With 7.5 votes, Crumb‘s, laid-back grooves have won over our panel of jurors, earning them the title of Best Emerging New England Folk/Soul Artist in our overall poll. Their dreamy, introspective psych-funk vibe brought Crumb to our attention back in November and we’re thrilled they are getting the recognition we feel they deserve. Their music is easy to get lost in, while maintaining interesting instrumentals and perfectly understated vocals to keep you engaged, if that’s your thing. Check out their latest release below. -Brian Varneke
New England
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Strangers by Accident On the Road to SXSW
Boston troubadours, Strangers by Accident, are hitting the road next week, on their musical pilgrimage to SXSW. Formed by duo Brian Sousa and Amy Wynne in 2015, Strangers is a beautifully minimalist take on modern indie-folk. It’s the kind of sound you can carry around in a suitcase, intimate and earnest. The band employs a timeless, old-school respect for songwriting that will keep their music resonating with new fans in Austin this March. Check them out at one of their MA tour dates: 3/4 at Toad in Cambridge and 3/6 at Bishop’s Lounge in Northampton. -Brian Varneke
Nashville
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Best of Nashville Alt Rock/Metal Acts: Fable Cry and Killing Grace
Our Best of Nashville 2017 poll began last week with the Alt Rock/Metal category and, after you-the-people cast your vote, we have the results to share with you!
Overall Poll winner (Jurors vote + Readers’ vote): Fable Cry
Readers’ Poll Winner (Readers’ Vote only): Killing Grace
Fable Cry is an alternative rock act that might more accurately be characterized as horror-rock. Their string-heavy compositions and theatrical song structures could easily be soundtracks to psychological thrillers. The band’s style and sound are comically dark. They create a circus-like, psychedelic atmosphere that would please any lover of the occult and revel in pure weirdness. After listening to their work it’s easy to see how they’ve come to develop such a cult following.
Killing Grace packs a powerful sonic punch. With hard-hitting, distorted guitars, powerful vocals, and complex rhythms and melodies, these Tennessee natives carry on a metal tradition always in search of places to manifest. Influenced by the sound of bands like Avenged Sevenfold and Seether, they maintain and defend a sonic niche in a rock genre increasingly in need of torchbearers.
Honorable mention goes to Jay Leo Phillips (second in the overall chart).
The full list of nominees can be found under the streaming tracks.
Here is the list of all the finalists in the Nashville Alt Rock/Metal category and their readers’ poll results.
 |
Fable Cry |
   |
40% | 158 votes |
|
Jay Leo Phillips |
|
0% | 3 votes |
|
Killing Grace |
|
52% | 203 votes |
|
Kinhin |
|
4% | 18 votes |
|
Loss |
|
0% | 0 votes |
|
Tower Defense |
|
1% | 5 votes |
Philadelphia
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The Deli’s Best Emerging Philly Artists 2017: Alt Rock Poll Is Up!
We’re nearing the end of The Deli’s Yearly Best Emerging Philly Artists Poll, and we have an eclectic group of Alt Rock acts for you to check out. Turn up the volume, take a listen to the list of nominees HERE, and vote for your favorite artist. Thanks in advance for all your help!
NYC
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Pearla releases debut EP
NYC-based singer-songwriter Pearla released her debut EP at The Bowery Electric on 2/24. Pearla, also known as Nicole Rodriguez, has begun to stir up interest in the indie rock circles around the city. She’s played a few shows with fellow rising singer-songwriter Belle-Skinner, most recently at Rockwood Stage 1 earlier this month. Pearla’s first release, the single "Waking Up", came out last July on her Soundcloud page. It’s a swirling rock ballad full of passion that might remind you of Alanis Morisette or Ani DiFranco. Listen to "Waking Up" below. – Will Sisskind
Portland
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Mood Music: Deathlist – “Never Been So Tired”
With the way the world has been going lately, it’s pretty obvious that we’re all incredibly tired. That’s why this track by Deathlist, "Never Been So Tired," is perfect for these feels.
