Chicago

Song Premiere: The AV Club

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We are proud to premiere the new single from The AV Club, “Shack Dog”. This track comes from their forthcoming full length album due out this Spring.

“Shack Dog” is a funky, electro-jazz, journey written and arranged by Andrew Vogt.

Philadelphia

New Legendary Divorce LP Available for Streaming & Purchase

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So the bad news first, Legendary Divorce have decided to call it a day. However, they just dropped a new full-length as a parting gift of sorts. With proceeds going to Mazzoni Center and Planned Parenthood Action, Horizontal finds the quartet in raw, rock splendor. Menacing, pulverizing beats light a fuse with bad intentions, clearing a path for Itarya Leo’s vocals to explode unleashing a guttural aggression. All the members currently have new projects, so hopefully we’ll get to hear them again performing in one form or another.

Austin

11 Austin Bands to Catch at SXSW 2017

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 While SXSW features exotic music like throat-singers from the steppes of Mongolia or flute bands from the peaks of the Andes, we must not forget that some of most exhilarating music comes from our own backyard.  Here are 11 bands that will be slaying at SXSW this week.

1. Mobley (Post-Genre Pop)

Cutting vocals in the woods behind his college dorm. Mixing in the backseat of a sedan. Sneaking into the music department after hours to teach himself to play new instruments (and sneaking out before the faculty arrived in the morning). From the start, Mobley’s work has been marked by solitude, ingenuity, and a drive that could only be called obsessive. Whether you experience his music on record or at one of his incredible live shows, the passion is palpable. Mobley grew up all over the world, from the Spanish Mediterranean to the California coast. Perhaps it’s because of this itinerant childhood that he finds it so hard to sit still.

 

 

 

2. Night Drive (Synthpop)

Inspired by sci-fi cinematic landscapes, Night Drive creates modern synth-pop that explores the darker currents of abstract emotion. Infectious melodies wrapped in thoughtful lyrics with pulsing dance beats unveil a stylish, energetic sound that has been featured in film, tv and radio around the world. Touring and opening for international bands such as CHVRCHES, Robert DeLong,Tesla Boy, Miami Horror and The Psychedelic Furs, Night Drive has quickly garnered a reputation as a captivating, must see live show.

 

 

 

3. Leopold and His Fiction (Alt Rock)

For Leopold and His Fiction, creating an album as sublimely chaotic as Darling Destroyer took a lifetime of cultivating a kaleidoscopic musicality. Born and raised in Detroit, Daniel first began making music after finding a forgotten about guitar in his grandmother’s basement as a child. “It had only two strings, but I took it home and started studying immediately,” he recalls. He also played drums in a band at school and learned to play horns and bass, but his focus remained on the guitar. “I’m an only child and was always alone, but I was lucky enough to have an instrument I could bury myself in,” he says. “It was a kind of gold mine, having such an outlet growing up.”

 

 

 

4. Black Joe Lewis & The Honey Bears (Blues Rock)

Black Joe Lewis trawls the familiar intersection of blues, soul, funk, and garage rock, but he’s got a few enlivening strategies to make the old formula feel fresh.

 

 

 

5. Los Coast (Soul Rock)

Los Coast’s music is a punchy, psych-tinged, lyrical variety of soul.  For the band, comprised of Trey Privott, John Courtney, Megan Hartman, Damien Llanes, and Natlie Wright, this style of music is uniquely effective medium of communication.

 

 

 

6. Melat (R&B)

Born in Austin, Texas, Mélat is the eclectic soul of modern RnB. Mélat tells a story that is both challenging and inspiring crafted from her very own life experiences. It is a pure and honest reflection of her soul. From love, lust, success, to failure Mélat sings of what it means to be a human being simply longing to “be”.

