New England

Chillingsworth — Sir Roger

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According to the band’s bandcamp bio, Connecticut’s Chillingsworth brings “excitement and fun energy to every show they play” and from the first chord of their EP, Sir Roger, one can easily hear why that very may well be the case. The EP is full of energetic drumbeats and catchy, upbeat melodies. Traces of jazz and ska are woven throughout each track, probably most obviously heard in the final track, Stay Fly. The vocals remind me of Matt Skiba or possibly Geoff Farina, singer of Karate. 

I found myself listening to the opening track, Cloud, and feeling an overwhelming urge to get up and dance.  The use of bells is very prominent throughout the track making them a nice addition to the song, adding a poppy layer to their jazz-infused sound. There are moments on the track where one can hear Vampire Weekend peeking through the melodies. This leads me to believe that Chillingsworth has a solid grasp on how to make a good pop song.

Overall, I was very pleased with this release. I think the band has a great jazz-pop sound, which can most certainly appeal to a wide audience. I am interested to see what they come up with next and would definitely recommend checking these guys out next time they come around your hometown.

–Daniel McMahon

NYC

NYC Artists on the rise: Friends play with Oh Land on 12.10 – 11

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I have a hard time believing that a bunch of (presumably) smart kids from Brooklyn decided to name their band "Friends". That is the least "searcheable" band name in history (together with that other band called "My Favorite",) and I wasted about 47 seconds (!!!) trying to find their Facebook page. To their credit though it must be said that it doesn’t look like the name thing is getting in the way of their rise in popularity. Friends is currently recording their debut album, but they released this video of the single "I’m His Girl" in October. They recently toured the US and have a bunch of UK dates booked in February. Their funky, sexy psych-hop formula – reminiscent of a weird combination of Santigold and Chairlift – has tons of seducing power. They’ll be opening for Oh Land on December 10 and 11, don’t miss!

Portland

SUN ANGLE

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Sun Angle is a three piece that sound like the soundtrack to a dream you just woke from, the guitar, flutelike noise, and bass create a oft-energetic and sometimes-hypnotizing vibe that will call you out and draw you in. Lyrics sound like archaic hymns from an age forgotten. The EP takes you through highs and lows with many songs running galloping tempos (check out "Value Light" and "Timesnakes"), while other tracks are a ride on the clouds ("Yes Beach"). The interesting thing about Sun Angle is that I wouldn’t subscribe them to any genre accept "damn good music." Check out their self-titled EP, which is live right now. –Micah Navarro

Philadelphia

Last Chance to Catch Ugh God’s “Classic Lineup” at KFN Nov. 28

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Ugh God are wrapping up their 2011 early with a show tonight at Kung Fu Necktie tonight. It will be your last chance to experience their “classic lineup” before they return next year with a new crew and album. The band promises that there will be a special guest joining them on stage this evening. Fat History Month, who Ugh God did an extensive tour with earlier this year in support of their latest album A Pony On Top Of A Mountain, will be helping their pals close out this chapter in the band’s story. Buzz-worthy Psychic Teens will also be on hand with their new LP Teen available on vinyl and selling at a discounted rate in honor of its release on wax via Philly-based Golden Voyage Records. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, $5, 21+ – Bill McThrill
 
NYC

CANT debuts video

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CANT, the collaboration between Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor and Twin Shadow’s George Lewis Jr, just premiered this new video of the single "Too Late, Too Far" from the upcoming album "Dreams Come True". The band also released a very lo-fi video of the song "Believe" last month, check it out here.

NYC

Amanda’s show at Arlene’s with Ski Lodge, Sea Monsters, Indian Rebound

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You’re not gonna want to miss this show on December 4th at Arlene’s Grocery, organized by Deli intern Amanda  Check it:

Brooklyn’s Sea Monsters (in the picture) are a trio that make rockin’, awesome unabashedly in yo’ face punk music. The bros make an awesome, lo-fi brand of music that is poppy without being too annoyingly poppy and discusses the fun things in life: sex, love, and having fun.

NYC duo Indian Rebound have in The Deli’s radar recently, with their signature brand of dreamy, showstopping indie rock jams. The band is currently working on new tracks, with their most current single, “So Strange” available on their bandcamp.

