Little Viking shook the walls of Springwater Friday night. After a ballad of broken strings and early mishaps, the band finally broke the carbonated silence with their surfer garage rock harmonies and choppy riffs. What started out as a loose and sloppy representation of an underground scene soon turned into a set that can only be described as vivid . They played songs from their EP Howling at Earth, and got the crowd howling themselves with the opening riffs of "Nicole and Carl Sagan." The grungy, lo-fi punch of this band compliments other Nashville natives like Big Surr and may even have enough of a following to bring this sub-culture to the light. Plain and simple, these guys are loud and electric. Don’t let the surf-rock roots mislead you; their sound is bigger than the small stage of Springwater.

Little Viking announced on stage, "This will be our last show for a long time" since they are writing new songs, and will soon be at Battle Tapes recording a new album. Seeing this four-piece live left me itching for a new album, since their cassette tape EP was only a teaser of three tunes. Their sound is nostalgic and progressive, which is just as contradicting as their band and track titles, but what their songs really lacked were endings – they would just fizzle out, along with the attention of some of the audience in the back of the room. For the most part though, heads were nodding, bodies were swaying and they kept our attention. This show left me seriously anticipating the new Battle Tapes sessions. – Beau Welsh

The 1-10s’ new LP Fighting for a Golden Age – an audio assault of rock, blues, punk and metal – has been floating around cyberspace for months, racking up comparisons to everyone from Led Zeppelin and Pixies to Queens of the Stone Age and Jane’s Addiction. Now the band is going to celebrate it with a release party Feb. 18 at The Basement with Oh No No, I Am Sabot, Spoken Nerd and The Running. $5 will get you in. The 1-10s have built a reputation for giving heavy, explosive live performances, so be there or be the silly-ass who didn’t go. – Jessica Pace

Check out this jangly, drilling psych-rock track by The Paperhead – it’s called "Back to Those Days" off their upcoming eponymous album due out March 22 through Trouble in Mind Records. Listen here. – Jessica Pace

Dear Deli Nashville Readers,

The results are finally here (see list below) from fans, jurors, and writers, and we are pleased to announce that PUJOL is the overall winner of the 2010 Nashville Band of the Year poll. Congratulations to him, and to the second and third place winners, Evan P. Donohue, and Kopecky Family Band.

1) PUJOL

Unless you’ve been living under a rock this past year, it’s been pretty difficult to avoid hearing at least something about Nashville garage/punk rock outfit, Pujol. From regular touring, releasing like a dozen singles/7" splits, to having a single produced by Jack White and forming Turbo Time Records with Jonas Stein (lead singer of the Turbo Fruits), Daniel Pujol and his band members have worked their asses off to create their local and national following. Even with a little taste of success, they still play the same up-beat garage rock that, when heard reverberating off the walls of some kid’s shitty basement, still manages to remind me of a sludgy rainbow. And it’s hard to get that without drugs. So I guess PUJOL is like my drug of 2010? 

2) Evan P. Donohue

Some have referred to Nashville’s charming poindexter as an Elvis Costello, and I wholeheartedly agree with them. The obvious jazz/standard influences, the constant catchiness, the trenchant lyrics.. *sigh* His 2010 full-length release, "Rhythm & Amplitude," was one of the best albums to come out of Nashville last year, which is surprising because it’s alt. pop/rock, and the ol’ tastemakers of Nashville often tend to disregard that genre and its representatives. Regardless, Evan P. Donohue is one of those rare individuals who can’t seem to write a bad song, or stop churning out hits. Someone get that kid a publishing deal.

3) Kopecky Family Band

This classically-inspired indie pop-folk group never quite seems to disappoint listeners when hearing "the family" for the first time. The tight-knight group of 7 was an even greater sight to behold last year, as they obviously grew into their roles, and became–quite clearly–more of a family onstage. They successfully released their second album, "The Disaster,"  and the resulting sound carried them throughout the country, allowing them to make great strides to SXSW, CMJ, NPR, etc. Aside from a pretty constant touring schedule, I’m not sure what their upcoming plans are, but I suspect that they’ll be as big as the band itself 😉 —Erin Manning

There’s going to be a whole lot of love heating up The 5 Spot Saturday night. Why? Because Electric Western Records is hosting its 3rd Annual Valentine’s Dance. There will be a free photo booth and a live band will provide soul and Motown favorites, including some Ray Charles, to keep you dancing and set the mood for sexy times afterward. It starts at 10. Bring $8 for entry and get ready for drinkin’, dancin’ and romancin’. – Jessica Pace

Fellow Nashvillians,

After a seizure inducing 2 months of polling and voting and numberschurning and link pasting… HABEMUS POLL WINNER!

