Deli: How did the band start?

James Newman: Martin and I started the band in ’05 with Suzanna and Jorge. The owners of the rehearsal studio we practiced at invited us to record an album, but unfortunately that band fell apart during the sessions. So, Martin and I wound up handling all the instrumentation while we searched for a new singer. Eventually, we found Kathryn, finished recording and then pieced together a band to play out while we mixed.

Where did the band name Plumerai come from?

Eliza Brown: I’m convinced the Newman brothers had no idea what it meant before I came along, but they say I’m rude to say that. It’s a verb that comes from a French children’s song called "Alouette, je te plumerai"…

Click here to read the rest of the Q&A with Plumerai.

I’ll always have a soft spot for pop-punk. Ever since I first heard Enema of the State, I’ve been drawn to the fast-paced—at times whiny, I’ll admit—sounds of that particular style. So, for me, Shambles‘ latest release, Shambles EP, is a great record. It holds true to the standards of pop-punk with airtight guitar work and catchy—and at times emotional—lyrics.

I thought the band handled the vocals well throughout this record. The band utilizes gang vocals more often than they use a solo vocalist, which I thought really added depth to the songs. The end of the fourth track, “ATL…DTF?,” is a perfect example of the group vocals. The band uses several different harmonies during the last two times through the chorus, which I thought was quite impressive.

Shambles will be playing a gig at Great Scott in Allston on Wednesday, April 25, so if you’re in the area be sure to head on over and check them out. You can also check their bandcamp site for a free download of the Shambles EP and information on how to get free merch, swag, or whatever you prefer to call it.–Daniel McMahon

The term “garage rock” is sometimes passed around to denote a lack of quality or accessibility in a band’s sound. However, there is also a sense of purity and tradition in the genre, with the genesis of most major and influential movements in the rock and roll history originating in one corner of a basement or another. Straight from central Mass’ dirty burg, Sun Sister proudly parades their passports from Garageland with their premier EP, Rich American White Kidz; a four song shoegaze sample populated with songs of love and hate for junkies

Rich American White Kidz is also a surf/pop album produced with a loving amount of abandonment — the production is low-fi, with a heavy focus on Stacy Baird’s phased-out vocals, which give the songs a distant and manic depressed feeling. Lyrically, the songs are reminiscent of such acts as The Velvet Underground, with first person looks at shady figures and burnouts with hearts.

The EP, out April 30 on the British-based indie label Tye Die Tapes, is now available for pre-order. Fans of shoegaze garage rock such as The Pillows, Plumtree, or The Moldy Peaches would be well off checking them out.–Anthony Geehan