Philadelphia

The Deli Philly’s Year End Poll – Top Performers: Needle Points

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About a year ago, a hippie-throwback, psychedelic group was born. Needle Points have come far from their start in the winter of 2013, far enough to land themselves as a top performer in The Deli Philly’s Best of 2013 Emerging Artists Poll. Listening to their music is like watching a lava lamp: It’s colorful and inviting, with a vibe that’s straight out of the 60s and a sound that puts listeners into a hypnotic groove. In November, the band put out their debut EP, Bom Tugangu, a six-song release that’s full of jangly, psychedelic soul. It’s easy to find oneself lost within the heavy guitar riffs and occasional tribal beats, especially when lead vocalist Colin Holloway’s growl fades in and out amidst a heavy bass line. The biggest impact that their music has, however, is that despite the heavy instrumentals, the band manages to put out carefree tunes that don’t weigh on the mind – perfect for frolicking in a field or tuning out in the back of a VW Bus until you see tie-dye. (You can view the rest of The Deli Philly’s Best of 2013 Emerging Artists list HERE.) – Shaylin O’Connell

Chicago

Thrizzy

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We are quickly approaching the release of the free music from the new local label Maek. The label has signed several artist with the mission of releasing their music for free and through that building a stronger connection between fan an musician.

On March 2nd Maek will release The Jeffrey EP from EDM producer Thrizzy. The Jeffrey is a direct reference to what was smoked in Get Him To The Greek. You can check out the trailer for The Jeffrey below.

NYC

Alt-Folk from The Deli NYC’s submissions: The Hunting Party

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From the diminutive stature of lead singer Erica Lane, comes a huge voice leading an alt-country five-piece band. The Hunting Party’s new record ‘North’ reveals a penchant for the kind of intimate country-fried charm you might find in woodside bars out west, but transplanted to our parts to suit street-side tastes.

Turn up the EP and you’ll hear a constant tug and pull between the heartland in tracks like ‘North,’ and the urban jungle in heavy rockers like ‘Man of the Night.’ From the rustic sound of ‘Bobby’ to the epic rockness of closer ‘Poor Proud Fool,’ it’s a trip across America where I’m sure you’ll meet some interesting people. Check out ‘Bobby’ below, and keep an eye on their Facebook as they announce upcoming dates soon. – Mike Levine (Goldnuggets)

Philadelphia

Get Really Bummed w/Pill Friends at The Troc Feb. 26

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I’m really not sure why people don’t book more shows in The Balcony of The Troc. I have enjoyed all the ones that I’ve seen there! Is it the talent buyer, their policies, or just people don’t know that it’s a pretty damn nice, small room to play in Philly? Also, grabbing dinner in Chinatown is a definite bonus. Well, whatever it is – it’s pretty rad that the DIY folks of Pill Friends will be headlining the intimate stage tonight so get ready to feel really bummed – in a good way! They’ll also be joined by local indie-rock pals Roof Doctor and NYC folk duo Relatives. The Balcony – The Trocadero, 1003 Arch St., 8:30pm, $6, 21+ – Alexis V.

Portland

The Deli Portland Presents Hustle and Drone, Just Lions and Adam Brock 4 at Kelly’s Olympian 3.1

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The Deli Portland is back at Kelly’s Olympian on March 1st with an delicious night of local music. Opening up the show is Adam Brock 4, who have taken a broad range of musical flavors to cook up a sound that is equal parts folk, indie rock and electronic with a dash of pop for good measure. After simmering in the Portland music scene they’ve cooked a unique sound that’s turning heads wherever they play. Next up is Just Lions, who will bring a tasty, jazz-tinted rock n’ roll jamboree that to leave your ear buds buzzing with excitement. Closing out the show is Hustle and Drone whose sweet, synthesized rhythms and electronic foundation support an undeniably soulful sound. Their live show is electrifying, and not to be missed. Doors open at 8:30 with the music starting up at 9, join the Deli crew at Kelly’s to see some of the bands that help to make Portland’s diverse and flavorful music scene. ¡Viva la musica!

Philadelphia

New Track: “A Ballerina in Focus” – Honey Radar

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Here’s a short but sweet, lo-fi ditty, "A Ballerina in Focus," that will appear on Honey Radar‘s upcoming album Scorpions Bought Me Breakfast. The bedroom project from Jason Henn also released two others, "The Dolphin Tip" and "Light House Orphan," which won’t be on the new record, but you can stream, and purchase them for download below. They are also available on vinyl (a very limited edition one-sided clear lathe cut) via Indianapolis indie label Third Uncle Records. Enjoy! 

Nashville

The Poor Boys Release New Song “Psycho”

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I caught The Poor Boys this past Sunday open for Thelma and the Sleaze (hey, it had been a minute since anyone addressed me as motherf****r, and it turned out it will be a few more, since this show was being broadcast live by 102.9 The Buzz, and decorum was being exercised with white-knuckled intensity.) Taking cues from the Nashville Pussy school of Southern Rock, Poor Boys presented a steady noise that seeped through the eardrums in the same way mud finds its way through holes in your boots. Yeah, it’s filthy and going to be a pain to clean up, but in the present moment, it’s kind of fun to wiggle your toes around in. Any band that treats a room of 50 like 5000 is always fine with me. They released the tune "Psycho" on February 5th, as an ode to a particular individual, but it can easily transfer that special hosebeast in everyone’s life. -Terra James-Jura

http://thepoorboysmusic.com/

San Francisco

The Deli SF’s Guide to Noise Pop – Part 2

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The 22nd annual Noise Pop Festival kicks off on February 25th and the week-long party, now a solid San Francisco institution, will be taking over many of the premiere venues in town.They’ll be hosting some of the best independent music acts from our city and around the world. With so many shows to choose from (not to mention all the free happy hours, art shows and gatherings at the new Noise Pop HQ), it’s a tough job to pick and choose which bands to check out. If you’ve looked through the festival’s stacked lineups and still can’t decide which ones to see, we’ve created a definitive Guide to Noise Pop to help aid in your decision making. -Lauren Espina

