“Home (Where She Wanted To Be),” the title track from Night Windows forthcoming EP, thrusts assertively forward, propelled by bass and the sly addition of synth. While the percussive, spacey thud sets the tone, harmonized vocals iron the production out. Home will be released on March 31 via Black Rd Records. However, the band’s release show is slated for Tuesday, March 28 at Boot & Saddle, and the bill will also include co-producer Fred Thomas as well as HLEP & Maxwell Stern.
NYC
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United Nations releases new single “Stairway to Mar-a-Lago”
While the current presidential administration might bode poorly for minorities, women, and maybe the way we look at Twitter, we can at least rejoice that the next four years will show a defiant uptick in relevant punk music. And man, is the United Nations doing the lord’s work. The Brooklyn-based band–that may/may not be a supergroup–recently released "Stairway to Mar-a-Lago," a single whose release coincided with the recent inaugural ceremony and features the band’s signature blend of unhinged, frenetic instrumentals, screeching vocals, and sweepingly anthemic breakdowns. The group is kind of everything you’d want out of a 2017 punk band: killer tunes are matched with headstrong messages, angst and an appetite for the controversial. Check out the band’s latest single, streaming below. – Olivia Sisinni
NYC
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Tall Juan announces release of debut LP “Olden Goldies” on Bufu Records
In advance of the May 5 debut album release “Olden Goldies,” Argentinian-born Queens resident Tall Juan (profiled in the Summer 2016 Deli Print Issue 47) has released first single “Getting Cold” (streaming below). Using his nylon-stringed classical guitar, deliberately strummed, unaccompanied chords introduce the track slowly at first, before building in speed. That intro serves as segue for the full stomping progression where Juan wails “I was all alone, I even wanted to try and kill myself.” Channeling original punkers Joey Ramone and Richard Hell’s vocal stylings in tone and delivery, an instant connection is made with fans of early NYC punk and garage rock. Despite the relative structural simplicity (something punk rock is celebrated for) there are enough chord changes and rhythmic turns to keep it all careening forward. The upbeat progression lightens angst filled lyrics like “all I ever wanted was some love, but all I got was my body getting cold.” Olden Goldies is available for pre-order via BUFU Records now. – Dave Cromwell
Philadelphia
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New Secret Nudist Friends EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Secret Nudist Friends is made up of Matty Klauser, Andy Slepman and Brian Hullihen, who craft jaunty pop creations that draw upon elements of surf, psychedelic, and contemporary indie rock. Klauser’s background in opera and musical theatre allows him to deliver compelling vocal performances, while providing catchy guitar hooks. The band just released its new four-song EP Susan, which you can stream and purchase below. Secret Nudist Friends will also be celebrating the album’s arrival with a performance tonight at Tralfamadore, where they’ll be supported by Honeytiger, Psychiatric Metaphors, The Off White, and The Vernes, before heading on tour down south to SXSW. (Photo by Jeanette D. Moses)
Portland
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Portland’s Best in Metal and Alt Rock for 2017: Shrine of the Serpent and Ice Queens
Despite the late announcement, we’ve got the winners of our "Best Of" poll ripe and ready for their Deli Portland chart debut. In who all of you considered to be the best in local offerings of metal and alternative rock, let’s say a big ol’ congratulations to Shrine of the Serpent and Ice Queens.
Tallying the most adoration from both our jurors and our readers, Shrine of the Serpent melds death and black metal with all the gloom of sludgey doom that anyone could ever ask for. Though they’ve only one self-titled EP under their belt, Shrine of the Serpent has reaped much deserved acclaim from labels like Parasitic Records and Memento Mori. It makes sense, given their triad of members boast resumes including Tenspeed Warlock, Graves at Sea and Sod Hauler as past projects. Let’s hope we see a new release from them soon.
Locals’ hearts are filled with love for Ice Queens, who won our Deli readers’ poll by a landslide. It was just over two years ago when an admiration for rambling ’90s rock brought Minden‘s Evan Houston (guitar) and James Taylor (bass) together with the bearded force of Brandon Nikola on drums and vocalist/guitarist Edgar McRae, eventually breeding their sound salute to the style. Their celebration of syncopation of that decade makes for a captivating performance, with their next one being next month at the Turn Turn Turn.
Austin
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Bearoté Uses Satire and Funk-Folk Melodies to Address Personal Loss On “Memphis TN”
You have to be living under a rock to not have noticed that the greatest threat to the American public these past few years hasn’t come from ISIS, immigration policies, the hyperbolic ‘media’, or the increasingly polarized political climate. Rather, the most diabolical and deadliest threat originates from a deluge of cheap, and readily available heroin, that has percolated into every socioeconomical class, ruining lives and killing addicts indiscriminately. All the while being criminally underreported by the media.
Despite the rising body count, the stigma around addiction has stifled conversations around seeking solutions, and instead focused on shifting blame from Big Pharma, to lawmakers, to the addicts themselves. While the crisis is being co-opted by opportunists for political gain; addicts are dying, families are suffering, and drug traffickers are cashing in.
