Young Statues just premiered a cover of Billy Bragg’s “A New England” featuring Tigers Jaw’s Brianna Collins via Spinner. The song will appear on their forthcoming release The Covers EP, which will be available on December 4. (Photo by Mitch Wojcik)
NYC
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Mykki Blanco releases debut mixtape + kicks off first US tour 11.12
Sharp trash-talking lyricist, style icon on the rise – Mykki Blanco poppped onto everyone’s radar o nly few months back, this intriguing crossdressing character that would instantly seduce most, and for the others, inevitably become a case study in some scholarly debate on gender issues in rap. Getting ready for the release, tomorrow, of debut mixtape Cosmic Angel: The Illuminati Prince/ss, Blanco couldn’t resist but drop a track a couple of days ahead. On Wednesday, Kingpinning, with its organic beats and eerie signature stripped-down sound, came to introduce a first full-length for which the rapper surrounded himself with some of the country’s most prominent DJs/producers, such as Gatekeeper, Flosstradamus, or Brenmar (the man behind ‘Wavvy’). Mykki Blanco will be performing tonight (11.9) at Cameo Gallery, for this year’s Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival before kicking off a first US tour on November 12th at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, opening for Death Grips.
Download Cosmic Angel: The Illuminati Prince/ss via The Fader.
Philadelphia
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Tin Horses Opening for The Young at KFN Nov. 9
Tin Horses demonstrate a remarkable acuity for dusty, bluesy rock that’s polished in all the right places and rough around the edges in all the others. Complex arrangements are set against plaintive lyrics, a departure from leading man Kiel Everett’s usual sound when he’s laying down bombs for his other project Purling Hiss. The band’s work shares the polished veneer of the Hiss’ sullen "Lolita," but that’s where the similarities end. Tin Horses are achy, wistful and immediate, while Purling Hiss are engrossed in a psych-infused haze. This is a bill packed with new iterations of local area acts. NONA contains members of adored West Chester pop-punkers Spraynard, while Amanda X boasts the femme fatale part of Bandname. They’re joined by Austin’s The Young, who have managed to fly surprisingly low under the radar whilst being impossibly catchy. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., $10, 8pm, 21+ (Photo by Q.D. Tran) – Alyssa Greenberg
Chicago
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Netherfriends “I’m Gone”
Netherfriends has released a new video for his new track "I’m Gone". The track features the talented Fess Grandiose.
Netherfriends is currently in residency at Schubas, and you can catch him there on Nov 12th, Nov. 19th, and Nov. 26th.
Philadelphia
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Low Cut Connie Gots Nothing to Hide at JB’s Nov.9
Low Cut Connie occupies the stage tonight at Johnny Brenda’s. With the recent release of their sophomore album, Call Me Sylvia, the quartet have developed a reputation for they’re back to basics boogie style rock ‘n’ roll. The sound does incorporate various essentials of the classic rock/Chicago-style blues vibe. However, the most important aspect may be the gritty up close and personal nothing-to-hide mentality, which the group implores. Pianist/vocalist, Adam Weiner (formerly known as Ladyfingers), can lead an up-tempo New Orleans-style boogie track, and then flip the script to country-folk saloon-style blues and everything in between. Along with Birmingham, England transplant, Dan Finnemore, smashing the skins, this band isn’t retrograde; it’s fundamentally pure taking a true heart and soul approach. Whether it’s the smooth down-home boogie of the keys, the chunky garage-style guitar riffs, or the vocals which have that worn deep-down-in-the-chest blues/soul vibe, these songs have that relatable aggressively fun edge – pissed off yet playful. Adam & Dave’s Bloodline will also be opening the evening playing music with a folksy, stripped-down garage aesthetic that maximizes the tried-and-true combinations of swift painted-stroked guitar uniting them with an unassuming rhythm section capable of pushing into high gear at any moment. The pair of bands may jog your musical memory. But, the appeal doesn’t lie in turning back the clock; rather, in playing music that captures raw unfiltered emotion in its prime state. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9:30, $10 – $12, 21+ (Photo by Ben Morse) – Michael Colavita
Chicago
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Santah “I Love The Way You Seal The Deal”
Santah has released another single from the latest ep, You’re Still A Lover. The ep can be purchased digitally here and can be purchased on 12" vinyl from Saki Records.