 

 

 

7. Sweet Spirit (Cabaret Rock)

Quickly becoming the most anticipated live shows in Austin, Sweet Spirit is on a roll.  In between shows, the band found time to work with producer Steve Berlin (Los Lobos, Deer Tick) on their sophomore full-length St. Mojo. The new record comes out on April 7, 2017 on Austin label Nine Mile Records and features a bigger, more dynamic set of songs. Lead single "The Power" has already become a fan favorite at live shows, while the Queen-esque track "The Mighty" and Prince dance funk of "I Wanna Have You" take the band is exciting, unexpected new directions. Guest contributions from members of Grupo Fantasma, Mother Falcon and A Giant Dog help expand the band’s already considerable sound.

 

 

 

8. Annabelle Chairlegs (Psych Rock)

Annabelle Chairlegs plays out around town often, exuding polished, glitzy, Sixties-inspired rock & roll fleshed out by guitar licks straddling the line between surf-y and noir. Helmed by Mackin’s strange, arresting voice, usually either a powerful belt or contorted into theatrical yelping, the band commands the stage with intense authority.

 

 

 

9. Mr. Kitty (Gothtronica)

An artist creates to evoke a reaction, and Forrest and Isaac Ross Lemaire of Mr. Kitty are electro-goth sorcerers who succeed in creating an 8-bit dreamworld for their listeners.  Not quite neophytes, Mr. Kitty have had five previous releases, and their discography runs the gamut between wistful tracks of wintered melancholy to frenetic electro-bangers of seizure-inducing speed. The constant through all of their music is the gothic romanticism of Forrest’s lyrics and the perpetually evolving innovativeness of Isaac’s hard-hitting beats and crystalline synths.

 

 

 

10. CAPYAC (Electro-Funk)

CAPYAC is a surreal dance act made up of one half swamp baby (P. Sugz), one half agave plant (Potion). To question the origins of the band is to ponder the origin of humanity itself. When founding member Potion stumbled upon the name, half-conscious on his bedroom floor at 3 a.m., it was nonsense, much like the primordial soup from which life on this planet emerged.

 

 

 

11.  S U R V I V E (Instrumental Electronica)

S U R V I V E has been producing synth-heavy, horror-score-influenced compositions for years, and two of the group’s members are known for crafting the critically acclaimed score for the popular Netflix series Stranger Things. For almost a decade, the band has explored these themes with drum machines and analog synths, shown on numerous EPs and on their first full-length, Mnq026 from 2012. Releasing their second full-length record ‘RR7349’ last September on Relapse Records, S U R V I V E kick off their 2017 globe-trotting, festival-heavy tour schedule with a series of shows for SXSW in their hometown of Austin, Texas.

NYC

Ginla take their dreamy electronic pop to SXSW

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Based out of both Toronto and Brooklyn, Ginla plays low key electronic music ranging from the poppy to the experimental, although it must be noted that the poppier material is the most recent one, showing a classic evolution emerging artists go through when they mature artistically. 2014’s debut single ‘Almost Plastic’ features two (or three? Bandcamp and Soundcloud seem to disagree on that matter) intriguing tracks where electronic ambient pop meets Radiohead-style experimentation. Recent single ‘Apophenia’ (strreaming) tames the angularity for an approach that follows a more linear and dreamy approach. The band will travel to Austin this week to play SXSW.

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

 

Philadelphia

New Track: “Hole” – Pretty Words

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With the use of swirling synths, Pretty Words create a steady, building groove that encompasses the stream of consciousness lyrics on their latest single "Hole". It’s a more polished-sounding offering than the group’s previous recordings, while still maintaining the band’s original loose, garage-rock/pop feel. You’ll be able to find the track on Pretty Words’s forthcoming self-titled EP, which was recorded at the Sex Dungeon in West Philly, and is due out this St. Patty’s Day.

