Check out the first sonic blast from Bleeding Rainbow’s forthcoming album Yeah Right called “Pink Ruff”! The full-length will be released on October 9 via Kanine Records.
NYC
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Grave Babies Playing Pizzafest This Friday
Photo Source: Grave Babies
Grave Babies are gracing The Funhouse stage this Friday for Day Two of the venue’s Pizzafest extravanganza. Other acts that night include The Biz, Golden Pelicans, The Yolks, and Shannon and the Clams.
The group put out the Gothdammit EP in April courtesy of Hardly Art; the five tracks combine bouyant waves of synth with crunchy drum beats, warm bass tones, and solemn vocals.
"Fuck Off" is the first song on the record, both searing and lovely in its use of distortion, melody, and noise. Underground tremors seem to swell from all around when listening to Grave Babies – the music is otherwordly and dark, yet pinned down and precise in its rhythmic effect. "Bloodstains" behavior is similar in its regard for laying the foundation with subterranean and industrial-like sounds.
They will be at Pizzafest 2012 this Friday, August 3rd. The show begins at 7:30pm – and for only $12 you can enjoy eight bands in all. Stream Grave Babies’ song "Bloodstains" below and then check out their soundcloud page for more. You can also pick up their new EP for $11 through Hardly Art’s website.
– Cameron LaFlam
L.A.
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First steps for The Rebel Light
With three songs to their name and only a couple of performances behind them, The Rebel Light is a LA-based sibling trio in its infancy, drifting from one influence to the next with soulful energy, and an innocence that stretches right to the edge of kitschy. See below the homemade slideshow that illustrates their first song, ‘Goodbye Serenade‘; celebrating every milestone of the 20th century onwards, from the first man on the moon to the birth of Facebook, it could just about be a true cynic’s worst nightmare if it weren’t for the momentum of the soundtrack.
Featuring a nostalgic waltz with piano, xylophone and trumpet, some pompous folk-rock and electronic-infused indie rock, their first EP (to be released by the end of summer) will be quite the eclectic little set. As we speak, the band is getting back from NYC, where they appeared on the Catalpa weekender’s bill alongside the likes of Snoop & The Black Keys- not bad for a second show, right? For another chance to say “I saw them as they were just starting” (who doesn’t love that?) catch their next appearance at LA’s Street Food Cinema on August 11th – Tracy Mamoun
L.A.
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Summer is a good season for Jail Weddings
The musical clan known as Jail Weddings has had a busy summer promoting its newest EP, "Four Future Standards," which was released in late May. After doing a quick run up the West Coast last month, the 9-piece band recently played a show in LA on July 28th at the Echo Country Outpost. While listening to the four songs on "Four Future Standards," it quickly becomes evident that this is a versatile band. It is hard to describe the sounds in so many words. Each listen to the album could conjure up a completely new way to recount the tales told. Frontman Gabriel Hart could live a double life. Each rock ballad is delivered with such a punchy twist and swagger that he could be mistaken for a Vegas showman. Or maybe the raw emotions reveal a past in punk music. Whatever the case may be, Jail Weddings produces a big production that brings to mind western movies and old time radio. Lush tones are added through violins that seem to beg for sympathy and a unit of female back-up singers chime in at the most opportune moments. With only four songs, one can only hope that a longer second act is right around the corner. – Karla Hernández
NYC
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Blonds streams debut on Stereogum + plays The Rock Shop on 08.28
Blonds – Deli NYC artist of the month a few weeks ago – are about to release their debut album "The Bad Ones," which Stereogum is streaming in its entirety. With its beautiful mellow female vocals, slowed down groovy loops, Morriconian references, and occasional sonic bursts, this is a record that will appeal to many and make its ways in many "active" bedrooms. Don’t miss the release party at THe Rock Shop on August 28. Check out the recent stunning single "Time" streaming below.
NYC
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TEEN release video of “Electric” + tours with Hospitality
We highlighted Brooklyn girl quartet TEEN (good luck Googling it! Facebook profile is here) few times since its inception, and they are now getting a good amount of buzz thanks to new material and an upcoming album entitled "In Limbo" which is scheduled to be released in September. The band also just announced a tour with delicious indie pop fellow Brooklynites Hospitality in October, and released this video of the single "Electric." See them live at their release parties at Le Baron in Manhattan (08.29) and Glasslands in Brooklyn (09.05).
