We absolutely LOVE documentaries. If you’ve been keeping up with your daily Deli news, then you’ve probably been following along, as we have, with Nothing on their journey to complete their forthcoming album Tired of Tomorrow, through its complementary six-part documentary, directed by Don Argott, who also brought us the highly informative The Art of the Steal. (BTW: Fuck The Barnes Foundation!) The grainy black & white footage in the first episode shows frontman Nicky Palermo taking you on a tour of his Philadelphia and inside Conshohocken’s Studio 4, leading into part deux and the introduction of producer extraordinaire Will Yip and Collect Records head honcho and former Thursday frontman Geoff Rickly. It feels painfully awkward as you watch Rickly gush about Nothing and how he’s bet the future of his label on the band. Not so spoiler alert, since this documentary is being released by the group’s current label Relapse Records, and if you’ve been following the drama around Collect and its financial backer – dickhead and pharma bro Martin Shkreli, then you’ll know why this episode is a bit hard to watch at times. We’ve been really enjoying the Tired of Tomorrow doc, and we’re excited to announce that we’ve been asked to premiere the final four episodes of Nothing’s tumultuous journey to release their new album, coming out May 13. In episode three, you’ll find Yip and the band hard at work and play in the studio as the album’s first track begins to take shape. Remember to tune back in to see and hear how the rest of Tired of Tomorrow unfolds; you definitely don’t want to miss it!
Saturday Night Sounds: Rugby – “Bag of Bones”
Throwing another new track your way for our Saturday Night Sounds. Experimental pop group Rugby have just debuted a new video for their track "Bag of Bones," which is the second to come off their upcoming summer release, Worldly Wise.
The black and white beach set video is an endearingly romantic face to the track, which at times is intimately quiet and at other times, barrel rolls at you with full force. "Bag of Bones," both as a song and as a music video, was written, recorded, edited and directed by Rugby themselves, so the personal aspect is fully prevalent. The track takes a more acute stance than the first release off the album, called "Breakfast Crew."
Look out for Wordly Wise due out this Summer, and until then, dig into this rollercoaster track below.
Thanks Light Is Back with Very Pretty Single Dreams
They call it “bedroom rock” on their SoundCloud, which we take to mean that Thanks Light’s new track “Dreams” from the upcoming Hallelujah, Amen is best played when lying back on your bed in your bedroom in a state of repose befitting the relaxing track. It’s the first thing we’ve heard from this group in a while, and it comes off as a bit Polyphonic Spree, with all its orchestral elements and sunny qualities, but with a more pure indie vibe (especially in the vocals, which are dynamic and reminiscent of a less weirdo Spencer Krug). It’s got a lot going on, from piano to an angelic backing choir to horns, and it’s quite pretty. We definitely suggest rocking back on said mattress and putting it on full blast with your eyes closed, or maybe softly in some headphones, for a little summer indie respite from the busy crazy world. Watch for the full album on May 6.
Heart Harbor EP Release Show at Tin Angel April 23
Led by singer-songwriter Kerry Hallett, Heart Harbor play a show in the intimate setting of Tin Angel to commemorate the release of their new EP Tender Trap. The album exudes an innate heart-rending closeness that is set loose by tightly spun folk-pop instrumentation. With an ability to peel back to the pit lyrically and then coat those wrestling, dreamy emotions with delicately layered harmony and larger encompassing production, Heart Harbor paints a broader, detailed picture. The dusty, road-worn, aching folk of Julia Rainer is tucked between tonight headliner and New England multi-instrumentalist/singer-songwriter Audrey Ryan. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 8pm, $12, 21+ – Michael Colavita
marks marches to her own beat with “Heartbeat”, debut full-length due out 6.3
Marks is the artistic moniker of Lindsay Marcus, a singer, songwriter and producer who’s pulsing electro-pop has an emotional candor that’s immediately likable. The first single off of her debut full-length, The Modern Life, is a tasteful and stimulating pop song that still has some mystery to it despite its tuneful directness, especially how its throbbing synths and lush vocals incorporate a strong sense of melody. This stylistic direction is something of a change of pace for Marcus, as she’s previously devoted most of her time scoring for a variety of television and film projects.
The Modern Life is due out on June 3rd. In the meantime, listen to "Heartbeat", streaming below.
Get ready for some serious head-banging with Bugs and Rats
You may think that the Massachusetts three piece punk band Bugs and Rats is just noise. And you’re right. But it’s great noise. Their tracks usually start with an indiscernible, arhythmic introduction before settling into a more focused, but no less raucous, groove. The vocals often get buried under a tidal wave of furiously jagged electric guitar riffs and stop-and-drop drumming all presented to you in a lo-fi package (whose been crushed and kicked and torn, held together by some duct tape). Honestly, this is probably as close to punk as you can get without actually having lived in the punk era of the 70’s and 80’s. With simple, repetitive chords, a wall of noise so loud that it will knock you off your feet, and a brazen delivery oozing confidence and an attitude fit for Sid Vicious himself, you can expect one heck of a show from these guys. Keep a tab on their Facebook page for future shows.
History Now
History Now released a new single called "11.01" this week. History Now creates improvised ambient music and in the case of "11.01" beautiful soundscapes.
Weekend Warrior, April 22 – 24
WXPN’s Key Fest Returns at MilkBoy Philly April 22 – 24
NYC artist on the rise: Arlene Gould brings her edgy Afrobeat to Rockwood on 04.30
Good luck keeping up with Arlene Gould. The Brooklyn artist balances her creative energies between the worlds of Israeli pop (with Afro Hebrew band Milk and Honeys), performing highly danceable Afrobeat under the pseudonym AG, and delivering dating advice via JDate. Gould’s schedule may be intense, but you’ll be able to see her when she plays Rockwood Stage 2 on Saturday, April 30th. Listen to new track ‘Rollin’ (ft. Lucille Crew) below, the raucous lead single off her upcoming LP of the same name.- Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
Acoustic folk duo Joan & Joni to perform at the National Colonial Farm, 4/23
Remember Joan Baez and Joni Mitchell? These legendary ladies of folk have laid down lasting legacies and two accomplished women in the DC area are a product of that influence. Meet Joan & Joni, a duo dedicated to the works of Baez and Mitchell and comprising Allison Shapira and Kipyn Martin. Both performers possess amazing vocals, creating transcendental melodies, and they pluck their guitars in the most elegant ways, crafting an intimate and enveloping sound that you should check out. They display a rich stage presence and a level of talent not to be taken lightly. Catch them tomorrow night, 4/23, at the National Colonial Farm in Accokeek, MD. Doors at 6, $12. -Jonathan Goodwin