Barrett O’Donnell and his newly formed band, Bearoté, wrote "Memphis TN" as a response to the epidemic and also a personal tragedy. The name Bearoté is derived from an old Native American story where mythical coyote-bear hybrids would always be born in litters of three. The strongest two bearotés of the litter would then cannibalize the third, not out of pure brutality, but as to gain the third’s guidance in the spirit world. Barrett and his brother Thaddeus, along with bandmates Cale Kiffin and Hans Bohlmann, wrote "Memphis TN" after losing the third O’Donnell brother, Daniel, to a heroin overdose in 2012. The bearoté legend says that while the third bearoté no longer inhabits the physical world, he becomes a spiritual guide to the remaining two, protecting them while also pushing them towards enlightenment. Whereas Daniel may not maintain a physical presence on Earth, Barrett and Thaddeus have never ‘lost’ their brother, since Daniel’s presence reigns over them guiding them toward a higher earthly purpose and spiritual significance.
The song opens with distorted newscast soundbytes of opiate epidemic reports playing over a wonky, folk-styled melody. The lackadaisial progression has an intoxicated feel, while Barrett’s woozy yet comical vocals detail the brothers move to the ill-fated and drug-infested Memphis.
"If you dont want to have to deal with them heavy-hitting thugs/ Just cruise on out to the suburbs, find a highschool kid for your drugs/ Heroin and cocaine and methamphetamine/ It really ain’t that all hard to find for a Shelby county school teen"
The song, despite its playful analogies, has a melancholic undercurrent that tugs heart strings and has a gravitating effect . The guitar sounds of Cale and Thad intertwine seamlessly, while Barrett’s vocals oscillate between completely aloof to a focused and angry conviction. "Memphis TN" is the first single from the band’s upcoming yet-to-be-named debut album that was recorded by Sam Whips Allison in Bandera, TX as well as Austin.
It’s out of bottomless pain that some of the world’s best art is born, and the opiate edpidemic has created a surplus of agony that the O’Donnell brothers know all too well. Bearoté has already aligned itself with institutions that offer resources to battle addiction, including the Austin-based Infinite Recovery. Bearoté has begun playing more live shows around the Austin area and it’s evident that the spirit of the third brother is guiding this band in a positive direction.
"Memphis TN" is available for free on www.bearote.com
-Lee Ackerley
New England
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Deli “Best of New England Indie Rock Act” XR Tabs Play Aurora Providence 3/22
Earlier this year, experimental indie-rock trio XR Tabs was chosen by our panel of jurors as New England’s Best Emerging Indie Rock Act of 2016. Their unique, ambient soundscapes create a visceral response from the listener, fostering feelings of uncertainty and discovery. Their new material is a collection of lo-fi science experiments gone right. Experience them live at Aurora Providence on 3/22 with Jesse the Tree, featuring photography by Ky Van Seltzer and artwork by Madison Eva. -Brian Varneke
Portland
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MOGO Fest Pick 3: Pynnacles, Cambrian Explosion and LiquidLight at Dante’s
*photo by John Keel
MOGO Fest wouldn’t be a definitive Portland faction without a little bit of psychy garage. Veronica Booking is handing this arena for the festival, with one of her bills being one of our picks for today’s festivities.
On tonight’s bill at Dante’s, the self proclaimed dancey "trash jewel" output of ’60s throwback band The Pynnacles headlines this night of psychedelic pleasantry. This is also somewhat of a "welcome back" show for progressive stoner rock group Cambrian Explosion, who have been on the road for much of February. Rounding out this nod of a classic night is some space rock from LiquidLight, who came out on top in our Best of 2015 readers’ poll.
Dante’s is sure to transform into a land of trippy lights, so come prepared to be immersed in impressive soundscapes and colorful visuals. Music starts at 9pm, with tickets running $10.
Nashville
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Aisha Badru readies full length
Aisha Badru‘s songs are oddly fit for background tracks. They seem tailored for small, sentimental moments that stick to the back of your subconscious. In fact, you might recognize her music from a recent Volkswagen commerical in which it’s used in this exact context. Her voice, piercing through a warm current of acoustic instrumentation, delivers the shiver of intense nostalgia you might feel after visiting your childhood’s neighborhood. It’s a return to a place without its identifiers, a place teeming with the ghostly, ephemeral nature of memory. Aisha recently announced on her Facebook profile that she is negotiating a record deal and has a full length record on its way. – Andrew Strader
Portland
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MOGO Fest Pick 2: Blossom, Sifter, ISSA, DJ Pr11me and Verbz at Dante’s
Our next choice in MOGO Fest offerings comes by way of a show curated by the festival’s designated hip hop and R&B specialists, The Thesis, which is a series of showcases centered around the genre co-sponsored by We Out Here Magazine and XRAY.fm. Each performer and DJ on this bill has a cultural tie back to Africa, which is something important to celebrate now more than ever in recent times.
Blossom‘s music beginnings date back to age 12, where the Trinidad & Tibego made Keisha Chiddick played alongside her uncle’s steel drum band. Fast forward to now, where Chiddick’s meaningful neo-soul work under her floral moniker has added such beautiful light to Portland’s underground.
