I’ve just had the pleasure of listening to a new instrumental EP, Epoch, by The Wishermen. The trio is comprised of Grant Sayler on guitar, Chris Friesen on bass, and Barra Brown on drums. The songs offer a cool use of jazz arrangements, and feature an array of heavily effected guitars and a few other instruments (horns, keys, noises). Think John Scofield guitar chops, with a more adventurous sound. Some very tasteful shredding going on from all the musicians.

Epoch is the band’s first collaborative writing effort. Brown explains they start writing, “usually basing the songs off of a particular sound that we liked.” The EP was produced by local musician Adam Brock, though mostly tracked live. You can hear the benefits of recording everything together–really gives the album a tight-knit groove at the heart.

Their first single "Song Song" starts off with some assortment of metallic noises, maybe the clink of a spoon on glass and some jar tops. It sets a nice, mellow vibe with the breezy, delayed guitar line, and light drums and bass. While a release date isn’t set, expect the full EP out late summer. 

– Chander Strutz

We’ve been talking about local lo-fi shredders Ah God a lot lately. They’re still up for a vote in our current Artist of the Month poll. If you’re still out of the loop, it would be wise to come check them out this Thursday at Bunk Bar. The duo will be supporting a stellar lineup including Portland’s very own slowgazers Tender Age and San Diego based jangle surfers Heavy Hawaii. It’s sure to be a night so full of reverb and ethereal texture that when the last song ends you won’t be sure whether the ringing in your ears is the tapering last note or, you know, permanent hearing damage.

Ah God will be taking it to you hard as always with the energy and tenacity of grunge tempered by the lo-fi DIY sensibilities of bands like No Age and Abe Vigoda. Tender Age will add some starch to the mix and slow things way down without sacrificing any density of sound. Their style is similar to the pacing and texture of Cocteau Twins with Seapony’s knack for a catchy hook. Heavy Hawaii will take us to the beach with their reverb-smeared summer jams. Their sound is like Olivia Tremor Control or Ariel Pink weirdo-rock plus bubblegum surf pop and a So-Cal tan.

With ambassadors from every corner of 90s-influenced reverb pop, this show isn’t one you can’t afford to not miss.

– Bryce Woodcock

If you weren’t able to make it to the Red Bull Sound Select show at Mississippi Studios last Tuesday featuring Yacht, Wampire and Snowblind Traveler… fear not, The Deli Portland was on the scene capturing photographic documentation to help you feel like you didn’t miss out. Photos by Brandy Crowe and Colette Pomerleau. 

– Travis Leipzig

Yacht

Wampire

Snowblind Traveler

 Check out the rest of the photos here!

Are you down with local music? Are you down with non-profits? As Portlanders, I think the answer is a resounding yes. 

PDX Pop Now! – Portland’s non-profit of rock is celebrating the release of its annual compilation of local talent with a fundraising/concert extravaganza at Mississippi Studios THIS Sunday!

For those of the “below 21” persuasion – never fear. In true, punk rock fashion PDX Pop Now! is including an all ages portion of the event that starts on the Bar Bar patio at 2pm, featuring performances by New Move, Blak Neon, LEO and Natasha Kmeto and a DJ Set. The festivities subsequently move indoors for a 21+ set featuring Illmaculate, Bearcubbin’!, Sara Jackson-Holman and Hosannas.

According to PDX Pop, “all proceeds of this event will support the PDX Pop Now! mission to stimulate and expand participation in the Portland music scene” – an admirable cause to say the least, considering all the hard work this organization has done to support local art. From its early days as a listserv for Portland music lovers in 1998, PDX Pop Now! has grown into an “all-volunteer organization committed to…provid[ing] and support[ing] live performances and recorded materials.”

Listen to Hosannas for spiritual uplifting, check out the track list for the compilation and get a copy for yourself at Mississippi Studios this Sunday. 

– Ted Jamison 

On June 7th, Noble Firs will release their fourth EP since just 2013. Opening title track "Floating Fortress" is a warm, dancy pop number that gives playfull nods to the ofttimes drabness of reality – I’ll likely never own a vacation home in the woods with a big ass tv, and my college debt isn’t going to take care of itself. Immediately following, "Elephant Suit" boasts  verbed-out surfy guitar riffs suitable for a summer day on the beach. "Arcane Books" is a strong indy rock number number with powerful drums, harmonizing vocal melodies and a twangy guitar solo finale.

Join in the celebration this Saturday at the Firkin Tavern as Noble Firs release Floating Fortress. Sharing the stage with them are local favorites and friends of the Deli Portland, Hands In, Psychomagic and Cambrian Explosion. The show begins at 9pm and is free, so you’ll have more money for tall boys and band merch.   

– Travis Leipzig

Thursday, June 5th, Alameda play at Mississippi Studios celebrating the release of their Live From the Banana Stand album! The band admits that they’ve been “holed up” prepping new material and recording, which means we’re about to witness a mass exodus of pure, pent-up creative energy… you’ll want to see this.

Banana Stand Media is an underground house venue/recording space/record label, known for their epically intimate live recorded and filmed shows, and their resulting live albums and video content. Alameda’s own front-person Stirling Myles referred to Banana Stand as simply “too good to be true,” referencing this upcoming release as “a document of a special moment.”

About Alameda: I would refer to them fondly as “dense folk.” Their list of influences is vast, ranging from “epic metal, noise and hardcore to jazz and pop,” all channeled into incredibly dynamic, orchestral folk tunes with sweeping strings and even a clarinet in the mix. They’ll share the stage at Mississippi Studios Thursday with fellow local folk acts Balto and Bevelers. In preparation for the show, Check out the video of Alameda playing "Little Lives" from their performance at Banana Stand. 