Philadelphia
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Album Review: Grace & Lies – Family Band
“And I told you there was nothing I have to hide…” Kim Krans declares in the bewitchingly insomniatic track “Night Song,” the opener to Grace & Lies (No Quarter), the collaboration with her husband Jonny Ollsin aptly named Family Band. Its crushing static and hypnotic guitar line serves as a bone-chilling invitation inside the group’s second full-length album, and is an obvious standout to the collection. In “Ride,” an acoustic finger-picked guitar opens the songs, while Krans’ words “let a story be told in full, boy you write the ending kind, the prettiest words you can find” play out like a letter. The interplay between the acoustic and electric guitar develop an interesting dynamic – the acoustic pattern playing off the electric which resonates with ever increasing ferocity as it progresses ultimately reaching a climax where the drums make a late appearance pushing the torment over the edge causing the musical unit to burst with epic force.
The album has the ability to shift gears while also remaining on a steady course. For “Again,” the track produced by Grizzly Bear’s Daniel Rossen for and episode of Shaking Through, a steady backbeat of percussion opens the door for Krans latest narrative. While the percussion is always present in its background serving as a foundation in the song, the guitar contributes in a prominent fashion. The music morphs to accompany her vocals. At each lyrical turn, a new or augmented element emerges adding anticipation to each line, and on the following song and the album’s title track, a simple throbbing bass and harmonized backing vocals elevate as if a communal sacrifice is being made. Krans has the listener’s complete attention as the guitar stirs and her voice pushes the boundaries of the powerful mantra-like words.
Overall, the album is moody with its sparse instrumentation that lays as a backdrop for Krans’ meditative, siren-esque vocals. It’s introverted, but longs to be heard. And it should be.
Family Band will be performing songs from Grace & Lies live in its rightful setting tonight at their Philly album release show in the Side Chapel of The First Unitarian Church. You can also purchase the album HERE. – Michael Colavita
NYC
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The Slowdown’s new track: “To Wonder”
The Slowdown has released a streaming and download link to its second single, "To Wonder," off its upcoming debut full-length album A. The 6-piece Kansas City band includes former members of Elevator Division, and describes itself as a "riff-based, roots-inflected, electronic-infused, deftly experimental take on full-bodied rock that conjures a blend of Wilco, Flaming Lips, M83, early Aerosmith, Alice in Chains, and My Morning Jacket."
"To Wonder" is a bit more straightforward than the band’s previous single, "A Mirror, A Torch." The song is driven by Sam Hoskin’s whispy vocals, atmospheric backing vocals, and constantly moving backbeat, with a heavy alternative but bluesy Jerry Cantrell-style guitar solo to top things off.
Listen to "To Wonder" for yourself at The Slowdown’s Soundcloud page.
And if you missed our post on this when it debuted, here’s the video for "A Mirror, A Torch":
–Michelle Bacon
NYC
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Savoir Adore announces album + plays 2 NYC shows (one with Lucius)
Dream-pop duo Savoir Adore announced that their sophomore album "Our Nature" will be released on October 16, and took the opportunity to promote two NYC shows this week, one one at Santos Party house on August 2 and the other one at the Ditmas Sanctuary Series (83 Marlborough Road Brooklyn) on August 5 with Lucius – the latter will be an acoustic performance.
On related but separate news, Savoir singer’s solo project debuted the new name "Deidre and The Dark" (it used to be just "Deidre" – check out a video here) at Glasslands on July 25 with Fast Years, with whom they share a light harted approach to pop, with doo-wop and bubble gum influences.
