Having met by chance in a recording studio in Bushwick, classically trained singer Elaine Lachica and guitarist Brandon Jaffe bonded over their mutual love of dreamy indie rock/pop bands, which set the foundation for Arc Waves‘ musical DNA. With the addition of bass player Joe Beach and drummer Mike Hodges, the band started forging a texturally layered sound, merging droney distorted guitars, ethereal vocals, and electronic elements with new wave and shoegazer influences. In their most recent release, “Transmission” (streaming) the guitar sputters more enthusiastically than ever before, but Lachicas’ soprano still echoes throughout the song creating a cavernous, enveloping sound. Take a gander below and don’t forget to catch Arc Wave down by South Street Seaport for the annual Out To See Festival on 3.11.
New Track: “Zoetrope” – So Totally
Stew in the gutturally pensive state of So Totally’s “Zoetrope.” With its soft-spoken yet confrontational vocals, the song seems to shift tones as distorted guitar and percussion push to the front, barreling through. The fledgling trio will be at Kung Fu Necktie on Thursday, March 10, alongside Aphra, Brandon Can’t Dance, and Soft Fangs.
Chapell releases debut LP “The Redhead’s Allegations”
"The Redhead’s Allegations," by NYC songwriter Chapell, is a collection of little stories about life in New York that – much like NYC – doesn’t care about fitting into some pre-conceived narrative. Chapell’s songs evoke a simpler time for confessional singer-songwriters: when painful memories translate to lyrics on love and loss, and a tell-tale organ solo or raging brass combo are never too far away either. The record’s first single ‘The Game,’ weaves this intimate form of storytelling into pop format, evoking master craftsmen like Elvis Costello and Jeff Lynne. Listen below to the entire album, out tomorrow.
New Fantastic Imagination Album Available for Streaming & Purchase
The Fantastic Imagination has released a new collection of songs, Margaret is a Witch, which is available for purchase on cassette and digital formats. The album unifies an experimental prog/psych vibe without straying too far out there. This release sparks the imagination, while allowing one to pleasantly suspend in its magical atmosphere.
Delicious Audio Q&A with Nola Wren
Brooklyn songwriter Nola Wren is a perfect case to exemplify how electronic music is tempting more and more musicians through fun, increasingly user friendly products capable of inspiring young artists and unleashing new creative energy. A talented songwriter gifted with an expressive alto (vaguely reminiscent of Kate Bush), Nola in just over one year reinvented her sound, transitioning from her from her early folk recording to a new synth-pop "phase" that is resonating with many fans. Her natural sense for style is only helping the cause. Read the De;icious Audio Q&A about her creative process here.
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best emerging songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!
New Track: “Manfish” – OhBree
On March 11, the troupe of OhBree will release its new EP Feed Me Poison. The album’s first single, “Manfish,” embodies the group’s zany, humor-laden style. It’s a twisted brand of art-pop/rock that captures a youthful and at times, cartoonish joy that will make you crack a smile and add it into your rotation. OhBree will also be playing an EP release show on the evening of the the record’s arrival at Lavender Town as part of the Bernie Sanders benefit Berning Man, which also includes Birthday Ponies, Dead, Fidel SUN, Howlish, and Mumblr. (Photo by Emily Dubin)
Rockers Torino Black’s Debut EP Release Party March 5 at The Parish
Festival season is in the air! We have SXSW right around the bend, Euphoria shortly after, a psychedelic rockers paradise, Levitation Fest, and numerous others all stuffed into a couple months. So prepare yourself, let your damn hair down, let your freak flag fly, and tune in to some of our top notch local bands.
One group to put on your list that will undoubtedly put on wondrous show if you’re able to make it out to see them is the rock group Torino Black. Formally known as Stella. The North, this powerful and grungy rock band is making some noise, and bangin’ some heads here in the Austin music scene. Torino Black is a badass rock n’ roll band based right here out of Austin Texas that was originally founded by lead singer Sisi Berry, and lead guitarist Saul Arteta in 2013. Since then they have added Matt Onkst on Bass guitar and Adrian Blanco with the heartbeat on the drums, and have really honed in a sound as unique as their name.
So, After a 3 month tour in Europe and generating a lot of attention, they might as well keep shit rollin’ and drop an EP! Coming up on Saturday March 5, 2016, Torino Black will have a release show at The Parish Austin right on 6th street for the debut of their EP Food for a Therapist. Buy tickets ahead of time to secure a spot at Eventbrite, or take your chances at the door, but I do not recommend you miss this show.
