The Kickdrums is the synth-pop project of established Brooklyn based producer/singer/songwriter Alex Fitts, who has produced tracks for Kid Cudi, 50 Cent, Freddie Gibbs, Slaughter House, as well as official remixes for Adele, Kanye West, and Linkin Park. The track is the first ‘official’ independent release from Alex (The Kickdrums) in over half a decade. The Kickdrums will perform in its extended live lineup tonight (June 17) at The Studio at Webster Hall.

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

Many signs seem to point to trio EZTV as the NYC band of the upcoming summer of 2016, their laid back, jangly and dreamy sound functioning as a perfect background for outdoors activities – and traveling. Their label Captured Tracks (home to masters of dreaminess like Mac DeMarco, DIIV and  and Widowspeak) just unveiled new single ‘Soft Tension" (streaming), from the upcoming LP ‘Calling Out," which entertains in gently psychedelic ways. With a sound partly reminiscent of ’80s band Rain Parade and other belonging to the Paisley Underground movement, this song is the sonic equivalent to a couple of puffs of weed (without being illegal, anywhere). What’s not to like? EZTV is currently on a North American tour which will bring them back home on June 21st for a show at the Mercury Lounge.

Big Shifter is a quartet based in NJ and NYC playing a dense brand of alt rock with a dreamy edge in the vocals and occasional prog references. The group released their debut album ‘Mantra‘ in 2014, check out our favorite single "Chloe" streaming below, and – if you connect – don’t miss them live at The Bitter End on 06.20.

Evvy is yet another NYC based synth-pop solo act that’s finding online love (as in, online fans). Her self-titled debut EP, released in mid 2014, features breezy melodies, easy listening production values, and lyrics about young love and heartbreak. After playing a free Northside party at Baby’s All Right on June 12, EVVY is scheduled to perform at Le Poisson Rouge on July 9th.

Notwithstanding their growing popularity, since their early days, Garage Rock and its younger brother Punk seem to have lost much of their subversiveness and wildly provocative iconography. This may be due to the fact that the newer generations of musicians haven’t been radical enough to go all-in into anarchic politics and dangerous rock’n’roll ‘lifestyle.’ As a consequence, it’s been hard to find new punk or garage records that matched the intensity of those pioneers, who were literally walking the line between survival and overdose while producing masterpieces like ‘Fun House’ and ‘Never Mind the Bollocks.’ NYC ‘s The Othermen, with their latest, insane sounding ‘(Do The) Stand Still’ three song EP, get as close as humanly possible to the raw, manic power of those records, while at once injecting a 60’s psychedelic vein into that sound, courtesy of Kayla Asbell’s organ. Their abrasive tracks are dominated by the distorted bass’ grating, higher overtones, while the sublimely demonic vocals of guitarist Max Frechette alternate rough melodic sections with sudden, devilish screams. If the EP’s title-track below doesn’t scare you away, you may want to check The Othermen live at Union Pool on June 16.

In 2012, NYC’s The Letter Yellow released a beautiful album of thoughtful pop tunes with Americana influences, entitled ‘Walking Down The Streets." The record married luscious melodies a la "The Smiths with a more melancholic vibe, a quality hard wired in lead singer’s Randy Bergida vocals. On June 18 at Cameo, the band will be previewing tracks from their upcoming album ‘Watercolor Overcast’ which will be exclusively available on vinyl after the show and digitally later in the summer. Check out below "Out in the Streets" from their debut album.

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

Super young, Manhattan born and bred quartet Dolly Spartans played our Northside show on Thursday night, delivering their uplfiting power pop with remarkable instrumental skill for a band of musicians in their early twenties. Today we are premiering their studio video for single "Don’t Be Said," which blends indie rock with exotic influences reminiscent of… what is it that we hear in that bridge, Calipso? If not Calipso, something close, check it out!

Having recently released the single “Calm Punk” off their forthcoming sophomore album, Brooklyn fuzz-pop trio Dead Stars played some wonderfully blaring songs at The Gutter Spare Room last night. Forming a tight triangle on the small stage, the Jeff Moore-led band blasted simple yet powerful tracks that reminded one of the sheer thrill of loud guitars and relentless drums. Perhaps “anyone can play guitar,” as Radiohead once sung, but it’s special when it’s done with the kind of focused passion that these guys brought.

