By describing their music as "anxiety pop" well before the 2016 elections (may they be damned!), NYC’s indie pop quintet Wet Leather might have tapped into something real before we were even aware of it – maybe their music should be the soundtrack of WNYC’s new weekly program "United States of Anxiety"? Truth be told, the kind of anxiety channeled by these dudes’ tunes is a lot more fun and a lot less stressful thant the one lately delivered by the news (fake ones in particular), so don’t be scared of it, actually… embrace it! It’s channeled through pure, perfectly crafted and rather classy uptempo pop, with an opening single entitled ‘Astral Projection’ (streaming) exhibiting traces of Elvis Costello and Camera Obscura, and Prince references coming through in many other tracks (like for example in single ‘Shame‘).
Vita and the Woolf Tantalizes at Everybody Hits Dec. 8
New Music Video: “The Ukulele Song” – Strange Parts
The stripped-down beauty of Strange Parts‘ "The Ukulele Song" scores Attia Taylor’s home-spun footage of her trip to Trinidad. The unfiltered imagery temporarily transports, creating a candid sense of elegance. The song is featured on the duo’s debut release Rainier Bedstuy Home Recordings.
Brian Bonz and The Major Crimes’ play Rough Trade on 12/18
It took Brian Bonz six years to complete his sophomore full length ‘Misophonia’, released in 2015 after 2009’s well received ‘The Triborough Odyssey.’ Presented under the moniker ‘Brian Bonz and The Major Crimes,’ the record, whose title literally means “hatred of sound”, brings music lovers a thoughtful, multifaceted sonic journey where both texture and power find fertile ground, and mostly electronic arrangements support Brian’s dreamy melodies and emotional vocals. Take a listen to single ‘The Man from Munich’ below and see Brian Bonz live at Rough Trade on 12/18! – Ashley Muniz
Twin Chameleon Brings Their Brand of Indie-Pop to McGann’s Irish Pub 12/9
Simple, catchy melodies, surprisingly incongruent lyrical content and the occasional calypso flavor, makes Boston indie pop-trio Twin Chameleon a stand-out act. As you listen to their self-titled debut EP, it’s difficult not to make comparisons to bands like Bombay Bicycle Club or early-era Vampire Weekend. However, Twin Chameleon definitely has their own character and is quickly mastering the art of engaging pop anthems. From the beach-vibe of "Spring Break" to the unique vocal soundscape of "Counting Sheep", each track has something different to offer. Check them out as they take the stage at McGann’s Irish Pub with Makutu, The Maxims, and Floorcloud on 12/9. –Brian Varneke
Zavala “Roosevelt & Letting Go”
Zavala has released a new video for his track “Roosevelt & Letting Go”. The track is taken from his forthcoming album Fantasmas, which is due out on January 13th via Fake Four Inc.
Psychedelic Rock Trio Violet Intent Plays Plough and Stars 12/14
A driving, hallucinogenic, rock n roll adventure awaits, courtesy of Boston trio, Violet Intent. Alternating between atmospheric soundscapes and balls-out rock, their latest release, Our Feature Presentation, is a nostalgic ride back to 60s psychedelic culture with a unique, modern twist. Violet Intent is the perfect soundtrack to your next night of debauchery. Check them out as they rock The Plough and Stars on 12/14, with Tall Teenagers. –Brian Varneke
New Track: “Nothing + Rockets” – Blood Sound
Blood Sound slowly opens the door to their latest single, “Nothing + Rockets,” revealing soaring guitar riffs and shimmering keys. Chris J.’s lonely baritone connects in a solemn manner, helping to shift the sonic undercurrent. Another endearing track to dance alone to in your bedroom from one of our favorite Philly dark wavers/new wavers.
Valley Exit & Myrrias Double Record Release Show at JB’s Dec. 7
Soft Dystopia, the freshly hatched label from producer/ musician Jeff Zeigler (check out our recent interview with him HERE), celebrates its inaugural albums with a dual record release show at Johnny Brenda’s. With their eponymous LP officially being released this Friday, the expanded lineup of Valley Exit creates soundscapes that crisply layers instrumentation, activating a murky atmosphere that captivates in complexity, while maintaining the circulating warmth of vapor. Meanwhile, Myrrias‘ sophomore album, Spectra, shifts one’s headspace, washing waves of inviting vocal harmony with drifting desolate psych/dream-pop that cerebrally tunnels. The relaxed interlocking rhythms of quartet Long Spells exhibit a casual, jangly air with a raw ripping drive. Suburban Living is set to DJ on this richly interwoven/overlapping evening. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Michael Colavita
A Deli NYC Premiere: Trash Gendar’s video for ‘Birdwatchers’
Now premiering on The Deli: The music video for “Birdwatchers”, a song from Brooklyn’s four-piece art pop sweethearts, Trash Gendar. The song is on the group’s multifaceted second EP Once, Child, which was released this past September. The “Birdwatchers” video shows as much passion through its animation as the music does through its composition. Lively birds, humans, and cityscapes come to life through the animated torn and cut pages of magazines and catalogs. Each frame of this captivating and cinematic stop-motion video was put together by hand by band member Freddie Wyss. Take some time out of your daily chaos to appreciate the beauty and variety of Trash Gendar’s new video, streaming below. – Will Sisskind