Fresh off of their impressive live show appearance at Northside Fest, noisy dream-gazers No Swoon premiere their latest track “Blame The Messenger” here on The Deli. Establishing its soaring melody from the very first note, a triumphant swirl of guitar and keyboards float above deep thudding drums. Vocalist (and guitarist) Tasha Abbott sings in a sultry and elongated style that references Liz Fraser of Cocteau Twins. “Blame the messenger and dusty words,” she sings (extended out as “wo-o-o-ords”) against the band’s momentary angular accents. “Tongue’s all wet (pronounced “way-a-yet”), flooding the curb” points towards a theme of desire and apprehension. With nearly if not all the bass coming from keyboards, the tracks underpinnings are buzzier and less note driven. A central ambient interlude ultimately leads to one more lengthy instrumental break, complete with elevated vocal outro. The band will play a free show this Wednesday 8/8 at Elsewhere’s Rooftop with Rodes Rollins. – Dave Cromwell

After making the move to Brooklyn, former Deli New England-featured artist of the month Plastic Waves premieres brand new single “Drift” here today. Relying purely on electronic instruments, the track features verses supported by modulating synths and slap-back percussion. While an initial impression might elicit comparisons to the 80’s and 90’s sound of bands like Depeche Mode, OMD or even Gary Numan, a more soulful and emotional quality emerges within the bridge and chorus. “I don’t want to fight it, but don’t get excited if you feel it too” leads into a lush cascade of melding voices and synths. The chorus takes it one step further with buzzing, elevating melody lines between the vocal refrain “can’t seem to find another – cause I won’t take any others – you pull me right back into it – and I don’t know how you do it.” Don’t miss Plastic Waves’ live performance at Elsewhere Zone One in Brooklyn this Friday, 8/3. – Dave Cromwell

Returning from a lengthy hiatus, nyc noise-surfers The Vandelles are premiering their new single “Techromancer” here on the Deli, from their forthcoming album "Hate Will Bring Us Together."  Working on other projects during the break hasn’t tempered the bands penchant for twangy guitars and California beach vibrations.   The rhythm section comes on even harder this time around with a circular throbbing bass line and aggressive thrashing percussion. The idea of creating a new word for the songs title by combining modern video gameplay (Technomancer) with the groundbreaking sci-fi cyberpunk classic Neuromancer is intriguing on a number of levels.  “I’d rather be dead than you, I’d rather be black and blue, I’ll greet the darkness when it comes” establishes the initial vocal line.  The quieter intro sets up a series of sonic explosions, building to the Nirvanesque chorus that invites us to “…come and get it, come and get it from me – I ‘m always ready,” accompanied by slashing power chords over pounding drums and bass.  The band will play live at The Mercury Lounge on 7/13 with Texas shredders Ume, who have recently released new material of their own. – Dave Cromwell

Gearing up for the release of their debut album Poach via Modern Sky Entertainment, Brooklyn-based indie rockers Navy Gangs are preparing to kick off an over 30 date North American tour. After their well received 2016 self-titled four song EP, the upcoming full-length (expected in early August) boasts an ambitious 14 tracks, which was mixed and mastered by six string indie virtuoso Delicate Steve Marion. Lead single “Housekeeping” shows his touch on the guitar sound production, with its brightly buzzing riffs and distorted jungle rhythm. The easy-going slacker rock groove is accompanied by a tale of new roommate remodeling. “You’ve really made yourself at home” begins a conversational story capped by the ultimate compliment “it’s your own feng shui.” The closest thing to a chorus comes by way of the repeated line “I really love what you’ve done with the place,” capably serving as hook and emotional center.  The tour begins with a show on 5/31 at Trans-Pecos with support from Poppies and Dan English. – Dave Cromwell

After honing their skills via two self-released EPs, Brooklyn trio Language is set to release their new EP Plymouth via Good Eye Records on May 18th. The five tracks show the band developing a hybrid sound falling in a space between prog and industrial. “Where To” is a short burst, under minute and a half instrumental displaying the band’s impressive chops. Angular rhythms and sharp cuts emerge from precise placement of drums, bass and guitar . “Game Piece” ramps up the tempo adding shouted punk style vocals over the shifting progression underneath. Title track “Plymouth” emerges out of jagged guitar textures that lead to a softer lyrical center followed by a Zappa-esque extended psyched-out coda. “Into and Out Of” (streaming below) pairs emergency broadcast signals with triple-time high-hat flutters before the full band throttle explodes into a throbbing onslaught. Final track “Square Winds” bring vocals back over an equally hyperactive rhythmic undercurrent. The band will play their release show at Baby’s All Right on 5/16 with label mates Russian Baths, plus Grooms and Mezzanine Swimmers. – Dave Cromwell

No strangers to our blog and mag, Brooklyn punky garage rockers Thick have been building a steady following since their inception back in 2016.  Emerging from the splinters of other local favorites, the three piece has harnessed an appealing mix of wild abandon and serious determination.  Recent release “Bleeding” (streaming below) is a pedal down chugger that details how difficult life in the city can sometimes be. While the verses lay all this down with amusing lo-fi “oooh wah” background vocals, melodic riffs and sharp rhythmic accents come fast and hard. The chorus hits like a Hey-Ho Ramones fist pumping shout-along – “don’t touch me – I’m bleeding!”   Having recently completed a mini-tour of prominent ivy league colleges, the band scheduled a hometown EP release show at Elsewhere on 5/24 appearing with Gymshorts, Chorizo and Lost Boy. The band is also scheduled to appear during the Northside Festival on 6/7. – Dave Cromwell

