Nightlands, a.k.a. Dave Hartley, recently premiered the track "Nico" from his latest record Oak Island. You can listen to the album version below, and check out Hartley’s interview with ARTINFO as well as the vocals only and instrumental version of the song HERE. He’ll be heading on tour next month opening for Efterklang.
Philadelphia
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Free Download: Philly – Various Artists
Here’s a new compilation of some promising Philly acts from Start Tracker, a digital label based in Slovakia that is dedicated to exposing artists from around the world (mostly the U.S.) to Central Europe. This collection was curated by Pill Friends‘ Ryan Wilson, who amassed a nice set of tunes from fledgling acts currently making the rounds in Philly’s DIY scene that you’ve probably come across before on our site as well as some that you might not have yet. Props to Wilson and Start Tracker for sharing! (Cover Art by Abi Reimold)
NYC
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Avant Indie Electro: Olga Bell
Olga Bell is a deluge of instincts and passions filtered through a thousand different faders and filters. After collaborations with everyone from Dirty Projectors to Phiip Glass, there’s really not too many areas where she hasn’t flung her soaring soprano and world textures. Hard to pin down, it’s best to just jump right in to her record ‘Diamonte.’ Every track opens a different door, and keeps you wondering how many different voices Bell must have in her head. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
L.A.
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A new treat from Wanderhouse
With a newly-released third track, Wanderhouse is little by little revealing a very promising dreampop sound. The duo comprised of singer/songwriter Marie Moreshead and producer Doctor Rosen Rosen had previously released a song called "Use Me Up", as well as a cover of Ellie Goulding’s "Lights." The third track "Sugar" is appropriately titled, as it is dominated by sweet, powered soft vocals that intertwine affectionately with engrossing beats. The tempo is steady throughout and creates a ghostly environment filled with distant memories, but there is still a strong sense of being in the present. Morehead’s vocals are hushed, but the richness draws vivid imagery. Although the music is not exactly the same style, Wanderhouse shows the proficiency of a band like Beach House. Their sound is romantic and hazy, but the songs are well planned out as to not lose the listener. By the end of each song, the listener is left with a lasting feeling. Though three songs is a really small taste, it seems that 2013 will bring more from this duo, as they are currently studio working on new material. – Karla Hernández
Chicago
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Concert Review: Venna Record Release @ Abbey Pub
How do pull off a successful record release event with out a physical record in the building to release? Well, you start by inviting two of the best singer/songwriters in Chicago to set the tone, and then you perform with a high amount of passion, warmth, and energy.
This past Saturday Venna celebrated the release of their new album Third Generation Hymnal, but their physical vinyl albums were accidentally shipped to Iowa. Only 300 were made (in Red, Teal, and Black) and you can order a copy here.
The show kicked off with Brendan Losch who released Low this past year. He was accompanied by multi-instrumentalist John Morton who at one point was playing the sides of the keys of his glockenspiel with two cello bows! He also saved the day a bit with a fun round of Catch Phrase when Losch was having some technical difficulties. Despite the difficulties, Losch performed a solid set scoured with songs new and old. The set kicked off with my all-time favorite Losch song, "Now of Never" from 2008’s Until We Meet Again. Losch clearly has a voice and a style of songwriting that should have him on a much larger stage.
Speaking of need for a larger stage, Kevin Andrew Prchal is another extremely underrated local singer/songwriter who has quietly been crafting a tremendous songbook over the last several years. His debut album, Eat Shirt & Tie has been floating around for a couple of years but was rereleased in a way this past fall. Prchal was on stage with a full band, and at two seperate moments was joined by members of Venna, and it was great to hear his classic soulful quieter tracks, like "Terrified!" and "Another Fool", brought to life in a fuller way. What really caught my ear was the bands new tracks that will hopefully be on a 2013 release. These tracks were clearly written for this collection of musicians and brought a full rich Americana sound. An easy comparison might be Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros.
The night’s headliner was the husband/wife lead band Venna who is driven by the warmth and emotion in lead singer Heather Hladish’s vocals. They played classics like "Eulogy" from their very first ep, and highlights from their new album, Third Generation Hymnal. What is so remarkable about Heather’s writing is how personal yet universal and meaningful it is. Her songs are about patience, waiting, longing but ultimately, as on the song "Married", contentment. Hopefully we can all be content in our wanting. Despite Heather’s voice beginning to go towards the end of their set, Venna gave a wonderful performance to match their equally wonderful debut full-length album.
