Brooklyn’s Jack Skuller is a teen idol in the wrong era. He’s got all the makings of a 1950s rocker. One of his goals in fact was to write a tune that gives him something to play loud in the car, since he’s recently gotten his license to drive, and of course… he’s also got the looks of a jukebox hero. Teaming up with Nada Surf drummer Ira Elliot, Jack has just released his first single ‘Tell Me Your Heart,’ and the song is an unexpectedly well done tribute to the timeless teen freedoms of hot rodding and heart breaking. Buddy Holly would be proud. Catch him at Bitter End on June 1st. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
Chicago
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The Handsome Family “Woodpecker”
A few weeks ago we brought you the first single, "Spider", from the new album, Wilderness (Carrot Top Records), from The Handsome Family. The album drops next week, and the duo has released a video for the track "Woodpecker" and a new single "Owl".
If you have figured out the theme, the entire album is composed of songs named after different creatures. From "Eels" to "Glow Worms" to "Lizards", Wilderness is true to its name.
You can catch Handsome Family at Pritzker Pavillion on July 22nd at 6:30pm for a free concert.
Philadelphia
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The Deli Philly’s Featured Artist(s) Poll Winner: Air is Human
“To err is human, to forgive is divine” is how the saying goes. That’s probably partially how instrumental psych rock outfit Air is Human came up with their name – we guess. But for the real answer, you’ll just have to ask them personally. However, we do have a few other truths from our recent Featured Artist(s) Poll Winner. You can read what the duo had to say HERE.
New England
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Chill out: Winter, Daydreaming about summer
Samira Winter just received a degree in Broadcast Journalism from Emerson College, but has spent her college years cutting her teeth in the Boston underground music scene. Hailing from Brazil, Winter is one of Samira’s side projects when she’s not DJ-ing, producing short films, or working for her online zine “Wow & Flutter”. Joined with fellow students Nolan Eley, Kyle Oppenheimer, and Ana Karina DaCosta to develop some of the dreamiest, most forward-thinking sound in the scene.
The collaboration started solely with Winter and Eley corresponding, she with rough recordings and he with expert production skills, then expanded into a full performing outfit that’s played local venues like TT the Bear’s and station WERS 88.9. Their album Daydreaming sounds a little bit Vivian Girls and a little bit Beach House with a better sense of humor, airy vocals over a sonic soundscape in the title track and “Bedroom Philosophies”. Their sound doesn’t take itself seriously and runs in a stream of consciousness through Winter’s melodies, leaving us to hope that of all her talents, this girl sticks with the music. Four-track Daydreaming is available on Bandcamp now for a lean five bucks (dab of Winter’s perfume included).
Also worth checking out: the band released a killer cover of Pink Floyd’s “Time” last month, giving it the twenty-first century trip treatment it didn’t ask for, but certainly deserved. – Jamie Loftus
Philadelphia
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Lucy Stone Headlining at PhilaMOCA May 9
Lucy Stone is a young talent who currently attends Drexel University enrolled in their Music Industry program. The singer-songwriter has been performing in the local area with numerous bands since the age of 14. She is a former Deli Philly Featured Artist(s) Poll Winner who has already recorded and toured with Rusted Root as well as opened for Dirty Projectors. Stone will be headlining the bill tonight at PhilaMOCA where she’ll be supported by the Bright Eyes-esque indie folk of Former Belle and the beach-ready jams of Cruiser. PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th St., 7:30pm, $10, All Ages (Photo by Jamie Lozoff) – H.M. Kauffman
Austin
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The Roosevelts Release Debut EP, Cold Sheets, 5/3/13 @ Stubb’s
The Roosevelts are two beautifully bearded men whose songs enrapture listeners in a cloud of feeling and sometimes an uncontrollable need to dance. Although considered a pop/rock band, their often narrative lyrics lead listeners down paths riddled with tragic epiphanies giving them a much more serious kind of philosophical air. To record their debut album, Cold Sheets, The Roosevelts chose a power team with producer Dwight Baker (Bob Schneider), drummer JJ Johnson (John Mayer) and bassist Dave Monsey (Fiona Apple) guaranteeing this album to be sublime lyrically, vocally and instrumentally. Watch the "Cold Sheets" video here. — Written by Katy Glass
Philadelphia
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New Video: Trippin’ Balls (Feat. Mike “Slo-Mo” Brenner) – Brother JT
Check out the latest episode of Trippin’ Balls with Brother JT! We love this show. Kind of gives that hilarious but strange out there feeling that we used to get from watching Wonder Showzen. This video features an interview and jam session with Mike "Slo-Mo" Brenner, who recently came back from a month-long adventure to Kolkata (or Calcutta), India where he went to study Hindustani slide guitar. Guess that this would be a good wake n bake type of day.
