Treefort just announced the next list of reasons why you should make the trek to Boise this March to experience what is turning into a staple of the Northwest music scene. Over a dozen of our Portland’s best bands will be joining the spring party including Aan, Sallie Ford, Wooden Indian Burial Ground and a bunch more (see the full list of artists here). Treefort has once again proven its ability to curate a fantastic lineup of music to be presented it in the evolving arts and music scene of Boise, ID. The festival runs March 20-23rd, do yourself a favor and join this year’s festivities. – Benjamin Toledo
Chicago
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Opposites @ Hostel Earphoria
Opposites released an amazing 20 song cassettes called Printer’s Ink On Everything via the new local label Grandpa Bay Recordings last month.
You can catch Opposites at Hostel Earphoria on Feb. 1st with Evasive Backflip, Lil Tits, Appleseeds, and Haki.
NYC
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Half Waif wins the Deli NYC’s Year End Poll INDIE POP Open Submissions
NYC mellow synth-pop outlet Half Waif exudes indie-tronic beauty. The subtle keyboard parts and calming vocals of Nandi Rose Plunkett are the clear center of attention – and rightfully so – while the delicate background arrangement holds the songs together like magic glue. You can listen to their latest EP titled "Future Joys" here. Check out single “Wooden Horse,” streaming below! They’re set to play Brooklyn’s The Rock Shop on January 29. – Michael Haskoor (@Tweetskoor)
Full results of the Best of NYC 2013 Indie Pop Submissions here.
Philadelphia
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The Deli Philly’s Year End Poll 2013 – Open Submission Results
OK, the first phase of The Deli Philly’s Year End Poll has come to an end, and we have the results. The Open Submissions leaders are a testament to the diversity and talent in Philadelphia.
Of course, the Philly editor wasn’t eligible to vote for the bands in the Philadelphia area scene. Instead, the submissions were voted on by three other editors from different Deli cities, including our Editor-In-Chief Paolo De Gregorio.
Acts Advancing to Our Readers/Fans Poll (with a ranking above 7):
1. Red Martina (Hip Hop) – 8.16
2. Our Griffins (Alt/Indie Pop) – 7.83
3. Cheers Elephant (Indie Pop/Rock) – 7.6
4. Levee Drivers (Americana) – 7.5
5. Daddy Long Legs (Indie Rock) – 7.5
6. Rosu Lup (Indie Folk) – 7.16
7. Weekender (Psych-Pop) – 7.16
Honorable Mentions:
Mumblr (Alt Rock) – 6.83
SHMNS (Electro-Rock) – 6.83
Needle Points (Psych Rock) – 6.66
Pill Friends (Indie Rock) – 6.66
Total Submissions From the Philly Scene: 64
WHAT’S NEXT: Now that the first stage of the poll has come to a close, the next step is to unveil the artists nominated by our local jurors: venue/independent promoters, bloggers, etc. (in other words, the people who are paying close attention to our music community). Then, our readers and writers will get a chance to vote on the poll.
A big thanks again to all of the bands who submitted their music! We hope to see you all continue to evolve with your projects that help to make Philly such a rich and diverse music community.
Much love,
The Deli Staff
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Sunday” – Creepoid
Local psych-grunge crew Creepoid just premiered the first single from their sophomore self-titled LP called "Sunday," over at Noisey. So it looks like you’ve found a new track to laze your weekend away with. The full-length album is scheduled to drop on March 4 via No Idea Records, and the band’s record release show will be on Thursday, February 27 at Johnny Brenda’s.
Philadelphia
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Sunburster & Serpent Throne Opening for The Sword at Underground Arts Jan. 17
Sunburster opens tonight’s bill at Underground Arts featuring The Sword. To be more specific, it might be said that the group will take the stage by storm. Sunburster oozes with an air of instinctual intensity as though there was never any other choice – a full-speed charge mentality. Led by the heavy-thudding bass and “smack you in the face” percussion, the band is reinforced by menacing guitar riffs and guttural vocal displays. The outcome is a primal power that is out of the cold, sludgy darkness, emerging into a roaring musical fire that refuses to be squelched. They will be joined by the multi-layered, riff-generating onslaught of local doom-metal outfit Serpent Throne, who will be orchestrating a thick menacing foundation. Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill St., 7:30pm, $18, 21+ – Michael Colavita
Portland
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She Shreds Magazine Release Party at Doug Fir 1.18
The first time I ever heard La Luz, I really thought they were carefully curated for my own musical tastes. The distant waves of surf rock with significant femininity creates the loveliest thing I’ve heard in a long time. Recently, the Seattle-based band suffered through a semi-truck versus them on the highway, but powered through it with their own tough stride and support from the music community. That resilience continues to shine through their music. Songs like "Sure As Spring" and "T.V. Dream" assist you in wading through a time warp, back to where taunting guitar melodies were done best. The aftermath leaves you hungry for anything else these ladies will throw your way. That hunger will stay.