– Ted Jamison*

Tomorrow night, the Redbull Sound Select concert series is back at Mississippi Studios, this month featuring YACHT, Wampire and Snowblind Traveler. There is a crossfire of guitar riffs, funky-fast bass, and glitchy synths that make up the extreme dance party of YACHT.  The harmonies of Jona Bechtolt and Claire Evans headily remind you that life is boring, and sometimes a dystopia, but it’s yours to enjoy. Their trust is an optimistic mix of disco with some influences from Daft Punk, Talking Heads, and samples (like the Knight Rider theme on "See A Penny") that expresses hedonistic euphoria through sparkling electropop. Summer is here (practically) and YACHT is back in Portland from LA to help us celebrate. Local psychedelic pop rockers Wampire and Bay Area folksters (reminiscent to Elliot Smith) Snowblind Traveler will add to the fun. RSVP HERE to secure entry to the show for only $3!

– Brandy Crowe 

I feel uncomfortable admitting that I had never seen Guantanamo Baywatch before. The songs performed were largely instrumental, high intensity surf rock. Gazing at the drummer proved to be a show in itself, with his countless expressions exhibiting euphoria, tension, rage and contentment. It was amusing to overhear the bassist ask the rest of the members to slow down due to exhaustion. It made sense though, as their speed was beyond physical comfort. This rush coerced everyone else in the room to dance, push, shove, light up and drive the bouncers crazy. The interaction from the audience was incredible. Lights were blaring through the venue, creating a tunnel of “you’re being escorted out” beaming for several people finalizing their destructive ways. It was nice to finally see this band, since they rarely play Portland. They did it proper, as Mississippi Studios was nearly torn apart.

– Colette Pomerleau

Once you can come to terms with the fact that "typically amusing Saturday nights" never actually work out for you, you’ll realise you should just go to the Deli Portland showcase at Kelly’s Olympian. We’ve already gone ahead and taken care of all the planning for you and there will be three amazing bands, cheap booze and tons of chicks. Heading the night, Ah God, differential in their distant vibes, layered vocals and slightly-off melodies will make you feel cozy in the same way that sitting in a strange cabin in the middle of nowhere makes you feel. You’re warm. There’s no harm. You’re incredibly stimulated in being in a new place with new people and you’re taking in the new tunes. Before them, Cambrian Explosion do more than waltz with Eastern psychedelic rock, they intermingle in the most intimate ways. The band has been carving out a reputation for themselves in the Portland Psych movement and have been recognized for a​ reason. Opening the night like a 5-hour energy drink, Mister Tang have the ability to shift your mindscape with a single jolt estranged guitar. Stone and Jeff Tang mesmerize and intoxicate with their transcendental garage rock. Each band’s sets will be recorded live and have a track contributed to a forthcoming Deli Portland/Kelly’s Olympian/Revolver Studios live compilation. Doors at 8pm, the show begins at 9 and the cover is $5 which all goes to bands. SUPPORT LOCAL MUSIC.

– Colette Pomerleau 

‘Peach Sunset’ from Ah God on Vimeo.

When awesome local bands are friends, powerhouse bills can come together like the one that took place at the Doug Fir Lounge last Wednesday night. Featuring Radiaton City, Sama Dams, and Wishyunu, it was an overall sexy lineup. During Rad City’s set, singer Lizzy Ellison even admitted they try to make songs you’d want to have sex to. 

Wishyunu opened to a pretty solid Wednesday night crowd, playing their loop-heavy electronic pop/rock. All set long smooth and beautiful vocals swirl over the hard-hitting drums. It’s always wonderful to hear how dynamic the duo is with layering and peeling back sounds throughout their songs.

Sama Dams’ set revels in the chaos and noise–bits of soul and pop mashed in with the ever-present math rock. Their powerful vocals, intricate beats, and heavily featured organ remind me of a gospel inspired version of Radiohead or maybe Dirty Projectors.

By the time Radiation City took the stage, Doug Fir was packed. A crowd full of eager fans cheered as the band opened up with a familiar tune from 2012’s Cool Nightmares. While there were plenty of jams everyone could sing along to, the band also debuted a handful of brand new soul-packed swing/pop songs from the new album they’re currently recording. Think modern, sexy James Bond theme-songs, where classic groove meets sexy futuristic synth sounds. I hope we can all find the time to get laid listening to Rad City’s new album once it’s out, it’ll be the right thing to do. Also, shout out to drummer Randy Bemrose, who played despite having a broken elbow, wearing a sling and all. You couldn’t tell from listening to the set.

– Chandler Strutz

Set asside all serious strife and head out to Mississippi Studios tonight to have any stess serenated away by a sexy series of soulful singer-songwriters. Sponsored by Portland’s best summer music festival, Pickathon, tonight’s lineup features the dreamy sounds of San Francisco based Papercuts, the frontman of recently retired Fruit Bats, Eric D. Johnson (EDJ), and the local lovely, Ritchie Young of Loch Lomond fresh from an extensive European tour. 

– Travis Leipzig

Everett, Washington has unveiled itself as a blossoming community for artists. This past weekend, the Everett Music Initiative hosted their first Fisherman’s Village Music Festival. It took place within four venues in the downtown area. The lineup was not exclusively bands from the Pacific Northwest, though a significant amount of them were. I didn’t require much convincing before I escaped my day job, kidnapped my soul sister and raced off into the woods. Click here to read the full review with photo coverage. 

– Colette Pomerleau