Congrats to twangy garage rocker Daniel Pujol, who preceded DIY indie pop experimenter Evan P. Donohue and orchestral collective Kopecky Family Band. Here’s a picture of Mr Pujol for the ladies… and here’s the full list of our Best of Nashville 2010 Emerging Artists Poll:

Artist J W F OS TOTAL   1 Daniel Pujol 10 1 0.01   11.01 2 Evan P. Donohue 7   0.026   7.026 3 Kopecky Family Band 6   1   7 4 Tristen 6   0.007   6.007 5 Non Commissioned Officers 5   0   5 6 Space Capone 3 1 0.01   4.01 7 Mikky Ekko 4   0.005   4.005 8 The Apache Relay   1 3   4 9 Madi Diaz 2   1.5   3.5 10 Angel Snow 3   0.086   3.086 11 Action! 3   0.021   3.021 12 Alvin Love 3   0.014   3.014 13  Heartbeater 3   0.011   3.011 14 American Bang 3   0.007   3.007 15 Manic Bloom 3   0.002   3.002 16 MONA 3   0.001   3.001 17 MODOC 3   0   3 18 The Great Collide     2 0.5 2.5 19 Caitlin Rose 2   0.074   2.074 20 Least of Your Worries 2   0.037   2.037 21 Abigail Washburn 2   0.009   2.009 22 Diarrhea Planet 2   0.008   2.008   Tetsuo 2   0.005   2.005 24 The Band Perry 2   0.004   2.004   Andrew Combs 1 1 0.003   2.003 26 Cheap Time 1 1 0.003   2.003 27 Modern Hell 2   0.002   2.002 28 Natalie Prass 2   0.002   2.002 29 Andrew Belle 1   0.5   1.5 30 Kink Ador     0.049 1 1.049 31 Hanzelle 1   0.038   1.038 32 Junkyard Girls     0.019 1 1.019 33 Megan McCormick 1   0.011   1.011 34 Bad Cop   1 0.007   1.007 35 Parachute Musical 1   0.005   1.005   Worker 1   0.004   1.004 37 William Tyler 1   0.003   1.003 38 Brenn 1   0.002   1.002 39 Jasmin Kaset 1   0.002   1.002 40 Young Hines     0 1 1 41 Field Days     0.006 0.75 0.756 42 Dark Circles     0.005 0.75 0.755 43 Resident Scout     0.121 0.5 0.621 44 The Pursuits     0.078 0.5 0.578 45 Blackfoot Gypsies     0.056 0.5 0.556 46 The Grayces     0.024 0.5 0.524 47 The Auto Defiance     0.015 0.5 0.515 48 Rene Breton     0.014 0.5 0.514 49 CB Tucker Band Nashville Review of The Pursuits,” “Exile” Posted on: February 6, 2011 The explosion of keys and guitars resulting from a standoff between Coldplay (circa X & Y) and Radiohead, with occasional backup from more marginalized indie rockers, would create The Pursuits‘ Exile, the follow-up to 2009’s Still Half Asleep. The mostly-Belmont-based alt-rockers have a coldness and craftiness in their melodies similar to the likes of Calvin, and went from a quintet to a sextet since the EP was made. Four are vocalists, and with the work of three guitarists and thick layers of synth and keys, the EP is intricate but not overdone and, despite wearing its heart on its sleeve lyrically, it doesn’t give it all away by staying just reserved enough. "24-7" opens pensively with an American Football-like guitar melody bubbling dreamily over softly-treading percussion. Vocalist/lyricist Joseph Storey implores, "Is it worth it?" sounding like Kele Okereke (Bloc Party), before the song spirals off in Minus the Bear fashion, reverb echoing. "Cold Anchor" follows with a heavy heart reminiscent of OK Computer and some parts of Hail to the Thief, breaking through pensive, bleary ambience with a definitive melody. But it’s not all doom and gloom; "Morocco" heats things up with a buzzing, underlying guitar part that almost sounds like The White Stripes’ "Seven Nation Army," and amid crisp percussion, guitars bristle and cut jaggedly with jazz influence in "Heatwave," the first time the recording shys away from its smooth spaciness. "Pearl Diving" plunges back into the deep with quietly warbling guitars and cymbal tapping. It’s clear The Pursuits know their influences, and consequently know their sound. They’re not about hooks – which can cause a sameness in the songs despite the guitarists’ craftsmanship – and they’re not about to lighten up, opting instead for poetic introspection as heavy as the reverb. – Jessica Pace Nashville The Young International EP Release @ 12th & Porter, 2/10/11 Posted on: February 5, 2011 They’re called The Young International, they play melodic pop rock and they’re releasing their first EP next Thursday at 12th and Porter. Get a preview from the first track, "Ruckus," here. Also on the bill are The Kicks and Ravello; show starts at 9. – Jessica Pace Nashville The Civil Wars @ The Belcourt Theatre, 2/2/11 Posted on: February 4, 2011 When I arrived at the Belcourt Theater to a packed house, Lucy Schwartz was already at the head of her performance; aside from the “reserved” section, there was not a single seat open. As she performed,the acoustics of the theater were arresting. Lucy’s show progressed with attractive melodies and a showcase of multi-instrumental talent. She’s an excellent songwriter, and it shines through as she bounces between keyboard and acoustic guitar. For a few