New England

Polkfest 5 “Cinco de Polkfest” Tomorrow, 5/5 @ All Asia

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Al Polk (Streight Angular, Polk Records) is hosting Cinco de Polkfest, tomorrow, May 5 at All Asia in Cambridge’s Central Square. Starting at noon, bands will perform every twenty minutes or so (line-up below).

$5 suggested donation. This event is sponsored by Narragansett Beer.

BANDS:
12:00 School 4 Robots
12:20 Freeze-Up
12:40 Fang Noir
1:00 New Highway Hymnal
1:20 Nick Ratking
1:30 Hillary Barleaux
1:45 This Building’s On Fire
2:20 Letterik
2:40 Chris North
2:50 Changeling
3:10 All Eyes on Me Now
3:20 The Vegans
3:40 Light.Sweet.Crude
4:00 Mei Ohara
4:20 Mirror Neurons
4:40 Young and Old
5:00 Andrew Mello
5:15 Death Waltz 76
5: 35 Congress of the Sloth
5:55 Onslo
6:15 Personal Finance
6:35 Streight Angular
6:55 Radio Astronomer
7:15 Four Points Restraint
7:35 Crazy People

–The Deli Staff

Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, May 4 – 6

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OK, it’s Cinco de Mayo this Saturday, and there will also be a supermoon so you already have your excuses to go crazy. Well, why don’t you do it for a good cause? We know of a couple that you should support, and they’ll be having bashes with plenty of music for you to get “crazy with the cheese whiz.” Neighborhood Bike Works (NBW), a nonprofit organization that seeks to create educational, recreational, and career-building opportunities for urban youth through bicycling, are having their second annual bike racing event called The Works, which will also come with an after-party where Dangerous Ponies, The Bad Doctors, Them Jawn and The Cats will be performing at The Beaumont Warehouse. NBW also hosts a number of different programs for kids throughout Philadelphia, including fitness classes, summer camps, group rides, entrepreneur groups, youth employment programs, community service projects, and their flagship Earn-a-Bike workshops. All proceeds from the bike race (which start at Washington Square Park at 3pm) and after-party will go to funding these programs. And on practically the other side of Philly at Little Berlin, the multipurpose art space will be joining forces with BITBY to launch their Kickstarter Campaign to bring a community garden performance space to be known as “The Fairground” to the Kensington neighborhood. Little Berlin was recently award a $10,000 grant from the Knight Arts Challenge, but they’ll definitely need more than that to make this project come to fruition. Musical acts donating their time and talents to the party will be Pet Milk, Arc In Round, Wigwams, Arctic Splash, Summer Fiction, Heyward Howkins and Penrose. You are now in the know about two ways that you can make a difference in your community while still getting inebriated so donate and try not to get arrested this weekend. Cheers! The Works Vol. II After-party, Beaumont Warehouse, 5027 Beaumont Ave., 6pm, $5 – $15, All Ages; BITBY & Little Berlin Kickstarter Launch Party, 2430 Coral St., 7pm, $8, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman

 
 
Other things to get crazy at this weekend…
 
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Spacin’, SAT Swift Technique, Lady, First Capital Funk, SUN East Hundred Final Show
 
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) SAT Far Out Fangtooth and Bandname, SUN Heavy Medical and Hivelords
 
The Level Room (2102 Market St.) FRI (Upstairs) Pink Skull and Instamatic, (Lounge) Endboss, Jae Kennedy, Unicron
 
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI +Church+ and California Wives, SAT Old Man Cactus, SUN The Sea Around Us and Ross Garlow
 
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Lundi, Spirit and Dust, Renne, Plow-Town, SAT (All Ages) Strange Seasons and The Polar Opposites, SAT (Late) The Good Excuses, Vintage Kicks, Only on Weekends, Captain Scurvy, SUN Kenn Kweder
 
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI Christie Lenee, Prima Donna, Lotus Hill, Da Rezerrekt, SAT Marah
 
The Blockley (3801 Chestnut St.) SAT DrFameus, SUN Grimace Federation and F.L.O.T.E.
 
