It’s always interesting to see the length of time it takes for an independent artist and their work to begin to get recognition in the media. Buried Beds’ latest full-length Tremble the Sails is a good example. We’ve honestly been enjoying it for a while now so I really didn’t remember when the LP was originally released. It was a bit surprising to see that Buried Beds celebrated the album’s release on June 25, 2010. (The full-length was our July 2010 Album of Month which you can read HERE.) In Tremble the Sails, you find Buried Beds making a brave move from the somber folk-y, Appalachian songs that they were so critically-acclaimed for, to playful, upbeat indie pop tunes that were more reflective of the band members’ personalities. In 2011, the group was able to successfully raise funds via Kickstarter to press Tremble the Sails on vinyl, and rereleased it on March 1 to positive reviews. They also hit the road in support of the record to capture the hearts of audiences around the country while opening for notable acts like Dr. Dog, mewithoutYou, The Head and the Heart, and Murder by Death. Buried Beds wrapped up the year on a high note by having their song “Steady Hand” chosen as NPR’s Song of the Day. Well, 2012 is already off to great start for the beloved Philly act with the release of their beautiful short film Small Stories, which is accompanied by an EP. The band also has plans to release a new full-length album so let’s see how long it will take for all this new material to catch on. I’m hoping sooner than later. – H.M. Kauffman
Gemini Club “By Surprise”
Gemini Club is back with a new single from their forthcoming ep Here We Sit. The ep is coming this Spring, and "By Surprise" will have you hitting the dance floor.
The ep release is schedule for April 12th and will be held at Lincoln Hall with Pet Lions.
Amen Dunes plays w/ This Will Destroy you at 285 Kent on 02.23
Call it "Glo-fi," "Chill Wave," or "Dream Pop," Psychchedelia is a genre that has been enjoying a resurgence in Brooklyn as of late, and Sacred Bones recording artist Amen Dunes – the solo project of New York-based vocalist and guitarist Damon McMahon – fits squarely into this category. The band recently released this video of "Bedroom Drum," from their 3rd CD "Through Donkey Jaw" (released in 2011). The vocals come with expected reverberation, however not to the point where the singer’s soulfulness is lost, and float on guitars that are heavily modulated, an effect that creates a siniter and alienated atmosphere. The percussion exists as the most basic of minimal pulses, giving the impression that the song’s feelings and melodies are barely kept alive by a feeble heart beat. "Baba Yaga" allows for a more spacious sonic spectrum, keeping the guitar simple and cleaner, and vocals closer to a chant, offering a vibe reminiscent of the more intimate songs of the early Velvet Underground. "Christopher" suggests what it might sound like if you took a Beach Boys song and ran it through hall of mirrors, while "Diane" strums gentle acoustic tones on a hypnagogic trip. Amen Dunes will be opening for This Will Destroy You on February 23 at 285 Kent in Brooklyn. – Dave Cromwell
Recap & Photos: White Birds, Univox & Tutlie at KFN
We had great time this past Friday at Kung Fu Necktie with White Birds, Univox and Tutlie. A bunch of The Deli staff were able to make it out so it was nice to grab drinks together, and check out some fine local acts. The big surprise of the night was Tutlie. None of us had ever seen them perform live before, but we were very intrigued due to their lone single online “Giantess” (which we all agreed is a bona fide hit once the interweb catches a hold of it). The band is very young fronted by the pretty vocals of Jesse Radlow and Christina Klaproth (college roommates who were very happy to be twenty-one and in a bar). The most familiar face on stage was Josa Lazas (Golden Ages, Strand of Oaks) who had just joined the band about two weeks ago and didn’t know the names of their songs yet. Drummer Tony Rossi (Streaks of Light) created a strong backbone for their compositions while programmer/multi-instrumentalist Asher Brooks orchestrated the band’s moody backdrop. We liked their positive energy and genuine joy to be on stage together which showed on their painted faces. We expect to see them around and hear a lot more from them in the future. (Haha…as long as Klaproth doesn’t handle the business end of things after hearing her exclaim to the door man, “Oh, we get paid!” The room was well-attended throughout the evening.)
