Straight from Brooklyn’s DIY scene, Bad Credit No Credit marches onto the stage in a wave of cheerful provocation, combination of socio/political consciousness and a blatant lack of inhibitions. The groovy brass-based septet is fiercely led by its charismatic singer/sax player Carrie-Anne Murphy, who seemingly can sing but would much rather scream and roar her discontent, telling tales of alienation, misogyny and other delights to the sounds of punk-infused jazz and instrumental freakouts. Which is just fine, as it makes for a most convincing (and entertaining!) performance.
Having raised enough funds to ‘kickstart’ their debut album ‘The Whole Buffalo’, which has been in the making for the last two years and is now about to be released, BCNC left us a little treat for the road, dedicated to their generous donators: a cover of Joe Cocker’s popular take on ‘You’re So Beautiful To Me‘. They will be playing with Ancient Sky, Gross Relations and Turnip King on Friday (8.17) at Brooklyn’s Cameo Gallery.
WaMoo Papez in many ways represents both the old and new schools at once. His use of chopped up elements brings contemporary Brooklyn DJ’s like DJ/rupture into focus, but there’s a stateliness here that reminds me almost of RZA’s ability to pull hypnotic repetition together from minimal sources. And like RZA, Papez is known primarily as the producer behind a group of similarly named emcees: Warrior Monks.
The producer’s hypnotic adventures propel the listener through torrid explorations of hard-hitting bass drops projected under time-stretched vocal and string samples that become something entirely different when heard outside of an emcee’s verse. Papez’ new instrumental full-length ‘We Float’ finds you lost in the middle of some dream woods. ‘Golden Wishes’ and “Little Fish’ especially reach freakout territory; but all is held together by Papez’ knack for perfectly elastic beat flows. A deeply felt cluster of songs, it’s great to hear how well everything comes together in ‘We Float,’ even without an emcee there to lead the track. – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
Starbolt 9 comes at rock with the enthusiasm of the unrealized sexual fantasies of a million restless teenagers. New York has plenty of rockers cut from the cloth of the Strokes and Interpol; mopey musicians too cynical to truly get lost in their music. Not so with Starbolt. This has all the naive optimism of glam rock in its finest freakishness. Bordering on Broadway anthem on occassion, Starbolt gives an innocent pleasure with the roaring guitar solo of ‘Bottomless,’ and keyboard vamps of ‘Say Yes.’ These are episodes of largess that would make even Michael Hutchence blush. But hey, that’s what makes rock fun.
Check out their latest album ‘Human Strings and Mechanical Things’, excerpts from which are available on their Facebook page, and see them when they play Mercury Lounge on September 2nd – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
Generator Ohm formed now two years ago, as Willie Chen and Ernest D’Amaso finally found in Mike Morales the drummer they’d been searching for to pursue a collaboration that began with Chewing Picks in 2008. Drawing influences from punk, grunge as well as hard rock/heavy metal, they put together a first album ‘Upon The Me Om I’ which, if quite the gripping ride, is neither as heavy nor as invasive as one could expect from a band with a defined taste for restless drums and powerful guitar work. Their sound is on the contrary very open, unclettered, however certain it is that they’d ‘never miss a beat‘, rolling steady through complex arrangements with a fluidity that finds them as committed to the aesthetics of prog-rock as there are to delivering effective rock’n’roll to the NYC crowds. Speaking of which, they’ll be playing a handful of Brooklyn shows before the end of August, the first being this Thursday (8.16) at The Trash Bar’s WilliFest, followed by XPO 929 on the 17th and Bar Matchless on the 31st, avis aux amateurs. – Tracy Mamoun
After an EP, a first-full length album and a series of sold-out shows in NYC, Deadbeat Darling switched over in 2011 to the UK label SpearHavoc Records, with which they released their second full-length album ‘The Angel’s Share‘ (released in April), a delicately gritty indie-rock record soaked in nostalgia that travels through memories of past relationships, nocturnal turmoil and other deceptions punctuated by touches of scat, fingerpicked guitar strings, and tints of stripped down reggae/dub; if anything, it’s hard not to be seduced by the fragile, sometimes raucous voice of Deadbeat Darling’s lead singer Joseph King, a voice that breaks as it pushes too hard and softly makes every one of their songs sound so very intimate. A month exactly after their last NYC show, The Mercury Lounge will be welcoming them back from their US summer tour this Saturday (8.18), with Saratoga Springs soul/rock outfit Wild Adriatic.
