While instrumental mediocrity is tolerated in many DIY inspired genres like Punk, Garage and Slacker Rock, you do not want to sound sloppy when you play in a Blues Rock band. Brooklyn’s Courtesy Tier know that, and produce music that’s as tight as it is explosive – both on record and live. What’s worth noticing though, is that they also, refreshingly, challenge a genre format that to many (us included) sounds at time stale. A song like "Cold" (from 2013, when they were still a duo), goes beyond the blues rock confinements, delivering something that’s truly unique. In this track, Omer Leibovitz’s relentless guitar recycles sonic references spanning from King Crimson’s early prog rock to the instrumental technique of old timey banjo players, while Layton Weedeman’s drums accentuate the song’s loud/quite/loud contrasting dynamics. Now a trio featuring Alex Picca on bass, the band announced the release of their new EP "Little Rock," with a release party scheduled at Rough Trade on November 3rd.

They defy every expectation with their sound, to say the least. Positive No, an indie pop rock group out of Richmond, has crafted a standout musicality with punk, dream pop, and indie influences all over the place, matched with an unpredictable flair for shifting crescendos. The energy is infectious and vocalist Tracy Wilson will have your attention within seconds, wrapping you around her little finger until the show’s end. Check out their wild and surprising jams at The Southern in Charlottesville on 10/24 at 10pm.

On first listen, the tides of fuzz bends and pick slides coming from Nick Ventura and JooJoo Ashworth will smash you against the pummel of Jeremy Katz’ low-end, knocking you senseless with the pelagic beats of Cameron Allen. And as your consciousness goes under the hazy depths, you will come to know Froth‘s oeuvre. The Los Angeles band, picked up once again by Burger Records for their 2015 sophomore Bleak, are traversing the interstate freeways of North America, having played a show yesterday at the Rebel Lounge in Phoenix, Arizona. Their next stop is the Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios in Denton, Texas, where they perform with Sealion and Dripping Wet.

The band has shifted from their ’60s psych-pop debut Patterns to a fuller sound, brimming with crackle and crunch. But beyond the shoegaze sonics, Froth is still very much centered on pop structure and sensibility, both highly sought after but rarely executed with grace.  

Watch their music video for "Nothing Baby", a "98% autobiographical" of drummer Cameron Allen, and let the feels seep in. Froth performs 11/12 at the Echoplex with Tamaryn — will we see you there? – Ryan Mo

Sometimes, in retrospect, some choices we make can be seen as premonitions… We booked garage pop duo Diet Cig for last week’s Deli flagship CMJ show at Pianos, even though we couldn’t cover them because they weren’t based in NYC, but New Paltz. Well, as it turns out, we met them the night of the show, and they announced their recent move to Brooklyn! And here comes the coverage: welcome to NYC Diet Cig, here’s another premonition for ya: it’s gonna drive you crazy with excitment (and stress)! The New Paltz boy and girl specialize in lighthearted garage pop featuring Alex Luciano’s adorably expressive vocals and casual lyrics, which tackle issues as varied as the dislike for smoking and the move into your first apartment. We are looking forward to hear what she has to say about her new life in the Big Apple! Their next show will be at Baby’s All Right on December 4th. Oh and by the way! They have a great live show.

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

Fresh from multiple appearances at the recently concluded CMJ fest, Brooklyn’s glam/grunge/garage rockers Sharkmuffin roll on with their personal take on the alternative rock sound. In addition to the myriad of rip-em-up exciting live appearances, the band continues to promote their recent full-length LP “Chartreuse.” That title track (streaming below) is a pure fun garage stomper, with lyrics detailing how they (someone) “Never want me around to hang loose;” the song sounds like a vintage rock and roll confusion scenario married to thumping bass and distorted guitar squalls. “First Date” moves in an even rawer, punkier direction, sounding like bratty girl-group fare with a touch of Siouxsie Sioux on her very first album “The Scream” (think “Carcass” or “Jigsaw Feeling”) in that shouty, aggressive vocal style. Sharkmuffin’s next show will be at popular Brooklyn haunt Pallisades on 10/30. We heard a rumor that, since the show will be the day before Halloween, the band will appear on stage dressed as The Powerpuff Girls – or rather some kind of hipster variation of them. – Dave Cromwell, photo by Chris Carlone