Portland three-piece, Big Haunt, just released their 5-track album, Devotionals, and if I can say one thing, it’s that the band certainly lives up to their name. At the risk of sounding silly, what we have here is some damn spooky indie folk. They tag themselves beneath “dark garden music” which, though cryptic and oddly specific, is fitting for the soundscape they so expertly craft throughout the record. Songs like “Burn Me Up” feature chilling harmonies coupled with ominous lyrical content that practically has you looking over your shoulder for assurance. When front man Lars Ballard sings, “Like a lover on a cold night, death she held me in her arms oh baby,” you damn near have to reach for a night light. “Bitter Water” was my favorite track with a foreboding harmonized refrain like some twisted spiritual to a reverse baptism. Believe me when I say Big Haunt is a welcomed ghost, providing catchy folky tunes that will undoubtedly take up residency in your aural attic space. – Ted Jamison
L.A.
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Stream: Bür Gür, “Bush”
Mixing the more absurd elements of Animal Collective’s looping, electronics and sound design with trip hop and droning psychedelia, Bür Gür offer something eclectically engaging for the ear drums. While they could be lost amongst the sea of young kids making music on their laptops in the suburbs of LA, they stood out to this skeptic for their unpretentious approach and attention-grabbing arrangements. Utlitizing loops and beats to fill out a sound driven by layered guitars and sparse vocals, their sound is best represented as experimental pop. Stream "Bush" below. – Jacqueline Caruso
New England
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Tumbling Bones folks things up with new singles
In December, Tumbling Bones previewed its upcoming full-length debut with the singles “Broken Things” and “Money is for Spending.” On the former, the folksy trio borrows Fleet Foxes’ bright vocal harmonies to tell the story of a girl who “doesn’t have many unbroken dreams,” and adds a touch of banjo and violin to give the song an all-American sound. Americana comes even further into the forefront on the up-tempo “Money is for Spending,” which just begs to be played at your next communal square dance. Catch the guys at a Pete Seeger tribute tonight at One Longfellow Square in Portland, Maine, and look for their upcoming album this spring. – Jake Reed
Philadelphia
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The Deli Philly’s Year End Poll – Top Performers: Chris Forsyth
Walls are artificial boundaries that in some aspects contain and provide structure by limiting the possibilities of a piece of music, forcing a focus. And in most cases, this focus is welcomed. However, Chris Forsyth & The Solar Motel successfully topple over the traditional mold, revealing a wide-open terrain. The abundance of space enables the group, led by Forsyth’s exemplary guitar work, to explore freely. Through this stretching process, the overall sound can better evolve over the course of a song, album or live set. Rather than rushing past an intriguing musical side street, they can get into the thick of it. While most songs provide a singular snapshot of a moment, Forsyth and crew dig deeper. An expertly honed psych atmosphere is the cornerstone of an organic yet consciously controlled sound. So, instead of merely offering a momentary glimpse, Forsyth & The Solar Motel allot the necessary time to orchestrate vivid songs that transport the listener from one place to another, mapping out the journey. This venture provides solace by comfortably erasing the expectations of knowing were you’re going and how you’re getting there. Simply letting you sit back and embrace the scenery, which is why you find Chris Forsyth in the very respectable third place position in our Year End Philly Best Emerging Artists Poll 2013. – Michael Colavita
Chicago
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August Premier
Pop-Punk’s not dead and August Premier have a new EP that will tell why. "Rebel Without Applause" is being released this month through Pacific Ridge Records and from the sounds of "Day Drinks & Daydreams" it will have you drinking away your blues in no time.
You can catch August Premier on Feb. 22nd at Township with White City, Hard Kiss and She’s Alive.
NYC
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NYC Artists on the rise: Flagland plays The Twisted Shamrock on 02.22
Pull on that old grandma sweater, roll your own cigarette, put on the dirtiest jeans you can find. We’re going to let Flagland take us back to a simpler time. A time when bands were just being bands. Playing music that meant something to them, not trying to please the entire world. The Brooklyn trio taps into a pocket once occupied by Mudhoney or Sebadoh and other secular acts from the 90’s. It’s a time we long for once again, and one that’s definitely making a resurgence. We’re all for it, let’s throw caution to the wind, focus on the music, don’t worry about anything else. Those were the days, and thanks to bands like Flagland, they may be coming back again.
Check out their latest release Lovehard, and see them live at The Twisted Shamrock on Feb. 22nd before they head on a mini tour in New England. But if you can’t make it, don’t worry about it, take it easy, crank up the music and dream on. – Joe Fish
San Francisco
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Best SF Emerging Artists of the year: Down Dirty Shake, Disappearing People, French Cassettes
One last post to celebrate the top three bands from our year end Best of SF Poll for Emerging Artists.
Down Dirty Shake
San Francisco based, psychedelic soul rock group, Down Dirty Shake has been honored with the title of The Deli Magazine San Francisco’s Emerging Artist of 2013. Even without that accomplishment, they are one of the hardest working bands in the Bay Area. This sometimes sultry, sometimes completely rowdy soul band that features the smooth Jim Morrison-esque vocals of lead singer, A.J. Lopez, plays a plethora of shows in San Fran and Oakland.