Coming from Ibadan, Nigeria, Sifter‘s migration to United States almost a decade ago was in pursuit of furthering his work as an artist, as well as taking his singing career to the next step. He started recognizing his abilities also at age 12, while singing in his church’s choir. Now, he’s signed to Nigerian based label Bugatti Recording Group. ISSA‘s (or I$$A) time in the states has been in the same vein, taking creative inspiration from his home of Dakar, Senegal. Growing up speaking French and loving American and European takes on hip hop and R&B along with other island types of music have breathed extra life into I$$A’s vision.
Spinning at this show comes from the Afro-Caribbean, dance and house stylings of Valan Primus (aka DJ Pr11me) and Crate Diggers host and DJ to Portland rapper Tope, Verbz. With so many cultural vibes flowing from this bill, it’s impossible for it to not be a good time.
Be at Dante’s by 9pm tonight to catch everything as it starts. Tickets are $10 and this show is of course 21+.
NYC
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QTY takes their classic indie rock to SXSW
Last Monday, School Night! held a free show at Baby’s All Right with Active Bird Community as a headliner. You never know what to expect from opening acts, but this time we were in for a pleasant surprise. QTY is a couple playing music reminiscent of classics such as Bob Dylan and Lou Reed, but with a sonic attitude closer to the Jesus and Mary Chain. Their song "Rodeo," which seems to tackle the couple’s relationship, delivers plenty of rock’n’roll attitude, strong songwriting, and a satisfyingly bright distorted guitar sound. If you are traveling to Austin for SXSW in two weeks, you’ll have an opportunity to catch these guys live at Maggie Mae’s on March 17th.
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!
Philadelphia
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Weekend Warrior, March 3 – 5
Dark-pop collective She Policeman will be celebrating the release of its debut self-titled LP tonight at Boot & Saddle. It will also mark the band’s debut live performance. Led by singer-songwriter Michelle Spano who is back by Barry Knob, Steve Quaranta, and Claire Quaranta, you’ll find the group of longtime Philly musicians transporting us back in time to what now seems like the carefree 80s compared to 2017our present day circumstances. Opening the festivities is Langor, indie pop from the oddball mind of Brian Langor (Needle Points, ex-Sw!ms), and Philly indie-rock elder statesmen, Purples, will be headlining this evening’s bill.
And if you can find your way to North Philly DIY space Trash House on Sunday, you’ll be treated to a rad lineup of Hello Shark, Power Animal, and The Goodbye Party, playing host to Brookyn’s Bellows. – H.M. Kauffman
More reasons to not sit at home this weekend…
Boot & Saddle (1131 S. Broad St.) FRI Purples, She Policeman (Record Release), Langor
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, SAT Hound, SUN Marge
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI DJ BlackWidow/Backwoods Payback/DJ Deejay, SAT Stadium Armory/Geisha Façade/DJ Baby Berlin, SUN Shots Called, The One2s/In Different Sounds, FLNG, Secret Seahorse
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Anjuli Josephine (Release Show), Christine Irizarry, Katie Jo Knaub, SUN Bullbuckers
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI Steal Your Face, Mikey B & Miz, SAT JJX, Senvenire, Kailey Prall, C.J. Dunleavy, Peter Mitchell, James Cannon/Eloise Sharkey, Christopher Perry, Calla Bere & The Attitude, Tony Ukes, Livvie Forbes/Flex Squad, Mookie Mook, O.T., YOG JP, Yo Astro
World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) SAT (Upstairs) A Benefit for Living Beyond Breast Cancer: The Miners, Loose and Alright, Reckless Amateurs
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Phunkyman, Bosom Band, George Cahill, SAT The Silence (Album Release), Travel Lanes, The Donuts, SUN Kaonashi
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) SAT Little Stranger
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Bill McCloskey, Ali Wadsworth, August John Lutz II, SAT CaveWomen, SUN Owl And Wolf
Silk City (435 Spring Garden St.) SUN Beano, Milano, Domi Jo
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SUN Rusty Cadillac
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) FRI Red Letter Life, Karmalatta, Effucsion 35, Elephant Odyssey, SAT The Droogettes, The End A.D., Workhorse III
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI The Royal Ghosts, Age of Truth, Mesmeria, Pravda, Cerebelles, SAT Trap Rabbit, The Sugarpops, Hootsie, Jonny Drucker, The Bent Benjamins
Bourbon & Branch (705 N. 2nd St.) FRI Tasty Face (Album Release), Past Life, Tucker Hill, SAT Stella Ruze, Jamie Gallagher, John Gilbride, Andrew Jude
The Pharmacy (1300 S. 18th St.) FRI Pet, Arthur Shea, SAT Semiotics, Boy Lawyer, Lally, Sunshine Parker, SUN Weller, Water Temple, Sleepy Freak
Creep Records (1050 N. Hancock St., Ste. 76) FRI Mercury Retrogsrade, Dot.gov, Sitting in Cars
West Kensington Ministry (2140 N. Hancock St.) FRI The Mysteries, Tangiers
Tralfamadore (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT Trash Boy, Blushed, Busy Bee, Elissa Janelle Velveteen
Pilam (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI RFA
Trash House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Hello Shark, Power Animal, The Goodbye Party