From their self titled EP from just over a year ago, "Never Been So Tired" echos a depressive exhaustion collectively felt by many, expressed in a few lines worth of lyrics. "In one life I’ve never been so tired/In this one life you never get so tired/and words don’t make me safe, I want a cheap death/Because in this one life I’ve never been so tired."
Relevent in every way possible. You can hopefully catch Deathlist play this song along with some new ones from their upcoming full length (due out in April) tonight at the Fixin’ To with Sunbathe, Polygris and Bohr, or at the new Know on March 3rd with Hurry Up and Panzer Beat.
Portland
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Stream Astro Tan’s ‘Canary,’ Out Today
Dual guitars, primo percussion and an interesting blend of jazz, psych, r&b and indie rock have propelled local trio Astro Tan into the hearts of music lovers around town for the last couple years now. A few EPs here, a couple free released singles there, Astro Tan haven’t given us a full length’s worth of the trippy soul we’ve all been waiting for, until now.
Canary, out today, pulls a few previously released tracks and throws them in with some newer ones like "The Jetsons," a wispily melodic tune relating modern life and love to the animated quips of the old school futuristic cartoon of the same name. It shows Astro Tan taking what they do best to the next level.
Stream Canary below and be sure to check out Astro Tan’s album release show on the 28th at the Doug Fir with Tango Alpha Tango and Taylor Kingman before they head on tour in mid-March.
Tour Dates
2/28/2017 Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge (Album Release) w/ Tango Alpha Tango
3/16/2017 Eugene, OR – Hi-Fi Lounge
3/17/2017 Grants Pass, OR – The Haul
3/18/2017 San Francisco, CA – Pianofight
3/19/2017 Reno, NV – St. James Infirmary
3/21/2017 Provo, UT – The BoxCar Studios
3/25/2017 Boise, ID – Treefort Music Festival
Philadelphia
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Weekend Warrior, February 24 – 26
The weather’s unseasonably warm temperatures may push one out the door in search of good musical times. Luckily the docket is full of excellent opportunities. Among the plethora of performances on the slate, First Unitarian Church plays host to a pair. Proceeds from tonight’s Indie Pop Prom will go the Pink Fund. As for the billing, the incisive, empowering songwriting of Sad13, a.k.a. Sadie Dupuis (of Speedy Ortiz), keeps things real, delivering in a contagious, free-flowing, instrumental platform. Similarly, Sports navigate personal depths through an avalanche of momentous pop rock. The blooming, experimental jangle of Mercury Girls and the nostalgic, melodic pop-punk of Swanning shape a stellar evening, which also includes headliners, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart. Meanwhile, Saturday’s 10th annual Two Piece Fest will be offering an all-day affair, exploring the full spectrum of dynamics among duos. You can view the full list of performers for the festival HERE.
Creeping into one’s foggy, THC-filled mind, the cosmic conquests of folk-psych outfit Shadow Band celebrate their freshly landed album, Wilderness Of Love (Mexican Summer), with a release show this Saturday at Baird Mansion Atrium. Likewise, the trio of No Thank You sets sail with their new album, Jump Ship (Lame-O Records), with a show tonight at Everybody Hits. The album exhibits an impassioned, emotive exploration with a cathartic air that makes one stay onboard. – Michael Colavita
Where to enjoy global warming this weekend…
First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) FRI The Indie Pop Prom: Sad13, Sports, Swanning, Mercury Girls, SAT Two Piece Fest: The Afterglows, Brown Rainbow, HIRS, Hulk Smash, Peter & Craig, Puke Party, Righteous Aquarium & Jet Lightspeed, Sour Spirit, Stadium Armory, The Great Swamps. Ursula, Writhing Squares
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Trevor Project Benefit: Mannequin Pussy, Abi Reimold, King Azaz, Caracara
Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Vita And The Woolf, SAT Chestnut Grove, Sarah Larsen
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI Sad Actor, Dulls/Black Urn, Moros, SAT Lito and the Shepherds, SUN Wolves Attack, Urban Resist, Fell Into Yesterday/ Here/Now, Heavensake, Pray To Keep
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI Fools Reign, Alfred James Band, One and Done, AfroBear, SUN S.T.O.P., Mitch Esparza, DJ psiLOSybin
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT Beats, Brews & BBQ: August John Lutz II/Philly Bloco, SUN (Upstairs) Who? What? When? Why? & Werewolves?/Band of Brewers: Volume 5
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Adlib (Album Release), Mad Squablz, Oliver Spitts, Grateful Meds, SUN The Drowned God
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) SAT Dear Friend
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Perfeckt Touch (Record Release), Davey and the Chains, Haunted Homes, SAT Gene Wildest, Lucida, Ronald Regan? The ACTOR?
