Like many successful antifolk acts, Crazy & the Brains have spent the last few years building a following outside of the fertile, yet insular scene where they first got their start in 2009 (you guessed it, NYC). Their other foot has remained firmly planted within: "All I Really Want" is a Barry Bliss cover, and the band plays regular gigs with scene alumni like Hamell on Trial, Jeffrey Lewis, and Toby Goodshank of the Moldy Peaches. Singer/guitarist Chris Urban is an ideal frontman, dishing out well-crafted Ramones sendups. Cofounder Jeff Rubin is the secret weapon, however. As essential as a hype man, his xylophone bashing and backing vocals help give this endearing party band a distinct sound. Look out for an upcoming video release for "NYC" on May 16th @ Shea Stadium in Brooklyn. In the meantime check out their latest single "All I Really Want" below.
Owls @ Subt
Owls (Tim Kinsella, Mike Kinsella, Sam Zurick, Victor Villarreal) are back with Two, the long awaited follow-up to their 2001 self-titled debut album. The four men were originally together in the early ’90 as Cap’n Jazz. These four musicians have been involved in numerous project over the latest two decades and Owls is among the finest.
You can catch Owls at Subt on May 16th to celebrate the release of Two.
The Acetates Host May Residency at Silverlake Lounge
The comely acoustic folk of The Acetates greets you like an unexpected postcard from an old friend – always reliable, familiar, and with a reminder that things are going to be just fine. Their stripped-down songs are closely-observed musings that depict images of the everday, though they incorporate wind instruments to give it a fuller texture; think of nostalgic city dwellers reminiscing about the simple country life backing Paul Simon on his latest tour. After two sporadic singles released through bandcamp in 2012, both in the vein of gleaming Americana, the Echo Park quintet are finally releasing their debut EP on the last night of their May residency at Silverlake Lounge.
Todd Kessler “Put You In My Pocket”
Todd Kessler and The New Folk recently released a new video for his track "Put You In My Pocket" from their 2012 album Sea Fever. The video was animated by the talented Sara Lim.
Todd Kessler will performing as part of a benefit at City Winery Chicago on May 31 for Below the Belt: Fighting For Women’s Pelvic Health.
NJ’s Vows conjure up noir dreams + plays Cake Shop tomorrow (05.10)
Vows is the electronic project of four New Jersey based musicians from Somerset County – yes we cover the NJ scene that far. But wait… it’s also the name of an electronic band from Brooklyn! May the law suit begin! Anyway, we covered the Brooklyn guys a bunch of times already, so it’s time to focus on their NJ colleagues. Even though in their bandcamp profile’s tags Vows label themselves as "Dream Pop", their music features a philosophic aura and a subtle creepiness that fits with the word "dream" but kind of fights with the notion of "pop" – we think they should rather find a label with the word "noir" in it. Their debut came out in 2011, but after two years without output, the band seems to have found new inspiration in 2013, which led to the release of full length "Stranger Things" that same year, and then already three singles and two EPs in 2014!!!
We are digging this song from their February 2014 single "Ride This Out" – check it out below. By the way, Vows will NOT be playing live at Cake Shop tomorrow night (05.10) – that’s the other Vows…
Weekend Warrior, May 9 – 11
From the Digital Submissions: Muteboy’s psychtronica
An artist used to making opposites work for him, Muteboy, in his latest 2-track album transforms anxiously existential lyrics into buttery summer vocals on ‘Sunny Day,’ and brushes easy-going acoustic guitar strokes over static-soaked wilderness samples for ‘Sleepy Day.’ It’s the perfect good weather treat for anyone that likes their laptops hanging in the same room as their acoustic guitars.
The producer/songwriter originally got his name from bullies on his grade school bus, but has since turned that around too: making something truly unique from the kinds of sounds and lyrics other people usually miss. Check out ‘Sunny Day’ below and hear how he brings it all together. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best Electronic songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!
Speed Up w/Slow Animal at Toby’s Purgatory May 9
New Track: “Year of the Sunhouse” – Little Big League
Philly’s own Little Big League have a new song called "Year of the Sunhouse" that they premiered yesterday over at Pitchfork. It’s a promising glimpse into their next project, a 7-inch split with Ovlov, that they’ll be releasing, once again, via Charlotte, NC indie label Tiny Engines. The band will be performing next in Philly on Wednesday, May 14 at The Barbary, which will be the kick-off to their upcoming tour.
Weekend Roundup
There are tons of shows going on this weekend; here’s our picks for the best representation of Nashville talent that’s unrelated to the Steeplechase and also most likely places to pick up a bearded hipster.
Friday:
Hurts to Laugh celebrates their video premier at fooBar with Megajoos and Manana Panics, 9pm, $7
The Deli has already recommended getting weird with Roman Polanski’s Baby, River City Tanlines and Thelma and the Sleaze at The Stone Fox, 9pm, $5.
Saturday:
Kansas Bible Company play with Joe Hertler and the Rainbow Seekers at The Stone Fox, 9pm,$7
Penicillin Baby celebrate the release of their first 7" at The Basement with Moseley, Faux Ferocious and Quichenight, 9pm, $5
Conestyle with The Xists and Jawws play The End, 8pm, $5
Sunday:
Jake Orvis and the Broken Band play with Call Me Bronco and Washintonian James Hunicutt at The End, 9pm, $8
The Basement’s Sunday Post features Hugh Mitchell, Jordan DePaul, Casey and the Train, Modern Medicine and Gina Venier, 8pm, no cover
If you find yourself downtown near Puckett’s around 7pm, poke your head in and catch their Sunday Spotlight Artist, Neo Tundra Cowboy.
Loom creates “Echoes” on new single
If you remember d’s house sounds, you’ll want to check out the latest single from Loom – a band that consists of d, or Danielle Capalbo, alongside Willis Touri, Jared Thompson and Ashley Kenney. “Echoes” trades in the foggy vocals of house sounds for a catchy melody that sounds like Gwen Stefani tackling dreamy indie pop. On its B-side, “Every Crime,” the New Haven quartet gets even dreamier, with guitars and chimed “ooh”s that reverberate through brazen chords. Peep the songs on Soundcloud now and keep your eye out for a full-length release in the near future. – Jake Reed, @jakejreed
Brandon Davis’ “Lay You Down”
Brandon Davis’ recently released single “Lay You Down” is fantastic. Pensive acoustic guitar and melancholy vocals aid in creating a touchingly longing tone. His honest lyrics about watching someone he cares about struggle with addiction while trying to handle his own really hit home. –Hannah Brady