Tonight, two interesting NYC based bands from opposite ends of the eletro-pop spectrum come together at the Studio at Webster Hall. Sinister and sultry Living Days (who rocked awesomely at our The Deli’s CMJ party at The Delancey), and bright and bouncy Cassette Kids (pictured) will keep the crowds moving. Formed in 2007 and originally from Sydney, Australia, the three blokes and a sheila of Cassette Kids now reside in Brooklyn where they create infectious dance music based heavily in bassy synthesizers and peppy electronic effects. The power-pop quartet’s latest “Spin EP” begins with the title track, which opens with videogame-like syths, accompanied by a catching pace, and jumps into Noorbergen’s clear, youthful vocals and lyrics about, naturally, bringing “the house down.” Upholding their high-octane tempo and syncopated backbeat, Cassette Kids keep the energy surging on “Lying Around” and drum-driven “You Take It.” Come dance the night away at The Studio to some Brooklyn beats. Doors are at 8pm, and the show is 19+. – Meijin Bruttomesso

Although they punctuate their band’s name with a question mark, Shark?, play the kind of fun, irreverant and party-ready rock n’ roll that is best paired with an exclamation point. Combining the lo-fi recording aesthetic of many of their peers with quirky pop melodies and the raw energy of 70’s punk and sloppy 90’s indie bands, these guys offer a bit of something for everyone. Initially all the band’s recordings (standouts include Noise Maker and School Nights) were done solo by singer and guitarist Kevin Diamond in his apartment, but recently the full band entered the studio to record together. Diamond told The Deli the new recordings will still sound like the old Shark?, but more “fleshed-out” and containing “a bit of ear candy.” With the band already receiving praise from the L Magazine, Oh My Rockness, and more, the upcoming release should be more than enough for this Shark? to rise to the top. – Read Bill Dvorak’s interview with the band here.

The Deli’s November Artist of the Month, Rachel Platten, may have won listeners over with her catchy hooks and addictive smile, but the sweetheart songstress is one of the hardest working artists to grace the New York songwriters scene. Whether booking tours, singing gospel, promoting clothing and journal lines, or performing at venues all over the country, Rachel is quickly climbing the ranks to rock star status. After a successful release of her self-titled EP last spring, Rachel dove back into the writing groove, developing another round of songs set for a December release. As luck and a ton of hard work would have it, other plans have thrown a loop in the schedule, and Platten is now aiming for an early second quarter release with an exciting but undisclosed partnership. With a voice that drips with joy and sincerity, a megawatt smile, and a dominating stage presence, there is no question that this woman will be tantalizing the ears of American and worldwide pop culture for years to come. Don’t miss her show at the Highline Ballroom on 12.14. – Read Cristina Morelli’s interview with Rachel here.

Tricky’s been dubbing up your shoegaze since he launched from Massive Attack in the 90s. This Friday night before he floods the lanes of Brooklyn Bowl with his signature dense trip-hop, a new taste of the dubstep movement will warm up the subwoofers; Rx hails from Philly, but his records and remixes are receiving heavy rotation across the U.S. and in Europe. Remixes of JupiterOne, A Place To Bury Strangers and French Horn Rebellion are top selects, but his own music is potent enough to flood your brain with endorphins. If your in need of a dose of sweaty dancefloor mayhem, you’ll want to pop on over to Brooklyn Bowl this Friday. Rx goes on at 8, not recommended on an empty stomach. – BrokeMC

The Babies if the band of Kevin Morby – who plays bass in Woods, and Cassie Ramone, who lays guitar in Vivian Girls and – as far as we know – is not related to any of the Ramones, although it would be extremely cool if she was. Justin Sullivan, who had played with Cassie in Bossy, joined the duo on drums, and the Babies debuted in March 2009 as a three-piece at Dead Herring, their friendsʼ loft in Brooklyn. Rough, chilled and slightly out of tune as you would expect them to be, The Babies’ songs will see their first full length release in 2011 on Shrimper Records. The band will also tour the West Coast in January, where theyʼre temporarily relocating for the winter to write their second record, before going to Europe in the spring of 2011.

The Babies – Run Me Over

Jagjaguwar announced yesterday the forthcoming release of Constant Future, the fifth full-length album by Brooklyn’s Parts & Labor, available in the U.S. on March 8 and in the U.K. on March 7. The band, featured on the cover of the 11th NYC issue of The Deli back in 2007 (side picture) can be called a sui generis totem of modern art-punk. Their last release, 2008’s Receivers, saw Parts & Labor blasting off in all directions and creating collage art from hundreds of fan-curated samples.The new album, co-produced by Dave Friedman of Flaming Lips’ fame in his Tarbox Road Studios in Casadega, NY, promises to be one of the sonic events of 2011. 
Parts & Labor also took part in a recent fundraiser for The Voice Project organization which raises money to support the peace movement in Uganda. As part of the fundraiser Parts & Labor performed a cover of No Age’s "Life Prowler" from their new album Everything in Between.