Hey kids, here’s a suggestion: next time you decide to ride on a carousel while on acid, be sure to bring along Tropical Ooze‘s latest self-titled odyssey. Taking their cues from The Flaming Lips and The 13th Floor Elevators, theirs is that promise from the ’90s that psychedelia and heavy guitars might finally share the same party with one another. The band’s been around a little while, and when they’re not backing up the great R. Stevie Moore, they’re busy exploring the many flavors (and colors) the new EP has stirring together in the pot. Opening with the bombastic ‘Fresh Gum,’ the record quickly moves into the dream material of ‘Pride,’ and only descends further into the unconscious from there.
This is the band for anyone wondering what happened to NY’s psychedelic scene. So go find yourself a carousel to ride… or see the band live on Friday (8.17) at The Cake Shop – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
‘Top Ten Songs Of The End Of The World’ (Paw Tracks) is the new project by Brooklyn-based psychedelic duo Prince Rama, that sees the Larson sisters curate the apocalypse from an imaginary past, by impersonating ten fictitious bands on the eve of destruction. ‘So Destroyed’, streaming below, is a first glimpse into the record, a gripping, hypnotic fusion of Indian music and new-wave/pop courtesy of ‘Rage Peace’, introduced as ‘the Bob Dylan of a whole generation of angry youth‘. An ambitious move, both aesthetcially and conceptually, this pseudo-compilation gives Prince Rama the freedom to explore a vast array of musical influences, thus giving us a lot to look forward to for the end of the year, even if our planet doesn’t collapse onto itself as promised by CGI-based fantasies.
Note that on November 6th, when the full album is released, Prince Rama will be off touring Europe with Animal Collective; before they leave though, you can catch a couple of NYC shows, the next one being on Friday (8.17) under The Archway, for a free DUMBO summer bash.
For their second album, ‘Funky Was The State Of Affairs‘ (out tomorrow, August 7th), Brooklyn-based band Fergus & Geronimo brought in two new members and left behind the sixties background of their debut, to find in the 80s the foundations of a new sonic flavour. Truthfully though, the various New Wave, dance rock and pop-punk influences are hardly the most interesting thing about this record. Amidst fast beats and freaky skits, they’re playing their very own ‘tale of idiots’, halfway between social satire and pure nonsense. Don’t be misled by that strange Northern-Cockney hybrid on the opening ‘No Parties’, the English aren’t a prime target here. Consumerism, paranoia, passivity and other defects of our kind, extraterrestrial fantasies and complex relationships: those are the main themes approached in this weird, gripping album which, agreed, is varied in sounds, but should certainly get as much credit for its coherence. The release show will be on Friday (8.10) at 285 Kent. – Tracy Mamoun
A lot of people don’t know this, but New York has a pretty strong Country scene. Mixed in with popular of-the-moment singers like Azelia Banks and Alexis Krauss, where people usually think to look for our city’s strong frontwomen, are some of the fiercest young honky-tonk women around. Enter Anna Krantz. An NYC singer with roots in London, (and musical roots in Nashville) her voice could light a fire every bit as explosive as any of these other leading women. Take ‘Flesh and Blood’ off her new EP ‘Foundation.’ Here’s a track that finds its way to its target with nothing but a strong voice and a story. It’s a traditional diva style from the school of Dusty Springfield that works well for someone this talented. While her brand of intimate pop songwriting isn’t for everyone, no one this capable can be easily dismissed either. You can see Anna live at Rockwood Music Hall on Sunday August 12 – Mike Levine (@Goldnuggets)
Recorded almost entirely in the band members’ LES "cozy" bedrooms with the help of a high profile team of audio pros, the thirteen songs on Star Fucking Hipsters‘ new album "Never Rest In Peace" entartain us with screams and riffs about rebellion and punk and ska revolution! The new songs sound more fierce and mature, and benefit from cameos from Dick Lucas (Subhumans U.K., Citizen Fish, Culture Shock), Jasper Pattison (Citizen Fish, Culture Shock), and Bryan Kienlen (Bouncing Souls). It includes art by famed DIY artists Fly (“PEOPs,” Dog Dayz) and Paul Barron. SFH, after touring the U.S. and U.K., and are kicking off a West Coast Tour this week with Citizen Fish (dubbed "Cracktoberfest") including a performance at the Alternative Tentacles 30th Anniversary Festival.
