"Direct Message" is the first single from KOH-IZT, the new collaborative project between Joe Valle (drummer of Wet) and Orlando Volcano (owner of Escape From Nature, the label releasing the compilation this track is included in). Established in 2015, Escape From Nature is a boutique record label based in New York which "observes, disregards and redefines the boundaries of what club music is and what it can be," which is certainly an ambitious mission statement. The duo keeps faith to it with a truly bizarre track that’s dancy without featuring the routine four on the floor. The crucial question here seems to be: will people really feel like shaking their butts to music this unconventional? We tried and… well, we felt like it!
NYC
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Power Pop Brooklynites Narc Twain celebrate EP release at The Knit on 12.03
Trying to convey irony or sarcasm in the Facebook profile’s "Short Description" box is one of Brooklyn bands’ favorite hobbies. Indie rockers Narc Twain do so by wrapping the word band in quotes: ‘ Narc Twain is a "band" ‘ – they state. Well, quotes or no quotes, they certainly sound like a "band," and a rather tight and punhcy one for that matter. Yeah because "bands" don’t always sound like bands (or viceversa), in particular when they are sloppy and unawarely out of tune. Something these guys are not. So, yes, NT "members": The Deli is ok with you removing those quotes! The quintet unveiled two singles from their upcoming debut EP, the release of which will be celebrated through a show at the Knit on December 3rd. Their sound seems to incarnate the paradox of a fast and furious – and sometimes dissonant – band led by a… "gentleman." After the fierce intro of "Downhill," we were all expecting the guttural scream of a rabid lead singer, but were instead surprised by Tommy Siegel’s (of Jukebox the Ghost fame) rather polite delivery. This inconsistency kind of works though, shifting the band’s sound towards a sonic terrain poppier than we had anticipated. Check out also second single Future Shock.
Chicago
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Glad Rags
Glad Rags is the trio of Matt Norris, Ben Karas, and Corey Anderson. Together they create a sound that combines jazz, psych pop, and dream pop. They recently released a video for the lead single, "Jane Goodall", from their forthcoming self-titled LP. The album will be released via Grandpa Bay on November 30th.
You can catch Glad Rags at The Dollhouse on Nov. 20th and at Empty Bottle on Nov. 30th with The Bribes, Bleach Party, and Pony Show.
Philadelphia
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New Track: “The Waking World” (Feat. I Break Horses) – Lushlife/CSLSX
Lushlife, a.k.a. Raj Haldar, has a new collaborative album, Ritualize, with Philly productions crew CSLSX, coming out on February 19 via Western Vinyl. He also recruited a little help for Swedish indie outfit I Break Horses for his latest single. Lushlife states, "’The Waking World’ is a surreal look at the mindset of Mark David Chapman on the morning he assassinates John Lennon. The frenetic quiet-then-loud production from CSLSX, and I Break Horses’ anthemic but melancholy chorus offered the perfect backdrop to zoom in and spit rhymes that explore my own relationship to depression, adolescent sensitivity, and obsession in the context of a single culture-altering moment." You can stream the track below, which was featured earlier today at The Line of Best Fit. (Photo by Ebru Yildiz)
Nashville
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Pageant to Release Sophomore EP “Endless Sun” 11.13
Nashville-based folk pop 4-piece Pageant are set to release their sophomore EP "Endless Sun" this Friday 11.13, and since we got a sneak peek (our favorite part of this gig,) you can take it from us, it’s a dandy!
Featuring a sibling vocal duo atop acoustic-driven poppy choruses and building rhythms with splashes of auxiliary horns and strings, the EP is earthy and personal with universal themes of love and life. Their single "Don’t Stop the Rain" highlights the group’s folksy roots with call-and-response style vocals and harmonica for good measure, while the EP’s last track "It’s Your Love" is a piano-laden celebration that will fill your soul to the brim.
