Ireland natives (but Brooklyn-based) Von Shakes come at you with a burst of energy, compelling melodies and an alt rock edge that will get you rocking. The band – that has accumulated a fan base that spans the Western emisphere since their inception in 2008 – is set to take the stage for the album launch show at NYC’s Arlene’s Grocery with STRNGRS on 11/16. Listen to the piercing guitars and captivating vocals of track three from the upcoming album, titled “My Side” below. – Michael Haskoor (@Tweetskoor)

Anna Nordeen‘s song ‘Tom Petty’ from her EP ‘You Know Where I Am’ makes us picture the kinds of sunny LA boulevards you might stumble upon when you stroll aimlessly around that city. The track shows off Nordeen’s smoky voice and country-tinged guitar lines. Sort of like what Sheryl Crow might have been, had she chosen a slighly less poptastic path and geared herself more towards some kind of dream-doo-wop. Forget about the weather, it’s time to wear a yellow hat and be your own sun. Check it out below. – (Mike Levine @Goldnuggets)

This artist submitted music for coverage here.

Armand Hammer‘s new album "Race Music" is an epic exploration of rococo rhapsody from Bushwick indie label Backwoodz Studioz. Brooklyn vet MCs Billy Woods and Elucid incant their verses like Shakespearean witches ciphering over a cauldron. Dropping enough esoteric references to dizzy a Harvard Race and Ethnicity professor, they create a gallimaufry of street philosophy, beat cacophony, and cannabis cosmology. If audiences aren’t initially put off by their lyrical extravagance, they’ll catch clutches of clever wordplay. Elucid captures the theme and tone of the record on "Sunni’s Blues" intoning in his gravelly rasp, "Guns germs and steel / Scripture civilize these savages / One true gospel / Hazardous / Post radical / Plastic explosives level tabernacles." The electro-hop beats (from the smoldering labs of Willie Green and A.M. Breakups among others) tend to embark as simple loops, but evolve as they careen toward their crescendos, carrying the flows of the MCs like a crowd of robotic goblins. Though the hooks can leave something to be desired, lovers of the rhyme and evocative lyricism will fall under the spell of this standout album. – Broke MC

Lucius – featured on the cover of The Deli’s Best of NYC 2011 issue – is currently on a mission to conquer Europe, and their gorgeously uplifting pop songs, combined with a truly amazing live show, will surely land resounding victories. The band also unvelied a new video for new single "Tempest" (streaming) from their much anticipated debut album "Wildewoman." By the way, we only use the word ‘anticipated’ when it’s really necessary here, fans have been waiting for this album for friggin’ EVA!!!

If you are planning on seeing Lucius in NYC, you are too late. Their two dates at Bowery on December 7-8 are sold out.

Like some kind of darker and electro version of Kate Bush, Brooklyn duo Azar Swan explores uncharted territories without ever relinquishing melody. A wide scope of influences – ranging from industrial percussions to oriental atmospheres – pervades the band’s debut album "Dance Before the War," out now on Handmade Birds Records. Check out opening track ‘Lusty’ Below, or stream the entire record on Soundcloud.

If anyone’s looking for someone to inherit the trash rock mantle post-Yeah Yeah Yeahs and The Strokes, look no further than Crazy Pills. A three-piece with energy to spare, and grit to keep songs like ‘There Are Dangers’ off debut LP ‘Restless’ careening slightly off the rails before reaching up to the rafters. In no small part thanks to singer Amanda B.’s combination of punk snarl and high-pitched howl. Hear album opener "Nothing But Love" streaming below. Catch them when they play Death By Audio on Monday, Nov 18th. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)

This band submitted their music for coverage here.

From short videos that would freak out the most sunshiny and well meaning of acid trips, to several records from a near decade of undistilled noise fantasies, White Hills brings their blend of psych and stoner rock to a world that might not yet be ready. So you may want to take a tour around the block first, and listen to latest record ‘So You Are… So You’ll Be’ to get an idea of how exactly this new cosmic religion functions. The ritual chants and sonic booms of track ‘In Your Room’ should be all you need to get you started. Listen below. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)

Star Rover is what might happen if John Fahey got married, then divorced to Robert Pollard from GBV. The band has an on-again, off-again relationship with Folk and weird Americana that could only come from a well-traveled group now finding themselves recording an album in Bushwick. Every bit the jam band in tracks like album opener ‘Western Winds Bitter Christians’ (streaming), the album of the same name also produces Sunday evening songs like "We Would Be Building" that’ll find you rocking on the front porch of that ranch house you’ve always imagined yourself in.

At least until things start to get hazy and noisy again. This is a journey from one end of America’s sonic spectrum to the other, and this (mostly) instrumental guitar/drums duo are there to make sure you enjoy the ride with them. Check it out below, and see them when they get back from their east coast tour soon. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)

This band submitted their music for coverage here.

Feel like taking a walk outside before the frigid cold keeps you inside? Put on Daytona‘s new single Honey and embrace the winds of change. The sing-a-long style lyrics throughout the new single invite the listener to do just that, repeating "It’s getting cold, and the leaves they are nearly gone". Enticing the listener to step outside, before it’s too late. It sounds like the trio originally from Chapel Hill, NC are already feeling the Brookyln chill in the air. Layered guitar work and these repeated phrases allow a cerebral escape from the fact that we are heading into the winter months. Calming and inviting, ‘Honey’ still seems like a warning that none of this was meant to last, and to enjoy it all while you can. – Joe Fish

So, before it gets too cold out, see DAYTONA release their self titled debut record at Shea Stadium on Saturday, November 16th, with other local bands we oftend covered here: Tony Castles, Darlings, and Candide.

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

Poor Remy is an army beating a path to your ears. The Queens based folk group announces itself with so much pomp and fanfare, you’ll mistake banjos for bayonets in our fave track ‘Wrecking Ball’ (streaming). There’s no mistaking the aggressive shouts and climbing choral chants of this band with any other folk three-piece around NYC, and that’s why they stand out from their milquetoast string band peers.

This evening the group is celebrating the release of their sophomore EP ‘Bitters’ at Rockwood Music Hall. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)

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

Folk-rock trio The End of America may have been playing music together since 2008, but only gained the attention of the public recently, after opening for Beck in LA back in February. The band’s clever mandolin-infused, tri-vocal harmonies and jam interludes keep them safe from Mumford & Sons comparisons, referencing instead Ryan Adams and Crosby, Stills & Nash. With two members from Queens and one from Philly, TEOA are set to headline Pianos tonight (November 12) with Kayleigh Goldsworthy and Steve Brodsky. Check out their most recent single “Silver AM” below via Bandcamp. – Michael Haskoor (@Tweetskoor)

The Amputees – probably the NYC band more heavily inspired by legendary fuzz pop pioneers Husker Du – are back with a 5 song 7′ vinyl titled ‘Scream,’ to be released on November 23rd.The Brooklyn/Harlem based seven member band tightens and focuses their muscle into five tunes that range in scope from brutal hardcore to pure pop heaven. Their subject matters also vary wildly from the beauty of "Beaner’, a theme song dedicated to their bass player to the creepy psychosis of the title track "Scream’to the eating disorders of "88′. Money Fire Records will be releasing this one. Check out single "Beaner" streaming below.