Obscured by Echoes used to call themselves The Hi-Tones, but in an act of maturity, repentence, or just plain whim, changed their name to go along with their new psych-sound revealed in the album "Black Matter Manifesto". And a fine sound it is, studio-clear recordings warped with spectral-ish convolutions, brimming with trembling guitars, runaway synths, and reverbed, Pink Floyd-ish vocals. Supported by the rock-solid bass + drums combo of Kevin Harry and Gary Delgado, the other instruments are free to wander down cool, occasionally-dark psychedelic paths, giving this release a truly wide and deep sonic range; from the creepy tones of "Black Widow" to the pop-like lo-fi thrash of "Pop Politico" to the spellbinding string arpeggios of "Hatchet Man" to the heavier rock tones and softer pickings of "Cher Ami". Check out the Black numbers ("Black Matter" and "Black Widow") for a fine sampling of excellently-laid, conventionally pop tracks that were given the band’s signature psych treatment – Spectral modulations, hypnotic synths, and filtered vox laying down slightly-unconventional melodic lines. Give "Electric Funeral" a bit of attention to see how eerily close to old Pink Floyd vox Johnny Flores can get, and check out the near-pop stylings underneath the tremolo in "Aleister LaVey". Lots to like here. If you can avoid getting distracted by the wavering, hypnotic production, you’ll be able to pick out the classic pop compositional chops. We don’t know what they’re on, but we want some. – Scott Osborn

(Photo by Todd Zimmer; L-Kris Bruders, R-Dutch Humphrey)

Speedy Ortiz is a year old post-punk band featuring former members of Quilty. A total no brainer for classic 90s noise rock fans, they channel the metallic guitars and distortion-heavy hooks that made bands like Sonic Youth fixture. Speedy Ortiz brings plenty of their own songwriting savvy to the table. They’ll be playing with the legendary Sonic Youth frontman himself for a few dates to promote their "Sports" EP. The Northampton natives define themselves as “snack rock” – you can pick up the slacker vibe from the tunes on the EP, sports theme aside. They definitely deliver the noise on tracks like "Silver Spring" (streaming below) which invites you to yell along with singer Sadie Dupuis’ jilting vocals, which she complements with some spooky yells of her own. – Hillary Anderson

(Photo by Todd Zimmer, at 2011’s Murder Ballad Ball)

As covered in the latest print edition of The Deli, nu-electrofunk is on the rise in NYC, as evidenced by cool recent releases from Body Language, Friends and AVAN LAVA. Brooklyn based Autre Ne Veut throw their hat square in the ring with a free-download album titled Anxiety. Robotic counter-melodies and electronic castanets punctuate hazy rhythms that approach house music, but pull back just short of full disco-fication. Sexy falsetto vocals like the groove-oriented “Counting” (featuring Mykki Blanco, video streaming below) and the jumpy “Warning” feel carefree, if slightly calculated. Autre save the best for last with the electro freakout, “World War,” a ballad gone experimental to the extreme, recalling Purple Rain-era Prince in all its decadent hysteria. Label them “one to watch” – see them tonight (12.07) at 285 Kent in Williamsburg. – Brian Chidester

The single "Counting" was added to our SoundCloud playlist of emerging electronic NYC artists here.

New and young NYC electro-pop band, The Henry Millers, is playing a show in support of their debut “Daisies” at Pianos on Friday DEC 7th (tonight). Produced by former Pharell/Neptunes protégé Maxwell Drummey of Chester French, the album was released less than a month ago. The music video for their single “Diamonds” (streaming below) is a playful mix of Looney Tunes style cannibalism and One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest. The song itself is a reminder of pop bands such as Under the Influence of Giants and other earthy California style pop rock. Check them out, bring some flowers. – Julia Kwamya

(Photo by Todd Zimmer, at opening of Prairie Logic)

This week we’ll be featuring some of the artists playing at Murder Ballad Ball, this Saturday, December 8, at Davey’s Uptown. This will be the fourth annual Murder Ballad Ball, and benefits Midwest Music Foundation.

While mild thus far, winter is coming to Kansas City. But ‘lo, just in time for the holidays, the city’s favorite Antique Pop duo, Victor & Penny, dumps a treasure trove of cheery music along with deft guitar and lovely ukulele playing to warm cold and possibly bitter hearts.

Victor & Penny are back with more poppy pleasures and meandering melodies. Chalk full of twee goodness and charming renditions of old standards and a pleasing original, Side By Side: Songs for Kids of All Ages, is the second album for the merry twosome, which is made up of Jeff Freling and Erin McGrane.

Side By Side is truly a team effort comprised of not only the dynamic duo and other area musicians—including Kyle Dahlquist, Larry Garrett, Christian Hankel, James Isaac, Nate Hofer, Rick Willoughby—but also the band’s fans.  About 130 backers contributed to Victor & Penny’s Kickstarter campaign this fall to help push the album through the final stages of production.

I recommend putting on this album if you’re feeling blue. It is clear Freling and McGrane enjoy what they are doing and the feeling is contagious. The pair leads you through a pleasant journey kicking the tour off with simple and sprightly rendition of “A Smile Will Go a Long, Long Way.” I’ve heard various versions of this song, but I am supremely attracted to how Freling and McGrane arrange and perform it because of the uncomplicatedness.  

The second track, “Stomp, Stomp,” is certain to get people dancing, or at least chair dancing. It’s a little more of a laid-back cover in comparison to the original, but toe tapping all the same. Though his backing is great throughout the entire album, the use of Rick Willoughby on upright bass is especially helpful in this song.

“Slow Poke,” the third track, takes a trip on a winding road in the country. The blend of the old guitar and ukulele is especially nice on this track.

A cover of the Star Wars’ “Cantina Band” song shakes off the slowness. The reimagining of the song is very well done. I can’t help but think of the Star Wars scene set in the 1920s in a speakeasy during Prohibition. With contributions of Nate Hofer on lap steel guitar and James Isaac playing clarinet, this song is brilliant.

“Pork and Beans” is pretty much a song any kid should adore. The hook and chorus comes alive with the use of the Victor & Penny Pork and Beans Men’s Chorus, which is made up of Dahlquist, Hankel, Willoughby and Freling.

McGrane and Freling contribute an original song to the mix with “The Cat, She Played Piano.” The track has a slightly darker tone and sound to it in comparison to the other songs on the album, but delightfully dreary.  

The LP finishes off with a few more standards including “The Sheik of Araby” and “Up a Lazy River.” To sum up the journey, Freling and McGrane play the album’s title track “Side By Side.”

Victor & Penny met the goal of making an album people of all ages can appreciate.  In short, Side By Side is a great mix of songs that an entire family can enjoy. This album should be a go-to when you need a break from the all-holiday-music-all-the-time radio stations, which can make you wish you got that Red Ryder BB Gun so you could shoot your own eye out. It’s a family friendly and enchanting album!

(Photo by Todd Zimmer)