The Chewers could possibly Nashville’s most fearless band.  Their unique take on avant-garde expression invokes the satirical plight of Zappa and layers it with a fumbling rhythm similar to that of Captain Beefheart’s more experimental releases. "Chuckle Change and Also" is their latest lengthy release, boasting 22 tracks of captivating noises and melodies that are off-putting butoddly catchy. It’s like catching Shel Silverstein in a bad mood while he’s on an enormous amount of hallucinogens. “Can’t Sleep” is a mix of eerie humor that won’t leave your head for a few hours after listening. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a moment to peer into the Chewers’ world. -Michael Perry 

Although I haven’t heard Salamanders’ name around town lately, I know there still sneaking around somewhere, which is why you should check out their EP "Super Demos" and spam them with fan mail about playing a show again soon. The four-track release is a laid back mix of rock, pop, and doo-wop that seems to care about little except for having fun. The standout track off the EP, “Gotta Get A Hold of Myself,” is a nod to early rock’n’roll doo-wop that your Dad used to really like. In its entirety, Super Demos is an album that you can just put on and let it play through without worrying about picking songs. Hopefully those elusive slimers find their way out from under the deck soon. -Michael Perry

6minor Films has been working on a documentary series entitled “Songwriters,” focused on Nashville’s population of, well, you can figure it out. They’ve interviewed six Nashville artists from different genres on their songwriting process and motivation behind it, dedicating an episode to each group. One of the bands questioned is Them Vibes, a name that finds its way onto the Deli Nashville here and there. The entire series is a fascinating look at the space between an ‘idea nugget’ and the finished product, and all the work and intangibles that fill it. Take a look HERE at the Season One trailer to see if you recognize anyone! –Terra James-Jura

kidDEAD is throwing an album release show tonight at the Stone Fox. Ross Norton of kidDead landed in Nashville after a turbulent series of events that took him from Tallahassee, FL to following the Grateful Dead to drug addiction to prison to coming to terms with the tragic death of his mother. To say that he has walked the walk would be an understatement. The product of such a path is an intelligent, emotional brand of hip hop dealing with the less than glamorous truths of human nature (struggle, fear, failure.) “Rap and Destroy” is his first full-length solo effort departing from The Last of the Horsemen. Joining the bill is a good portion of Nashville’s #RAPCLUB: Peaceful Warrior, Spoken Nerd, Phantom Farmer and Erin Rae and the Meanwhiles. Listen to the first single “Thieves” featuring Nathan Conrad, Brandon Brains and BRZOWSKI to get a preview the show, which starts at 9 and cost $7. – Terra James-Jura

Here’s a closer look at the other qualifiers from the Nashville Open Submissions:

Calligan is a duo comprised of Jessica Coppens and Kristen Castro that absolutely nails it in their rustic, quaint approach to folk music. Listen to their latest release, “Weathervane” below.

Jeffrey James is a transplant from Brownsburg, IN, a town that could be the birthplace of soul if one only went by the depth and power of this man’s stylings. He is preparing for a EP release on March 4th; listen to the title track “I’m Wide Awake.”

The Prophet Nathan is Nashville’s contribution to math rock, cranking out razor sharp tunes with fascinating song structures. “Musicmol” is off of their November 2013 release “Secret Teachings.”

Charlie and the Foxtrots are a 6 member strong folk-pop outfit. They are gearing up for a 2014 full length release that is sure to contain bright, feel good numbers like “The Man I Am.”

It probably isn’t a surprise that Sol Cat won the top spot in our Open Submission Poll with a 7.16 from our editors. They had already won our Artist of the Month Poll earlier this summer, and earned praise from My Old Kentucky Blog and Relix Magazine. Their dedication to trippy groove-rock extends far beyond their music; they have carved out a very distinct nook in the Universe, and then stuck a towel under the door jam so smoke won’t escape. 2013 saw the release of their EP “Welcome to the Cowabunga,” (as well as THIS amazing tribute to Paul McCartney and the Christmas spirit, with the Kansas Bible Company.) So they are rolling into the New Year on some pretty strong momentum.  This video for "Sea of Light" offers a glimpse into the Sol Cat microcosm. –Terra James-Jura

