National Sawdust’s The Revolution is a vanguard series of exciting artistry, a monthly performance that highlights New York musicians pushing their respective genre boundaries in new and innovative ways. This month’s show is no exception, featuring sets from NYC’s very own OJ in the Yams, donSMITH, and Alita Moses, three artists who have found their own ways to energize classic sounds in novel fashions.

For instance, while instrumentally-driven hip-hop outfit OJ in the Yams find their footing in lush R&B soundscapes, their implementation of equal parts rap, vocal performance, and improvisational jazz components creates an auditory tapestry of smooth soundscapes.

Likewise, rapper and performer donSMITH’s utilization of classic hip-hop sampling techniques, paired with a gritty vox and contemporary perspective breathes new life into the genre’s earliest formula; his track “Penfeld” carries the torch of NYC’s well-vetted rap history while paying homage to its true roots.

Rounding off the evening’s more visceral performers is Alita Moses, whose own brand of jazz vocal performance feels just at home against a contemporary instrumental backing as it does against a three piece ensemble, always effervescent, occasionally playful, and punctuated by an ever-present range. Get your tickets here, and get down in Brooklyn this Thursday for three tremendous performances. 

If you’re feeling stressed out–or feeling anything at all–I suggest plugging into one of Yolanda’s newest jams, “Sick Pike.” The song is dreamy drift into trippy town and the accompany video matches that vibe to a t-shirt. The animated short features a flower-eyed dino-creature mounting a horse and galloping into a forest. Illustrator and guitarist for the group (as well as Bells Atlas, Perhapsy) has really expanded as an illustrator into some fun and elaborate territory and we’re all for it. The single was recorded mostly at home and mixed mostly at Tiny Telephone. We missed their release show but stay tuned more more more and tune into this lovely dreamy find. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Punk quartet BLOOM bask in noise and the experimental on their demo release, creating a release that’s granular and rough around the edges, even for the genre in which they operate. It’s what makes BLOOM DEMO 2019 such a compelling listen, a collection of tracks that operates within a hardcore discourse while simultaneously pushing the envelope — from their Merzbowesque invocation on “Intro” to the gain-heavy “Horizontal,” there’s an equal attention paid to intense punk performance and sonic manipulation alike. The end result is a visceral, experimental LP, which even if “just a demo,” showcases a band that’s never risk adverse, one that’s willing and ready to dive headfirst into black sludge and white noise alike. Give it a listen below, and catch BLOOM at Saint Vitus on January 22nd. —Connor Beckett McInerney

When watching “Any Other Way,” the latest video by NY songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Mike Baretz, it’s difficult not to be tickled by the charm of its production (and underlying soundtrack). Digital grain add a vintage aesthetic to visuals of Baretz and friends dicking around New York, underscored by a bass-friendly, primarily minimal alternative R&B song. Shots of the artist lip synching in a bodega, jumping out from behind a tree in the park, or playing some indoor basketball lend well to the easygoing nature of the tune, a more localized lofi beat to study or relax to that highlights Baretz’s prowess as a singer and producer, while emphasizing his personal desire to "not take [himself] too seriously." Peep the video for its vibe and levity below.

For those lacking Vitamin D during the balmy season, nine out of ten doctors* recommend a quick injection of sunny, jangling rock n roll. To that end, do yourself a favor and stream Lois, the latest offering by NJ-based garage band Shred Flinstone. Never too discordant and propelled forward by a healthy dose of power chords (and the occasional classic film sample), the record’s a bright listen, bolstered by sweet twee vocals and clean guitar production; standout “Nemo” winds and kicks with driving drumming, laying down an energetic track able to kick any seasonal affective disorder. Listen below, and see Shred shred at the Meatlocker on February 22nd (trust us, it’s worth crossing the Hudson River for).