They will be headlining the release party for She Shreds Magazine, a Portland-based publication dedicated to female guitarists and encouraging a revolution involving awareness for the underrepresented. The Ghost Ease and Hooded Hags will be supporting, offering plenty of mind tingles for the night. – Colette Pomerleau
NYC
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Song premiere: “Earth Angel” by Katy Guillen and the Girls
(Photo by Brandon Forrest Frederick)
We are happy to premiere the latest track from Katy Guillen & the Girls, “Earth Angel.”
The trio releases the song right before descending upon Memphis to represent Kansas City in the International Blues Challenge next week. The KC kickoff show is this Saturday, January 18, at BB’s Lawnside BBQ. KG & the Girls will play the IBC as well as a few dates in Nashville and New Orleans over the next week.
“Earth Angel” is a ballad that successfully packs in every element that gives KG & the Girls its signature style, which is rooted in the blues but draws from rock and jazz influences. It begins with Guillen’s masterful guitar work and carefully weaves in her compelling vocals with the always-on-point rhythm section of Claire Adams and Stephanie Williams. Though the track clocks in at nearly eight minutes, it gradually accelerates along with a balance of delicacy and force that gives it a satisfying sense of brevity and completeness.
The song was recorded, mixed, and mastered by Duane Trower at Weights & Measures Soundlab.
The band is offering up the track as a free download for one week, so head over to their Bandcamp and get your download.
Also, head over to BB’s this Saturday at 9:00 p.m. to see them before they leave for Memphis. AJ Gaither will be opening up the show and joining the band on a few tunes. Facebook event page.
—Michelle Bacon
Michelle is the editor-in-chief of The Deli Magazine—Kansas City. She plays drums in Drew Black & Dirty Electric and bass in Dolls on Fire and The Philistines. She thinks gingers are dumb.
Philadelphia
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You Do You EP Release Show at North Star Bar Jan. 17
Funky soul rockers You Do You are all set to celebrate the release of their appropriately titled debut EP, The Sweet Sounds of the Funky Sounds, tonight at the North Star Bar, and they’ll definitely be delivering an ample amount of both. The group features members of The Externals, The New Connection, Crills Wilson, and Electric Sex Power. Whether it’s with a soulful keyboard-laden tune like “Wait a Minute” or a quirky new country lament like their debut single “Darling My Dear,” they have been gaining notoriety for their polished instrumentals and multiple vocal parts. They’ll be joined by the guitar-charged alt-country group Tin Horses, who is led by Purling Hiss bassist Kiel Everett. The evening will also feature the funk rock stylings of The Great Vibration and the folk rock sounds of Song Dogs. North Star Bar, 2639 Poplar St., 9pm, $8 – $10, 21+ – Bill McThrill
Nashville
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kidDEAD Album Release Show Tonight at The Stone Fox
kidDEAD is throwing an album release show tonight at the Stone Fox. Ross Norton of kidDead landed in Nashville after a turbulent series of events that took him from Tallahassee, FL to following the Grateful Dead to drug addiction to prison to coming to terms with the tragic death of his mother. To say that he has walked the walk would be an understatement. The product of such a path is an intelligent, emotional brand of hip hop dealing with the less than glamorous truths of human nature (struggle, fear, failure.) “Rap and Destroy” is his first full-length solo effort departing from The Last of the Horsemen. Joining the bill is a good portion of Nashville’s #RAPCLUB: Peaceful Warrior, Spoken Nerd, Phantom Farmer and Erin Rae and the Meanwhiles. Listen to the first single “Thieves” featuring Nathan Conrad, Brandon Brains and BRZOWSKI to get a preview the show, which starts at 9 and cost $7. – Terra James-Jura
NYC
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Album review: Dead Voices – Dead Voices (EP)
“Trust of a Fool” is one of the more straightforward efforts presented on Dead Voices’ self-titled debut EP. It would make for the perfect soundtrack for an episode where The Monkees dress up in cowboy hats and wreak hilarious havoc at a dude ranch run by some old crusty geezer named Cooter.
