Crash Kings have a favorable identity crisis. The rock trio’s El Rey set last Friday as support for Rooney opened with their single "Mountain Man," a heavy, blues rock piece uncommon in local sounds.  But the southern grit seemed to end there.  What followed were high voltage piano-based big beat songs charged with loud, confident and tasteful pop anthems.  Best off, their power pop isn’t precocious.  Aside from proving themselves multifaceted, Crash Kings exhibited an unusually high energy from each member’s trying to topple each other in how severely they could beat the shit out of their instruments. A battle truly worth witnessing. -Hugo Gomez

Pollyn | "Still Love"
Directed by Samrod Shenassa & Adam Jay Weissman

The music video isn’t dead.  Well, at least to ambient rock outfit Lowlight.  This Thursday night at the American Film Institute, the band are previewing every track of their forthcoming A Wonderful Lie album in film form, all directed and produced by local film makers.  Those in attendance will be provided wine and cheese and will be able to vote for their favorites to award directors cash prizes.  The event is free, but $10 guarantees a seat, and space will be limited, so arrive early.  For more details and RSVP information, check out the Facebook event page.

Jason Karaban | "Succeed 101"

Singer/songwriter Jason Karaban is taking a departure from the warm intimacy of his last EP Mayfly to the multi-instrumental and brighter sounds of his forthcoming Just Enough, Just In Case EP. If "Succeed 101" is any indication of the new release, expect Karaban’s signature pen in heavy lyric, but in a more optimistic sonic avenue.

Rock folk-pop artists Mississippi Man are wrapping up their November residency at Silverlake Lounge tonight.  The bittersweet ending comes after having shared the corner stage hideout this month with The Color Turning, Spirit Vine, Olin and the Moon and Make Moon (just to name a few). Their epic residency comes to a close tonight with Last American Buffalo and other fine, notable acts on the bill, all at the cost of $0.

A free set by Restavrant and a limited quantity of free beer?  Where?  Who?  What?  Ehh?  You can count on The Deli Magazine LA’s Twitter page to provide the details.  Follow us.  Plus, these blog-posted heads up won’t be around for too long — we’ll be going completely exclusive to our Twitter page for passwords, giveaways, and a-little-bird-told-us tips!

Nearly two years in the making, Regrets & Brunettes‘ debut album At Night You Love Me will finally be released to the masses. Join them (as well as Seasons and Downtown/Union) for a release party at the Echo tonight to preview the fresh material. Plus, it’s free, and we know you like free.

Frontman of The Strokes and Silver Lake resident newbie Julian Casablancas wrapped up his four-show residency at the Downtown Palace Theater Friday night with a musical and visual spectacle that could rival Disneyland’s electrical light parade.

For loyal Strokes fans, Casablancas’ solo project Phrazes for the Young has been a long time coming—the garage rock revivalists haven’t put a record out since 2006, which slipped off the charts much quicker than their previous album Room on Fire in 2003, let alone their debut record. Long story short, Strokes followers are stoked that he’s back, as they should be.

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This is one of the most exciting projects we’ve ever heard of. Ex-Shiny Toy Guns’ Carah Faye is involved with a new band: Versant. The demos that we’ve heard ("Push Away" and "Out of Touch") are really well-written. Listen to the demos HERE and mark your calendars on February 17, 2010. That is when the self-titled album will come out. – Nicholas Palumbo

Beardo has had one busy year. He released an album independently and toured with the likes of Schwayze, Snoop Dogg and Slightly Stoopid on two national tours.

"Snort Ur Drugz" is an M.I.A.-inspired single not featured on the released album. It’s just as catchy as "Paper Planes" but a lot more comedic. It is definitely worth a listen.

In support for the single, he is joining Mickey Avalon for a tour of the Southeast.

You can grab the song HERE and impress your friends with new music.

– Nicholas Palumbo

For those that may have missed The Drums, Happy Hollows, Random Patterns and Evan Way at Spaceland early this week (11/16), we have a surprise for you…

Happy Hollows will be doing two FREE shows at Spaceland with big names and bigger surprises!

Monday, November 23 – Happy Hollows, Dios, Real Estate and One Trick Pony
Monday, November 30 – Happy Hollows, The Pity Party, Twilight Sleep and Traps ps.

Be there!

– Nicholas Palumbo

The best things in life are free. The EELS understand this.

Two months before the band releases it’s EIGHTH studio album End Times, the group is allowing fans to download "Little Bird". This is the first single off the upcoming album due in stores January 19, 2010.

The single can be downloaded HERE.

– Nicholas Palumbo