Our regular readers may have noticed that we like to highlight residencies played by local artists in local venues, but admittedly we entirely missed Bonsai‘s November one at Pete Candy’s Store – admittedly, we weren’t aware that the lovely east Williamsburg venue actually had residencies! Well, not only they have them, but they also pick good artists for them, since Bonsai’s music is an absolute delight. Their self titled debut EP is a delicate and dreamy alt folk gem. Opener "Bonsai Trees" – the most accomplished track on the record, streaming below – shows the trio’s interest in revisiting traditional American music in new ways, employing intriguing percussive textures, inventive and appropriate guitar parts, and a production that’s edgy without being over the top. Of course, all this wouldn’t do much if Simone Stevens’ vocals and melodies weren’t spot on, confident and compelling. The magic continues with "When it Rains," a more subdued track floating in oozes of reverb and supported by what sounds like an acoustic guitar two-note sample loop. Atmospheric ballad "I fashion you are a dreamer" turns up the melancholy big time with a verse as intense as it gets, only to deliver one of those powerfully uplifting choruses that – unless you are fully corrupted by life – can touch you in deep ways. Upbeat pop number "I Like You Man" and final folky song "Messed Up" fill up the record competently, but without reaching the heights of the first three tracks. This is a small, beautiful record with the power to awaken emotions and make people closer, i.e. exactly what the doctor orders every time a new year begins.

This band submitted their music for coverage here.
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best mellow songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

Will we ever grow tired of artists inspired by British dream pop legends The Cocteau Twins? We doubt it. Here’s a brand new NYC band that quite unapologetically brushes up the ethereal sound and vocal stylings of Elizabeth Fraser and company: they are called Arc Waves, and their debut self titled EP came out in September 2014. They’ve been playing shows at Pianos and Bowery Electric.

This band submitted their music for coverage here.

If the golden rule of pop is based on a balance of tension and release, then this genre is entirely absent from the repertoire of Brooklyn based power trio Young Runner, which is built upon a foundation of "tension and EVEN MORE tension." You can gather that from single "Wet Cement" (streaming), an unrelenting aural assault vaguely inspired to early grunge and industrial rock, but enriched with anthemic guitar riffs, that from an initial simple bass line alarmingly builds up towards the sonic peak of the chorus, featuring filtered vocals, frantic drums and rivers of distoreted guitars. The band released their self titled debut EP this summer and lately has been regularly playing at noise loving venues like Cake Shop and Don Pedro.

This band submitted their music for coverage here.

Besides having a truly beautiful voice, young NYC songwriter Lynette Williams also possesses the ability to blend beautifully soul, pop and jazz influences. Her debut EP "Songs For Sarah" is a surprising first effort, very mature musically and filled with quality tracks. We are enjoying in particular "What Am I Loving You For" (streaming here). Lovers of Soul Pop should go see her show at Bowery Electric on January 16.

This artist submitted their music for coverage here.

Klaus – a synth duo that will be able to tell their children (if any) that they played legendary Glasslands twice on the last month of its existence – brings back the sound of the darkest new wave of the ’80s, quoting the lugubrious atmospheres of Joy Division, but adorning them wth fluid analog synth orchestrations and sudden chorus openings. The band has actually been active for about three years, but they have been getting some buzz recently thanks to a series of electronic shows organized by Popgun, where they shared the stage with TR/ST, Beacon, and Eleven Pond among others. Check out this video for single "Chump," unveiled in 2013.