Chicago
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From Our Open Blog: Love and Radiation “Ganymede”
Love and Radiation is the project of Chicago-based musicians Adele Nicholas and Lakshmi Ramgopal. Blending elements of electronica, indie rock, and dance pop, Love and Radiation make haunting music you can dance to. Their songs feature dark lyrical imagery against a backdrop of propulsive dance beats, distorted guitars, and melodic synths. Love and Radiation’s first full-length record is slated for release in early 2013. Catch them live at Double Door on December 20!
San Francisco
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Preview: The New Trust Plays Thee Parkside Saturday November 8
After a month long national tour, The New Trust returns to San Francisco for a special set alongside Child Bite, Hard Girls & Starskate.
With a stop in Chicago just last week to record their forthcoming LP "Keep Dreaming" with the legendary Steve Albini, The New Trust will be showcasing a set with plenty of new tracks and old favorites. A logical progression from the dark tones of the band’s latest official release, this new material is poised to deliver the angular guitar, intricate drumming and abrasive bass that’s become a trademark foundation to Staples’ eerie-sweet vocals.
Catch them this Saturday at Thee Parkside 9pm $8.00. Get tickets here.
-Annie
NYC
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The Deli: Who are your favorite “local” musicians right now?
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?
The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why?
Artists on Trial: Dolls on Fire
Dolls on Fire is one of the newest bands to hit the Kansas City music scene—a group of local music veterans with a penchant for melody and a collective ear for sound song structures. We talk to the foursome about what we can expect from its music, including its upcoming debut release Ladies and Gentlemen…
The Deli: Gun to your head, 1 sentence to describe your music. What is it?
Dolls on Fire: Zach: Vocally-driven, high-energy synth rocktastic explosion of dramatic merriment.
Rachel: Singy, synthy disco necktie rock out!
Mark: Buzzy, fuzzy, synth-rock diversity.
Michelle: A vocally-driven synth rocksplosion.
The Deli: Let’s talk about Ladies and Gentlemen… your upcoming debut LP. What can we expect?
DoF: Zach: Lots of sing-along hooks and dynamic rock n’ roll performance. It’s a big, bursting rock record, yet still tastefully crafted and arranged.
Rachel: Sass. Lots of sass.
Mark: The only thing you can expect…is the unexpected. Ever.
Michelle: Stellar songwriting and unicorns.
The Deli: What does “supporting local music” mean to you?
DoF: Zach: Everyone will say "Go to shows. Buy merch. Yell loudly." Those are very true and appreciated, but in these technological times, I would also add social media support. Like and share statuses, retweet, actually follow a band on the Interwebs. We know nobody can afford to go to every show in the city on every night, but people can (more or less) freely navigate the web. The more people that know how much awesome stuff is going on artistically in this town right now, the better. It’s the whole "they tell two friends, then they tell two friends, then they tell two friends" kind of thing. Community is more than just trying to impress the people that are already there listening. It is helping others find new people to listen. In turn, they will do the same for you.
Rachel: Screaming “WE LOVE *band name*!!!” during a quiet moment from right in front of the stage.
Mark: Show up, yell and scream, and be unafraid to go outside your musical comfort zone.
Michelle: Unicorns (note: Michelle has answered these questions before, so her answers will likely make no sense).
The Deli: Who are your favorite “local” musicians right now?
DoF: Zach: She’s a Keeper, Maps for Travelers, Molly Picture Club, Tiny Horse, Thee Water MoccaSins, Radkey, Antennas Up, and seriously, so, so, so, so, so many more.
Rachel: My fellow Dolls, of course! Those guys are the bee’s patella.
Mark: Zacrachelle (as I will now call my bandmates), Kara Taylor (of Shudder), Julie Berndsen (of The Latenight Callers).
Michelle: Since I already answered this last time, I will just say that I get to work with my two favorite female vocalists in Kansas City, and that makes me feel cool.
The Deli: Who are your favorite not-so-local musicians right now?
DoF: Zach: The Rentals, Nada Surf, The Neon Trees, They Might Be Giants, Lollipop Factory, the Avett Brothers, the Civil Wars, Ben Folds (and his Five).