NYC

Dion Lunadon (of A Place To Bury Strangers) shares single from debut LP

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In the spaces between world-wide tours as bassist for A Place To Bury Strangers, Dion Lunadon spends time writing and recording his own solo material.  The results of those efforts will culminate in an 11 track self-titled debut album he recorded over a three-month period in Brooklyn.  The album and preview track “Fire” (streaming below) features contributions from sometimes APTBS drummer Robi Gonzalez and guitarist Blaze Bateh from Bambara on select tracks.  With live unprocessed drumming, Farfisa organ, distorted guitar bursts and Dion’s descending bassline, a noisy hybrid of punk, 60’s garage and psychedelia come together on “Fire.”  The title line chorus shares a spiritual connection with Arthur Brown’s 1968 hit of the same name.  The mood here is much heavier though, with lyrics that go “So stressed out from the negative vibes, it sounds like the truth but you know it’s a lie.”  Melodic guitar lines appear in places, adding a more traditional rock structure. The self-titled debut album will be released on June 9th via Agitated Records and will be available via his Bandcamp page. – Dave Cromwell

New England

Ovlov Performs at the Velveeta Room at SXSW 3/17

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 SXSW 2017 is officially under way, so we figured we’d take the opportunity to showcase a few of the New England acts making their way to the mecca of Austin, TX. Connecticut rockers Ovlov are getting ready to bring their brand of fuzzy, lo-fi alt-rock to a horde of new fans in Austin.  Their last full release, 2013’s am, is a shining offering to the genre, a powerfully dynamic album that is straightforward rock, without getting dull.  Check them out at The Velveeta Room in Austin, TX on 3/17. -Brian Varneke

NYC

The Deli’s Austin ’17 Issue is online! The Synths and Pedals Issue

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Deli Readers,

We’ve been publishing the yearly Austin issue of The Deli (coinciding with SXSW) since 2011, and it’s our only print issue that’s not exclusively focused on just NYC artists. 

After last year’s fun, "PsycheDelic" approach, we decided to dedicate this year’s issue almost entirely to synth and pedals (and bands of course!), in an effort to promote our Austin Stompbox Exhibit and Synth Expo – which, if you are a gear geek heading to Austin next week, should not miss!

However, the highlight of this issue is an article about women and technology. Hope you enjoy it!

LISTEN TO A PLAYLIST OF THIS ISSUE HERE (or below)!

The Deli’s Staff

P.S. You’ll see the printed issue in Austin next week and in NYC the week after.

Portland

Sludge Out for Human Rights Tomorrow

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Heavy times call for heavy measures. One of the heaviest measures we can take to combat the bountiful amount of bullshit in this country currently is by hitting up the sixth annual Ceremony of Sludge, taking place tomorrow at the High Water Mark.

This year’s Ceremony of Sludge is a benefit for our local chapters of two  Planned Parenthood Columbia Willamette and the ACLU of Oregon. Trudge through some brutal sludge with some sets from Witch Mountain, Troll, Disenchanter, Seattle’s Year of the Cobra, and a comeback after a two year show hiatus from Lamprey

Every last bit of money made at the door will be donated to both of these organizations, as will funds made from merch by Cravedog and posters drawn by Oddball Tattoo artist Sarah Crosley, so come show some support. Tickets are on a sliding scale starting at $10. 

Philadelphia

The Deli’s Best Emerging Philly Artists: FINAL RESULTS

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Dear Deli Readers,
 
We have finally reached the end of the road for The Deli’s Best Emerging Philly Artists Poll. As usual, it’s been a lengthy, exhausting, painstaking journey through an abundance of numbers, band names, and some seriously rad tunes. Now, before we get to our list of this year’s Top Performers, we would like to thank our wonderful, knowledgeable jury of local music experts/enthusiasts (which you can view below), dedicated Deli writers and all those who took the time to check out our nominees and cast their votes. You’re the best, and we wouldn’t be able to do this without you!
 