NYC
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Brooklyn Band on the Rise: Thick as Theives
Thick as Theives has all of the grit and grime of a true American rock band. The duo, comprised of Chris Moran and Howzr boasts a sound that’s bluesy and punchy, reminiscent of established duos like The Black Keys and The White Stripes. Their 6-track self-titled EP was released online in November, and features uniquely infectious melodies and an equally hard-edged sound. “I Gotta Girl (With a List of Needs)” starts out with a fuzzy surf-riff reminiscent of Little Barrie’s “Surf Hell” and plunges into pounding drum-heavy solos. “Abilene” is a slower-paced track, complete with drawn out guitar solos and bluesy riffs. Look for their upcoming show at Brooklyn Bowl on March 19th. – Jen Margott
NYC
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BETS “Rooftop Lover”
If you look towards the Pacific every evening, the LA skyline is usually painted with a gorgeous golden sunset. It’s easy to miss in the rustle-and-bustle of everyday life, but it’s a pleasure when a singer-songwriter like BETS comes along to vividly remind you of nature’s mysterious gifts. "Rooftop Lover" isn’t a song about contemplating this notion. Far from it – the image it evokes is one that comes naturally when we associate being in places that expand our viewpoint for at least a second. Composed of a weeping ukulele arrangement, the lackadaisical tune calmly strums over a gently pulsing keyboard that details a vast ocean. Her vocals are unerringly sweet, a brittle tonality that’s honey-dripped with frolicsome ennui; the thought of Nina Persson came to mind while entranced in her little dinky story about a girl who wonders about the whereabouts of her object of affection. Though there sound may be more west coast, this bi-coastal band spends a good deal of time in NYC. BETS’ debut EP, just released via iTunes, should make the perfect companion while taking the scenic route through Pacific Coast Highway. And if nothing else, at lease it’ll make you curious to go up your own rooftop for once and let your thoughts run free.
Philadelphia
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Swearin’, Ghost Light, Radiator Hospital & More at Great Indoors Feb. 4
Tonight is a prime example of a great lineup that you can find these days off the beaten path of Philly’s music scene. Transplants Swearin’ and Radiator Hospital will be the bookends of this evening’s bill at West Philly’s Great Indoors. Former Brooklynites Swearin’s ability to write attention-grabbing hooks fueled by punk aggression has already set them up for darling status in the underground music community with the release of the four-piece’s debut self-titled LP, while Radiator Hospital (a.k.a. Sam Cook-Parrott who moved to Philly from Grand Rapids, Michigan) slowly but steadily creeps into the hearts of local indie music fans. Cook-Parrott will be backed by a full band for tonight’s set, which is obviously a bonus. Ghost Light will also be coming home from tour to share their most excellent brooding rock tunes, and they’ll be have in tow Brooklyn tourmates SoftSpot. Start your week off right by going out and doing a little wrong on a Monday night! Great Indoors, (Please contact of the acts or venue for more details.), 7pm, $7, All Ages – Q.D. Tran
Philadelphia
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The Deli Philly’s Year End Fans’/Readers’ Poll 2012 Results!
Dear Deli Readers,
The Deli Philly’s Year End Fans’/Readers’ Poll 2012 for emerging artists is over, thanks to all those who cast their vote in support of the local bands and artists in our list of nominees. Congrats to Dear Althea for being the winner of this phase of our poll! Kudos also to Ton-Taun and You You Dark Forest who placed second and third.
Here’s the readers’ poll top 10, full results can be found here.
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Stay tuned for the final composite chart (to be released soon) which will include the points nominees accumulated from the jurors’ and Deli writers’ votes, and will crown The Deli’s Best Philly Artist of 2012.
Cheers!
The Deli’s Staff
Philadelphia
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New Pissed Jeans Album Available for Streaming
Check out Pissed Jeans‘ forthcoming album Honeys, which is currently available for streaming in its entirety at Spin.com! The band’s fourth record officially comes out February 12 via their longtime label Sub Pop, and they’ll be celebrating its release Friday, February 15 at Underground Arts supported by Leather and Lantern.
Austin
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Cosmic Intervention
The last day of January 2013 saw the David Thomas Jones "Comfort Creatures EP" release party form up at Holy Mountain, where Scan Hopper started it off right with a blazingly-good (albeit admittedly unrehearsed) set.
The tough task of following up that jam was left to uber-gigged Les RAV, who obliged (and then some) with Lauren Bruno’s matchless vocal chops; backed, improbably, by harp and violin.
David Thomas Jones played bass during these sets, but now shifted to center stage for this, the main attraction, with his Watch Out For Rockets crew.
At which point the alluded-to Cosmic Intervention took place, with his guitar alternately screeching sweet rock goodness and going insanely mute.
You would think that frustration would rule the day – Turns out Jones’ car gave up the ghost on the way to the show, thus confirming suspicions that Other Forces were working mischief – but Jones soldiered on, abiding in true Dudeist fashion, whipping his unruly guitar into submission whilest belting out his numbers with conviction.
All in all, put another notch on the David Thomas Jones belt – Fighting cosmic intervention for the sake of rock. And coming out on top, with an excellent show.
Philadelphia
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New Video: “Melody, Love & Soul” – Heat Thunder
Below is an enchanting new video titled "Melody, Love & Soul" for the EP of the same name. The short film is a collaborative effort from New York-based filmmaker Evan Cohen and Doylestown’s Heat Thunder (a.k.a. Joe Montone). It served as Cohen’s thesis film, and is intended "to express the inner workings of soul and heart." The video premiered the other day via YVYNYL. Enjoy!