Rachel: Aesop Rock, Utada Hikaru, Jem and the Holograms.
Mark: Les Claypool and Danny Carey.
Michelle: Due to recent concerts, I’m currently in a Regina Spektor and David Bazan phase. I won’t kill myself, don’t worry.
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?
DoF: Zach: They Might Be Giants, The Get Up Kids circa Yahoo Outloud tour, the Who circa Who’s Next?, Queen (really any time for them).
Rachel: Jon Bush-era Anthrax, Morning Musume, and Bjork.
Mark: Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Weather Report.
Michelle: One Direction! I actually don’t know what this band sounds like, but they sold out Sprint Center in minutes! That must mean they’re great.
The Deli: Would you rather spend the rest of your life on stage or in the recording studio?
DoF: Zach: The studio. I love playing live, I really do, but I am a crafter. A refiner. A polisher. Put a coffee pot and a cot in the back corner of the control room and I’ll see you in six months.
Rachel: Stage. It’s the only time I get to wear my hair in pigtails.
Mark: Contrary to "studio-owner" bias, I prefer stage lights and bandmates to hours of mixing and mastering.
Michelle: Does the studio have nice black or red leather couches? If so, studio. I really like to nap. The couches have to be black or red leather.
The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why?
DoF: Zach: Pete Townshend—the work that man did with synthesizers is still just stupid impressive. John Lennon—Plastic Ono Band is probably the pinnacle of songwriting as far as I’m concerned. Michael Jackson—say what you want about any of the non-music crap, that man had absolutely no holes in music repertoire. And John Linnell, for proving that even quirky, slightly goofy-looking white guys can be rock stars.
Rachel: Keyboard Cat, Maru, Lil’ BUB, and Hello Kitty because… cats.
Mark: Jaco Pastorius, Buddy Rich, Jimmy Page, Ella Fitzgerald—for unique, timeless, unquestioned talent.
Michelle: My last one was silly so this one will actually be serious—Beethoven, John Coltrane, Ella Fitzgerald, and Dave Brubeck. All musicians that will transcend time.
The Deli: All right, give us the rundown. Where all on this big crazy web can you be found?
Twitter: @dolls_on_fire
The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for the Deli audience?
DoF: Zach: You can always, always, always try harder. "Good enough" is neither good nor enough. Life is short, so get on with it.
Rachel: The turkey vulture’s main defense mechanism is to projectile vomit. So, always carry a poncho.
Mark: Always forgive, never forget. Every minute is precious—spend each one accordingly, as it is forever gone afterwards.
Michelle: More Ovaltine, please.
Dolls on Fire is:
Zach Hodson – lead vocals, guitar
Rachel Jaggard – lead vocals
Mark Johnson – drums/bass, vocals
Michelle Bacon – drums/bass
Kelly – background noises and things (Kelly could not be reached for comment)
Dolls on Fire will be releasing Ladies and Gentlemen… this Saturday at The Brick. The show kicks off with The Hillary Watts Riot at 10, followed by Dolls, then The Quivers. (Facebook event page) Sure to be damn good times for all.
–-Terra Peal
| Terra is a musician who has been around the Kansas City music scene for over 22 years. She is the singer and bassist for The Quivers and holds down the low end for Drew Black and Dirty Electric. She is also the official calendar girl for The Deli Kansas City. She’s a lil pep, a lil spice, and a lil Ginger. |
NYC
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Album review: The Ned Ludd Band – Spacebar
The Ned Ludd Band has no desire to be put into your box. They’re well-rehearsed and practiced in the art of blowing smoke. With Spacebar stacked seven songs deep, the band manages to score one hundred percent in reinvention class. Track for track, the album darts and turns, alters and reforms, shifting significantly from the previous. There are no road maps on this trip and you for damn sure better pack some motion sickness pills. Why? Well, because this path is more slippery than a used car salesman short on cash the week before Christmas.
“Why Did It Have to Be the Furniture Store Misty,” the album’s opening track, is a writer’s best friend, upping the word count every time it is mentioned. With an upbeat and frantic feel to it, the band channels great 1990s structuring. An open-minded listener could hear the likes of The Presidents of the United States of America shoving this track between “Peaches” and “Boll Weevil” on their 1994 self-titled cut.