While working in a completely different genre, Brooklyn-via-Colombia avant-pop duo Salt Cathedral exuded a similar no-nonsense energy at The Living Room. As guitarist Nicolas Losada strummed with poise, singer Juliana Ronderos hand-motioned and pulsated with a rapper’s swagger. Round light fixtures flashing different colors behind them, the band played an entrancing set of fidgety effects and gentle guitars that had the audience in silent thrall. Although the group mostly played their undeniably engaging original material, they did a cover of “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child which, with its propulsive electronics and long guitar lines, was simply great. – Zach Weg

On Thursday night at Cameo Gallery, one of the few small Williamsburg venue still standing, three different-sounding bands played their own kinetic sets.

Brooklyn quintet The Fluids took the stage first (who also played our Northside show the following night – pictured), swiftly surging into a loud pop-punk track that was almost manic in its blistering guitars and strong vocals. Frontman Michael O’Donnell was a gripping performer, his hunched-over guitar-thrashing and sudden shouts into the microphone recalling Joe Strummer’s powerful presence as The Clash’s leader. The sheer passion of that iconic British group did find kinship with the members of The Fluids, even as they exuded an assured cool in a next song that channeled The Strokes’ early work with its rattling guitar lines. Continuing onto a playfully-menacing cover of “Pablo Picasso” by The Modern Lovers and ending with what sounded like their single “Just Like Me” (streaming below), which placed reflective spoken-word in upbeat punk, The Fluids made an undeniably gripping introduction into the next band,.

Walking onto the stage with a forest-green sleeveless tee and a snapback hat, Fort Lean‘s frontman Keenan Mitchell immediately displayed charm, smiling at and amiably talking to the audience. But then came his band’s delightfully-blaring songs and Smith got down to his first guitar solo, the hat flying off his head. It was a buoyant yet tight intro that soon led to a potentially hypnotic third song (seemingly “Cut To The Chase,” streaming below) that set Smith’s acrobatic voice to swirling synths. Fort Lean weren’t just merry dancers, though, as their last song had a subtle melancholy that reminded us of their eclecticism.

After a short break, the small space filling with people, headlining act Caveman (who graced the cover of The Deli NYC’s issue #27 back in 2011) took the stage. A few members wearing ties and enveloped in a purple light, the Brooklyn band segued into an almost seductive set of mostly new, as-yet-unreleased material. Synths soared and drums tumbled but the group’s poise remained, even as thunderous guitars washed over lead singer Matthew Iwanusa and his bandmates. Unlike the two singers before him, Iwanusa held a relatively calm presence. Not much bending, a little swaying. This very serenity, though, was rapturous, his stilled eyes closing the night with quiet power. – Zach Weg

We were bummed to learn that Sons of an Illustrious Father couldn’t play tonight’s Indie/Psych B.E.A.F. Stage at Muchmore’s for a family emergency, but we found a last minute replacement in heavy psych rock quartet Stuyedeyed (pronounced: "sty•died"). Their hazy, bluesy psych rock will sure tip tonight’s bill’s balance even more towards the droney side of things. Check out their latest EP "Cursed," and our favorite track "Miscarry On" (streaming) from their debut album "BIRTH," released in January 2015.

Those who are growing resentful of the attitude affecting many Brooklyn hipster/bands’ may take solace in The City and the Horses‘ music, a NYC/Philly band that’s been around since the late aughts. Their loungy pop is as colorful, multifceted and transparent as a glass marble. It also prominently features – among many others – an instrument that is bound to come back in vogue at some point: the flute. The band recently found a cozy spot under the wing of Brooklyn’s label/event organizer Paper Garden Records, which booked them for their Northside Fest show, scheduled for tonight at The Living Room. On the bill also NY-ers Salt Cathedral, ARMS, Stranger Cat, and Spritzer among others. Check out also their new video for their electronic ballad "Re-Inking."

Brand new electronic duo HVLLOWZ may have an unpronounceable name, but we find their soulful downtempo extremely appealing. Their debut, self titled EP came out just two months ago and is at times reminiscent of the intensely dark early Portihead records – minus the hip hop factor. Programmer DJ Wallstreet sticks to minimalistic and atmospheric arrangements, complementing singer and songwriter Skela’s sultry vocals and preference for slow tempos. The band will be performing liva at Union Pool tonight within the Audiofemme’s Northside Festival show, opening a bill featuring other noteworthy local electronic acts like ONWE, Leverage Models, and Of Clocks and Clouds.