For many bands just starting out, the first album is viewed as an experiment with a questionable final product, or a nervous test drive with challenges at every juncture. In the case of Jamaica Plains’ folk-indie group Modern Painters, the confidence, sincerity, and precision in their self-titled debut is not unlike a veteran band with several good albums under their belt. Lead singer Gabe Goodman sits soundly on top of the crisply produced album, echoing the sounds of Andrew Bird’s vocal talent and Father John Misty’s storytelling. At its peak intensity, Modern Painters mirrors the exciting points of Arcade Fire’s first EP, while their softer dynamics resemble the gentle cruise of Real Estate’s soft rock. Check out the album below, or on Spotify. -Charley Ruddell
New Track: “Star Wars” (Feat. Dart Vader) – Vinny Wit Da Swag
While most of the world is busy geeking out to The Last Jedi, we felt that this standout from Vinny Wit Da Swag‘s new album, Trust Noman, might be fitting for this morning. Produced by Winnipeg’s Crabskull, "Star Wars" reflects a world that seems to be up to no good (which feels kind of familiar right about now). There is also a featured appearance on the single by "Dart Vader".
New Forest Kids EP Available for Streaming & Download
Paul Marchesani (of Cerulean Blue) captains the electro-experimenting Forest Kids Collective, who recently released a new EP. Storefront swims in a mellow, dance-catalyzing realm; entrenching, ethereal grooves cause a levitating, ambient effect. Illuminating the details held within one’s surroundings, while simultaneously inducing a peaceful state, the music naturally flows, revealing subtle, hallucinatory nuances along the way.
Introducing The Deli Nashville’s year-end playlist!
2017 was a year of plenty for Nashville’s music scene. So we decided to make a Spotify playlist to celebrate all the excellent music and hard-working musicians that call Music City home. From Americana to grooving funk, from indie superstars to the fairly obscure, here are 100 tracks we enjoyed this year from our Nashville neighbors! Be sure to follow the playlist AND follow The Deli Nashville on Spotify for more playlists in the future. And of course, please share with your friends! – Chris Thiessen
Seasonal Beast brings atmospheric orchestral music to Rough Trade tomorrow (12.20)
Those who happen to miss the sense of mystery the holiday season brought with it when they were more religious than they are now, have an opportunity to recover some of that feeling tomorrow (12.20) at Rough Trade, where orchestral band Seasonal Beast will perform live. Led by producer/composer Yuval Semo and singer extraordinaire Yula Beeri, the NYC collective offers uber-intense, atmospheric music that blends droney elements with classical arrangements. The visually stunning (sort of)-live video of single "This is Where" provides the perfect amount of drama and uplifting emotions to help us celebrate a holiday that can still represent an effort towards spiritual rebirth, with or without God in the picture.
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best mellow songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!
Strawberry Runners plays Elsewhere on 12.30
Strawberry Runners‘ debut full-length In The Garden, In The Night, was one of the NYC pop highlights of 2017. The band, led by Emi Knight, captures intimacy with an unusual fullness, filling out bedroom-bred sincerity with trumpet and keyboards for a vaguely orchestral sound giving songs a more considered and affecting tone. The band is scheduled to play their last show of the year at new Bushwick venue Elsewhere on December 30th. Check out their recent video for ballad ‘Dog Days,’ streaming below. – Cameron Carr
Shea Stadium hosts holiday show with Yucky Duster, Bueno, Fits, and Emmerson & Her Clammy Hands 12.21
When the longstanding Brooklyn DIY landmark Shea Stadium was forced to close its doors this past spring things looked grim. But, at the end of what’s been a long and difficult year for so many more reasons, Shea has thankfully managed to keep going in the interim by hosting events at other venues while it hunts for a new space to inhabit. Closing out the year, Shea brings a lineup of local favorites to Brooklyn Bazaar on December 21st: Yucky Duster’s scrappy punk, Bueno’s crispy alt-rock, Fits’ unhinged DIY energy, and Emmerson and Her Clammy Hands‘ intimate bedroom songs. Though Shea is still deep in the process of finding a new home, let’s hope this is the only year without a stadium. – Cameron Carr
From the digital submissions: Garage Rockers, The Vice Rags, drop self-titled EP
Self-described as a "breath of fresh, New Jersey Turnpike air" NJ band, The Vice Rags, lay down no-frills garage rock that isn’t afraid of getting dirty. The four-piece just dropped a new self-titled EP which presents some warm, classic-sounding tracks that will satisfy your most staunch rock ‘n’ roll crate-digging purists (see "Alright By Me" streaming below) alongside wilder, brasher songs like opening track "Shut Up & Love Me." If you take your hearty helping of garage rock with a side of fuzz and crackle, the Vice Rags are definitely not a group to pass on. – Olivia Sisinni
This artist submitted music for coverage here.
Krust Toons: “Cool Name or Not” by Tedd Hazard
Krust Toons: "Cool Name or Not" by Tedd Hazard – please feel free to drop him a line at teddandthehazards@gmail.com if you dig or have any funny ideas. You can also check out more of his illustrations and animation shorts HERE.
Ellen O chills with synthy goodness in newest album “You/Sonata”
Ellen O synthesizes her training as a classical pianist with an affinity for hip hop and trap to forge a fresh sounding chillwave blend. The artist’s experimental fusion creates a soundscape of eerie synthesizers driven by a future bass aesthetic, all of which forms the perfect background for her smoky vocals. Ellen O’s second and most recent album You/Sonata features artists Smoke DZA, SHRAF, and Khallee, as well as a more mature vision of her unique aesthetic. Check out Ellen O’s newest album straight from BabyGrande Records or wherever you stream your music. —Amanda Ogea
New Track: “Bird of Paradise” – Nymphaea
Coldwaver Marit Rose Stafstrom brings the horror-show vibes to the dance floor with Nymphaea‘s latest single "Bird of Paradise". Its the first of two unreleased tracks found on their forthcoming album, The Remastered Singles Collection ’16-’17 (Iris Obsscura) – the other being "Via Superia". The seven-song EP will include recordings from their first two sold-out tapes, Countdown to Ecstasy and Abode of the Merciful. You’ll also find reimagined, lo-fi covers of New Order’s "Ceremony" and Billy Idol’s "Eyes Without A Face" to round out the release.