*not real doctors obviously

Contemporary electronic music has never been as delectably weird as it has been this past decade, with producers and artist more inclined towards incorporating strange, tactile textures into their craft. I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y is the newest entry into this canon, a minimal debut by NYC duo Minutes Unlimited; with the right amount of tingle-inducing sonic accents, a healthy dose of synth and static, and an ever-wobbling bass presence, the two person group artfully craft an idiosyncratic sound. Replete with a layered sound that’s engaging but never too heavy, I.D.E.N.T.I.T.Y is a carefully balanced LP that will immediately resonate with fans of esoteric acts like Vegyn or SOPHIE — give it a listen below.

photo credit: Mike Cardiello

Alexander B. Lappin aka Albon, began making music in his Northern Chicago suburban bedroom when he was but a boy of twelve. He eventually made his way over to California, where he makes folk rock music with Beach Boys and Grizzly Bear influences; we hear a touch of REM and a little Magnetic Fields, too. This new single off Albon’s Dream Weaver//Bee Keeper has a fun yet distressed energy about it. Lappin says of this song’s creation story that it was “…written in a pretty funny way!” Lappin and some friends were filming a tequila commercial and they all took a tiny bite of mushroom to go with that tequila. “I ended up on a roof where I was still very sad about my breakup but was also very high on this little stem of mushroom. I ended up laughing as hard as I ever had and then crying hysterically. It was all very cathartic. After words me and my two friends went for pancakes at some classic diner. I then went home and wrote this song." We do love a good story. The Deli is proud to premiere Albon’s single, “Kids on Fire.” –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor 

The story of Rorschached, the latest offering by NYC indie four piece Miracle Sweepstakes, involves several rounds of demoing tracks, a zip folder entailing twenty five songs, a failed basement recording session and a power outage inducing snowstorm. Three eventful years later, Miracle Sweepstakes offer their tie dyed effort to us, a psych-tinged LP of bright late 60s vocals and riffing abound. Fans of Unknown Mortal Orchestra and post Oracular Spectacular MGMT will appreciate the vintage depth of sound present on each of the album’s eleven tracks paired with the band’s inclination for contemporary songwriting — standout tracks “Black Bouquet” and opener “Forcefield” artfully split this difference, delivering lush listens and warm instrumental vamps. Give it a full listen below.

Photo cred: Brittany Powers

Latin-infused live drums form percussive harmonies with synthesizers and drum machines to create an other-worldly listening experience. The Seshen, known for their fusion of synth-pop, R&B and electronic music, is a six-piece Bay Area ensemble with powerful messages and relaxing beats. Lalin St. Juste’s vocals have just the right amount of mysticism, wisdom and grounding presence. Single “Don’t Answer” arrives today off the band’s third album, CYAN, out on Feb 28 via Tru Thoughts, along with the song’s video, featuring mystic lades of the ocean. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Last week funky pop boys More Fatter released the video for their single “Yeah You” and it is a fun and spunky time. Filmed at San Francisco’s Dolores Park, the video features the cuatro doing synchronized, shoeless dance moves, some poppin’ lady dancers and loads of onlookers and smilers. Props to the kiddo who slides down the slide right into the band. Like most of their tracks, “Yeah You” has got some great trombone highlights and it’s fun to see those things in action. Check out More Fatter’s video and let yourself feel the young energy. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

While Brooklyn shoegaze newcomers Minaxi gear up for the release of their debut LP Khwab, last year’s similarly monosyllabic Zidd is a heavy, pedal-friendly extended play, a release that doesn’t eschew melodic, alt rock sounds and the muted, introspective vocals we’ve come to expect of the subgenre. EP standout “In The Blur” hits all the right notes; grungy vox, heavy effects, and the right amount of somber sweetness to induce a healthy degree of ennui. A good tune for an evening M train commute, give it a spin below ahead of Minaxi’s Alphaville show on January 15th.

Today Oakland’s The Saxophones released the second single off their forthcoming, sophomore album Eternity Bay (out March 6 on Full Time Hobby). The song is a fusion of jazz, quiet pop and folk. Vocalist Alexi Erenkov says of the album, "While this record was influenced by a broad range of music the through line seems to be conveying a strong mood or sense of place. I love music that transports listeners to another space, whether it’s Jonathan Richman making you feel like you’re walking the streets of Boston in ‘I Love Hot Nights’ or Arthur Lyman transporting you to a Hawaiian hotel lobby in the 50s." Erenkov and wife Alison Alderdice create songs that live up to that transportive feel. Catch their latest single here and be on the look out for upcoming tour dates and Eternity Bay. –Lucille Faulkner