Check out the heart-warming video below for "Beautiful (Caught Up in the Moment)," featuring actors from Chicago’s legendary Second City improv enterprise, and grab your tickets for Pageant’s release show THIS FRIDAY 11.13 at Left Plus Right Studio with Kyle Cox, Brother Sister Stone and Brian Revels here. -Caroline Bowman
Philadelphia
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Explore the Rambling Americana of Tin Horses at KFN Nov. 11
Everybody knows Kiel Everett can rock the big stage playing bass for local hot shots Purling Hiss, but on his own time, he leads the band Tin Horses, who will be sharing a stage with Promise Land Sound and Zachary Cale tonight at Kung Fu Necktie. In Tin Horses, Everett takes a slightly different approach to the vintage rock ‘n’ roll sound. There is still a healthy reverence for ’70s titans like Clapton and Neil Young, who gave the guitar an immortal voice, but when Everett takes up a classic six-string and principal creative authority, his music takes a distinctly twangy shape that differentiates it from Purling Hiss and other contemporary psychedelia-infused acts. The group borrows a larger portion of its sound from acts like The Eagles and Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, and refracts it in a similar way to more recent torchbearers like Wilco, choosing to explore rambling Americana qualities. As is to be expected of any band rooted in ’70s rock, there are frequent movements into guitar-focused interludes, but the solos tend to be more expressive and poignant than they are shreddy or virtuosic. As an added incentive to attend this evening, Tin Horses will undoubtedly be showing off its new repertoire of songs from their latest release Mental Flowers. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 8pm, $10, 21+ (Photo by Q.D. Tran) – Bryce Woodcock
Philadelphia
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New Chelsea Sue Allen LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Chelsea Sue Allen’s new full-length album Lonely Ages is now available to stream and purchase. Recorded with Shay Allen and Brad Hinton (on lead guitar for the track “Creeks and Moans”), the album breathes an observationally personal ambiance. Sifting through ideas in a cloudy dreamy pool of reflection, Chelsea Sue Allen is set to perform at Boot & Saddle this Friday, November 13 on a bill that also includes Black Horse Motel and Forlorn Strangers.
Nashville
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Step Sisters Bring the Heavy
With the garage rock resurgence in full swing, rock ‘n’ roll is returning to the days of packed, sweaty house shows, DIY releases and handmade band merch. And I couldn’t be happier.
Nashville, particularly the east side, is a hot bed for lo-fi gold, and local psych punk 4-piece Step Sisters are my latest find.
Catchy enough to get stuck in your head and heavy enough to let you know they mean business, Step Sisters are doing grunge right. And their 4-song release, dropped earlier this year, is like smashing a lava lamp and pouring the contents directly into your brain. See for yourself and grab the EP here. -Caroline Bowman
Chicago
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Pet Peeve @ Hideout
Pet Peeve are releasing their sophomore album, Broken English, this Friday. The band recently released the title track from the album which you can hear below.
You can help the band celebrate the release at The Hideout on November 13th along with Lord of the Yum Yum and Ode.
NYC
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NJ veteran slacker rockers Aspiga play Aviv on 11.12
The recent reinassance of the slacker rock sound of the ’90s in the NYC scene is something so obvious that can be indisputably filed in the skinny folder of "absolute truths" – and we call ourselves relativists! Not many bands saw this coming as early as Collingswood, New Jersey’s trio Aspiga. Their sound, obviously affected by a youth spent listening ad nauseam to bands like Husker Du and Dinosaur Jr, has remained very consistent since their 2010 debut "Tense," through a remarkable number of releases. Latest full length "What Happened To You?" sees vast improvements in the recording and production, and features noteworthy single "Wide Eyes," which develops their songwriting in more unpredictable directions. Aspiga will be performing live at Aviv on November 12.
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best slacker rock/garage songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!
Nashville
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Quiet Hollers Release Video for Unexpected Cover
Louisville indie alt rock/country 5-piece Quiet Hollers have been garnering some serious attention after their self-titled release late last month. Their blended 10-song concoction has hints of folk, post rock and sad bastard country with strong notes of personal insight and woe. "Quiet Hollers" is definitely one of those albums best listened to on long drives in your car… where it’s ok to cry.
But the guys offer more than introspective narratives and solid hooks. They have a great sense of humor.
In response to a request made during crowdfunding efforts, Quiet Hollers have released a cover video for Madonna’s "Material Girl." And it is oddly amazing. Give it a try below and catch them 12.5 at The Basement. -Caroline Bowman
NYC
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Dinowalrus opens for The Charlatans tonight (11.10) at Webster Hall + plays Knit on 12.15
Boastin one of the best band names ever, Dinowalrus have been at it for quite some time now (they started in 2008). In that time frame, their sound has evolved quite radically from the crazy psychedelic beginning. The band had a couple of really prolific years with two full lengths released in 2013 ("Best Behavior") and 2014 ("Complexion"), both packed with quality songs that underscore the band’s transition towards a more linear synth-pop structure, while referencing new wave bands with psych tendencies like Talk Talk and Psychedelic Furs. The opening track of their latest album, "Lucite," perfectly illustrates this metamorphosis. Check out our favorite song "Tropical Depression," below, and don’t miss Dinowalrus live tonight (11.10), opening for UK legends The Charlatans at Webster Hall, or at The Knit on 12.15.
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best Psych Rock songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!