The southern New Jersey shore town of Asbury Park continues to produce a steady stream of new artists in both music and visual digital media. The recent partnership between musicians The Cold Seas and video production company Carousel Media House on the bands latest release “Retrograde” is both a sonic and visually stunning achievement. With the imagery surfacing from a stark candlelit black and white, a rich modulating synth pulses behind somber vocals. A pretty face appears momentarily, accompanied by lyrics “I think of you at times, until it kills me on the inside.” The full band emerges and the mood is further established with the simple hook line “I’m feeling something for you. Can I get something from your heart?” The band will play next at Langosta Lounge in Asbury Park on 4/19 and in nyc at Pianos on 5/4 with Memoirs of Addiction. – Dave Cromwell

There is a slow burn soul that runs throughout the synth-pop created by Brooklyn duo Death By Piano. The six songs on their debut EP “Countdown” emerge at a measured pace with singer/keyboardist Kalen Lister and producer/instrumentalist Greywolf crafting a deliberate, moody feel. On the title track (streaming below) deep bass synths and electronic beats create a pulsating groove leading to the vocal hook “please – please don’t turn the lights out – give me space to shake off the in crowd.” A spacious ambiance emerges at the midpoint, where beat-less waves of sound pulse behind Kalen’s emotive vocals. With the beats returning, the ultimate declaration is to “look the wolf in the eye, don’t back down.” The EP is now available for pre-order, with the full release on April 6. To celebrate, the band will play their release show on 4/2 at Elsewhere. – Dave Cromwell

With its title referencing the biblical world without sin, Brooklyn’s Spirits of Leo‘s new track “Eden” (streaming below) creates a dreampop impression of that earthly temptation garden. Having relocated to Brooklyn from California, the band’s creative force Ryan Santos Phillips weaves in a nod to Steinbeck’s “East of Eden” as well. However, much like the human struggles in that literary tale, the prevailing focus here is of a paradise lost. Built around a driving bass line, melodic guitar riffs and clearly defined percussion, the vocals cascade in layers that create an atmospheric motion. “I wonder where we’re going again” serves as the songs catchiest repeated lyrical refrain providing a glimmer of hope for another chance at paradise. Included on the full-length album “Equinox,” the band will play its release show on March 22 at Tender Trap, with the record available everywhere on the 23rd. – Dave Cromwell

Alternative indie pop rockers herMajesty new track “Weightless” (streaming below) is a mid-tempo rocker that pairs layered guitar hooks and bright synths with a distinct driving backbeat. Band visionary JP is given open space for his soft-sandpapery vocals and vivid lyrical poetry.  Lyrics like “Let the colors and the scent settle on your skin – let the yellow lilac and the brooding rose pull you in this violet dream” create visually dramatic moments underscored by plucking piano and alternating synth notes. The chorus reveals the need to rise above a “concrete wall” and the limitations we place on ourselves, to become “weightless.” Written over a four year span and recorded in numerous cities, this single and the band’s upcoming album was mixed by Giovanni Nicoletta in Berlin. To celebrate its release, they will play an early show at Mercury Lounge on 2/28 with The Goodnight Darlings. – Dave Cromwell

Since premiering their first new track since 2014 here on the Deli this past September, Brooklyn’s Veda Rays have been hard at work.  They released five song Shadow Side EP in November, as well as a second video for “False Coloured Eyes” (streaming below). In the video, the band is shown playing via a four way split screen, while lead vocalist James delivers his dramatic lyrical recitation through full screen edits.   The track hearkens back to the darker side of ’80s second wave of post punk British bands, where synths and guitars merge with dark sounding, almost ominous vocals. The band will host a four night residency every Tuesday in February at Sunnyvale, where all the shows are completely free and feature many emerging NYC bands. In addition to the live performance the events will also feature photo & art exhibits, short film projections and spoken word performances. (photo by Julia Stibal) – Dave Cromwell

Emerging from the restless suburban sprawl of New Jersey, The Nectars find inspiration across the Hudson River (and beyond) in developing their alt-punk sound. Making a sticky impression with their debut single and video “Heaven” (streaming below), elements of classic 90’s and early aughts female fronted rock can be gleaned through both the audio and visual performance. While Gwen Stefani and No Doubt provide an obvious visual reference, other sonic elements emerge as the song progresses. “I should have never started looking at you – should have never started getting so close” serves as the essential sonic bridge through to its explosive chorus, which reveals how the beauty all around us is rediscovered once freed from a toxic relationship. The band embraces Sonic Youth’s forceful abandon, but soaring vocals bring to mind Amy Lee‘s range and quality with Evanescence. The Nectars will play The Meatlocker in Montclair, NJ on 1/27 with a stacked lineup of upcoming artists. – Dave Cromwell