The psychedelic garage gods, The Hugs are set to release another full legnth album Love Led You Here. The thrashing guitar riffs and spacey vocals that define their sound is as prevelent as the amount of work and effort put into this. The physchedelic element has come a long way and took the uniqueness of The Hugs sound to a new plateau. Although the album does not officially release until July 30th, you can stream here for a Deli exclusive. – Colin Hudson

What is Rigsketball you ask? Why it is a mobile b-ball game in Portland that involves a bunch of bands and a hoop bolted to the back of a rad van. It is becoming a summer tradition, started three years ago by band And And And’s drummer/ripper extraordinaire Bim Ditson and his trusty Ford Aerostar. This year has been another fast tourney between 32 local bands. They have been bumper-dunking in various locations throughout Rip-city over the last few days, from space at PDX Pop Now!, to NE dead end streets, and vacant lots off of MLK Blvd. 

Let’s be honest.  We live in a world with dub-step phone apps and computer programs that embolden almost-drummers everywhere to pump out some really average beats, pick a cool name, and call themselves a band. Perhaps it is that very fact that makes a band like Hot Victory stand out so brilliant; no laptops, no click tracks, no pre-fab beats.  Hot Victory is a two piece band consisting of Caitlin Love (Drums/Triggered Synths/Monotron/Shakers/Gong) and Ben Stoller (Drums/Triggered Synths/Programming/Control Station).  The flawless duo has just released NEXUS, a three song EP that they said was "meant to challenge the boundaries of what two drummers can perform in a live setting."  Challenge they do, pushing themselves to incorporate amazing tempos with hypnotic synths live, on stage, and with total precision.  All three songs on NEXUS are ruthlessly energetic and dynamically entertaining, and the fact that they were each recorded live is good news for anyone who still believes in the experimental ambient art-form, or just plan good music.  July 26th at 8:00pm, Hot Victory will be making believers out of the folks lucky enough to be at The Shakedown in Bellingham, WA.  Sharing the bill is Lozen, Qui, and Bali Girls; an impressive line-up. And all for $6. – Joy Pearsons

Through smooth production and a next level sound, Natasha Kmeto has quickly risen to the top of Portland’s music scene as a DJ, singer and producer. Her sound is backed with a heavy soul influence but stands out by the dreamy, electronic beats that can send any listener into an alternate dimension. Think Alisha Keys behind a chilwave trance synched to your own heartbeat. Natasha Kmeto comes from a fine line of Northwest producers from Portland’s label Dropping Gems. She is the shining jewel of this label and recently dropped her LP Crisis last month. She will be showcasing some of these songs and more tonight on the main stage at PDX Pop Now! Her slate begins at 10:30. –Colin Hudson

In recent months Jacob Miller and the Bridge City Crooners have proven themselves to be one of the hardest working groups in the jug band scene. Playing weekly at venues all across town, being part of events such as Whiskeyfest Northwest and Jugapalooza, and a charming demeanor have brought them a fan base that grows with each performance. Their country-blues style, complete with washboard percussion, harmonica and upright bass goes back to the roots of american music and holds a nostalgic tone that people of most every musical preference can enjoy. This weekend the group is set to release their debut full length album which promises to bring them more of the recognition they deserve for the lively music they create. If you have yet to experience the fingerstyle guitar of one of the most talented young blues musicians in the city this is your chance to see them him at his best. Join the crooners for the release at the Portland International Beer Festival to celebrate while drinking some of the finest alcoholic beverages the world has to offer. – Benjamin Toledo  

This weekend the fantastic PDX Pop Now! festival celebrates it’s tenth anniversary with three days of free local music starting on Friday afternoon and ending late Sunday night. Music enthusiasts of all ages are invited to join 45 of our city’s most electrifying acts on two outdoor stages for one of the best representations of our city’s diverse and extensive music scene. The weekend will include sets by Y La Bamba, The Woolen Men, Genders, and Sons of Huns among many others. There will be a rigsketball tournament in the parking lot, an activity area, food court and a street fair to accompany the festival. All that for free? You really have no good reason not to check this out. Like A Villain kicks off the festival Friday at 6pm, get to the Eastbank Lot at the corner off SE Water and SE Salmon to enjoy all of the weekend’s festivities. – Benjamin Toledo

PDX Pop Now! 2013 Festival Lineup from pdxpopnow! on Vimeo.

The word "soundscape" gets thrown around far too often in the indie world but there’s no better way to paint a picture of what Houndstooth can do on a record. Their music sounds like it was born in the 60s, polished in the 90s and completed with today’s rock by lead singer Katie Bermstein’s soft pop vocals. The spaced out guitars will remind you of a dream you had about California while the hooks will bring you back to the reality of sitting on a Portland stoop with a pbr (aka yesterday). These are soundscapes that can take you on quite the psychedelic journey, all within the same song. – Colin Hudson

Jem, Fabi and Nsayi of The Ghost Ease were kind enough to answer a few questions about their history, songwriting process and recording their debut self-titeld album. Check out the full interview here and be sure to listen to the album on bandcamp. 

Lunch play with a complete loss of inhibition that’s captured perfectly by latest cassette, Quinn Touched the Sun. Unbridled energy sweeps through their lo-fi recordings; dominated by fuzzy guitar riffs, chugging bass, pulsing drums and anarchic vocal shouts. It’s honest garage rock with a punk edge, complimented by noise-pop undertones that can keep a room moving with short, explosive songs. The group is about to depart on a west coast tour but keep an eye on their facebook page to hear about their homecoming and any future Portland shows. This kind of music is best experienced in person. – Benjamin Toledo

"Dreams, Big Feelings and Classic Sounds" summarize Tiny Hearts, the latest incarnation from former Paschal Couer leader Dani Fish. Creatively versatile, she set no limits on the Nuthin’ Fits EP which she recorded in her own studio, Sister Secrets. Fish’s songwriting details feelings of apprehension and languid, surf days with mean guitar riffs on "Christine’s Van", while "Going St. House" is a sensitive composition with harmonies cooing over doo-wop rhythms. Additionally there is a pouty, french-tinged dance track called "Set Higher", a collaboration with a Lady Vagenius. The release of their cassette at Langano Lounge goes down with Alex Boyce (who remixed the B-side), Sisterbrittaney, Havania Whaal, and The Mishaps. It is also rumored to be Dani Fish’s birthday bash, so make sure to participate in the sing-along portion of the show. – Brandy Crowe

Sama Dams have released a new live video of their driving track, “Pretty Ghosts,” recorded at The Piano Fort. The video shows off the pop sensibility the group is able to retain within their experimentation, which the crowd responds to with dancing and enthusiastic shouts. Sama Dams are currently on a nationwide tour with Catherine Feeny, but will be returning home on Wednesday, August 14th for a show at Holocene. Mark your calendar for that one, and check out the fantastic video below. – Benjamin Toledo

The Hugs are showing off their spacey side with the new single off their forthcoming record, titled “Magnify.” Layers of psychedelic tones, driving rhythms and a bright lead guitar blend together to showcase the next step in the evolution of these local garage-pop favorites. Listen to the song (available for download on July 16th) below and get ready for the new album, Love Led You Here, out July 30th. – Benjamin Toledo