I recently heard somebody saying how one of the reasons why unemployment is so high these days is that we are all doing a lot more DIY than we used to: from accounting software to Ikea furniture assembling, the occasional odd job has become a form of entertainment. This is obviously an extremely valid point when applied to indie music, in an age where almost all records are at least partially recorded at home, and recording studios are struggling. Porcelain Raft extended this concept also to their music video, which was directed by bearded band leader Remiddi himself – who obviously knows what he’s doing in both sonic and visual realms. The band just released their debut album "Strange Weekend" on Secretly Canadian and is about to begin a US tour.
Philadelphia
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Kung Fu Necktie Opens Its Upstairs to the Public!
We’ve always enjoyed Kung Fu Necktie’s upstairs area as a backstage. Many good times have been had up there. Below is a message from KFN about the space now being open to the public. We look forward to more good times!
KUNG FU KECKTIE has officially opened its UPSTAIRS to the public. Embrace the hominess of KFN’s new upstairs hangout spot complete with a pool table, games, and a brand new bar. Picture a living room — NOT your grandmom’s living room (No plastic couch covers here). Our upstairs is fully equipped for fun times, offering all KFN patrons an unassuming deviation from your conventional run-of-the-mill bar. It’s like having two of your favorite bars in one location. Keep an ear to the ground (or to KFN’s Twitter) as we start announcing events and specials EXCLUSIVE to our new upstairs bar coming VERY SOON.
Philadelphia
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Not Just Your Average Streetwalkers at Silk City Jan. 25
If you want to find info about local indie rock outfit Streetwalkers, you might discover a lot more than you bargained for when googling the words “streetwalkers” and “Philadelphia.” But the search would be well worth it for some rad, minimalistically-named tunes like “Song One” and “Song Two.” Honestly, I’m already rather addicted to the handful of tracks that they currently have online. Tonight the young up-and-comers will be bringing those dark, seductive gems to life at Silk City. Streetwalkers will also be joined by Lefft, the side project from Far-Out Fangtooth’s Nick Kulp, and experimental noise act Combine. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., 9pm, $6, 21+ – Q.D. Tran
Chicago
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CD of The Month: Hidden Hosptials
These days Hidden Hospitals are anything but while they the kick the promotion for their debut ep "EP 001" in overdrive. The band, containing former members of Damiera and Kiss Kiss, brings a crisp and effective brand of rock oozing with blaring guitars and driving baselines. The band’s first single "Swan Dive" is a soaring anthem that has turned more than a few heads. The four piece band is guided by the wide range in the vocals of David Raymond. His vocals shift effortlessly from hush swoon to forcefully scream through the ep. For a band that only played their first live show in September of last year, "EP 001" is an extremely polished effort.
You can catch Hidden Hospitals at Panchos on Feb 3 with Channel Four, Black Arrow, and Dari.
NYC
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NYC Artists on the rise: Water Knot
We receive a lot of video submissions, and this one from NYC band Water Knot caught our eye. The four piece, whose sound is epic and dark, has crafted a psychedelic video for their new song “Big Brother”. The band is currently working on a new album, check out their new video below. – Amanda Dissinger
NYC
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Sydney Wayser debuts songs from upcoming album “Bell Choir Coast”
A packed crowd gathered around the grand piano and twinkle lights set in the sixth floor club space of New York’s exclusive SoHo house last Thursday to get a sonic glimpse at Sydney Wayser‘s new album, Bell Choir Coast. Wayser and her band captivated the audience with a powerful set of songs written last year in the throws of desiring an escape from New York winter. Sydney’s sweet vocals drip with sincerity and passion, sometimes soft but always powerful. It will be a treat to have the album just in time for this year’s snowy days and bitter cold nights. ~CM
Chicago
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Kellen & Me @ Abbey Pub
Kellen & Me released his self-titled debut album back in June and it was also the debut release on Audiotree Music. The album is Americana at its core, and is a pure illustration of what music means to this musician named Kellen. Below you can stream the album and jump over to bandcamp to purchase it.
On an East Coast tour this past year Kellen stopped by Indie Ambassador to record a live session. You can catch Kellen & Me at Abbey Pub with Jennifer Hall and Ode on Feb. 16th.
Chicago
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Running on Giant System
Giant System has returned with a great live session with Running. We are looking forward to an action-packed secord session from Kyle Orbit and company.
Chicago
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Loyal Divide “Otto”
Loyal Divide has released a new single called "Otto". The A-side features vocals from Rachel Sarah Thomas. The track was originally part of the session for their 2011 album Bodice Ripper, but it did not make the finished product.
Chicago
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Without Waves @ Cobra Lounge
Back in November experimental rocker Without Waves unleashed the fury that is Scab Platter. The album is hard, aggressive, shredding, but also subtly nuanced and adventurous. This is album to put on when you need to get out that built up aggression, and if you are not sure what you are screaming about the lyrics to each track are on their bandcamp page.
You can witness the rage in person at Cobra Lounge on Feb. 3rd.
San Francisco
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Artist of the Month Interview: Plastic Villains
Newcomers Plastic Villains was born from a jam session in an SF basement and quickly evolved its psychedelic rock sound to become a thriving Bay Area band. Read more about them in an exclusive Deli interview.
Download Plastic Villains’ new single "Say My Name" or 2011 EP Whoever You Are Today and catch them live on Jan. 31 in SF at the Elbo Room.
–Whitney Phaneuf
Portland
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Best of Portland — 2011 Fans’ Poll
UPDATE: This poll ends Sunday Feb. 5th at 12:00 PM PDT. Be sure to vote and tell your friends before then.
That’s right the 2011 "Best of Portland" Fans’ Poll is now live. Look to right of this content column to find the poll and vote. The current tallies are quite close so this could very well tip the scales for your favorite band, your band, your friend’s band, your cat’s favorite band–so get out the vote.
Good luck to all the band’s involved! You’re all doing great things in this great city.
The Deli’s Staff