Much has been made of Wilsen’s unique combination of dream pop and folk, which has been dubbed as “dream folk.” Yet there is a much easier way to describe the NYC-based singer-songwriter: really, really talented. Her debut album, “Sirens,” is eerie, confident, and a fantastic first step for this bright artist.

“Sirens” opens with “House On a Hill,” which is highlighted by some strangely ominous whistling over a melodic guitar line. Wilsen then moves to her folk roots with “Dusk.” Here, her vocals softly shine while even softer instrumentation ornaments the dueling senses of comfort and apprehension.

Throughout the album, Wilsen experiments with different sounds and styles, although her overall sound keeps faith to early Leonard Cohen’s sparse, pensive approach. The guitar work on “Lady Jane” has an almost Middle Eastern feel, while the vocals on “Springtime” bounce with a jazzy swagger.

Closing “Sirens” is the ten and a half minute epic, “Anahita” (see the video here). I’ve already sung the praises of this track, yet its breathtaking power cannot be overstated. The moment halfway through the song when the stunning guitar line gives way to aural chaos is one of the best recorded musical instances of the year. – Josh S. Johnson – Listen to "Sirens" on Spotify.

New York’s Street Smells may be named after various aromas that are sometimes inescapable in this town, but their music appears to be more firmly rooted in Scotland, circa 1990. "Jerky Ride" ambles along with the casual cool of Jim Reid’s swagger and his brother’s guitar textures. "We went down, down (so far down) that I don’t believe we’ll ever come around" is the nihilistic searching for kicks message. "Lemon Yellow Rasberry" slows the shuffle down even further, presenting a heavier, near dirge-like quality. Tambourine on snare shot beats and dueling guitar layers create the proper level of foreboding. "The Slippery Slope of Being A Drug Dealer" takes its obvious message and positions it against a rhythm closer to The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Dirty guitar lines shear the top off power chords churning underneath. "Ghost In The Sky" returns to a shuffle rhythm while updating the two chord churn of The MaryChain’s "Birthday" for maximum effect. – Dave Cromwell

Is the Elephant 6 Collective arriving in New York, or has a new arts commune sprung up unexpectedly in the otherwise serene waters of Long Island? Meet the fascinating arts collective/loft apartment recording project of Eastern Phoebes. While the band has already released several records, the band has now arrived at a larger juncture with their latest EP ‘Better People.’ An ensemble including the large, inviting personalities of Ry Cooder and Meg Bayley, it’s amazing they’ve been able to come together to create such a cohesive statement.

Like the way Olivia Tremor Control took an analog sensibility and coupled it with an appreciation for all things Beach Boys, Eastern Phoebes is extending the noble tradition of Weird Old Americana to yet another generation. And on their latest record ‘Better People,’ the band delivers. From the psychedelic protest of ‘Yer Dollar is a Dead Spore’ to domestic dramas like the back and forth of "everyone here is allergic it seems…" off ‘We Can’t Have a Cat,’ this record covers its subjects with a wide brush and fills in the lines with immense detail.

Here’s a group exploring all the ups and downs associated with life lived among family and friends. And the humour, pain and joy of this kind of life lights up every shooting harmony and floating guitar riff off ‘Better People.’ Check out the record on their Bandcamp. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)

This is what we can do to help spread the word about music related initiatives in the NYC area aiming at helping locals hit by Sandy. Feel free to post about any of these in our open blog and we’ll link from here.

*** Hurricane Sandy, How You Can Help OhMyRockness.com guide ***

– Support the Scene initiatives
– Hurricane Relief Benefit at St.Vitus
– Sandy Benefit Shows at LPR
– NMU Studios Hurricane Relief Party Public Event
– Songwriter’s Beat Hurrican Relief Concert
– Spottiswoode & His Enemies 15th year anniversary
– Unflood BK Music – donations to aid a new music building in Red Hook
– Taking Back Sunday Relief Concerts
– Williamsburg Sandy Relief Party
– Sandy benefit at Public Assembly w/ 18bands
– ‘Occupy Sandy’ benefit at Webster Hall 
– "Rock-N-Rebuild" Hurricane Fundraiser

– Band release-related initiatives: Nicole Atkins, Buke and Gase, Glint, Emergency Service (CD Release Party Benefit), The Paper Jets, Sweet Soubrette.

CALL FOR MUSICIANS
According to New York State Democratic Committee Member Chris Owens, MUSICIANS are needed at the shelters to provide entertainment: "Singers and musicians are most welcome (particularly during the day hours), and anyone who can be creative with activities for children. There may not be a lot of space to work with, but I have faith in my fellow cultural workers. Those who carry portable instruments (e.g. – your own voice, guitars, accordions, light percussion) will have the easiest time of it, but some schools with open auditoriums have a working piano!"

The Deli’s Staff