The Diggs – if we remember correctly – played one of our very first Deli shows at Asterisk Art Space ages ago (4 years?). It’s great to see that they are still at it, and admittedly we haven’t covered them in awhile. Their sound seems to have evolved considerably in the last few years. We remeber an aggressive, post-punky power trio; we find now a more mature group whose fast songs show more attention for melody and structure, and benefit from arrangments that – like all the best rock classics – progressively build in layers and intensity. Check out these guys live at Glasslands on 11.03.
Check out Bottle Up and Go at Glasslands on 11.17 with Dinowalrus
Bottle Up and Go is a Brooklyn based duo of rock n’ roll screamers who combine honky tonk fiddling, and horn accompaniments that will whisk you away to a seedy bar full of guys spitting tobacco into silver buckets. Their screeching harmony of guitars, horn toots and tambourine talents have created sonic gems such as “Ain’t Going Down,” a ballad well suited for a rock version of the Brother Where Art Thou soundtrack. You’ll know you’re not in Kansas anymore when you hear their song ‘Wayward Son,” a lament of depression and drinking that features a chaotic sax growling for dear life. Enjoy Bottle Up and Go with a bottle of whiskey and sing a long, “I love my baby/but her body is cold/Seems like my liquor/is the only thing.” – Chloe Schildhause
The Barrens release single + play Arlene’s on 11.07
The beauty of The Barrens’ music lies in the little details: the piano accents that hit throughout “12 Petals,” propping up the tune’s winding lead guitar riff; the unexpected, disorienting chord wedged in the middle of the “Ezekiel Saw a Shape” chorus; and the way singer Colin Fitzgerald screams toward the end of “The Green Room,” right before guitarist Mike Koene takes a solo and the already-epic tune spirals further into Doors-esque psychedelic bar-band territory. “Worming,” a bruising track reminiscent of the Who’s “Quadrophenia” gem “I’ve Had Enough,” is the best tune on the band’s MySpace page. Its mean fuzz and memorable hook—“I keep worming/ your love is in the dirt”—combine to form the type of weirdly accessible pop song that is the Barrens’ specialty. The band recently released a new single called “Scoliosis”, another sonic attack that somehow manages to blend punky guitars a la’ Ramones and frozen melodies reminiscent of Clinic with vocal harmonies that would make Kim Deal proud, and “philosophical” melodic openings a la’ early Pink Floyd. Yes, that’s a crazy ride indeed! Don’t miss their show at Arlene’s Grocery on 11.07. — Kenneth Partridge
Glass Ghost opens for Dirty Projectors on 11.18 at Bowery
Glass Ghost‘s "Idol Omen" is The Deli’s September CD of the Month (see review here, right column). The band is obviously getting some love from the music blogs as yesterday they jumped first to position #12 and then to #5 in our "Web Buzz" NYC rankings (orange charts on the left, click on "Popularity" scroll down menu and click on "Web Buzz".)
Yeasayer is back! Download new single from upcoming CD
Yeasayer – winners of The Deli’s Best Emerging Artist of 2007 poll – will re-emerge in early November with "Ambling Alp," the first single off their sophomore record ODD BLOOD (due February 2010 on Secretly Canadian). The single will be released digitally and on a limited 12" vinyl packaged in a space age colored metallic sleeve that will also feature remixes by Memory Tapes and DJ /rupture. You can already downlad "Ambling Alp" FREE at the band’s website.