Plastic Visions took second place in our Open Submissions poll thanks, in part to Kane Stewart evident relish in the role of frontman. Just listen to the way he spits “You think you’re sofa king cooool!” on “Kamikaze.” They scored a solid 7 from fellow Deli editors. Their self-titled debut EP was released May of 2013, and is a fuzzy, messy onslaught; quite possibly what Frank Black hears when he holds a seashell up to his ear. The four piece has just recently confirmed that they are a SXSW showcasing artist, which is sure to be one of many great things happening for them in 2014. The next opportunity to catch their live show is 1.31 at The End with Sun Club, Pretty Ugly, and Buffalo Rodeo. –Terra James-Jura

This neo-folkie scored a 7 from fellow Deli editors. Armon Jay is poised to release his debut album, “Everything’s different, Nothing’s Changed,” on 1.21.14. He arrived at this point after a long, interesting 2 years raising money, traveling to American Fork, Utah, to record with producer Joshua James, with some mountain climbing and goat-herding thrown in for ‘character-building.’ The result is an album full of haunting earnestly that walks the same line as Ryan Adams and Conor Oberest. He will be hitting the road this February in support of Noah Gunderson, after throwing a listening party at the Camphouse in Chattanooga, TN on 1.18. Listen below to the title track, “Everything’s Different, Nothing’s Changed” and be prepared to cast your vote for him if it touches you in any way (appropriate or not.) –Terra James-Jura

The first phase of the Deli Nashville’s Year End Poll has come to an end – and we have the results.  Many thanks go out to all the bands that submitted; the amount and variety of talent in and around Davidson county is staggering. 

Of course, the Deli Nashville editor wasn’t eligible to vote for the bands in the Nashville scene. Instead, the submissions were voted on by three other editors, including Deli Editor-in-Chief, Paolo De Gregorio.

Acts advancing to our Readers/Fans Poll with a ranking above 6.5:

1. Sol Cat (electronic) 7.16

2. Plastic Visions (alt rock/garage rock): 7

3. Armon Jay (alt folk): 7

4. Calligan (indie folk): 6.83

5. Jeffrey James (rock/soul): 6.66

6. The Prophet Nathan (alt rock/space rock): 6.66

7. Charlie & The Foxtrots (bluegrass): 6.66

Honorable Mentions (ranked above 6):

Sugar Lime Blue (americana): 6.5

Andrew Leahey & the Homestead (country/ rock n roll): 6.33

EL EL (indie pop): 6.33

The Revolutions (rock): 6

Omega Swan (garage rock): 6

Redstone (southern rock): 6

WHAT’S NEXT: Now that the first stage of the poll has come to a close, the next step is to unveil the artists nominated by our local jurors: venue promoters, bloggers, etc. (In other words, the people who know the scene best.) Then, our readers and writers will get a chance to vote on the poll, so keep checking in!

The Deli Staff

 Harrison B released a full-length album in November of 2013,then took off for a tour in Alaska in December, as most sane musicians are wont to do.  "Down at Brown’s" is a collection of blues, rock, and roots music recorded in one session inside of a general store.  Listen to "Sun Shine Down," my favorite cut off the album below, then check out the full review HERE.  -Terra James-Jura

Vacant Future is leading a hardcore punk invasion and their coming for your house. Vacant Future implements all the best parts of my favorite heavy genres: the aggressive downbeat in hardcore punk, thrash guitar in speed metal, and death metal vocals that make your throat sore just listening. “Spirit of Spite” is by far my favorite track off their self-titled demo. It’s the perfect mix of punk and classic speed metal in the vein of Lemmy. Like so many punk bands used to, they even have a title track song, “Future is Vacant.” That’s how you know you’re listening to real punk, right? -Michael Perry

Congratulations to the Blue Matches for winning our Artist of the Month Poll! Their victory coincides pretty handily with the recent (Dec. 29th) release of this official video for their single “Down and Out.” There are two opportunities on the near horizon to throw your panties at them (But make ’em nice.  The ladies of Blue Matches know quality): they play at fooBar Jan. 15th, and The End Jan. 18th.  They have also just put out a new EP titled “Starting Over” available here. Attend, download, follow their Twitter, Facestalk, just show your support! -Terra James-Jura