Rock to the Future Benefit at WCL Feb. 5
Jedi Mind Tricks Bring the Mosh at Union Transfer Feb. 4
For over a decade, Philly’s Jedi Mind Tricks have been making noise in the underground hip hop community, following the eir critical success of their second album, Violent by Design. The crew was originally comprised of controversial frontman Vinnie Paz, his fellow emcee Jus Allah and producer/DJ Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind. Last October, they released their seventh studio album, Violence Begets Violence, on Paz’s independent record label, Enemy Soil. The LP is filled with the angst-fueled lyrics that their fans are accustomed to, but Violence Begets Violence also marks a change in sound for the long-running group due to the departure of Stoupe, who handed over his production duties to a young group of producers to give a fresh sound to the group’s hardcore formula. Hip hop fans be prepared for a mosh pit at Union Transfer tonight. Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., $18 – 20, 8pm, All Ages – Dan Brightcliffe
Hezekiah Jones Opening for Samantha Crain at JB’s Feb. 4
Hezekiah Jones (a.k.a. Raph Cutrufello) and his family of Joneses are back on stage tonight at Johnny Brenda’s with their reflective timeless sounds after a short hiatus. Hezekiah Jones latest offering Have You Seen Our Fort? exudes poppy, alt folk sounds that will surely have the crowd merrily tapping their feet, but the group can also awe you with some of the prettiest, earnest tunes this side of the Mason-Dixon Line. The band’s music has so many layers, but it is a joy to peal them back to find at the core Cutrufello’s rich vocals and heartfelt lyrics. Joining the Joneses will be headliner Samantha Crain, with an album that is sure to make you dwell upon interaction with others, in the most profound way. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ (Photo by Lisa Schaffer) – Brandi Lukas
A Contrast in Styles w/Brown Recluse & Instamatic at MilkBoy Philly Feb. 4
Tonight’s show at Milkboy Philly is a bit of a contrast in styles, but it will feature somewhat hidden gems of our city. Starting off the evening will be the synthpop assault of Instamatic in the first of two shows in their hometown this month, which they have dubbed “Instamatic Appreciation Month” on their blog. The four man synth army released their latest EP, Three Song EP, which is full of new wave beats that sound like the best 80’s dance party you’ve ever been to. Headlining tonight’s show will be the tropicalia/ bossa nova-inspired psychedelic jams of Brown Recluse. The unassuming local act makes their home on iconic indie label Slumberland. The group’s jangly indie pop sound is likened to bands such as The Clientele, Belle and Sebastian and even the Zombies. They’ll also be joined by the melodic dream pop Acres of Diamonds. MilkBoy Philly 100 Chestnut St., $8-10, 8:30 pm, 21+ – Dan Brightcliffe
Excuses for Skipping Wins Deli SF Best of 2011 Readers’ Poll
The Deli readers have spoken!
After two weeks of voting and with 1,480 votes, new wave rockers Excuses For Skipping (pictured) emerged as the winner of our Bay Area Best of 2011 Fans’ + Readers’ Poll. Don’t miss SF’s favorite quartet when they play Hemlock Tavern tonight, Feb. 3, and Brick and Mortar on March 1.
Kudos also to the seven-piece, indie orchestra The Family Crest and pop punk, hardcore kids Local Hero, who placed respectively second and third.
Stay tuned: The overall results of the Bay Area Year End Poll for Emerging Artists – including votes from our esteemed jury and open submissions – will be released Monday.
–Whitney Phaneuf
Alex Winston releases video for “Choice Notes”
Even though this song is not exactly new, it’s always hard to resist New Yorker Alex Winston‘s playful tunes and charming melodies. This video of "Choice Notes" just premierd on Pitchfork.
Animal Eyes
There wasn’t much to do for the boys of Animal Eyes in their native Alaska besides wait around for oil checks and 4:20 in the afternoon. More importantly though, they were looking for the simple chance to make some jams with friends. So with restless hearts and heads full of smoke, and the promise of great tunes and cheap rent, it makes sense that the crew would set its course on the warmer southern climate of Portland. Which is to say that while these guys certainly have a propensity for the psychadelic, these aren’t your average roaming hippies. Their latest release, Found in the Forest, is sharp, at times even mathy, and dynamic, with songs that can unexpectedly change direction into atypical rhythms and keys, but the group’s keen pop awareness always finds a way to curb each track back into something warm and mildly danceable. Reminiscent of Portland’s own Brainstorm or LA’s Local Natives, and in their more aggressive moment’s even Man Man, the band’s honest and unaided group vocals layer and circle into multi-part harmonies built over triumphant horns and a bouncing accordion for several moments of what can only be described as polka-rock. You read that right, and laugh if you wan’t, but I’d challenge almost any other band in town to step to this level with an accordion in their hands. Self-released, the disc is available for a mere 3 bones over on Bandcamp, but it’s the group’s live energy that is really where the magic lies. Be sure to catch them February 16th at SoHiTek Gallery with fellow locals, and one of our Best of ‘11 Open Submission winners, Eidolons.