowd lusting after lead singer Murielle Rae, and needing to hear more.

Naturally we had to get a copy of their record, whose A and B sides consist of all three of those songs. Jackpot! There were also some tunes we hadn’t heard before, including the cheeky encore, whose hook consisted of lots of "la la la’s," which Miss Murielle smirked through the entire time.

The Grayces truly packed the pizzazz into their performance, and after seeing more of their brilliance through a longer set list, we look forward to listening to their record, and seeing what they will do in the future. It’s fairly obvious they are going to do something.

As the night came to a close, Hans Condor flew by us with such vigor, and kicked our asses so hard that we didn’t have time to think about when the last time was that we saw them play. Their lineup was different, although everyone still seemed to enjoy the Detroit garage rock, and Charles’ mass of hair. He and his guitar barreled off of the stage into welcoming arms during one particularly wild number – couldn’t understand the words enough to guess at a song title – with just the kick drum blasting away and the distortion from his guitar seemingly propelling him along as he whirled and twirled through a solo in the middle of the crowd. Catch them playing at Foobar March 20th.

Also make a point to see the Grayces at Springwater on April 17th and the Mattoid at Little Hamilton on March 19th. 

After seeing the sights and hearing the tasty treats at The End on Saturday night, everyone can say they went to bed with "just desserts." – Erin Manning

San Francisco

The Deli SF’s Weekend Highlights For 3/18-3/21

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With a new week upon us it’s once again time for another round of show highlights from around the city.

On Thursday the 18th at the Cafe Du Nord Love is Chemicals (who recently impressed Nicole at a free Noise Pop Happy Hour Show) will be opening for HIJK’s CD release party along with Rademacher, 8pm. Free copies of HIJK’s CD will be given out with the purchase of advanced tickets, so head over here to get your ticket and album.

They who run things over at Hemlock have put together quite the eclectic show this Friday. For something a little different than the usual indie rock that graces our ears check out local electronic artist Deceptikon with out of towners Tik///Tik, Captain Ahab, and Twin Crystals, 9:30pm.

Saturday night Xiu Xiu will be returning briefly to San Francisco to play an all ages show down at Bottom of the Hill, 10pm.

If non of strikes your fancy, Sunday night at Kimo’s Rollercoaster will be playing with the intensely loud Sweet Nothing and Seattle garage punk-rockers Watch It Sparkle.

Well that about covers this week. Tune in next Tuesday for another round of selections.

–Ada Lann

Chicago

Brighton MA on Small Chicago

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The third installment of Small Chicago is live and it features the incredibly talented band Brighton MA. The band performed three tracks in the Small Chicago’s basement studio and completely rocked each of them. Check out the session here.

Brighton MA will be performing a 17 and over show at Subterranean on March 26th.

L.A.

Black is back as Pink

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Next month, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti will release “Round and Round” and “Mistaken Wedding” as a limited edition 7” vinyl for those analog heads out there, but also as a digital single for the rest of you. Gone are the days of the compact disc. The single is a groovy track with hazy echoing voices, delayed guitar, laid-back drums and a synthesizer with disco-era sound effects. The foursome strikes a nice balance between experimental indie pop and The Beegees. Listen to the new track here

Philadelphia

Lux Perpetua, Hair Rocket & The Armchairs Baring All at The Bellevue!

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Holy shit! It’s not raining anymore. Well, it’s beginning to look like spring for the moment. We wanted to give you a heads up about The Deli’s Lunchtime Escape next Friday, March 26th at The Bellevue. We are very happy to announce that Lux Perpetua (a.k.a. Justin Wolf – formerly of The Extraordinaires), Hair Rocket and The Armchairs’ Andy Mulholt will be joining us for this intimate performance.
 
Lux Perpetua creates melodic garage/folk rock that gets your head bobbing and your body moving. Don’t let his scruffy bearded exterior fool you! His tunes have a warmth and heart that will surely come out in this stripped-down setting. Hair Rocket always leaves it all on stage. Led by Berklee dropout Chris Blasucci, their songs are like any good breakup. It’s equal parts dark, mysterious and bizarre, but cathartic. Despite the deeply personal nature of his lyrics, the songs are no less relatable and universal. Lastly but certainly not least will be The Armchairs’ frontman Andy Mulholt. His positive energy simply forces you to gravitate towards him. You never know what will happen at one of his performances. Like true art, Mulholt aims at each performance to bring out emotions from you (whether good or bad) that you weren’t sure existed. This intimate setting is sure to give you a glimpse into the world of some of Philly’s most talented emerging artists so we hope to see you there! The Bellevue (food court area), 200 S. Broad St., 12pm – 2pm, FREE, All Ages (Photo by Mike Persico) – The Deli Staff

 

Philadelphia

The Disco Biscuits Celebrate Planet Anthem at TLA March 15 & 16

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Love ‘em or hate ‘em – you have to respect how far The Disco Biscuits have come from their frat party days at Penn. It’s not easy to sustain a nearly 15 year career in this fickle music industry, especially with little radio airplay. But they did it the old-fashion way – by hitting the road and building their legion of rabid “tree-thugger” fans one show at a time. Moving away from the Phish covers that once were found in their setlists in the early days, The Disco Biscuits changed the landscape of the Jamband scene when they introduced their hybrid of electronica and live music which they dubbed “Trance fusion” spawning a whole generation of imitators (well, too many in my opinion, but imitation is the highest form of flattery). This evening they begin a two-night run at the TLA to celebrate their latest release Planet Anthem, their most radio-friendly album to date containing collaborations from such artists as Don Cheegro and Dirt Harry (Ludacris, Beanie Sigel), Damon Dash (co-founder of Roca-a-fella Records) and Tu Phace. But don’t worry my little “tree-thuggers”, there will still be plenty of techno dance beats, headies and psychedelics to get you to the after-party at the hotie. TLA, 334 South St., 8pm, $30, All Ages myspace.com/discobiscuitsofficial – H.M. Kauffman