Probably the least predictable orchestral NYC band, Cuddle Magic is formed by musicians whose sole mission is to write songs that are pretty, conceptual, and daring at once. The band has a new record coming out in April, a collaborative album with NYC pianist Phyllis Chen, with whom they share "love of imperfectly pitched percussion, overlapping rhythmic cycles, and rigorous pitch sets." The band just released a preview video of single "An Extra Life" (streaming), which features a pointillistic arrangement in which higher pitch wind instruments, are not allowed to play notes longer than a semiquaver – as if they were softer sounding mallets.
Chicago
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Royale
The self-titled debut EP from Royale is pure bliss. Each track is a new and impressive exploration of guitar play. The band defines the sound as "Progressive Sci-Fi Yacht Metal" and there is no argument that this sound is progressive. With just three tracks on the EP, the band created a full picture of the beautiful melodies they can create. These track tracks make you want to consume something illegal and board a yacht.
Nashville
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Congratulations to Sad Baxter, The Deli Nashville’s new Artist of the Month!
Wowee! With full acknowledgement that not everyone watches internet polls in the wee hours of the evening, the neck-and-neck race between Sad Baxter and The Chewers was intense! The margin was so tight that there was a good chance that things were going have to be decided by a physical fight, which was sure to be a disaster, as The Chewers appear to be a band of giant faceless teeth. Ultimately, Sad Baxter pulled ahead, earning a slight advantage with their clean pop and appeal to Nashville’s dog lovers. This is a perfect moment to draw attention to the fact that Sad Baxter is currently recording their first full length album, which promises to be as earnest and catchy as their previous EP "Nothing is Real." The next opportunity to get sad with them is March 24th at Mercy Lounge. In the interim, listen to “Hit the Road!” and post something nice on their Facebook page. –Terra James-Jura
New England
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Freres Lapierre kick off 2014 with eponymous debut album
Massachusetts’ Freres Lapierre (literally “the brothers Lapierre”) has kicked off the year with its debut self-titled full-length. Freres Lapierre continues the band’s exploration of cheery melodies and bright textures – don’t wear it out now, because you’ll want this disc in heavy rotation when beach weather rolls back around. “Cosmic Wimpout” hints at Green Day’s best acoustic ballads, with a bit of banjo to give it that country town feel, while “XBJ” calls on the glockenspiel, trombone and trumpet to add some pep as the album draws to a close. The attention to detail here is worth mentioning – every moment has a catchy melody or new timbre, and there is nary a moment that feels undercooked. Give the new album a listen and if you haven’t gotten a chance to see the brothers Lapierre live, stay up to date with upcoming shows on their Facebook page. – Jake Reed
San Francisco
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Peace Creep (Record Release Show) with Future Twin and Buffalo Tooth at Elbo Room TONIGHT
San Francisco based alternative punk band, Peace Creep will be celebrating the release of their upcoming self-titled EP (Alternative Tentacles Records) with Buffalo Tooth, Future Twin, comedian George Chen and DJ Jello Biafra at the Elbo Room tonight.
Buffalo Tooth is expected to kick out the jams with their heavy, riff-driven style of music that combines psych, blues, metal and good times. Future Twin, a female-fronted San Francisco based quartet whose sound is based on their stellar surf style riffs and ’60s psych rock vibe will be sure to play a great set. Keep an eye out for their debut full length album Wavelength Sovereignty that is expected to be released later this year.
Peace Creep has described their sound as "Neil Young on SST Records wearing a dress playing Dinosaur Jr, Meat Puppets, Breeders, and Husker Du covers," and after giving Peace Creep a further listen, it was found that this description is pretty accurate. With vocals and songwriting that is reminiscent of Husker Du with their subdued hardcore riffs, it’s clear that Peace Creep is quite familiar with the ’80s SST Records catalog…which is awesome. Make your way out to the show to see to hear all these bands rock. –Erin Dage.
San Francisco
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The Younger Lovers Play The Knockout with Half Blast and No Bone TONIGHT
Tonight, the Oakland based pop-centric band, The Younger Lovers will be joining Half Blast and No Bone for a night of gritty punk bliss at The Knockout in San Francisco.
No Bone, a riot grrrl band from San Francisco will open the show. This band draws influence from the great riot grrrl bands of yore such as Bratmobile, Bikini Kill and Babes In Toyland. Be sure to catch them at next month’s Deli Magazine SF Sponsored event with Midnite Snaxxx, The Shanghais, Quaaludes and Bestfriend Grrlfriend on March 8th!
