Long Island, New York’s Exemption has done more than mature their sound on their sophomore full-length, and third self-released disc, Public Cemetery Party. Each of the nine tracks not only differs uniquely from one another but sets the band far apart from the current trends of today’s rock and metal bands. The songs are a kaleidoscope of musical styles: thick stoner metal mudslides slam head on into psychedelic landscapes; antehemic pop hooks give way to fiery surf-rock riffs, and crusty blues jams become violent exercises in aggressive funk. The first track “Hyperspiral” is a perfect example of this, moving seamlessly from Mastodon & Torche-esque riffage to euphoric melodies and hooks reminiscent of Rubber Soul. Like Torche, Exemption is not afraid to combine spine-cracking heaviness with bubbly pop-hook sweetness to create moods not often tapped into by new bands. Public Cemetery Party goes on to demonstrate the power trio’s skills as musicians. Their progressive side has earned them comparisons to The Mars Volta, Rush, and King Crimson, but this musical ability combined with their sense of humor at times is more in the vein of Frank Zappa. The band is currently touring the north part of the East coast – they’ll be back in NYC with a show at matchless on 12.15. Stream their album for free here. – (as posted in The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and Mp3s here).

The Americans, who are New Yorkers by way of many states, produce a smooth sound that channels piano-driven pop, British Invasion psychedelia, and the delicateness of easy-listening. The band’s new “White EP” opens with a gospel -tinged, elevating “Try (Nobody Wants To),” featuring Daniel Merriweather and sampling Jackie Wilson’s “(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher." “The Antidote” and “Not Still in Love” add doo-wop to the mix and are followed by “Diamond,” which intertwines twinkling piano chords and elongated country twangs. “Rooftop Love” alternates between soulful multi-vocal harmonies and call and responses with hymn-like cadences. The Americans will be headlining Rockwood Music Hall this Friday, November 12 for the release of their "White EP" and the music video for "Requiem," the album’s first single and final track, which showcases Sean Lennon. The official celebration begins when The Americans hit the stage at midnight. – Meijin Bruttomesso

Alex Nahas and Nick Smeraski of Bright Brown bring an ideal soundtrack to the crisp, autumn air. The brooding Brooklyn duo layers humming vocals, a Chapman Stick, keyboards, soft percussion, and a little acoustic guitar. Sounds range from sparse and repetitive like a piece for avant-garde dance to expansive and melodic like the theme from a western where everyone dies in the same pool of blood. Nahas cut his teeth as a founder of the post-rock band Laughingstock. Fans of Brian Eno, Nick Drake, and John Cale should check these guys out. – WSP

Having grown tired of hearing everyone and anyone with access to a home digital "recording studio" pump out often lifeless collections of songs, this past July the three members of Grandfather sold off all of their home recording equipment and headed to Chicago to make their album "Why I’d Try" – with the help of wizard of analog recording himself, engineer Steve Albini. The band, that plays an intense brand of (non-instrumental) post-rock that often escalates to post-punk peaks, is offering a free digital download of the product of this collaboration here. Check them out live at Union Pool on 11.20. – Read an in depth review of their CD on Dave Cromwell’s blog.