Yesterday, I was in Williamsburg thrift shopping for my Lydia Deetz costume for Halloween. As I gave up on finding frumpy black clothing and a hat with a wide brim, I stumbled upon an in-store performance by Cymbals Eat Guitars at the new SoundFix store. They were one of the many bands I had planned to cover for CMJ but never got around to attending one of their numerous shows. I had seen them earlier in October when they had had opened for the Pains of Being Pure at Heart at Webster Hall. That performance was awe-inspiring. Dripping with sweat (a pool of it had formed around him), frontman Joseph D’Agostino pulled as much as he could out of his guitar; his hands blurred in front of me as his band mates relentlessly attacked their instruments. Although they took a completely different stage for Thursday night’s performance, the raw energy emanated throughout the crowded store. They began with the anthemic “And the Hazy Sea” and followed it up with “Some Trees (Merritt Moon).” The cathartic screams beautifully wove through the solid instrumental skills displayed during their 30-minute set. Exhausted and possibly gravely sick, D’Agostino asked the crowd if they would like one or two more songs. Of course, fans yelled back two, and they happily complied. With their meteoric rise to indie fame, SoundFix may be the last small venue they’ll ever play in New York City. Cymbal Eats Guitar, together with Mistery Roar and Teletextile, will be performing live on 10.31 at a Halloween Party on 14 Steuben Street, Brooklyn (map). – Nancy Chow
Polite Sleeper new album ‘Lake Effect’ is out now on Sabotage
Tick tick tick, pop pop pop, snap snap snap. That’s the essential staccato loving formula used by Brooklyn band Polite Sleeper – featuring band members of Mountain Goats and Mercury Rev. Every song is set to a rapid metronome of sound, infusing two beloved music genres – folk and punk. Blending these two contradictory styles is not a novel idea – they say that’s what anti-folk is all about – but Polite Sleeper pull it off in addictive songs featuring acoustic guitars, minimal drums, disgruntled lyrics and also the occasional analog synth bassline. Jason’s singing can be theatrical and aggressive (in the calssic not-so-polite anti-folk fashion) but also atmoshperic and contemplative, bringing to mind Michael Stipe’s tone and phrasing. The band’s new album "Lake Effect" is out on Sabotage Records now. If you’re hanging out in Haverford, Pennsylvania you can catch their next show the eve of Halloween at Lunt Basement. – Chloe Schildhause
NYC artists on the rise: Clinical Trials – live at Lot 73 on 11.07
Taking definite inspiration from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs is the electronic band of splendor, Clinical Trials. So fixated I am on the similarities I can almost hear them singing “Karen O.” in their song ‘Disco Headphones.’ But beyond the similarities, they do strike out in their own unique sound using a surplus of synth, with a blend of other influences such as a tendency to sing with Le Tigre like passion and Janis Joplin edginess. Listening to them is like hearing your good friends in a comfy garage, but friends who are actually talented and whom you don’t have to politely white lie to when they ask how you enjoyed their music. Catch their next show at Lot 73, November 7th. – Chloe Schildhause
Collision of indie talent at BAM! The National’s multimedial work
The Long Count, part of BAM’s 2009 Next Wave Festival, is a song-filled myth about the beginning of time created by three inexhaustibly original artists – brothers Bryce Dessner and Aaron Dessner of The National and visual art phenomenon Matthew Ritchie. It also features as guest vocalists the legendary Breeders’ sisters Kim and Kelley Deal, Shara Worden from My Brightest Diamond, and Matt Berninger also of The National. Expect a feast of images, instrumentals, and songs thick with primordial mystery, recreated by a twelve-piece orchestra and the Dessners’ gothic mix of electric and orchestral sounds. Don’t miss this show, there are only 3 dates (October 28, 30 and 31). Tickets can be purchased here.
No Eye Contact‘s eclectic influences are evident in their creative and memorable songs. Drawing inspiration in equal parts from Neutral Milk Hotel and old Appalachia, the band’s sound resides in the strange space where up and down, happy and sad overlap. ‘You and Me and Other Fables’, their debut LP, was hailed by NPR’s Robin Hilton as "stunning and utterly surprising." Recently named to Spin Magazine’s Top 25 Must Hear Artists of CMJ. – (as posted in The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and Mp3s here).
Dogs of Winter release free acoustic mp3 and video
Music critics were quick to applaud and praise the harmonious dual vocals of Ryan Dowd and Brian Grosz on the stoner-metal debut of Brooklyn’s DOGS OF WINTER, "From Soil To Shale" (Lapdance Academy) – so it comes as little surprise that they’ve decided to re-invent one of their songs as a dreamy, if dreary, acoustic ballad. While the original recording of "Beneath The Fold" was a churning, thunderous maelstrom of psychedelia, Dogs of Winter have stripped the composition down to acoustic guitars, a string section and the sound of traffic passing by the studio in which they recorded. "Beneath The Fold" is here to remind us: just because a song is heavy, doesn’t mean it isn’t beautiful. – (as posted in The Deli’s Open Blog – post your band’s entries, videos, and Mp3s here).
