Philadelphia

Sheer Mag Opening for Ex Hex at Union Transfer April 26

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Because they just couldn’t fit everyone who wanted to get rowdy for South Philly outfit Sheer Mag and all-female punk trio Ex Hex at Boot and Saddle, the show has been moved to Union Transfer. If you’ve ever seen Sheer Mag live and felt the infectious energy, the move isn’t a shocker. The group’s shows are loud, sweaty, and even lead singer Christina Halladay has been known to be a star in a mosh pit. Their debut 2014 EP 7” and subsequent shows at the Farm and the Golden Tea House have earned them a dedicated fanbase that rarely misses the opportunity to scream lyrics back at them, even during all the chaos. Their second four-track EP II that was released earlier this month rips with the same raw angst that the band is known for, but elevates it with more of those punchy melodies and riffs that can be heard on their debut, like on the catchy, feel-good single, “Fan the Flames,” which they recently shared their first music video for (below). Union Transfer, 1026 Spring Garden St., 8:30, $15, All Ages (Photo by Amanda Hatfield) – Emily DiCicco

Austin

Corduroi

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If you haven’t yet, take a quick gander to the left of this here text and you’ll see somethin’ The Deli has been workin’ on for a goodly bit. Not only have we finally fixed our damn pesky top artists list, we’ve gone and improved the thing in some major ways. In particular, you now have all sorts of neat-ass options to sort the top bands in Austin, which we’ve added what for to get you more new musics to listen to. Mess around with it a bit, it’s some pretty cool new shit.

As an example of both said cool new shit and the kind of thing the list can show ya, take electronic artist/producer Corduroi who has been crackin’ into a few of the top artists lists now that we’ve gone and tweaked it. It’s no surprise to us whatsoever that Corduroi is showin’ up on there, because this guy, a born-n-bred Austinite whose real name is Cody Wilson, has been making quite a buzz about town this week with his fresh-ass debut album Oceanarium.

The ocean-themed, light-drenched Oceanarium was released by Raw Paw Records on 4/20, which is just too appropriate for this high-ready LP. That this album was born from water is not just apparent from the its name and its beached-up song titles, it’s also absolutely saturated with lovely sounds (many pulled straight from the ocean) that pair to perfection with images of impeccably lazy days by the sea. It’s an album you float through as if you were be-sunglassed, half-buzzed and half-asleep on an inner-tube surrounded by a never-ending series of waves which march off to the horizon as bright, warm daylight plays all around the ocean that is this music, making you feel like the world maybe really is a quite lovely place indeed.

In fact, the tone of this thing, and aiming for a specific tone is what this album is all about, reminds me of the first time I went to LA in the summer and got mild hypothermia from the ocean. I ended up sitting in a hot tub, burning and freezing at the same time and watching the sunset over the beach through eyes that were seeing everything like a cliche 60s film acid trip, all swirling technicolor and warped. It was, weirdly, a thoroughly pleasant, quirky feeling inspired by the sea that went all the way through to my bones, and that’s about as good as a description of Oceanarium as any I can think of.

You can get yer own float goin’ by streaming the whole thing here and gorgeous synth-laden single "Overboard" below, and if you dig it, there’s just ever so much more discoverin’ to do over to the left in our newfangled, fancypants top artist lists. Get t’listenin’ y’all, there’s a lot of ATX goodness over there just waiting for your ears.

Philadelphia

Lithuania Opening for Suburban Living at Bourbon & Branch April 25

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With Lithuania, what began as the pairing of Eric Slick (Dr. Dog) and Dominic Angelella (DRGN King) has filled out to a four-piece allowing Slick to stand up and step out front, no longer occupying the kit. With their debut LP Hardcore Friends due out via Lame-O Records this summer and a packed schedule of shows ahead, the band’s catchy punk/grunge sounds are sure to become road-tested. Tonight, they open the final show of Suburban Living’s residency at Bourbon and Branch. Chris Coulton ‘s dance-generating, temperature-elevating electro-pop project Dream Safari bridges the gap to the Wesley Bunch-led headliner, whom expose an emotive integrity amid continuously moving instrumental ground. There will also be a DJ set by Vacationer to top off this evening of local up-and-comers. Bourbon & Branch, 705 N. 2nd St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita

Toronto

ANAMAI

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ANAMAI is a murky mixture of ambient folk music, which proves to be calming and thought provoking. Layering airy vocals and spacious industrial sounding instruments is their stamp. Just recently they released their video for “Half” a song that lulls you, and still leaves room for you to imagine, and engulf yourself in the atmosphere they’ve created. This is definitely a tune to chill out to, maybe while laying on your floor looking at all your black light ceiling posters? Go Join them 04/24 at Cinecycle or they play in St.Catherines 04/25 for the In The Soil Festival! -Courtney Chalapenko

L.A.