If You Like Sunny, Surfy Indie Rock: Real Estate, The Shilohs, Dominant Legs / Dream Boys

Brooklyn based band, Real Estate makes indie rock music, but they do it better than anyone else. Soaked in dreamy washes of surf and lo-fi pop, and sometimes even revealing traces of psych and alternative country styles, this band is the archetype of modern indie rock. They are set to headline not one, but two back-to-back shows at The Independent on February 28th and March 1st for this year’s Noise Pop festival. Joining Real Estate for their first gig on Friday, February 28th will be Vancouver’s melodic, folk-infused power pop outfit The Shilohs,and San Francisco’s shimmery pop band Dominant Legs. For Saturday’s show, from Los Angeles will sub in for Dominant Legs with their folk-psych tunes rounding out the lineup on March 1st.

http://schedule.noisepop.com/event/2014/03/01/real-estate

If You’re Looking for Diversity: The Soft White Sixties, NO, The She’s and Cannons and Clouds

This is one of those lineups that makes no sense, and therefore makes awesome sense. The San Francisco-based outfit The Soft White Sixties churns out some soul-infused rock and roll, while Echo Park’s (Los Angeles) NO,encased by the baritone vocals of Bradley Hanan Carter, offers lush indie rock that can be both dark and uplifting at the same time. The She’s of San Francisco make pop tunes reminiscent of the 1960s, but add their own modern edge. Rounding out the lineup, Cannons and Clouds, also from San Francisco, offer an earnest brand of indie rock infused with multi-part harmonies. It’s going to be weird and so, so rad. This unlikely mix of bands will all play together on Friday, February 28th, at The Chapel.

http://schedule.noisepop.com/event/2014/02/28/the-soft-white-sixties

If You Know What’s Good For You: Dr. Dog, Saint Rich, Moses Sumney

The underground masters of Dr. Dog are finally getting the recognition they deserve. With subtle threads of blues, folk, soul, 1960s rock and roll and modern country blended together into one infectious sonic fabric, this band has transitioned from the experimental hodgepodge of its debut album to the tighter, sophisticated songwriting of their 2013 LP, B-Room. Joining Dr. Dog will be New Jersey’s Saint Rich, an Americana-flavored rock and roll outfit, as well as Moses Sumney, a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles who has mastered his own brand of poignant folk-soul. Catch this show on March 1st The Warfield.

http://schedule.noisepop.com/event/2014/03/01/dr-dog

See Also: Strange Vine, French Cassettes, Dante Elephante and Irontom on Wednesday, February 26th at Bottom of the Hill

Philadelphia

The Deli Philly’s Year End Poll – Top Performers: Commonwealth Choir

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With the release of their EP Shirtless, Doylestown natives Commonwealth Choir announced their presence with a splash. The Davis Jameson Howley-fronted five-piece seems to have found a natural equilibrium – one that meshes a casually loose energetic tone, while remaining tight musically. That enthusiastic rock/folk atmosphere, coupled with memorable lyrics presented through Howley’s confident vocals and given that extra boost of polished harmonies, has created a buzz. Commonwealth Choir gives off that immediately catchy, carefree feeling that welcomes listeners to join in on their good time. That infectious invitation of crisp, almost unintended intermingling bass/drum/guitar groove, instrumentation and fun bursting hooks made Shirtless a promising first chapter. Commonwealth Choir has laid down an excellent foundation, demonstrating an ability to produce music that is irresistibly enjoyable pop with just enough of a hint of a raw edge. They have a building block that has listeners eager to hear how the next step sounds. (You can view the rest of The Deli Philly’s Best of 2013 Emerging Artists list HERE.) – Michael Colavita

Philadelphia

The Deli Philly’s Year End Poll – Top Performers: Cruiser

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Coming in fourth on The Deli Philly’s Best of 2013 Emerging Artists Poll is not a loss for Cruiser, in fact, nothing could diminish the amazing year the band had experienced. Their single, “Kidnap Me,” received numerous listens on Soundcloud, which helped to really propel things forward for them (also, I’m sure getting some airtime on the popular HBO TV show, Girls, didn’t hurt either). They were recently signed to The Windish Agency, and this summer, they’ll appear amongst some big-name acts during the Firefly Music Festival. Not only was last year a great step forward for the group, 2014 isn’t looking too shabby either. This windfall of success is well-deserved for Cruiser, who released a most enjoyable debut self-titled EP, in 2012, which was produced by Jeremy Park, who is also responsible for Youth Lagoon’s amazing album, The Year of Hibernation. From there, the project, which was originally a solo effort by frontman Andy States, took a step back to evolve as the formation of the band came together, without losing its signature warmth that radiates from each song, even in the cold chill of winter. Their most recent release, “Kidnap Me,” which was produced by Fancy Time Studio’s Kyle “Slick” Johnson, maintained the project’s upbeat pop styling, complemented by a vocal nonchalance that rises and falls like the waves on a beach. And although summer might seem like the most appropriate setting for Cruiser, they have the chops for any season, and 2014 will definitely be their year to prove it. (You can view the rest of The Deli Philly’s Best of 2013 Emerging Artists list HERE.) – Shaylin O’Connell