NYC
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Psych Rockers you must check out: Heaven’s Gate plays The Knit on 05.26
Brooklyn powerpunk gaze-rockers Heaven’s Gate released their 7 song EP “High Riser” in November 2012, proving that packaging musical ideas in brief bursts of energy is often very effective, in particular when there’s a talented and commanding vocalist like Jess Paps behind the melodic wheel. With most songs clocking in under two minutes, the record has still plenty of hooks (and tension) to wrap your ears around.
“Pray” thrashes with abandon, like early Siouxsie & The Banshees (think “Carcass” from their eponymous debut album “The Scream”). “Pogo” taps the punk vibe mapped out by The Ramones and New York Dolls. “Salome” moves into pitch-bended guitar dreams, with a heart-tugging guitar progression paired against emotionally charged vocals. The image one might get from a song titled “Jesus Hair” is that of the quintessential rock dude with long locks parted in the middle. “All you want to give me, all that you can give – ‘cause you know that I’ll take it,” implies approval of type by our intrepid female vocalist. “Weakness Worm” would slot nicely between a Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and Hunters track, while “Skin Weed” merges the Peter Gunn detective beat with Sonic Youth guitar recklessness. Final track “Sea Swing” stomps and rumbles like a Patti Smith/Kevin Shields collaboration. The band will be performing at Knitting Factory on May 26. – Dave Cromwell
Chicago
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Sam Vicari “Heart Explosion”
Heart Explosion is the sophomore LP from the singer/songwriter and Alt-pop enthusiast Sam Vicari. What will thrill you about Sam is his honest approach to songwriting and his love for ’90’s indie rock.
You can catch Sam Vicari at Reggie’s Music Joint on May 18th.
Chicago
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Smith Westerns “Varsity”
Smith Westerns will return this summer, June 25th, with the follow-up to their 2011 debut Dye It Blonde. Soft Will is being released by Mom + Pop.
Yesterday the band released the video for the album first single "Varsity". Currently, Smith Westens next local show will be Lollapalooza in August.
Philadelphia
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Ticket Giveaway: Vacationer, Body Language & Night Panther at Underground Arts This Friday
We have a pair of tickets to giveaway for what is sure to be a rager this Friday at Underground Arts. Vacationer is returning with their Nude Beach party, and they’ve brought along Body Language and Night Panther for everyone to get their grind on. To enter for a chance to win, send us an email at thedelimagazinephiladelphia@gmail.com with the subject line “Calgon, Take Me Away!” Please also include your cell number in the body of the message (in case of an emergency). Good Luck! (Photo by Nicky Digital)
NYC
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NYC artists on the rise: Mesiko plays Rock Shop on 05.14
One of qualities we appreciate the most in a new band is how spontanous they sound – and that’s what a lot of people seem to relate to in the new decade after years spent glorifying rather contrived music. But it’s really, really hard to sound sponstaneous on record without sounding sloppy or careless. That’s obviously not a problem for newly formed NYC band Mesico, or that’s what we gather from this truly great alt-folk-rock tune streaming below, entitled "Lies" – check out the video here.
Mixing traditional American music with authentic rock’n’roll attitude and a vein of psychedelia, "Lies" has the intensity of one of the best uptempo Nick Cave songs without being NOT fun. Mesiko released a three song EP in March, featuring Lies, and two country-ish noir ballads. See them live at Rock Shop on May 14 with Dawn Landes.
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!