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT Mike Pinto and Three Legged Fox
 
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI Jumping Planes, The High Five, The Soundouts, Juliet’s Vice, SAT Philly Thrash Fest w/Rumpelstiktskin Grinder, Abserdo, Hessian, Glominous Doom, On Top, FistHammer, Assaultica
 
Triumph Brewery (117 Chestnut St.) FRI The Daylife and Modern Inventors, SAT Abstract Verses and Divine Rhymes
 
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St. Philadelphia) FRI Laser Background and Busses
 
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) FRI Rosetta, SUN Ladies Auxiliary
 
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhil St.) SAT Kongo de Mayo w/TJ Kong & The Atomic Bomb, Penrose, Ecce Shnak
 
Highwire Gallery (2040 Frankford Ave.) SAT Eric Carbonara and Danielle Gershkoff
 
Green Line Café (4426 Locust St.) FRI Chirstian Bitto, Cask & Co, Adam Rivera
 
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) FRI Ape School and The Homophones, SAT The Roddies Album Release w/Dan Collins, Katie Barbato, Railroad Fever, The Doublewides, SUN The Stammer
 
Ortlieb’s Lounge (837 N. 3rd St.) SAT Blaqmel and Andrew Winter
 
The Station (1550 McKean St.) FRI Tough Shits
 
Shampoo (417 N. 8th St.) SAT Dracula’s Ball w/False Icons
 
Union Transfer (1026 Spring Garden St.) SUN Meek Mill
 
Voyeur (1221 St. James St.) FRI Making Time $2 Freakout
 
NYC

Chairlift’s sophomore album “Something” doesn’t disappoint

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As you know, here at The Deli we aim our focus mostly on emerging, promising local artists rather than "established" ones, but today I’d like to spend a few words for a band signed to a major, which was featured on the cover of The Deli back in 2008, and whose second full length, notwithstanding the departure of a band member, successfully developed in new exciting directions. We finally found some time to listen to Chairlift‘s the new album "Something" and we were very impressed with it, but mostly with the band’s loyalty to their signature sensual quirkiness. I don’t think many people in the industry would have bet their money on the duo after Aaron Pfenning left, and I won’t deny that – as much as I loved the debut "Does You Inspire You" – I was amongst the sceptics too. It is indeed easy for a pop band to buy into the temptation of getting even poppier after signing a deal with Columbia Records. But Caroline Polachek and Patrick Wimberly obviously stood up to the challenge.
A video like this one for the single "Amanaemonesia" perfectly exemplifies how the duo not only put themselves out there, but doubled the stakes, with Caroline showcasing that in these 3 years not only she’s become a better singer, but she’s obviously improved her performing skills in the dancing department. Our favorite single from the album, "Sidewalk Safari" (streaming below) it’s just a great pop song that works on all levels. Emerging bands out there, there’s lots to learn from these guys.

Philadelphia

Spacin’ Opening for Woods at JB’s May 4

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Tonight’s show at Johnny Brenda’s promises to take you on a meandering crawl through psychedelia, drone and fuzzy lo-fi pastoralism, from a group of artists who exult in sounds of the past. Brooklyn-based Woods is headlining, supported by like-minded Spacin’ and Mmoss. Spacin’ will be sharing cuts from their forthcoming debut full-length (and now sold out vinyl) release Deep Thuds, an apropos name given the heavy guitars running throughout. Featuring members of Birds of Maya and Acid Kicks, the four Philly vets have shown their pedigree with music that courts the use of everything from Velvet Underground homage to polyrhythms, but it’s more than pastiche. Woods, although wrapped in layers of lo-fi artifice, are memorable for their willingness to experiment, as well as the affecting tenor of singer Jeremy Earl. Mmoss make similar use of timeless, elemental rock, although with overtones of mystical drone and a heavy nod to sixties folk. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave. 9pm, $12.00, 21+ – Alyssa Greenberg

Philadelphia

Ape School & The Homophones Opening for Caveman at MilkBoy Philly May 4

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A peaceful yet post apocalyptical ambiance is the scene Ape School paints in Michael Johnson’s latest creation. Before the vocals enter the picture, futuristic echoes set the stage and the coast appears to be clear. Then a smooth even-keeled voice arrives bringing with it a sense of relief like a cool mist hitting your face. Slowly the instrumental layers build as life naturally reemerges from every corner and crevice of protection and so begins the new age. When you scan the surroundings, The Homophones fronted by Jason Ferraro might catch your eye. Ferraro’s rich baritone vocals give him the heir of a wise man, and his songs read like an oral history bridging the gap between the not so distant past with the uncertain future. As your mind fights to figure out the next step, relax and recover to let the fire burn while the humorously deviant shaman eases your mind. It’s a sweet lineup with the two acts opening for The Deli NYC’s Best Emerging Artist(s) of 2011 Caveman, who will provide dense vocal harmonies and sophisticated instrumentation to some seriously captivating indie pop to win the locals over. Milkboy Philly, 1100 Chestnut St., 8:30pm, $12, 21+ (Photos by Q.D. Tran) – Michael Colavita

