Toy Soldiers just announced that their show on Friday, July 18 at Union Transfer with Cheers Elephant and Cheerleader will be "a sort of farewell, final hurrah for now, blowout bash" for the band. This really doesn’t come as a big surprise to us since frontman Ron Gallo released his new solo LP Ronny last week and the group had noticeably lost momentum after its raucous eleven-piece (or so) lineup disbanded in 2011. The most recent split seems amicable with its "never say never" vibe, and you can find out what the band’s latest members will be up to in the "long version" of their "R.I.P." message HERE. We’ll always remember them as the headliner of one of our first Deli Philly-presented showcases at a short-lived DIY space in a plastic bag factory across from Kung Fu Necktie that none of our staff and the people, who we still keep in touch with that ran it, can recall the name of, holding over four hundred drunken Temple students and future friends that evening. Good times – cheers, fellas! (Photo by Caitlin McCann)
Blank Brothers release colorful “Fade Soul” LP
Blank Brothers might sound like a well-contrived band name, but the band is actually just that: Conor, Phil and Jon Blank make up Blank Brothers, and they released the sample-driven Fade Soul on June 9. Album kick-off “Dollar for Dollar” recalls tUnE-yArDs with its stuttering drums and repeated vocal sample, and later, “Got To Be Alright” stretches the bounds of the electronic genre, with guitars and soulful vocal harmonies filling out the lush track. Fade Soul is available for free through the band’s Bandcamp or Soundcloud, so what are you waiting for? Download it now. – Jake Reed (@jakejreed)
5J Barrow wins WNYC’s Battle of the Bands + plays Rockwood on 07.11-12
We blogged about 5J Barrow (Deli chart ranking here) a few months ago, as they released their debut full-length album, ‘From the Dim, Sweet Light.’ Fronted by Broadway’s Spring Awakening star Eryn Murman, the sextet has just won WNYC’s Battle of the Boroughs. Their upbeat, dramatic music mixes folk roots with contemporary influences, and strong, soulful vocals. One particular favorite off the album is “Circus” for its uplifting tone and powerful voices. “Wildwood” features the same effervescent spirit, with a catchy beat. See them live at Rockwood on both 7/11 and 7/12. The first performance will be a special acoustic set. – Sammie Spektor
The Rare Occasions bring down the mood in “Dysphoric” video
If you liked our recently featured artist The Rare Occasions, check out their newly released video for “Dysphoric,” the urgent opening track from May’s Feelers EP. The video is an update on the classic performance clip, with a straightjacket, claustrophobic close-up shots and the world’s most melancholy birthday celebration capturing the song’s titular mood. You can watch “Dysphoric” below. – Jake Reed (@jakejreed)