Holy Ghost is a rather new electronic duo that’s about to start a world tour with their good friends LCD Soundsystem (this is why they say that PR is an important part of everybody’s career!). The guys sound to us like a mix between the chilled atmoshperes of Air and disco influences inspired to the electronic sound of the 80s. Booty shakers may want to see them perform at Terminal 5 with LCD (only 1 date out of the 4 booked is not sold out yet). Their upcoming EP, Static on the Wire, will be released on May 18th on DFA Records.

Religion inspires musicians in a variety of ways. Some praise the lord (gospel) others worship the devil (death metal). Religion gifted Madonna her most memorable moment, and only last year Christopher Owens utilised his upbringing in the Children of God cult to inspire a Beach Boys-esque pop album with his band Girls. Midnight Masses are at completely the other end of the spectrum from Owens. Redemption, sin and death run through their music, reflecting leader Autry Fulbright’s upbringing as a preacher’s son. Religious imagery is rife. Their vocals often ring out which a church-like echo. No doubt the untimely death of Fulbright’s father acted as a catalyst for these meditations, but from that tragedy, something beautiful has grown. I spoke to Midnight Masses’ front man on these inspirations. – Read Dean Van Nguyen’s interview with the band here. See them live at the Deli’s Best of NYC Fest on 05.13 at Brooklyn Bowl.

We continue our "Best of NYC Countdown", covering every day one of the artists that made our Year End Best of NYC list (a chart compiled by a jury comprised of local bloggers, music writers, promoters, record sotre personnel and DJs). Many of the bands in this list will play The Deli’s Best of NYC Fest in Williamsburg in May (6 shows in 3 different venues between the 13 and the 15).

This brooklyn 3-piece rocks around the town with a falsetto voice and nicely patterned rhythms which had them on the road this spring with The Stationary Set after an appearance at SXSW. Formed in 2006 they released an EP titled “Waves” in 2007 and are now promoting their newest release “We Animals” which came out last year. These recent road dates find the band’s live show played out more aggressively than their sleepily tinged album suggests. But in their love for all things mammalian, Monogold finds themselves situated somewhere between the sea and the land playing shows to friends and fans who can appreciate hand drawn cover art and self-recorded music. See them live at The Deli’s Best of NYC Fest on May 15 at Cameo gallery with The Vandelles, Jacques Detergent, The Courtesy Tier and El Jezel. – Simon Heggie

On May 4 NY’s Reckless Sons played a semi-under-the-radar gig at Pianos, accompanied by Young the Giant, Twin Tigers, and Gift Horse. Boasting bravado and uninhibited dynamism, Reckless Sons unleashed some of their better known tunes, “Gimme a Sign” and “Too Young to Choose,” along with yet to be released “Graduated” and “Whipping Boy.” An immediately gripping combination of strumming guitar melodies, tight drum licks, and impassioned vocals, Reckless Sons’ edgy blend of jangle pop and swaggering rock captures the defining elements of New York’s music scene. In case Tuesday was missed, Friday night at Bowery Electric will provide a second chance to catch Reckless Sons’ down and dirty demeanor. They will be sharing the stage with Brooklyn’s Brother’s and Philly’s Pawnshop Roses. Doors at 8PM, 21+. –Meijin Bruttomesso