Alexa Melo shares “Still Right Here”, announces new LP

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Twenty year-old singer-songwriter Alexa Melo held a major label deal from the age of 14, but refused to settle for any direction they tried to put her on. Finally parting ways last year, she’s teamed with producer Christian James Hand, best known for his work with rambling pop squad The Mowglis. Melo’s debut single, “Still Right Here,” represents the partnership well: she’s got a dark pop vibe, but more dusty southwestern guitars than trendy cold electronica. Her organic sound is only polished by Hand’s familiarity with making catchy sense out of a rollicking band’s madness, and he succeeds at balancing Melo’s passion with a controlled edginess. Think original Charli XCX goes cowgirl, or Florence and the Machine with a twang. The whole situation lends a lot of potential to Melo’s forthcoming self-titled LP, out on June 2nd.

Stream “Still Right Here” below and check her out at downtown venue The Smell on 5/8. – Brian J.K. Regan

San Francisco

The Night Light Celebrates Three Years of Rocking Out – 4/24, 4/25, 4/26

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One of Oakland’s premiere live music clubs, The Night Light has been going strong for three years, and the venue wants to celebrate with a massive party! The Night Light has booked over 650 live performances and is gearing up to throw a three day bash that includes 25 bands, 12 DJs, 6 comedians and whatever else they may have up their sleeves to make sure you know they appreciate your business and attendance!

A party: If you want it, we advise you to go and get it.
We have a link to the full line up right here for you.

San Francisco

Wild Moth and Happy Diving Support Domino Records’ Alex G. at Bottom of the Hill – 5/24

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The popular San Francisco based garage noise band, Wild Moth will be supporting Domino Records artist, Alex G at Bottom of the Hill on May 24th. As the micro scenes of the Bay Area begin to grow smaller and smaller, we’re happy that Wild Moth and their long time scene mates, Happy Diving will be sharing a bill with one another yet again. Some bands just go together like chocolate and peanut butter. So, if you’re into yummy treats like that, you should head down to BOTH and support a couple of cool local bands.

Headlinging the show will be the Philidelphia based musician, Alex G’s music is weird, loud and seemingly lofi if not simply recorded to give you that "bedroom recording" effect. If it has been a while since you’ve attended a decent avant-noise show, this would be the one to check out!

Chicago

Boy King Island

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The duo of Jason Hunt & Zachary Mastoon (aka Boy King Island) have released their new LP White Mirror. The hazy dream-pop album is available on clear vinyl, CD or digitally. This is the band’s follow-up the 2012 Plustape release Sun Worship. The band released a video for the album’s opening track, "Constellation", last month.

Constellation from Alexandra Lewis on Vimeo.

NYC

Oh Honey unveils video for ‘Sugar, You’ + plays the Today Show + tours with Ingrid Michaelson

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Things are looking good for super-poppy rootsy duo Oh Honey, a band we booked a couple of CMJs ago. After enjoying two EPs and a big single in 2014 ("Be Okay"), the band doesn’t seem interested in slowing down: their third EP "Wish You Were Here" – part of a series called "Postcards" – was released in late March, and just a few days ago they unveiled the video for single "Sugar, You" – streaming below, which gathered more than 50k plays on Youtube in just two days. That number is bound to go up quite a bit after they will be performing on TV at the Today Show on April 29. After that, they are surely looking forward to uplift the spirits of the US masses, while on tour with Ingrid Michaelson, in June.

NYC

NYC band on the ries: Gospels

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Admittedly, two years ago we totally missed NYC Gospels‘ noteworthy single "Animal Feelings," an atmospheric ballad full of intriguing textures and soulful vocal lines. In late 2014 the band released what appears to be their debut EP "Greenhouse," consistings of four catchy, well produced songs, blending electronic and acoustic sounds, and vaguely inspired to the electronic, radio friendly pop of the 80s. In opening track "Sleepwalkers" (streaming) we occasionally hear Peter Gabriel from the "So" years, blended with some of that jazzy pop critics of the decade used to call "sophisti-pop." Definitely a fine debut.

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

Chicago

Budway Ferris @ Quenchers Saloon

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Newcomers Budway Ferris have released their first single, "Mountain Song". The band is fronted by Budway himself along with Kelsey Tortorice and backed by Jake Gold (guitar), Benji Jacobs (bass) and Elliot Borg (drums). I am not sure what mountains they are singing to here in Chicago but I love the tune and am looking forward to big things to come.

You can catch Budway Ferris at Quenchers Saloon on April 30th with Heroin Chic and The Glass Eyes.