The new San Francisco punk band, Half Blast will also be performing as they value power chords, but posess a pop edge. The band’s calling card is that the members are all grizzled veterans of the Bay Area music scene, having played in bands such as Ex-Boyfriends, Muñecas, Lucy Stoners, Zbörnak, Beard Summit, Cypher in the Snow, The Near Dark, Crowns on 45, Pinky Swear and Frozen Chicken Patties.
And headlining is The Younger Lovers. This awesome band recently made waves with their latest album, Sugar In My Pocket, which is out now on Southpaw Records. Younger Lovers seeks to combine poetic, Television Personalities-style banter with ’60s pop flair. Both styles merge to form a lo-fi style that is unique and totally recognizable. – Erin Dage
Philadelphia
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The Deli Philly’s Year End Poll – Top Performers: Night Panther
The runner-up in The Deli Philly’s Best of 2013 Emerging Artists Poll is the dance-inducing crew, Night Panther. They describe their musical style as “sex pop,” an apt title for the band’s hazy glamour. The group released their self-titled album in mid-2013 via Small Plates Records, an LP rife with infectious beats and seductive singing, taking a page from legends such as David Bowie and Freddie Mercury. Underneath all of the electronic dazzle, however, lies some serious soul. Songs like “Queen Bitch” reveal the softer side of the band, a sentimental ballad of lost love, with heart-tugging lyricism and vocals that would seem right at home in a stadium venue, surrounded by thousands of lighters, alit and waving. Just like moments in the bedroom, Night Panther’s eponymous album listens like a well-versed Lothario with a perfected technique. Knowing just when to speed things up and when to slow them down, the band expresses a versatility that will surely take them outside the sphere of Philadelphia. No matter where they go, Night Panther is sure to seduce all whom cross their path. – Shaylin O’Connell
NYC
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Lo-Fi local heroes Lost Boy ? plays Shea Stadium on 03.01
A frantic collection of pop punk tunes, Lost Boy ? is a blistering package of gritty and antagonistic pop songs. A buzzing caffeine drenched rampage through distorted filters, immediate melodies and nervous bass lines, their music is an exercise in songwriting delivered with petulant energy. Scratchy, gritty guitars, heaps of danceable drums and rolling basses… each track is short, to the point, and powerful. There is just one thing. That question mark. What DOES it mean? Nothing like an elusive edge to capture the attention. Check out opening track from 2012 EP "Big Snow" and see Lost Boy ? at Shea Stadium on March 1st. – Francesca Baker
Philadelphia
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New Video: “It’s Night” (Out Of Town Films) – Cough Cool
Below is a rare recorded live performance of Cough Cool, a.k.a. Dan Svizeny, playing the song "It’s Night," which appeared on his latest album 29 (Bathetic). It was documented by Out Of Town Films at their space in Berks Warehouse. Look out for Svizeny to come out from behind his moniker for his next release.
L.A.
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Artist to Watch: James Supercave
Redefining the musical landscape of the eastside, James Supercave have only been performing since 2012, and haven’t officially released an album yet. With a sound as big as a David Bowie-fronted version of Pink Floyd, and an energetic live show to match, its apparent the young quintet are only scratching the surface of their creativity. The band’s first proper single (demos have been leaking for over a year), "The Right Thing" is an art pop opus. Melody and rhythm collide as each movement takes you on a journey of ever-increasing tension that bursts open to an ending filled with pounding drums, soaring strings, and frontman Joaquin Pastor’s signature vocal stylings. James Supercave’s debut EP ‘The Afternoon’ is set for release on Hit City USA in March, with a residency at The Echo the same month. Word on the street is, they’ll be joining Warpaint on tour in April. So those free shows every Monday in March are not to be missed. Stream "The Right Thing," below from the band’s soundcloud. – Jacqueline Caruso
NYC
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A rather mysterious NYC project: ARP
A little bit Brian Eno, a little bit Bryan Ferry, singer Alexis Georgopoulos’s psych-pop group ARP delivers ambient charm, but keeps his songs catchier than we’ve heard from the group yet. Nodding heavily to theatrical acts like Donovan and Momus, the band’s latest LP ‘More’ takes a break from many of his dance and theater projects, to re-define the ARP sound and mission as something of a cinematic experience: complete with actors, glamour and a larger-than life setting for his orchestral backlot of instruments and sounds. It’s a pleasant surprise, and one of the more layered and seductive records we’ve heard in some time. Check out leading track High-Heeled Clouds’ below, and add a little drama to your day. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
Chicago
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The Vale
If you miss the warmth and waves of summer than you need to check out the new album from The Vale. This lo-fi duo recorded their album, From Another Room, in the hazy of last summer and it is a dreamy collection lo-fi folk ditties. The Vale is Marissa Deitz and Chace Wall and together they have produced a quiet and intimate album that needs to be heard.
You can catch The Vale at Hungry Brain on March 17th.