They played a four-week residency at The Milk Bar in the summer of 2013, and continue to record and release impressively psychedelic recordings. Their January release, The Beauville Boogie features two new songs: Sun Cheyenne and Stoned Love, which are previews of their upcoming full length album.
Down Dirty Shake’s sexy ‘60s throwback ballads are completely romantic and lyrically impressive. You can always groove to their love and sex-centric music, as their songs are powerfully soulful, well composed and well written. If you haven’t seen Down Dirty Shake live, you will be doing yourself a favor by experiencing their energetic and wildly entertaining performances. (Note: you can read about DDS in the upcoming SXSW print edition of The Deli Magazine, coming soon!)
Disappearing People
The noisy heavy, dank experimental and unpredictable Oakland based duo, Disappearing People is the runner-up for The Deli Magazine San Francisco Emerging artist band of 2013. Our hand selected jury and writers really thought DP was one of the cream of the crop in the SF Bay scene. We completely agree. This band’s otherworldly dissonance and musical experimentation will take you on a wild ride, and show that music doesn’t have to be structured and pop oriented to move a crowd!
French Cassettes
French Cassettes is a veteran emerging band, finally getting their recognition as they were the second runner-up on the poll. They’ve proven time and time again that they can record great records, fill a room of anticipating and supportive fans and make their mark on the local music scene. We’re always happy to cover this well rounded indie pop band. They’re playing Noisepop 2014 this month in San Francisco, so keep an eye out here at The Deli SF for more details about their appearance!
Now that the poll is officially over, the Deli staff would like to thank all of the local jurors, artists, readers and writers for participating and making this year’s Emerging Artist poll a great success. We look forward to introducing a new list of emerging bands next year as we continue to cover and support the SF Bay’s underground and indie music scene.
Also look out for interviews with the winners of our Reader’s poll, Major Powers & The Lo-Fi Symphony and 2013’s Emerging Artist of the Year, Down Dirty Shake – SF Editor, je
Philadelphia
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White Birds Return & Opening for Teen Men at The Boot & Saddle Feb. 20
White Birds return tonight with their first show in two years at The Boot & Saddle. The band originally formed after the break-up of Yep Roc psych-pop outfit Drink Up Buttercup, and was comprised of James Harvey, Farzard Houshiarnejad and Mike Cammarata. Now, Houshiarnejad and Cammarata have moved on to form Night Panther, and Harvey will be joined by new members Tom Connolly and Colin Pate of Forbidden Rooms and Ladies Auxiliary and Jesse Moore of Auctioneer and Ladies Auxiliary. They’ll be opening this evening for Teen Men, the latest music meets visual art spinoff of The Spinto Band, alongside the polished tunes of singer-songwriter Heyward Howkins. The Boot and Saddle, 1131 S. Broad St., 9pm, $10, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman
White Birds – Hondora from White Birds on Vimeo.
New England
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Shorewave Records Presents: Honeywild, Fax Holiday and Funeral Advantage on February 22
Boston/Brooklyn-based label Shorewave Records is taking over the Tasty Burger basement in Harvard Sq. (Cambridge, MA) this Saturday night, February 22. Upon first glance, that may not seem like a novel occurence (there’s a ton of "Brooklyn" and "Boston/Brooklyn" labels and promotions groups out there vying for attention), but the quality of this bill sets Shorewave apart from the competition. Honeywild (on the Shorewave roster) will be joined by my local favorite Fax Holiday and Funeral Advantage, starting promptly at 9PM.
Doors are at 8PM and the show is FREE. The Shorewave bill will be followed by another epic event produced by Eye Design (featuring Ontario-based The Dirty Nil), so be sure to stick around after the show to catch even more rad tunes.
-Dan McMahon (@dmcmhn)
NYC
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Bushwick’s Joya Bravo debuts new video for “SUPERSTAR”
Afro-Punk Glam Dancehall warrior Joya Bravo wants you to dance. Or didn’t you get the memo? If you’re unsure of how to proceed, just peep the new video for her song, “Superstar.” There’s a nice play on the idea of a certain cartoon mouse in relation to a young girl… in relation to Joya herself. There’s also some pretty saucy footage of Joya molesting a washboard-abbed model. Filmed in Brooklyn’s 3rdEye(Sol)ation Gallery in Bushwick, it’s a perfect frame for her masterful pop-funk songwriting. You can be her superstar, you just better hurry. – BrokeMC
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Waves” (Demo) – Ghost Gum
We’ve been digging the poppy shoegaze/fuzz-rock vibes from Ghost Gum on their track "Waves." It’s the opener from the group’s debut batch of demos. The band is a new project that features former Catnaps members, Carolyn Haynes and Ben Walls, and Glocca Morra‘s Arika Dayan. The next show on their calendar is Friday, March 28 at Golden Tea House.