Philadelphia
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What’s This?: Literature
The great thing about our burgeoning local music scene is as word spreads about what an amazing, nurturing city we have for creativity; more and more gifted artists gravitate towards us. While naysayers might proclaim how annoyingly saturated our community is getting with struggling musicians/artists, I say, “the more the merrier!” I’d rather see people struggling to create their art than rising up the corporate ladder or shadily maneuvering their way through politics. Sorry, I’ll get off this soapbox, and get back to what inspired this rant. While slowly becoming a larger mammal at the Vendy Awards this weekend, I had a chance to chat with drummer (sometimes bassist) and all-around nice guy Adam Herndon, who was working the Sixpoint tent. He mentioned a band named Literature that just transplanted from Austin (another great music town). He’s been sitting in behind the kit with them, and said that from learning their tunes they’ve become his new favorite band, which is a bold statement, especially coming from such a music lover who also performs with notable local acts like A Sunny Day in Glasgow, Pet Milk and Faux Slang. I was intrigued, and checked them out. Yup – these guys are awesome – completely worthy of his praise and future accolades to come! Their music is infectious, feel good powerpop that could easily brighten anyone’s mood with melodies that get lodged in your head and endearing Britpop vocals. Welcome them this evening to Philly (it’s their first show since they moved) at PhilaMOCA for another installation of mad chill Tuesday Tune-Out! You won’t regret it. (Photo by Kyle LaValley) – Q.D. Tran
NYC
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Los Encantados releases new EP
For Los Encantados’ 2nd EP this year, ‘Same Damned Soul: Chapter 2,’ they’ve extended their ambitions to include the summer anthem-in-waiting ‘St. Tropez.’ Competing as much with local bands like Beach Fossils, as much as with former occupants of this hallowed space like Len and Sublime before them, I recommend taking a listen as soon as you can to see if you think the band are the next bearers of the esteemed summer anthem crown.
The sun-worshippers then take you sailing on the rousing ‘OMDF’ and finally settle in for a romantic evening with closer ‘Pour Toi.’ Sung half in French, half in sunglass swagger English, the EP is a sign of how far this band has come, and where they might be headed to next. The new EP should well compliment whatever weekend road trip you were thinking of taking. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
NYC
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The Deli: Let’s talk about your latest release or upcoming shows. What can we expect?
ZJ: We have our EP release show at Czar on August 4. We recorded a live set in January at Midwestern Musical Co and released it a few months ago. This show is the belated, official release of that project. We will be sharing the stage with The Natural State, which has all female members and a male cellist – the ironic opposite of us – as well as the Lawrence band Olassa. We are really looking forward to the show and it promises to be a great evening… so come. On another note, be on the lookout for our next full-length album! We just booked some time in a studio and we literally can’t wait to crank out another project. We like to think that we’ve matured, both personally and musically, since the release of our first album. This next project, I hope, will back that up.
The Deli: What does “supporting local music” mean to you?
ZJ: A couple weeks ago, Chris Haghirian was talking about how everyone in Midtown is sharing the same 5-dollar bill. I thought that was a really great way to depict the support and mutually beneficial nature of supporting local music in KC. The way I see it, supporting local bands is a way for us to reciprocate the support that we have received thus far. We are still relatively new members of the music scene here but we already feel very much at ease within this community because everyone is so nice. There are some really great bands here and a very diverse collection of different styles and I think it’s important to bring attention to all of these different bands because they deserve it. It is my hope that, as a community, we are capable of putting KC on the musical map. It’s kind of like our shared mission and by supporting each other we can actualize that goal in the very near future.
The Deli: Who are your favorite “local” musicians right now?
The Deli: Who are your favorite not-so-local musicians right now?
ZJ: My favorite bands and musicians change on a monthly basis but right now I’d have to show some love to The Tallest Man on Earth, Radical Face, Glen Hansard and Fleet Foxes.
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?
ZJ: My dream show would be opening up for The Avett Brothers for a couple reasons. First, those guys put on a seriously kickass show and they are definitely a source of inspiration for us in the writing process and how we go about playing live. Second, I really want to know how their cello player manages to run around the stage with his cello, which seemingly levitates in front of his body.
The Deli: Would you rather spend the rest of your life on stage or in the recording studio?
ZJ: I know that Kate would say the recording studio, but I think that the rest of us would choose playing shows. It’s just way too much fun. I can honestly say that playing music for people has to be one of my favorite things about being a human being. In this upcoming year I’m really excited to hit the road and start playing shows for strangers to see how well we are received outside of KC. Besides, you always meet a lot of great people at shows and get the chance to connect with other bands.
The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why?
Artists on Trial: She’s A Keeper
She’s A Keeper is one of Kansas City’s youngest and quickly growing bands in the scene. The five-piece group has found some far-reaching success, most recently opening up for Josh Ritter at Crossroads on July 19. Today, guitarist/vocalist Zac Jurden visits with us.
The Deli: Gun to your head: one sentence to describe your music. What is it?
Zac Jurden: Our music defies an easy description; in the same song, we’ll go from dynamic acoustic instrumentation to full-on folk rock. We like to mix it up.
The Deli: Let’s talk about your latest release or upcoming shows. What can we expect?
