Philadelphia-based electronic project Sinister R recently self-released its debut EP Fear of Future. The recordings present subdued dance music, in the vein of UK garage and jungle. The tracks’ rhythms are more two-step than four-on-the-floor, occupying a sonic space whose samples and synths are interwoven gracefully throughout. Processed clips run through distortion and decay, airing out a positive repurposing of loss into something with direction and character. – Josh Kelly
Chicago
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Interview with Britany Campbell
Brittany Campbell recently released a video for “Mean” from her 2018 album Stay Gold. The video was directed by Laura Gordon for Weird Life Films. We thought it would be the perfect time to reach out and ask Brittany a few questions about the video, her duo called Mermaid, and life in Chicago. You can read the full interview here and you can check out “Mean” below.
Photo by Lawrence Ageyo
Chicago
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Billington Shippy and Wyche “The Eventual Warp Cat”
Ben Billington (Quicksails, Tiger Hatchery), Mark Shippy (Invisible Things, US Maple) & Daniel Wyche are preparing to release their sophomore album “The Eventual Warp Cat” via No Index on February 15th. The spacey, improvisational noise rock trio released their debut back in 2017 and are returning with a darker and somewhat themed effort. Below you can stream the album’s first single “Freaky Dot Patterns”.
You can catch Billington/ Shippy/ Wyche at The Hideout on February 12th with Couteau Sang and Mode Hexe (James Wetzel of Melkbelly).
Philadelphia
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New Music Video: “Both Ways” – Thrills
Both Ways is the debut LP from electro-rock trio Thrills, which is led by Vacationer‘s Michael Mullin, and is scheduled to arrive on February 26. Cloaked in a smoky air of mystery, the performance-based video for its title track was filmed by David D’alba and Trey Shields at South Kensington’s Hi5 Studio. Between the vocals and the locked in backend groove, a fluid, mystical vibe is achieved. However, amid those murky sonics, an escalating ripper results.
Nashville
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Rocky Bottom releases full-band LP “Mr. Nothing”
It feels like it’s been a while since we featured an indie folk act here on The Deli Nashville, so here’s Mr. Nothing, the first full-band effort from Rocky Bottom, the musical act backed by singer-songwriter Alex Hernandez. If the tracks on this disc sound fresh from Side B of The River, chalk it up to Hernandez’s Jersey roots shining through the Southern folk affect in his voice. Songs like the knee-slapping foot-stomping "Stunt Man" appeared in a stripped-down form on Rocky Bottom’s latest EP Dive Bars and Tip Jars, as did the song of the same name which reminds us of a souped-up "Piano Man". But on Mr. Nothing, they get rounded out from the help of Hernandez’s bandmates and friends, all of whom bring a community folk sound straight to your eardrums. Check out Hernandez playing the title track from Mr. Nothing at Magnetic Sound below. – Will Sisskind
L.A.
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NONA makes an affectionate plea on “I’m Not Trying”
Michael Goldman comes into his own on “I’m Not Trying.” Having partaken in a number of local bands, some of which include Sego and The Moth & the Flame, it was only a matter of time for the touring musician, who goes by the moniker NONA, to pursue his own project. Goldberg’s latest single, the first since his debut EP Otherways, moves along with a patient and gracious stride. “I’m tired of waiting / to be endearing,” he yearns with genuine feeling as his echoey guitar lines vibrate with a jangly sparkle. He’s as determined as he is a little bit stubborn, but as the jammy, groove-driven Trying attests, he’s willing to wait for that approval he so desires.
“I’m Not Trying” is out now on all streaming platforms. Juan Rodríguez
NYC
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Cloud Tapes find respite on “Coast Is Clear,” play Alphaville 2.3
New York’s Cloud Tapes describe themselves as “Daniel DeVito in the form of song," which pretty much tells you everything you need to know about their easy-going, occassionally abstract alternative rock. Their newest single, “Coast Is Clear!” is a Fender-heavy joyride, rife with paranoid dream visions of “abandoned coast [where] we were searching for the holy ghost” and “king and jesters… changing places,” wrapped up by a chorus in which frontman John Samaras states “we face the same old problems, day in, day out.” It’s hard to suss out the specificity of Cloud Tapes’ worries on “Coast,” but their melodic, carefree guitar work, against Samaras’ ‘whatever works’ lyricism evokes a philosophy of rolling with the punches and not sweating the small stuff, providing a much needed respite to listeners from the mounting anxieties of daily life.
Cloud Tapes will jam at Alphaville on February 3rd, supporting Tiger Oil, Vinnie Neuberg, and Seldomo. Until then, let your hair down and stream “Coast Is Clear!” below. -Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt)
Chicago
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Color Card “Glass”
Color Card recently released the first single, “Glass”, from their forthcoming album, Smush. This album is due out on February 5th, and will be the band’s first release since 2016 and first as a 4 piece band.
This is the synth-filled dream pop of Eden Sierotnik, Kyle Irwin, Eric Streichert, and Johnny Seguin.
Chicago
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Hate Force “Stolen Valor”
Death Metal band Hate Force has released the first single, “Stolen Valor”, from their forthcoming self-titled debut album. The album will be released on February 22nd via Closed Casket Activities.
This is the side project of James Pligge of Harm’s Way along side of Drew Brown (Weekend Nachos, Like Rats) and Todd Nief (Like Rats). The trio formed back in 2014, played a few shows and released a demo. It is great to see this project final come to fruition and produce a full album.
Philadelphia
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New Church Girls EP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Cycles, the new EP from Church Girls, was recently released via Chatterbot Records. Instrumentally spring-loaded personal narratives travel through the details, finding a balance between the composed, melodic pacing and the spirited bursts. There’s a momentous self-evaluating clarity that blends with abrasive undertones, expelling energy. Church Girls are currently on an extensive national tour, and you can catch them next in Philly on Saturday, March 9 at Johnny Brenda’s, with Blushed and Field Mouse.
Chicago
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Twin Talk “Weaver” Video
Twin Talk has released a third single and title track from their forthcoming LP, Weaver. The single is accompanied by a beautiful video which was Produced and directed by Sean Pierce and Zach Harris and featuring a sculpture by Maren Celest.
Twin Talk is the improvisational jazz of Dustin Laurenzi (tenor saxophone, clarinet, bass clarinet), Katie Ernst (bass, voice), and Andrew Green (drums, percussion, gankogui bells).
You can catch Twin Talk on Feb. 10th at The Hideout for their album release event.
Austin
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Table Tennis Dreamer Renders Heartfelt Electronica On “All My Life”
As one door begins to close, another has begun to open for Waldo Wittenmyer who is behind the new solo project, Table Tennis Dreamer. Waldo has contributed in a variety of bands (Velo, Toma, Waldo & The Naturals) which all have unique styles but his solo project may be the most pure representation of his own voice. Shimmering retro synths and lachrymose vocals coalesce into a melodic earworm on TTD’s first single "All My Life". An Austin psychedelic ribbon streaks through the track and gives it an ethereal aura that percolates slowly into the listener’s consciousness. While Toma has created a respectable body of music, Table Tennis Dreamer seems to inhabit the musical niche that Wittenmyer is now able to flesh out in its entirety. TTD will be releasing his first EP, Randall Vol. 1, this Spring.