The EP is at the apex of its success when the band follows a looser devotion to the “twang rock” formula and allows the instrumentation to ebb and flow accordingly. “Dream Notes” is the prime example of this. With a beautifully constructed forty seconds of instrumental introduction, several well-placed beat changes, and a genuinely doting vocal performance, this song features some the strongest moments on the EP. Symphonic and long-winded in all the right ways, it comes across like Bob Dylan fronting some of the more introspective numbers of the Rolling Stones’ catalog.
“Rain or Shine” features the band letting its jam band flag shine a bit. “Whore’s Lament” returns to more straightforward country, picking and grinning its way across the land of tumbleweeds and minor. “Virginia Avenue” brings to mind the crackling audition of a shiny new Bell radio on the shelf of a stuffy electronics store in the mid ‘60s, the sounds of the service bell from the gas station across the street competing with the Buddy Holly-tinged shuffle composition.
At first listen as Dead Voices chugged along towards its conclusion, a thought kept crossing my mind: “Man, these guys would pair great with The Grisly Hand.” Much to my surprise—and enjoyment—Lauren Krum makes a wonderful guest appearance on the final track, “Pardoning.” Much as she does for The Grisly Hand, her vocals harmonize seamlessly with David Regnier’s to immense effect, elevating the otherwise square-shooting effort into something more dynamic and special. (Editor’s note: Matt Richey and Mike Stover are both members of Dead Voices as well as The Grisly Hand)
You can catch Dead Voices at recordBar tomorrow night, January 19, with Hadacol and Eric. The show starts at 10 p.m. Facebook event page.
—Zach Hodson
Zach Hodson is a monster. He once stole a grilled cheese sandwich from a 4-year-old girl at her birthday party. He will only juggle if you pay him. I hear he punched Slimer right in his fat, green face. He knows the secrets to free energy, but refuses to release them until Saved by the Bell: Fortysomethings begins production. He is also in Dolls on Fire and Drew Black & Dirty Electric, as well as contributing to various other Kansas City-based music, comedy, and art projects.
NYC
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Album review: Shy Boys – Shy Boys
Shy Boys continue to bridge the gap between the basement and the stage with the release of their debut, self-titled LP. With efficiency and restrained flourish the boys have spun off 10 pop yarns, many of which are apt to linger long past their modest 24-minute duration. While the bulk of the earworms are front-loaded the album doesn’t flag nor does it deviate in its trajectory. The consistency of this record demonstrates that the Shy Boys know their strengths and are not ashamed to stick with them.
Such reliability is probably why Shy Boys, composed of the brothers Collin and Kyle Rausch and friend Konnor Ervin, have enjoyed a recent burst in popularity. In short order they’ve managed to endear themselves to a variety of local bands and fans, the label High Dive Records, and assorted music journalism outlets. It’s no wonder they recently won The Pitch award for Best Band Everyone Can Agree On. They’re appeal is almost egalitarian. Of course it doesn’t hurt to be backed by Solid Gold, the same talent agency that promotes the likes of Dirty Beaches, The Dodos, and The Sea And Cake.
Call it playing it safe, but what Shy Boys lack in boundary-pushing they make up for in general likeability. This record can easily play in the background, comfortably command the car stereo, or be the gentle panacea for your private boi slash gurl bedroom troubles; odds are the record will fit most settings without much abrasion. That’s the idea. Kudos given.
Much of the album’s warm roughness is owed to its simple and straightforward nature as well as the inherent qualities found by recording live to tape. For this engineering feat the nod is given to Mike Nolte of Westend Recording, a studio known for their dedicated use of the medium. Sure, the reverb is cranked and the vocals can be muddied into ambiguity, but those cool, moody hooks are enough to keep the record spinning on repeat.
The Shy Boys KC record release show is set for this Friday, January 17, at Harling’s, 10:00 p.m. The gang will be backed by local players Metatone and Knot Lazy. While the record will officially be released to stores on January 21, you can pick one up a few days early at the show. Facebook event page. They’ll also be playing in Lawrence on Saturday, January 18 at 8th Street Taproom.
—Andrew Erdrich
Andy Erdrich is a Kansas City resident who occasionally writes for The Deli KC branch. The rest of the time Andy plays guitar and sings in the band Sneaky Creeps, manages the bootleg blog BigUrges.com, co-directs Bread! KC, works as a part-time butcher, etc. He’s pretty approachable and responsive so feel free to email him at andrewerdrich@gmail.com or follow @andrewerdrich on Instagram and Twitter.