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) FRI Francisco Collazo, SAT DJ Deejay
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SAT Trickster Sister, The Yellow Pines
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St) FRI Everlit, Holy Smoke, Pravda, Makhaira, SAT Bohemian Mule, Endless Taile
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI Aviance, Da Rezarekt, The April Skies, Sweet Eureka, SAT Sheep, Tangeena Barren, Marley Kropp
Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI Carolyn Thorn (EP Release)
Ardmore Music Hall (23 E. Lancaster Ave.) SAT Control For Smilers, The Space Cats, Bazmati Vice
The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) FRI Seeing Snakes, The Charley Few, The Junkyard, SAT Jake Clarke/Spur Split LP (Release Show), Dark Mtns, Harmony Woods
Baird Mansion Atrium (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Shadow Band (Record Release), Fursaxa, Snake Eats The Moon
Tralfamadore (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Janelle, Groovy Movies, Mavis The Dog
Glitter Galaxy (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Pinkwash, Hermit Thrushes, Weather
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Running Hot” – Littler
Bi-coastal rockers Littler announced that they would be going on hiatus this past summer, but that doesn’t seem to have lasted very long. The band just announced that it will be releasing a four-song EP, titled Bad Hand, on April 28 via Yellow K Records/Disposable America. It was recorded and mixed by Kyle Gilbride (of Wherever Audio). The goup already shared its lead single, "Oversteeped," which was also accompanied by a music video, and now, we have another new single for your listening pleasure called "Running Hot". (Photo by Scott Troyan)
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Anxiety Blues” – Kate Dressed Up
Katie Miller, a.k.a. Kate Dressed Up, dishes on her personal demons with “Anxiety Blues”. Found on her new EP Destinations, the song, adorned in a traditional country/blues arrangement, deals with the perplexing personal problems that can consume one’s mind regularly, especially during these head-scratching times. Sometimes, it just feels easier to over think than to move forward.
NYC
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New Furniteur single “Swimming” shows DC can synthwave too
The cover art has vaporwave aesthetics and the music is full of 80s timbres and nearly incomprehensible vocals; Furniteur’s new single “Swimming” is synthwave coming straight outta DC. The airy sounds and reverb soaked electronic drum hits recall the classic 80s dystopian pop sounds of artists like Depeche Mode and Gary Numan, but do so with a decidedly modern take on the vocal melodies. It’s good to see DC getting in on this national trend.
Here’s Furniteur’s “Swimming”, recorded in Petworth.
-Written by Michael Dranove
Portland
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Visual Vices: Strangeletter – “Transporter”
Those screen savers on the old Microsoft Windows systems used to be the best. So many options to get visually lost in as a child, a stoner or in some people’s cases, both, those screensavers were one of the best things about zoning out and ignoring the "wah wah wahs" of your parents.
"Transporter," the newest animated video from Strangeletter, the dark alt-rock project from Steven James Bayless, is reminiscent of those zoned out times. While flying under the local radar, Strangeletter has been ascending in success in so many other ways, with his music having been featured in the TV show Firefly, in trailers for PlayStation’s inFamous 2 and more.
Spark up, turn the lights out and get caught up in Strangeletter’s "Transporter" video below. It’s perfect for this drizzly night.