The Deli Philly Jurors:
Justin Berger (Deathwaltz), Dan Bisogno (Choice Tasters Selectors), Jeff Blinder (Spazz Presents), Gabrielle Bonghi (Philly.com), Kate Bracaglia (Freelance), Eric Bresler (PhilaMOCA), Jessica Craft (Rock To The Future), Katie Duggan (Underground Arts/Bonfire Shows), Shana Hartzel (Swell Tone/Y-Not Radio), Kevin Horn (AEG), Colin Kerrigan (Out Of Town Films), Dave Kiss (Kung Fu Necktie/Flash Mob Productions), Josh T. Landow (Y-Not Radio), Carolyn Lederach (Sofar Sounds Philly), Barrett Lindgren (Johnny Brenda’s/Independent Promoter), Jesse Lundy (Point Entertainment), Gordon Mays (MilkBoy Philly/Bonfire Shows), Jeff Meyers (Boot & Saddle), George Miller (JUMP Philly), Taylor Morganti (The Foundry/Live Nation), Mark Schoneveld (YVYNYL), Jon Solomon (WPRB), Q.D. Tran (The Deli Magazine), John Vettese (The Key/WXPN), Allie Volpe (Freelance), Nikki Volpicelli (Urban Outfitters), Chris Ward (Johnny Brenda’s), Bruce Warren (WXPN, The Key), Brian Wilensky (Freelance)
 
And now, without further ado, CONGRATS to…
 
 
 
Mannequin Pussy’s Marisa Dabice, Thanasi Paul, Kaleen Reading, and Colins “Bear” Regisford had a whirlwind of a year in 2016. The band toured extensively throughout the U.S. in support of their critically acclaimed album Romantic, which was released back in October via Tiny Engines Records. Major media outlets such as NPR, Pitchfork, Rolling Stone, and Stereogum to name a few have all helped to spread the word, expressing praise for Dabice’s explosive serenity in her songcraft. Mannequin Pussy’s songs of hope, patience, and love have resonated with a wide range of listeners, which has only exponentially grown over the last few years. The beginning of 2017 has already seen the group touring with Joyce Manor and AJJ, and the band has also announced multiple overseas festival appearances in the year to come so don’t expect to see the gang performing anywhere and everywhere in town like you used to, so take advantage of their appearance this Saturday, March 11 at PhilaMOCA, when they support another badass Philly band, Pissed Jeans, at the second of their two sold-out record release shows. (Photo by Scott Troyan)

 
2. Louie Louie (11.005)
 
 
The cliché suggests that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts; that is especially true when applied to a band. The quartet of Louie Louie initially caught our attention because of Emily Robb’s proven track record in bands such as Lantern and Myrrias. And with our ears on alert, the group’s initial single, “Out In The Streets”/“Miles Around,” served as an ideal introduction to their smooth/grit-juxtaposing sound. Louie Louie cast a wave of nostalgia, harkening back to classic girl groups, injecting an assertive, take-the-lead approach with a tenacious, surf-psych gear. Last month, the femme fatales released their debut full-length album, Friend Of A Stranger, via Philly imprint Born Losers Records, and the promise of those initial songs have come to fruition in a polished but potent collection.

 
 
 
The Dove & The Wolf’s Paloma Gil and Louise Hayat-Camard made their mark on the Philly music scene in 2016. The Parisian transplants expanded their line-up into a full band, with the addition of multi-instrumentalist Craig Hendrix (Auctioneer, Mammal of Paradise) and Andy Black (Nicos Gun, Dangerous Ponies), building on their rich harmonic foundations, while sharing bills with notable acts such as The Districts, Quilt, and Japanese Breakfast. Their EP I Don’t Know What To Feel, a collection of contemplative and chillingly alluring tracks, was written in part as a response to the terrorist attacks in Paris at the end of 2015. The group was eventually picked up by Fat Possum Records, who will be releasing the album on limited-edition color vinyl later this month. (Photo by Colin Kerrigan)