Philadelphia

Laser Background Making Live Debut at PhilaMOCA May 4

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After The Armchairs called it quits, Andy Molholt found himself discovering his own sound and recording a new project with former bandmate Michael Chadwick. The end result is the odd sonic beams (and homage to bad 80’s yearbook photos) of Laser Background, and this evening will mark the projects live debut. He’ll be performing his set solo, but we’re told a band around him is forming, and there is also interest from London-based label Stroll On Records (who recently released R. Stevie Moore and Ariel Pink’s bizarre collaboration Ku Klux Glam) to distribute his latest work. White Birds picked up right where Drink Up Buttercup left off by launching into a tour with Asobi Seksu and releasing the effervescent full-length album When Women Played Drums. And they’ll be right at home bringing their eerily beautiful harmonies to the former mausoleum. In their heyday, The Armchairs and Drink Up Buttercup were both interesting, artistic bands who knew how to give indie rock a fresh energy boost. One of the many bittersweet things about the bands coming to such an early demise in their careers is the fact that they’ve hardly performed many shows with each other, which makes it pretty cool that the newest projects from members of each band will be coming together tonight at PhilaMOCA. They’ll also be joined by Brooklyn’s Dinosaur Feathers and Busses, who were just added to the bill. PhilaMOCA, 531 N 12th St., 8:30pm, $7 – $10, All Ages – Bill McThrill
 
Update: Sorry folks, White Birds dropped off the bill – bummer. That is why Busses was added.
 
San Francisco

Wallpaper., Girls, tUnE-yArDs @ Coachella

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Two weeks ago, I was departing for Coachella Weekend 2.  This was the first Coachella I’d ever attended, so I had no expectations except that there’d be a cool hologram if I didn’t melt before the end of the weekend. While I did come close to sweating every morsal of liquid from every pore in my body, I lived (and missed the hologram in order to be back at my job in San Francisco by 9:00 am the following morning).

So although I didn’t get down with Tupac, I did catch three of the Bay Area’s elite and felt quite proud for our little part of the music contributing world.

First up was Oakland’s Wallpaper. The electro-rock fivesome kicked off the festivities in one of the tents and lead singer Ricky Reed was arguably more excited to be there than any of the fans. He gushed about having been an attendee at Coachella for many years past and that it was mind-blowing to have been invited to perform. The synchronized drumming and adorable pink-haired singer were definitely a fun way to get things started (and in my case to begin applying sun block at rapid fire pace).

Later that first day, I struggled to leave the shade to catch San Francisco’s golden boys Girls at one of the outdoor stages. Obviously, I couldn’t miss Mr. Owens and his amazing backup singers, so I dragged my ass to the sun soaked crowded field. I’ve seen Girls before (read my review here) and while I think the backup belters are the best thing going on in that group, I’m pretty sure everyone else in attendance walked away saying it was a favorite from the weekend. Sometimes, I just can’t help but swing against the current, what can I say?

However, when it comes to the East Bay’s tUnE-yArDs, I am part of the in-crowd. I fucking love everything about Merrill Garbus and her saxophonists and her bassist and their whole vibe and their set on the second day was just GREAT. That the band is able to reproduce its sounds so flawlessly live is just WHOA. Plus, she did this really awesome bit where she had the audience close their eyes then turn away from the stage. When she had us open our eyes to the beautiful Indio Mountains that she was viewing from her vantage point, she exclaimed something along the lines of, “Look at where we are! How cool!!” And it was…even if it was anything but cool in temperature.

–Justine Fields

L.A.

Chantal Claret reinvents herself on first solo release

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Former Morningwood vocalist Chantel Claret is gearing up for the June 19th release of her solo effort The One, The Only… The album was written and co-produced by Chantal with the help of Rob Kleiner (David Guetta, Cee Lo) and mixed by Mark "Exit" Goodchild (Erykah Badu, Outkast). The feisty songstress has taken a newfound soulful turn, which has already paired her up alongside other contemporary pop startlets like Adele and Janelle Monáe. You can can catch her live at the Troubadour in West Hollywood on June 19th. 

Philadelphia

The Menzingers Were Robbed Last Night in Manchester

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Oh man – this is happening way too often to bands these days. The Menzingers were robbed while on tour in Manchester, England. Here’s part of what Greg Barnett posted, and you can read the rest of his message at their Tumblr:

“The driver side window was smashed out and 3 personal bags were stolen. Unfortunately my bag was stolen with all of our tour money inside it. To top it off, we brought around $2000 in US cash with us in case of an emergency. So let’s see €5000 Euros, an iPad, 3 iPods, 3 passports, 2 pairs of raybans (I know, I know they’re super expensive but they make you look pretty cool), my personal tour journals from the last year and a half which included all of my “On the Impossible Past” lyrics and all of my god damn memories, a digital camera, prescriptions, blah blah blah. This sucks. It really fucking sucks…”

This is obviously a shitty situation. If you’d like to help the guys out, you can make a donation HERE or at their PayPal account (MenzingersSkrilla@gmail.com). We’re sure that they’d greatly appreciate it.