Releasing an EP is a classic step for new bands to get their name on the scene, but the electro-pop trio BUHU decided to up the ante. Each of the four tracks on their new release went through a lengthy creative process, with every part staged, recorded and filmed separately. What we get from their labor of love is a four-part audio-visual dance party. They opted to spread the release out over their July residency at Swan Dive, bringing in other great local acts and releasing a video from the project with each week’s show. The fourth and final video is set to premier there this Friday, July 25th, along with performances from SIP SIP, Total Unicorn, and Slomo Drags. To put it simply (because BUHU won’t), you can expect a good time. –Written by: Marie Meyers
New S.T.S. EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
"For those that follow S.T.S., you probably know his 3 favorite things, WOMEN, WEED, and what to WEAR." Well, with his latest seven-track EP We Can Talk Politics & World Affairs, Sugar Tongue Slim tackles such topics and more that we tend to shy away from in public conversations. The different look at one of Philly’s finest emcees was produced by Grammy-nominated, multi-talented Khari Mateen with a feature from S.T.S.’s favorite collaborative partner, DJ BearOne.
Cookies plays Rough Trade with Avan Lava on 07.31
Following the disbandment of avant-pop trio The Mobius Band, Brooklyn based singer songwriter/producer Ben Sterling started Cookies in 2012. The project basically channeled solo material he had been working on since around 2009. On July 31st the band will be performing at Rough Trade (together with that unstoppable EDM machince known as Avan Lava) and unveil new material off the upcoming debut record entitled ‘Music for Touching,’ scheduled for a September 9 release. The record features Colin Stetson (Arcade Fire), Aakaash Israni (Dawn of Midi), Tom Vek, Rebecca Zeller (Ra Ra Riot), the Magik Magik Orchestra, and the voices of Melissa Metrick, Areni Agbabian and Ashley Giorgi, who serve as the female counterpoint to Sterling’s baritone. Listen to the title track below.
Animal Years releases new album + plays Brooklyn Bowl on 07.31
Animal Years is a project spearheaded by Mike McFadden, who primarily was a solo artist until he moved to Brooklyn, where he gathered a full band for his set. Their debut LP, Sun Will Rise, is anthemic and powerful; a passionate work of thrilling crescendos fueled by bright and expansive guitar and McFadden’s lyrical prowess. His vocals are firm and expressive, charging through each song with an impressive force. "Let Go of Your Head" has an electrifying energy, chiefly when the chorus kicks in; infectiously catchy, it stands out on the album as a high point. Stream the song below and you can watch the video for their song "Forget What They’re Telling You" here. You can see them live at the Brooklyn Bowl on Thursday, July 31st where they will open for Bronz Radio Return.
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best Alt Rock songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!
Hurry Opening for Hospitality & Ex Hex at JB’s July 23
With their second LP Everything/Nothing on the horizon, the Matthew Scottoline (Everyone Everywhere) led trio, Hurry, heads into Johnny Brenda’s this evening. Bookended by cousins Joe DeCarolis (Psychic Teens) and Rob DeCarolis (Univox), Hurry’s songs almost immediately assimilates to one’s ear. There’s an easy-going nature to Scottoline’s semi-spoken vocals, melding with crisp snap and pop instrumentation, which are given an additional texture by the presence of fiery fuzzed guitar. As we await the new release (whose contents could be showcased tonight), Hurry effectively hovers the threshold of pop-rock, capturing a smoothness that makes your head bob, while retaining a harder edge that keeps listeners on their toes. DC pop-punk trio Ex Hex, who will release their debut LP Rips via Merge Records, bridges the gap to headliners and fellow labelmates Brooklyn-based pop trio Hospitality. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 8pm, $12, 21+ – Michael Colavita
New Oceans
The punk trio New Oceans released their scorching new EP, What’s The Use, last month. The EP is now available for free download on the band’s bandcamp.
Free Download: “In The Flowers” – Circadian Rhythms
Circadian Rhythms are coming out of hiding this Friday, July 25 at Bourbon & Branch with pals Laser Background and Hello Shark. The band has been working on recording its new EP A Passing Thought, and has also expanded to become a seven-piece. You can take a listen and download below the single, "In The Flowers," from their upcoming album.
Video: The Donkeys, “Scissor Me Cigs”
The dreamy, sun-drenched essence of the golden coast is an intoxicant in itself. And San Diego’s own The Donkeys are turning out a style of soft rock perfectly complimentary to the quintessential Cali vibe. Drawing from 60’s surf rock instrumentation similar to Dick Dale & The Del Tones and The Beach Boys, their newest full-length album release Ride the Black Wave offers a sound much like it name suggests: a hybrid between swaying, soft beach music reminiscent of Best Coast and Beach Fossils, along with something a bit darker. The result of this combination being a pleasantly somber and sedating fusion of rock, sunshine, and surf. Think Arctic Monkeys in paradise. – Michael Iemma
The KDSML Revue Returns to Exit/In 7.24
Exit/In will be featuring some of the freshest, most innovative talent in the South this Thursday night. The KDSML Revue is the brainchild of its namesake, a UK-born turntablist with a DJ pedigree (his father wrote Babe Ruth’s "The Mexican"). The purpose of the Revue is to showcase new artists and foster a collaborative spirit that reaches beyond genre and medium boundaries; the lineup for the evening includes Atlanta’s Skymatic, SOSA, Black Cat Sylvester, Audeon, and live painting on Exit/In’s new patio by REX2. Check out this video of KDSML and Black Cat Sylvester showcasing the newly-patented Synth Table. Expect just as much noodle-y dancing and more grooves on Thursday. The event kicks off at 9, and cover is $5 (although ladies get in free before 11.) -Terra James-Jura
Shenandoah and the Night releases first of a series of EPs + plays Pete’s Candy Store on 07.25
Sultry folk band Shenandoah and the Night (whose debut EP was The Deli NYC’s Record of the Month back in 2011) has just released the haunting ‘100 Wants, Part One,’ the first of a series of live and studio recordings that will be released on a quarterly basis and will culminate in a vinyl pressing upon completion. Infectiously feminine Shenandoah Ableman’s and her uniquely melancholic (and almost vintage sounding) soprano return this time within even sparser arrangements, and we’re hoping the rest of the releases follow suit— so far, we love what we’re hearing. Listen to the release here and be sure to catch their July 25th performance at Pete’s Candy Store. – Jillian Dooley
Street Eaters Release New Music Video – Empty Rooms
Bay Area based experimental alt punk band, Street Eaters have released a new music video for their song, Empty Rooms. The video is a manic, semi art nouveau short film that is fun and high energy. The duo blinks in and out of different backdrops and scenery throughout the piece making the video seamlessly odd while still looking like it’s been professionally shot. Check it out. Street Eaters rock!
Don’t miss their album release show at the Hemlock Tavern in San Francisco with No Babies on August 14th. The show is FREE!
New YIKES the ZERO LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
YIKES the ZERO recently dropped his latest full-length album Yikey The Giant Slayer. The experimental producer/emcee simply doesn’t sound like any artist coming out of Philly’s underground hip-hop scene, and that’s obviously a good thing to us. YIKES will be celebrating the record’s release this Thursday, July 24 at Kung Fu Necktie with support from Old Hands, Hang-Up to Flat, and Carl Kavorkian.