songs, she further displayed her talent by looping vocal harmonies and guitar lines. Her music is charming, and her character envelops every note. After a brief intermission, the Civil Wars took the stage to a crowd smiling in anticipation. The Civil Wars are known for their chemistry, but on this night the energy poured back and forth between performer and audience. During “Barton Hollow,” the title track to their new album, the crowd created a haunting choir by clapping to the heavy rhythm and whispering the chorus. Their best moments came in softer songs like “Girl With The Red Balloon,” during which you could hear a pin drop. Crowd favorites “Poison and Wine” and “Falling” humbled the audience as well. They even put a beautiful, ghastly spin on covers of The Smashing Pumpkin’s “Disarm,” Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean” and childhood favorite “You Are My Sunshine.” Their incredible sense of playfulness enhanced songs like “I’ve Got This Friend.” With wide smiles and glances to one another, they sang the chorus: “If the right one came/If the right one came along," and it was obvious that the crowd didn’t show up just to support them; they showed up to show how proud they are. – Marc Chirico Nashville Those Darlins release 7″ 2/1/11 Posted on: January 29, 2011 On Feb. 1, Those Darlins are dropping a new 7 inch, “Be Your Bro,” which includes two more tasters – “Be Your Bro” and “Let U Down” – from the upcoming Screws Get Loose (scheduled for release March 29) via OH WOW DANG. – Jessica Pace Nashville Megan McCormick, Jill Andrews @ 3rd & Lindsley, 1/23/11 Posted on: January 27, 2011 Some alt-country memories were resurrected Sunday night at 3rd & Lindsley through East Tennessee singer/songwriter Jill Andrews and Megan McCormick. A lot of Andrews fans may know her best as singer for former roots band the Everybodyfields, which was based in Johnson City, TN and included McCormick’s guitar skills for the album Nothing Is Okay. But this was no reunion; each artist did what she did best, (including American Idol star Crystal Bowersox, who also shared the bill) as parts of the show were broadcast on Lightning 100.   First up was Andrews, who opened her set with a beautiful slow number, “Blue Eyes,” written about baby son Nico (who hung around in the back of the house during the show). Her voice is powerful and almost liquid in the way it embodies the lyrics, and at times – particularly in slower songs – her vocals take on a haunting yet warm quality reminiscent of Trespassers William. Standout songs were the weepy strummer “Always Be Sorry” and soft reminiscing of “City Noise,” though the set would have been even better had she thrown in a few of her covers (she does a particularly good Fleetwood Mac “Dreams” and John Lennon “Instant Karma”). Next onstage was Crystal Bowersox who, though she was armed with a strong, dusky voice, paled in comparison to the preceding and following sets. After getting her break as a runner-up on American Idol, Bowersox recently released her debut, Farmer’s Daughter, which is rife with her personal traumas. Like her voice, her lyrics are undeniably bold, but not as hard-hitting as Andrews’ and McCormick’s, which could change with time and experience. Megan McCormick was last, which was probably for the best, since she completely owned the show. It was my first time seeing her live, and, though I’d heard and liked the recorded material, I did not expect as much as she brought to the performance. Whether she was playing steadier slow-burners or fiery, up-tempo stuff, each song was heated and thick with the blues – hear “Shiver” or “Take Me Out.” The set stretched to 15 songs, a large part of its success due to the talent of the upright bass player and McCormick’s expressive guitar playing, not to mention poignant, even vocals that pair well with her alt-blues-folk mash-up. – Jessica Pace Nashville Paper Machete Giving Away New Album, Saturday, 1/29/11 Posted on: January 26, 2011 Maybe there’s another punk band out there who can smoothly work jazz chords into their songs, but we have no idea who that is, nor do we care, because we’re totally set right now with the new EP that Paper Machete spontaneously recorded recently. They’re sharing the goodies this Saturday at The End by GIVING THEM AWAY FOR FREE to the first 75 people! Weeee! How generous! If that isn’t enough of an incentive, also playing are two of our Infinity Cat favies, D. Watusi, and Natural Child, along with Big Sir and the Greater Good. Now THAT’S a quality show. Go here for more details.–Erin Manning P.S. If you reeeaaalllyyyy can’t make it to the show on Saturday, you can download the EP for free on the Paper Machete Bandcamp page. HEYOH!