If you have yet to hear the apocalyptic indie psych of San Francisco five-piece Locus Pocus, then you are surely suffering from intense FOMO. Good thing that we have the cure. Today, the Deli SF is happy to premiere “Doctor’s Doctor” (streaming below), the first single off their forthcoming self-titled debut LP. This track departs from the band’s previous style, trading in some of the softer sounds, creating a feeling that is much more urgent. Locus Pocus plans to release their next single on May 6th, and the full album on June 6th—a decision meant to align with the themes of the album, and, in the band’s words, “to be cheeky.” If you like what you hear, make sure to catch this track live tonight at The Ivy Room in Albany. – Lilly Milman

Just in time for spring, San Francisco indie rockers The Bikini Complex have released an energizing new LP entitled The “B” Word. The LP opens with the electrifying track “Come Out Swinging” (streaming below), a sunny amalgamation of pop, punk, and rock that allows lead singer Kiki The Cat’s dynamic Debbie Harry-esque vocals to soar—especially on the chorus. The album overall is an undeniably fun addition to the current Bay Area indie scene, and, in the band’s own words, “won’t disappoint if you need a few songs to drive fast to, or just an album to listen to around the house while you reluctantly clean up after your housemates.” Their next show will be at Hotel Utah Saloon on April 15th at 8 pm. – Lilly Milman

The Deli SF is excited to announce that from the same people that brought you the monthly Milk Was A Bad Choice showcase, comes Throwin’ Bo’s—a new local showcase at the Elbo Room, hosted on the first Thursday of every month. For everyone who feels like they hang out at the same bar and see the same people every day, this is the event for you.

The first installment is approaching quickly on April 5th, featuring the psych-influenced, jangle-folk of Oakland rockers Half Stack, the fast-paced alt-rock of San Francisco-based The Band Ice Cream, and a headlining performance by none other than Oakland mainstay The Younger Lovers (streaming below). When we say the lineup is stacked, we aren’t kidding around.

This event is 21+ and will cost $5 in advance and $7 at the door. Anyone interested can RSVP on Facebook. – Lilly Milman

Still Woozy is the passion project of the Oakland-based Sven Gamsky, who describes his own music as “electronic/acoustic wooz.” The fuzzy bedroom pop is reminiscent of other indietronica acts like Glass Animals (on their first album), but with his own twist. Gamsky’s brand of mellow pop is upbeat and melodic, but his lyrics are cool and, at times, even enigmatic. His effort to combine the sounds of acoustic and electronic music is paying off; with Still Woozy, he is making the type of pop you don’t mind hearing on repeat. – Lilly Milman, photo by Palmer Morse

Listen to his newest single “Lucy (ft. Odie)” streaming below.

One way to describe Lavender Blush is a diamond in the rough soundscape of San Francisco shoegaze. Another, more simple (and perhaps even more meaningful) descriptor is just good. Like their sound, there’s no need for over-complication. This is the type of band that sneaks up on you, that stuns you into a silence with driving guitar parts, fuzzy production, and haunting vocals. The track “Misdirection” (streaming below) is an exercise in the genuine, one that is meant to be listened to over and over again. Lavender Blush will be playing at the EB Shoegaze Fest on April 15th at The Fireside Lounge in Alameda. – Lilly Milman

Each year, artists travel halfway across the country to the South By Southwest Festival (otherwise known as SXSW) in Austin, Texas to participate in one of the nation’s largest festivals of culture, art, and music. This year, the Bay Area was proud to have a number of local acts representing the scene in official showcases, which took place between March 9th and March 18th.

Listen to a playlist of the artists below!

It’s rare that an artist sheds new light on a phrase as overused as “less is more,” but that’s exactly the feat that Santa Cruz singer-songwriter Katie Ekin accomplishes on her newest single “Little Moon” (streaming below), which is set to be included on a forthcoming EP. This simple track gives her dreamy harmonies room to shine, while also showcasing the power of a stripped-down sound. She is currently finishing up a string of local shows, with a performance on the 23rd at the NexTies Awards and another on the 24th at Aroma Cellars. – Lilly Milman

In the new video for “Grieving Friend of a Superman” (streaming below) by the San Francisco baroque alt pop group Leon + the Fantastic, stop motion animation is used to convey an otherworldly experience. The video, directed by Japhy Riddle, follows an astronaut (played by frontman Leon Rosen) as he journeys back on Earth and is disoriented by how unrecognizable it is following advances in technology. This is the first single to be released from the upcoming debut EP Let Me Cool, which is currently available for pre-order and set to be released on May 18th. – Lilly Milman, Photo by Jenya Lum 

Bay Area artist Roxy Rawson creates jazz-influenced folk with an edge, using a fast-paced delivery and dynamic vocals to create music reminiscent of Soviet Kitsch-era Regina Spektor. Rawson distinguishes herself through her advanced techniques and grasp on music theory. The singer was classically trained in both piano and violin at the University of Paris VIII, and is now bringing her sweet sounds to the Bay.

The Deli SF is proud to be premiering her newest single, “Rounded Sound,” a singer-songwriter’s take on freak folk. Listen below, and stay on the lookout for her debut album Quenching the Kill, coming out later this year. – Lilly Milman

In her own words, Oakland shoegaze solo act highandfragile is “a project founded out of desperation for emotional relief by Breannyn DeLongis.” A refreshing departure from the conventions of the genre (typically dominated by men), highandfragile’s debut EP i was not well operates within the space where angst and actualization coalesce, exploring the modern pitfalls of being a young adult—it’s angry, artful, and honest all at once. The chorus of opening track “happy birthday” (streaming below) is almost anthemic (as much as is possible for shoegaze.) In this project, DeLongis has established herself as an artist and is definitely one to watch in the future. She will be joining There’s Talk at their record release show at Rickshaw Stop on March 8th. – Lilly Milman

When the San Francisco-based indie electronic trio There’s Talk first caught the attention of the Bay Area music scene in 2013, their EP Tiny Strands was lauded for its lyrical and melodic complexity. Now, five years later, the group has returned on the EP bathed water moon with the same perchance for intricacy, except with a heavier focus on the dreamy electronic sound that set them apart in the first place. The opening track “Give it Up” (streaming below) is an ode to dreamgaze, drenched in mesmerizing synths and suspenseful builds that leave the listener wanting more—a promise that the rest of the EP expertly delivers on. Despite a recording hiatus, this EP has proven that There’s Talk belongs on the forefront of the DIY electronic scene. Make sure to drop by their next live show at the Rickshaw Stop on March 8th. – Lilly Milman 

In Santa Cruz-based Marty O’Reilly’s most recent LP Stereoscope, he takes Americana to another level, blending delicate violin arrangements with bluesy vocals and soulful harmonies to create something startlingly beautiful. The dynamic songwriting of O’Reilly—who is always joined by bandmates Chris Lynch, Ben Berry, and Matt Goff—takes the listener by surprise, as he breaks out of the tropes of his genre that would otherwise restrict such progression. The opening track “Firmament” (streaming below) offers a glimpse into the rest of the album, which is a complicated and well-crafted addition to a genre whose fans constantly think they have finally ‘seen it all.’ Marty O’Reilly and his band are currently on a cross-country tour and will be heading down to SXSW this year. – Lilly Milman