However, directly following the mouthful of an opener, we find “In a Duel,” a darker and more tormented track than the kickstarter cut. Channeling Tom Waits, the layered vocals give the album a completely different feel. “Jump” follows suit, twisting ever so slightly to a Sub Pop records Ugly Casanova sort of experience. The song’s soft lingering dynamics are lent to the album well, serving as the high point of the album’s seven tracks.
Shifting gears yet again, the album’s next two tracks “Never Leave Your Lady With Your Best Friend” and “Tell You Why” are made for pot-addicted hula hoop girls. With Blues Travelers harmonica and jam band qualities, The Ned Ludd Band not only kicks open the door to the stoner-friendly dance party, they also kick open the door to a wide array of possibilities for the population wearing straw hats and hemp bathing suits tap dancing down the beach. While it isn’t quite Ween, that demographic should be all ears. Why? Because if there were ever a secret handshake to the long and winding road tripping on anything you can smoke soundtrack, these two songs would make the cut.
So, what else can you possibly add to an already indie-meets-grungy-meets-hippie filled album? Blues, of course! “An Evening with Bannister Mall” focuses on its inter-18th and Vine. With a chill foundation and extremely overwhelming focus on the lyrics the track flows flawlessly into the guitar heavy “Catalog.” While I found myself shying away from the epileptic word vomit in the middle region of the track, the song’s core existence is to prove the band’s ability to go bat shit crazy on the axe. The riffs on this track are not to be fucked with and slam a pretty pointed exclamation point on the end of Spacebar.
In the end The Ned Ludd Band’s lack of compromise turns out to also be their saving grace. There is nothing boring about this seven-track EP. Like the ADHD child in the back of the classroom, it never sits still long enough to be ignored. It is in constant need of attention.
SCORE: 7.5/10
Catch The Ned Ludd Band in action next Saturday, November 17. They’ll be playing at Coda at 9 pm with Cadillac Flambe at The Inwards. Facebook event page.
–Joshua Hammond
| After stints drumming for both The Afternoons and Jenny Carr and the Waiting List in the Lawrence/Kansas City music scene, Joshua Hammond found his footing as a music journalist, launching the national publication Popwreckoning. After running the show as Editor in Chief for 6 years, Hammond stepped away from the reigns to freelance for other publications like Under The Gun Review and High Voltage Magazine. This shift allowed the adequate amount of time for him to write passionately, allow the Kansas City Royals to break his heart on a daily basis and spoon his cats just enough that they don’t shred his vinyl. |
NYC
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People Get Ready release video for “Windy Cindy”
We know, lately we covered these guys a little too often, but they always give us a good reason for some extra content – I guess you should follow their example if you want to be featured on this blog! Check out People Get Ready‘s new video for "Windy Cindy." Full length out in January.
NYC
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Silicon Girls Have Final Performance at The Vera Project
Photo Source: Silicon Girls
Silicon Girls are moving on and playing their very last show this Friday at The Vera Project. Marvelous Good Fortune will join them.
This three piece last issued a record in March 2012; Rana is a rough-and-tumble collection of artful tunes. Their music darts and weaves unpredictably with genuine jubilance. A punkish ethos pervades – they seem to hold no allegiance to any particular sound or structure. Rather than being explicitly about craftsmanship, Silicon Girls charge forth by championing creation, expression and energy.
The drums are rollicking and scatter-brained on "Take Care," a trait that is threaded throughout Rana. Its rhythms lend an incessant surfness to the music. The guitarwork harkens back to early Modest Mouse and other ’90’s indie rock pioneers. The song is also awash with a kind of drony, hazy film that corroborates the band’s idiosyncrasies.
Try out "Shipwrecked," which begins with a simple vocal ode before flowing into a galloping sea shantie. The twang of the guitar and shimmering splashes of cymbals build ebuillient climaxes – listeners are tossed about Silicon Girls’ waves in the best ways.
Their music, simply put, is charming and fun. They really sound like they are having a great time and will doubtlessly put it on full display for their last show on Friday, November 9th. Doors are at 7:30pm at The Vera Project with $7 tickets. Give "Shipwrecked" a listen below and check out Silicon Girls’ bandcamp to hear all of Rana.
– Cameron LaFlam