 
Below are more of this year’s Philly Top Performers…
 
4. Moor Mother (7.5)
6. Mercury Girls (7.007)
7. Pinkwash (7)
7. Wax Future (7)
9. The Retinas (6.5)
11. Carroll (6.013)
12. NAH (6.012)
14. Soul Glo (5.5)
15. Queen of Jeans (5.043)
16. Curtis Cooper (5.005)
18. RFA (5)
18. Sumerlands (5)
20. Harmony Woods (4.5)
21. Jesse Hale Moore (4.029)
22. Mumblr (4.004)
23. Joie Kathos (4)
23. Marge (4)
23. So Totally (4)
26. Amanda X (3.5)
26. Andorra (3.5)
26. Blue Smiley (3.5)
26. Camp Candle (3.5)
26. Kississippi (3.5)
26. Petunia (3.5)
34. Sun Organ (3.016)
35. Darla (3.015)
36. The Afterglows (3.012)
37. Hurry (3.01)
37. The Guests (3.01)
39. Swift Technique (3.009)
40. Suburban Living (3.006)
41. Deadfellow (3.003)
42. Dark Thoughts (3.002)
43. Dark Web (3)
43. Deer Scout (3)
43. Joy Riding (3)
43. PHNTMS (3)
47. Them Jones (2. 071)
48. Shadow Band (2.067)
50. Thin Lips (2.011)
 
We hope that you had a chance to discover something new from this year’s poll, or revisit forgotten favorites.
 
Much Love!
The Deli Staff

  

Nashville

The Deli’s Best Emerging Chicago Artists: FINAL RESULTS

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Dear Deli Readers,

We have finally reached the end of the road for The Deli’s Best Emerging Chicago Artists Poll. As usual, it’s been a lengthy, exhausting, painstaking journey through an abundance of numbers, band names, and some seriously rad tunes. Now, before we get to our list of this year’s Top Performers, we would like to thank our wonderful, knowledgeable jury of local music experts/enthusiasts (which you can view below), dedicated Deli writers and all those who took the time to check out our nominees and cast their votes. You’re the best, and we wouldn’t be able to do this without you!

The Deli Chicago Jurors
Eric Muhlberger (So Far Sounds), Brendan Losch (Blogger), ERIC SCHELKOPF (The Total Scene), Robert Glick (Reggies’ Music Joint), Coleman Brice (Cole’s Bar), Elle Quintana (Reggieislive), Consequence of Sound (Year End List), Mike Gebel (Empty Bottle), Aragon Ballroom ), Double Door (Jesse Ewan), Jim Kopney (Music Writer), Jason Behrends (The Deli Magazine), Matt Baron (Coach House Sounds), Thalia Hall Events, Bill Valentina (Music Writer), Paolo De Gregorio (The Deli Magazine).

And now, without further ado, CONGRATS to…

1. Post Animal is a band of psych poppers that knows how to capture the imagination. Their songs are structured around sweet-sounding hooks and round, groovy basslines while the timbre is sugarcoated in atomspheric reverb. They’ve mastered the art of taking simple, starightforward pop into the weird and sometimes mysterious realm of psych, making them a must listen for Chicago psych fans. 

2. Lala Lala offers a refreshing dose of female energy to a male-dominated punk scene. Their songs drip with raw emotion, pulling the listener in a multiple directions from rage to heartache to bliss. With subtle harmonies that dance across beds of fuzz and distortion, the trio captures the kind of adolescent, coming-of-age sentiment that proves perfectly nostalgic. 

3. Ne-Hi creates the kind of indie rock that just won’t leave the mind. They use jangly, reverb-soaked guitars to piece together delicious little tunes that are powerful in their simplicity. In a musical climate increasingly devoid of real instrumentation, they offer a glimmer of hope for listeners who love guitar-based bands.

4. Oops 

5. Jessie Winslow

6. Mano 

7. So Pretty

8. Natlie Grace Alford

9. Furious Frank  

10. Robbie Fulks 

Below are more of this year’s Chicago Top Performers…

11. Robbie Fulks
12. Archie Powell & The Exports
13. Todd Kesler
14. DIM
15. Varsity
16. monakr
17. Saba
18. Jamila Woods
19. Hood Smoke
20. Tara Terra
21. Al Scorch
22. Robert Rolfe Fedderson
23. releases Parent
24. Glyders
25. Yeesh
26. Melkbelly
27. releases Dehd
28. Emily Blue
29. Ravyn Lenae
30. The Right Now