Ski Lodge is the newest project from Andrew Marr, a former member of the Clementines. Marr’s music is the perfect feel-good music: dance-worthy, jangly indie pop tunes that instantly make your day better (trust me, they’ve made my past week better). His EP is out now on Dovecote records.


On the bill also Florida based psychedelic indie pop duo Sunbears!

NYC

Jennifer Logue headlines Holiday Jamboree party at DROM on 12.18

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This year the folks at DROM NYC are making a list and checking it twice for their first annual Holiday Jamboree party on December 18. So far, on their list are some great NYC artists, like Jennifer Logue (in the picture), The Wellington Papers, The Shake, The Young Things, and Danny Ross, as well as a few internationally renowned dance troupes, an emcee, and a late-night dance party that’s sure to make you break a sweat and cleanse the naughty side right out of you, just in time for the holidays. To hitch a ride and ensure your spot on the Holiday Jamboree sleigh, visit their website and RSVP on facebook. Tickets are $10 and for extra “nice list” insurance all proceeds go to NY Cares Winter Wishes Program that delivers toys to 32,000 underprivileged children in the NY area. – Tuesday Phillips

Philadelphia

Gods and Queens Survive Van Accident During European Tour

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Local natives Gods and Queens were in serious accident this past Saturday in the Czech Republic during the band’s European tour on their way from Graz, Austria to Dresden, Germany. Luckily all the passengers in the van survived with Jeff Ziga sustaining the worst of the injuries with a broken collarbone. However, the van was totaled, and the band had to cancel the rest of the tour. They also incurred a large amount of debt due to the unfortunate incident. Below is a plea from Gods and Queens for assistance from fans, and you can read the rest of their message HERE.
 
“So here it is, we are 3 grown adult males in our 30’s who play in a punk band. We are all stage hands at R5 Productions in Philly. That´s what we do to enable us to be here in Europe doing this. Never in our lives have we needed help like we do now.”
 
If you’d like to help, please go to their Bandcamp page to purchase their music online, and you can also buy a silkscreen poster and/or a t-shirt HERE (all proceeds will go directly to the band). Donations are being accepted via PayPal at jaimiegetz@gmail.com. We are sure that any assistance will be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time and consideration.
 
Philadelphia

New Track: “Musk Rat Sound” – Sunny Ali & the Kid

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If you’re like us, you’ve probably been lazing out since Thanksgiving. Well, it’s been an unseasonably beautiful weekend so you should get out today and enjoy it before you have to drag your lazy ass back to work tomorrow. Here’s a rocker called “Musk Rat Sound” from our favorite countrified punksters Sunny Ali & the Kid off their Not a Demo a Demon release that will help you kick-start your day. Enjoy!

NYC

Baltimore’s Diamond New EP out 11/29

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‘Following the news of their upcoming year-end shows with Four Year Strong, Set Your Goals, Balance and Composure and Transit, and in support of their upcoming EP Don’t Lose Your Cool out November 29th, Baltimore-based rock outfit Diamond have premiered the second new song from their forthcoming release, entitled "Fly Solo," both streaming and available for free download exclusively at Alternative Press Magazine’s website.’ You can also check out another featured track "Fix of Mine" below. Release party TBA!

Fix Of Mine by dmnd

Philadelphia

Kuf Knotz & Friends Lighting It Up at The Fire Nov. 26

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Tonight The Fire will be taken over by smooth jams, hot beats and feats of lyrical gymnastics when locals Kuf Knotz, Cookie Rabinowitz, Curly Castro, Jawnzap7, and Zilla Rocca enter the building. So if you are looking for some live music to get your groove on, then you’ve found the place to be. Kuf has been grinding away bringing exposure to local artists with his FREE BoomBox Collective series at World Café Live. Well, you should definitely not hesitate to drop some cash to see the lineup that he has instore this evening. Cookie Rabinowitz featuring Scholly D can certainly sexify the room as well as bring plenty of smiles to the audience while Jawnzap 7 is always ready to dazzle you with his linguistic prowess. And you should watch out for the one-two punch of Curly Castro and Zilla Rocca in any battle, especially alongside musical brethren Has-Lo as Wrecking Crew, but they can definitely throwdown on their own. However, I’m still hoping to see some collaborative efforts. Hip hop fans – please don’t sleep on this one! The Fire, 412 W. Girard Ave., 9pm, 8pm, 21+ (Photo by Michael Alan Goldberg) – H.M. Kauffman