NYC

A NYC electronic band shrouded in mystery: WOLVVES

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There must be a reason why electronic bands are more prone to embrace dark and mysterious atmospheres than – say – acoustic ones. Maybe it’s a legacy of the feelings most humans experienced when they heard electronic instruments for the first time: puzzlement, incredulity, fear of a future dominated by robots! Of course, in the new millennium nobody reacts that way to even the most sophisticated of electronic devices, but tons of electro bands keep making music that ranges from the suspenseful to the apocalyptic. That’s exactly the range where Brooklyn’s WOLVVES find their comfort zone, and the band has no problem admitting it, stating on their bandcamp page that their debut 2013 EP ‘Feed the Hand that Bites’ is "Inspired by darkness, predators, loneliness, ghost twins and the eternal wistfulness of platonic love." Single "It Speaks" is a rather terrifying track where whispered vocals are stalked by unsettling electronic parts, something that "speaks," and – appropriately enough – howling wolves. "A Breath Away" (streaming) is a less bizarre, beautifully written and executed electro-pop-goth song, that illustrates how this band might actually go places without the need of too many gimmicks. Check them out live if you like theatrical sets.

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best Electronic songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

NYC

Cosmonaut unveils video from upcoming EP + lands Pianos residency

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Anyone thirsty for a sound that’s classic New York reinvented, should check out Cosmonaut. The band carries a torch for acts like Television and The Strokes, (they were even featured on ‘Occupy This Album’ alongside Patti Smith!), while bringing shades of dreamy (and more British leaning) pop shoe-gazery along for the ride. It’s an ecstatic, melodic high that’ll reconnect you to a New York before John Varvatos took over CBGB’s, and at once transport you the (hopefully) warmer months ahead. The project of guitarist/singers, Fordham classmates Jack Manley and Daniel Quinn, Cosmonaut has been together since 2009, and is about to release its second EP (‘Radio Silence’) this April. Check out the trippy video for the title track below, and catch them at the first date of their Piano’s April residency: next Tuesday, April 8th at 10pm. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)

NYC

A NYC band you shouldn’t forget about: Lips

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We missed to highlight Lips‘ new EP "Ghosts and Demons," dated December 2013, even though the artist got some exposure from us for making it in our latest Year End Best of NYC Poll for Emerging Artists. The brainchild of New Zealand native Stephanie Brown, Lips plays edgy, keyboard driven synth-pop of the non-breezy/summery variety. The signature tension and "noir" elements in her tracks are always counterbalanced by melodies that are memorable and sophisticated. Opening single and EP title track "Ghost Demons" is a suspenceful number where stomping distorted drums and a simple (but cool) synth arrangement are carried by the vocals towards a chorus where Stephanie’s voice is left alone, singing about loneliness. Fans of Bjork and Lykke Li will find something very interesting here, and not just because of the cute foreign accent.

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best NYC songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

Philadelphia

Pattern is Movement Celebrate Record Release at Boot & Saddle April 3rd

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The eclectic duo of Andrew Thiboldeaux and Chris Ward combine forces becoming Pattern is Movement. After six years, the pair released a new eponymous LP Tuesday via Home Tapes. Headlining a record release show at Boot & Saddle this evening, their latest effort implements a large spectrum of instrumentation (keys, strings, horns etc.,) building an intricately layered sound, that despite its many parts, retains a calming light radiance. Amid the dramatic even cinematic tones, an omnipresent groove resounds. In support of their new record Cosmos, Alex Shaaf-led experimental rockers Yellow Ostrich occupy the middle slot with a constantly morphing ear-catching sound. Local trio Busses open the night performing a blend of spacey psyche-rock, which ranges from a daydream-esque floating to a heavy tighter tension. Boot & Saddle 11131 S. Broad St., 8pm., $12-$14, 21+ -Michael Colavita
Philadelphia

The Lawsuits, Banned Books, Gretchen Lohse take part in April Communion at Underground Arts April 3rd

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Promotions team and indie label Communion has curated another stacked lineup for tonight at their monthly Communion event at Underground Arts. Originally founded by Mumford & Sons’ Ben Lovett, the Communion concert series tours the world, this month featuring the dreamy, passionate crooner Johnny Stimson as he lets loose his soulful falsetto and subsequently rises to fame. Also traveling with the series is the Nashville country act, Sturgill Simpson. The lineup is peppered with some Philadelphia favorites: indie jammers The Lawsuits (transitioning from hip riffs to rockabilly and back), experimental and loud duo Banned Books, and the always ethereal Gretchen Lohse. The bands will be switching off between two stages, so get ready to receive your communion with a night of non-stop music. Underground Arts, 1200 Callowhill Street, 8pm, $15, 21+ – Maggie Grabmeier

NYC

Rap-Rock band on the rise: The Band Called Fuse

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NYC/Philly/DC based collective The Band Called Fuse (that’s their actual name), fronted by Brooklyn MC Silent Knight and MC and MPC maestro Soul Qloc, is hot-wiring Rap Rock back into the race. The video for “Soul Rock Anthem” from their recently released album Impossible Dream is a bare bones throwback to rock videos from the early 80s. As the MCs prowl the strobing soundstage delivering their raps, their bandmates thrash and jitter in the background with surreal vim. Balancing out the electrified raps, K-Dez’s analog croon takes over the end of the track and pulls it all together. The Fuse Nation is growing; can you feel the heat? – BrokeMc

Chicago

Varsity

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The garage pop trio Varsity are releasing their EP, "Thanks For Nothing", via Jurassic Pop digitally and on Cassette on April 8th. The band has released the incredibly catching track "New Wave" for all to listen to.

Varsity will be celebrating the release of "Thanks For Nothing" at Emporium Arcade Bar (1366 N. Milwaukee) on April 8th with The Peekaboos. They will also be performing at Beat Kitchen on April 19th with Owel, Moxie Movie, and Dream Version.

Chicago

The Cheyenne Line

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Suburban Pop-Punk band The Cheyenne Line have released their debut EP, "Kid I Used To Know" digitally, and are still working on the physically product. The EP is energetic and seems to put a subtle new twist on the ’90’s Pop-Punk style.

You can venture on into the suburbs and catch The Cheyenne Line on April 26th at McHenry Moose Lodge #691.