ZJ: We have our EP release show at Czar on August 4. We recorded a live set in January at Midwestern Musical Co and released it a few months ago. This show is the belated, official release of that project. We will be sharing the stage with The Natural State, which has all female members and a male cellist – the ironic opposite of us – as well as the Lawrence band Olassa. We are really looking forward to the show and it promises to be a great evening… so come. On another note, be on the lookout for our next full-length album! We just booked some time in a studio and we literally can’t wait to crank out another project. We like to think that we’ve matured, both personally and musically, since the release of our first album. This next project, I hope, will back that up.
The Deli: What does “supporting local music” mean to you?
ZJ: A couple weeks ago, Chris Haghirian was talking about how everyone in Midtown is sharing the same 5-dollar bill. I thought that was a really great way to depict the support and mutually beneficial nature of supporting local music in KC. The way I see it, supporting local bands is a way for us to reciprocate the support that we have received thus far. We are still relatively new members of the music scene here but we already feel very much at ease within this community because everyone is so nice. There are some really great bands here and a very diverse collection of different styles and I think it’s important to bring attention to all of these different bands because they deserve it. It is my hope that, as a community, we are capable of putting KC on the musical map. It’s kind of like our shared mission and by supporting each other we can actualize that goal in the very near future.
The Deli: Who are your favorite “local” musicians right now?
ZJ: Favorite local musicians frequently shift with who we share bills with, but Making Movies has been high on our list lately. The Hearts of Darkness is also a static favorite. We were happy to see both of these bands, as well as our friends Quiet Corral, as nominations for the Pitch Music Awards this year.
The Deli: Who are your favorite not-so-local musicians right now?
ZJ: My favorite bands and musicians change on a monthly basis but right now I’d have to show some love to The Tallest Man on Earth, Radical Face, Glen Hansard and Fleet Foxes.
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?
ZJ: My dream show would be opening up for The Avett Brothers for a couple reasons. First, those guys put on a seriously kickass show and they are definitely a source of inspiration for us in the writing process and how we go about playing live. Second, I really want to know how their cello player manages to run around the stage with his cello, which seemingly levitates in front of his body.
The Deli: Would you rather spend the rest of your life on stage or in the recording studio?
ZJ: I know that Kate would say the recording studio, but I think that the rest of us would choose playing shows. It’s just way too much fun. I can honestly say that playing music for people has to be one of my favorite things about being a human being. In this upcoming year I’m really excited to hit the road and start playing shows for strangers to see how well we are received outside of KC. Besides, you always meet a lot of great people at shows and get the chance to connect with other bands.
The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why?
ZJ: I’ve put a lot of thought into this one but it’s still a tough decision. Since I have to choose though, I’d chisel out the faces of Glen Hansard, Robin Pecknold, Paul Simon, and Isaac Brock.
The Deli: All right, give us the rundown. Where all on this big crazy web can you be found?
The Deli: All right, give us the rundown. Where all on this big crazy web can you be found?
ZJ: Hop on the information superhighway and go to www.facebook.com/shesakeepermusic! Our page is the most frequently updated site and it has all the information you need to keep up with shows and find our music. While you’re at it, hit that Like button!
The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for the Deli audience?
ZJ: I’ll do my best to seem wise. If you’re reading this I’m sure you’re already on the right track. Sites like this that promote both local and national music are a fantastic place to find good music. Take some time to find local bands that you like and tell them that you like what they do, it really does make a difference on our end of it and it offers bands like us the motivation to keep going. On that note, if you’ve heard our music and like what you hear, come out and see us. I personally think that our live performance has a lot more to offer than our recordings and it would be a good way to determine for yourself what we are really about. Lastly, I’d like to show some love to everyone that has been so kind to us. We really appreciate the support and can’t wait to continue to make music, not only for our own satisfaction, but for your listening pleasure too.
Come see Zac and She’s A Keeper as they celebrate the release of their Live at Midwestern EP this Saturday, August 4 at Czar.
–-Zach Hodson
| Zach is a lifetime Kansas City resident who plays multiple instruments and sings in Dolls on Fire and Drew Black and Dirty Electric, as well as contributing to many other Kansas City music, art, and comedy projects. He is very fond of edamame, treats his cat Wiley better than he treats himself, and doesn’t want to see pictures of your newborn child (seriously, it looks like a potato). |