The delicious grungy guitar riffs coming from guitarist Saul Arteta are guaranteed to electrify your fuckin’ body and make you bang your head and dance till you’re dizzy and drunk. You will want to do it all over again when you hear that lovely orotund voice come from Sisi Berry, their lead singer, whose powerful vocals are assured to knock you right on your ass and longing for more. For those of you that can’t wait and want a lil’ teaser, check out the song ‘Fire’ off the new EP and stream it as many times as you would like; this ballsy, heavy hitting song is a perfect preview of what’s to come, and hopefully a nice driving song to push you through the week. Get listening, and rocking, below.
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Taylor Mangiameli
NYC emo-pop band Mori celebrates EP release at Pianos on March 5th
The new single by Mori, a new band led by songwriter Mori Einsidler, certainly doesn’t lack range, alternating epic, ethereal, emotional and punchy moments. On Saturday March 5th, fans of emo and pop punk will surely get their dose of intense melodies paired with wall of distorted guitars, when the band will be celebrating the release of their debut EP. Checkoiut single "All Along," streaming below.
The Shivas celebrate 5th LP release tonight
The Shivas have come a long way over the years. We’ve seen quite a few albums since the band’s beginning in the early 2000’s, released on labels like the DIY Gnar Tapes and the honored Pacific Northwest reppin’ K Records. Flash forward to present day, where Better Off Dead came out just last month. Their 5th album, Better Off Dead pomps a pastiche of keenly conjured surf rock, tinged with doo-wop and a western twang. Contributing vocals from all members (guitarist Jared Molyneux, drummer Kristin Leonard, bassist Eric Shanafelt and percussionist Ian Hartley) keep the tracks on Better Off Dead varied and harmonious, without sounding bulky or overbuilt. It’s likely they’ll play almost all of the album at its release show tonight, so stream it below and get yourself acquainted ahead of time.
Playing with the Shivas will be Deli Portland Artist of the Month nominees Sculpture Gardens and Cat Hoch, the winner of the Deli Portland’s Best Emerging Artist of 2015 title. This tightly stacked bill is happening at the Doug Fir, with tickets from $8-$12. Doors at 8pm, show set to begin at 9pm. With the serpentine technique of Cat Hoch and the brazen rock pop styled in a 60s-esque fit of Sculpture Gardens, this show will be nothing short of a hella fun time.
-Cervante Pope
Brooklyn folk duo yours are the only ears plays Palisades on 3.18
On New Year’s Eve 2014, Brooklyn folk project yours are the only ears (aka Susannah Cutler and JongMin Lin) shared the intimately hushed “fire in my eyes” (streaming below). A lovelorn request for company from a bruised soul, the drum-clasped track doesn’t just showcase Cutler’s striking poetic ability to speak volumes with just a single phrase, but quietly conveys the precious calm that a lullaby such as this can provide. Yours are the only ears plays at Palisades on March 18 as part of their forthcoming mini-tour. More details can be found on the band’s Facebook page. – Zach Weg
Music Video Premiere: Scary Little Friends – Everything At Once
We’re excited to premiere the newest music video from the San Francisco based band, Scary Little Friends. The band’s oddly intergalactic video for their single, Everything at Once from the band’s new EP entitled, Silent Revolution. The video is inspired by the album’s cover art, bringing Silent Revolution’s black and white outter space photo to life!
“This is one of those places that made the Mission District special,” says band-leader, Chris Jones. “Like so many other great places, it had to close last year, but we were lucky enough to be able to say goodbye. We’ll miss the Bad Movie Nights, Live ‘Twilight Zone’ viewings, and underground sketch comedy. We dedicate this video to owner Jim Fourniadis, and all he and his venue have done for San Francisco.”
Jones continues, “(Director) Blake (Boxer) kept us far away from the usual, serious-faced style of music videos that you’re used to seeing. She took it in a fun and psychedelic direction instead. We think it’s really unique.”
Gondola 7″ Release Show at Ortlieb’s March 2
Gondola welcomes the arrival of its new 7” Nightmare via Valley King Records tonight at Ortlieb’s. The trio shifts one’s perspective with its “you never know what lies beyond your field of vision" dilemma. Your head is led through the cavernous labyrinth by the twisted spell of a sorcerer’s vocals, heart-thumping backend, which unhesitatingly marches forward, and the sizzling, tumultuous guitar sparking the fire. The possessing, magma-oozing psych-rock of Igneous Eyes and the grim sludgy stomp of The Company Corvette, who have a new EP Never Enough scheduled for release on April 20, round out a lineup that’s ready to shake the foundation of the NoLibs watering hole. Ortlieb’s, 847 N. Third St., 8pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita