The Elbo Room in San Francisco is hosting an awesome line up TONIGHT! 

With Lee Gallagher on vocals, guitar and harmonica, Jacob Landry on Guitar and Joe Miller on Drums, create a dynamic and comfortable sound as they incorporate folk and traditional music into psych-rock. Lee Gallagher and the Hallelujah are also straightforward, commanding and urgent in their lyrical content. Gallagher’s tall, enigmatic presence, excellent songwriting ability and perfectly high-pitched vocals are guaranteed to garner attention. While The Hallelujah’s sound can have an acoustic folk influence as well as modern psych, they are sure to be a promising act to go see and listen to in the coming year. 

The Love Dimension has been rocking clubs here in the Bay Area for the better part of six years. Led by the powerful vocal duo of Jimmy Dias and Celeste Obamsawin, the group is rounded out by one of the scene’s most respected and best rhythm sections, Sonny Pearce (Electric Shepherd) on drums and Tommy Anderson (MoonFox, Electric Shepherd) on bass, along with Devon Farney on Keys. Described as “sacred psychedelic country garage punk country surf,” they are a live force not to be reckoned with, rhythmically intense, with a heavy dose of spirituality and introspection both lyrically and in their performances.

Led by Clay Andrews, one of the local rock scene’s strongest advocates, The Spiral Electric has been recording together since 2010, and premiered live in 2012. The band quickly evolved into a five-piece, and their current lineup of Andrews and Percy along with Sonny Pearce on Drums and Ty Gerhardt on Bass, has played to captive audiences at venues such as The Chapel, Brick and Mortar and Oakland’s Uptown. The Spiral Electric has toured the US West Coast of recent and they are currently recording their first full length LP.

Down and Outlaws have a perspective on rock n’ roll that rings true: “Rock n’ Roll isn’t a sound. It’s not an attitude. It’s a need, it’s a fight, it’s the saving grace in the wake of a broken heart or something lost.” With influences that range from Black Rebel Motorcycle Club to Lynyrd Skynyrd to Tom Petty, the San Francisco based band led by Peter Danzig on Vocals, Kyle Luck on Guitar, and the “gut-busting” rhythm section of Jon Carr and Chris Danzig, aims to save their audiences with rock n’ roll the same way they were saved by it. – Tyler Weeks

Some bands need four or five people to create a wall of sound. But when it comes to Street Eaters, a truewave East Bay punk band, there are only two people needed to create a full, enveloping sound. With Meagan March on drums and John No on bass, this husband and wife duo takes an approach similar to that of The Evens – Ian Mackaye’s and Amy Farina’s project. By splitting the duties 50/50, Street Eaters posseses post-punk sensibilities and riot grrrrl influences.

Baus is an Oakland-based trio with a sound that’s derivative of no-wave and post-punk. In true no-wave style, Baus makes music that is not consistent with any solid music genre. Employing noisy vocals and guitar, amidst funk-influenced drum stylings the band creates music that cannot be weighed down by the expectations or cliches of a set genre.

Many punk bands lose their “bite” after a while. But this isn’t the case for Ultra Bide, a Japanese band that blends elements of noise rock and post-hardcore. Getting their start in 1978, they still haven’t gotten rid of their aggressive and primal nature that made them so popular in the first place. Last year they released “DNA vs. DNA-c” on longstanding Bay Area label, Alternative Tentacles.

Be sure to check out Ultra Bide, Street Eaters, and Baus at the Knockout tonight. –Erin Dage

Seasides, DJ Andy Human and Cosmonauts are playing the first night of Sprindrift’s two Bay Area shows this weekend. The first show will take place TONIGHT at the Night Light in Oakland. Seasides is a Bay Area-based band highly influenced by ’70s glam rock with a little bit of garage rock attitude thrown in. Also playing along Spindrift is Burger Records band, Cosmonauts. This band rejoices in reverb-heavy, trance influenced musical stylings.

The second show, occuring on January 26th at San Francisco’s Brick and Mortar Music Hall features the Cosmonauts, California Raga Association, Cool Ghouls and DJs, Tony the Tyger and Jodie Artichoke. The first band to perform will be San Francisco-based band, Cool Ghouls. Hot off their self titled album release last year, the band is known for crafting catchy psych rock tunes loaded to the brim with harmonies. Next is California Raga Association. If you’re looking for a deeply spiritual experience with psych music thrown in, this may be the band for you. According to the group, California Raga Association is a “musical magickal spell that energetically aligns any computer or stereo it is being played through.”

Los Angeles based, Spindrift can now properly be considered an institution of sorts. Seeking to combine elements of psych rock and spaghetti westerns, they have cultivated a sound all their own. Influenced by bands such as The Doors, My Bloody Valentine and Hawkind from the start, the band has gone above and beyond in their creative endeavors. Nearly 20 years later they have two films under their belt – “The Legend of God’s Gun” (2008) and “Spindrift – Ghost of the West,” which is said to be released this year. By marrying film and music together, Spndrift has proven time and time again their importance in the independent music scene.

That said, be sure to see them live in the Bay Area. You have ample opportunities!  –Erin Dage

Not every submission we get here at The Deli is post-worthy; even making it onto the edge of the blogosphere is an admirable feat. These runners up of The Deli Magazine San Francisco’s Open Submission Poll deserve a more than honorable mention, from the classically sweet croonings of Lee Gallagher and the Hallelujah to the dance-anthems of The Trims, our wide span of audience is never without fresh new talent to sink their teeth into. For fans of a classic music revisited, Bonnie & The BANG BANG offer sweet, groove-worthy jams and a bevy of lyrical experimentation. 

The Trims take the 80’s beach scene and stir it up with a spacey reinvention while creating their own uniquely discernible sound.  Tall Sheep evaporates pop punk and rains it out through a pink cloud with smile-inducing vocals and grungy synth effects. For a hauntingly thrilling experience, listen to Cazadero for dark basslines and soothing vocals. Lee Gallagher and the Hallelujah offer up shrill, exciting vocals and a warm, full sound that commands to be placed on playlists with the classics.  Soulful voices and reverberating, confident melodies place Feral Fauna high on the must-listen list.  The Galloping Sea is a power-quartet who masterfully touches on a crazy wide range of genres from soulful, bluesy ballads to daring guitar-and-trumpet partnerships.  Beautifully poignant lyrics are paired with tranquil yet powerful acoustic and electric guitars thanks to North Home.  The Deli thanks you for your submissions, and your talented contributions to the music scene. Keep up the amazing production! –Kat Collins

French Cassettes:

2013 was a good year for French Cassettes. Not only did they win over Deli readers for the Artist of the Month Poll earlier this year with their exhuberant style of indie-pop, but they also managed to release a full length album called, Gold Youth, produced a music video for their song “Boys” and held down the stage alongside Black Cobra Vipers for a November residency at San Francisco dive bar Amnesia. They have gained a toehold in the burgeoning San Francisco music scene, delivering their brand of sunshine-pop to the masses. If you haven’t seen them live, be sure to catch them at Brick and Mortar Music Hall February 3 with Waters and Social Studies. – Erin Dage

 

Sea Dramas

What do you get when you mix ‘60s surf rock, pop and folk? You get Sea Dramas, a local quintet that wowed readers voting for the Artist of the Month Poll last year. Featuring dreamy harmonies from vocalists Scott Pettersen, Marlaina Rae and gentle folk instrumentals, the band has their sound down to a science. This is shown in the bands debut album Soft Wake, released in early 2013. With tracks such as “Summer Dies” and “This is What We Know”, it’s no wonder they won the much-esteemed artist of the month poll. Be sure to see them perform at the Converse Store in San Francisco January 23rd. – Erin Dage

 

Art Elliot

If one thing’s for sure, it’s that Oakland singer-songwriter, Art Elliot has the post-apocalyptic pop market covered. Confronting the public with piano-based alternative pop, Elliot won himself honors for the Deli’s Artist of the Month Poll in 2013. This singer, songwriter and survivor has been making music for years, and released an EP entitled Goodbye last year. With a voice, unique and all his own, he amazed audiences with stand-out tracks such as “If My Home Remains” and “Postcard”. Keep an eye out for future shows with this artist! We know we will. – Erin Dage

 

Major Powers & The Lo-Fi Symphony

Self-proclaimed “adventure rock” band Major Powers & The Lo-Fi Symphony, is a trio of exceptionally talented weirdos with a flair for the theatrical. Combining epic rock guitar riffs with bouncy piano driven sections and flawless three part harmonies, the group showcases a technical virtuosity that is matched only by their twisted sense of humor. After listening to songs like “93,000,000 Miles” and “Were All Gonna Die!”, the band might be best described as a demented version of Queen. Since releasing their first full-length album, We Became Monsters in 2012, the group has gained a reputation as one of the most exciting new acts in the Bay Area. We’re excited to add them to this year’s list! – Ethan Varian

 

Devin Farney

Composer and pianist Devin Farney won a spot on this year’s list by creating a wide range of music that is truly distinctive. Borrowing elements from electronic, indie-rock, jazz and neo-classical music, Farney’s compositions takes the listener on a sonic journey that is both unexpected and completely enthralling. Whether it is a sprawling orchestral piece, ambient meditation or introspective indie-folk song, Farney’s music is far-reaching while retaining its own unique continuity. In addition to his compositions, you can check out Farney performing with a number of local indie bands including The Love Dimension and with local comedy-improv groups Big City Improv and The Secret Improve Society. – Ethan Varian

 

Agony Aunts

Psych-pop charlatans, Agony Aunts find their way onto our list thanks to an undying devotion to all things psychedelic. The Bay Area supergroup, made up of members of a number of local bands including The Corner Laughers and The Orange Peels, boasts a catalogue of well-crafted pop songs backed by lush, kaleidoscopic arrangements. Drawing on influences ranging from Big Star to Syd Barrett to Jesus Christ Superstar, Agony Aunt’s music is decidedly retro without getting stuck in the 60’s. Fresh from the release of last year’s Big Cinnamon, the group has quickly established itself as one of SF’s most accomplished pysch groups and is poised to make a big impact on the local scene in 2014. – Ethan Varian

 

Owl Paws:

Sometimes the flowers must die to make way for a new beauty to emerge. Since 2011, Owl Paws (aka Derek Schultz) has been releasing captivating folk records. Originally, the name Schultz recorded solo material under, Owl Paws has since expanded into a quartet including two guitars, percussion and upright bass. Owl Paws is full of haunting but not daunting folk whimsy. They have a certain style of mellow melody that gently carries you through their tender tales of trial and pursuit. It’s as though they are asking us to trim back the branch and brush of humanity to let in more natural light for us to breath and be inspired by their benevolent spell. Owl Paws is to headline Bottom of the Hill with James Riot and Cave Clove on January 25th. – Hunter Stroope

 

Chris Klippel:

With an impassioned voice reminiscent of Unknown Mortal Orchestra’s Ruban Nielson, Chris Klippel leads his one man band victoriously. No instrument is off limits within his compositions, as he makes intelligent sonic designs with the guitar, clarinet, violin, up-right bass, the human voice and even trombone. Klippel tickles notes of gypsy and dixie jazz, but his songs can range from rock n roll to R&B, baroque music and ’50s soul. With cheeky album titles such as ”So Sioux Me” and “Blacktivism,” we can tell he’s clearly having a good time. Chris Klippel is keeping our city funky and colorful, a bright contrast beneath the machine grey cloud of the tech-age. if you haven’t noticed, he’s hard to classify, so just catch him on BFF.fm (Best Frequencies Forever) on January 31st and feb 1st. –Hunter Stroope

 

Fritz Montana:

Fritz Montana, a three-piece, blue colored, rock n’ roll ensamble is fronted by the vehement voice of David Marshall. He’s vocally akin to The Black Key‘s Dan Aurbach. He sings of classic themes, denoted in such titles as "She Just Don’t Know" and "A Girl Like You," all while standing in the foreground of amplifier’s with volume knobs hovering near ol’ number 11. A deep grooving bass is provided by Kevin Logan, who often references the golden years of Motown, whilst drummer Matthew Hagarty, keeps everything in-time with a flawless rhythm. They own a sound that fits in with the club scene but has successfully filled an arena as Fritz Montana keeps rock n roll’s backbone strong here in the Bay Area. Currently, they’re hard at work on a new EP at The Panda Studios. -Hunter Stroope

Local San Francisco trio DSTVV dub themselves as "grungegaze" among many, many other things. With hollow-sounding, subdued vocals layered over powerful, industrial riffs, they have developed an eclectic and almost eccentric sound. Such sounds can be heard on their latest EP, Underground Product (Wormhole Records).

When people usually think of Los Angeles based French-American post-punk trio DTCV, they think of Guided By Voices, simply because the former Guided By Voices bassist James Greer is a member of this band. DTCV, as an agent separate from GBV, and offers airy pop-infused post-punk tunes. Greer, sharing vocal responsibilities with the multi-talented Guylaine Vivarat, both differ in vocal stylings. While Vivarat’s voice can be compared to Debbie Harry of Blondie, Greer maintains rougher monotone vocal stylings, and trading off responsibilities has proved effective in their latest full length album, Hilarious Heaven (Xemu Records).

For those interested in catching DTCV, DSTVV and a solo set from Tommy Dietrick of Sky Parade, they’ll be playing TONIGHT at the El Rio in San Francisco. –Erin Dage

Seventeen Evergreen – the name just flows from the tongue and flits away leaving a smile on your stereo’s face. SF based duo Caleb Pate and Nephi Evans have returned to the scene with a follow-up to their 2007 debut, and it certainly does not disappoint. The 2012 release, “Steady On, Scientist!” features eight tracks ranging in sound from something you’d hear reverberating and rattling a hardwood dance floor, to a perfect backing track for star-gazing. "President Clavioline" leads with an upbeat, intricate drum and bass vibe while the vocals bellow like anti folk prince, Adam Green. The next track, "Wasting Time/Castlefield" mellows out but still entertains with a trancy beat that tells a story from underneath a light show. "Fluorescent Kind" sounds like exactly what the title promises, beginning with vocals that sound straight out of Apollo 13 (minus any system failures) that smoothly transitions to an alien discotheque style, where poetic lyrics take over…. “Steady On, Scientist!” is an instant staple for any experimental music collection. –Kat Collins

UPCOMING S.E. SHOWS:

Feb. 21 – The Chapel (SF)*
Feb. 22 – Crepe Place (Santa Cruz)*
Mar. 12 – Brick & Mortar (SF)+
*with R. Stevie Moore +with Carsick Cars and White + from Beijing

Here’s a sneak peak at Seventeen Evergreen’s 2014 upcoming release, Bonne Annee.

SEVENTEEN EVERGREEN – BONNE ANNEE 2014!! from seventeenevergreen on Vimeo.

Painted Palms’ newest album out on Polyvinyl is lushness exemplified. Though Forever was just released in what some may consider the dead of winter, the album gives off a Summer vibe. With light and airy pop tunes such as “Too High” and “Soft Hammer,” the San Francisco duo comprised of cousins Christopher Prudhomme and Reese Donohue gives nods to the Beach Boys. Making sure that they aren’t another ‘60s pop revival band, the band brings electronic elements into their sonic stylings. All of these factors come together to form the cohesive pop duo that is Painted Palms.

So, if you’re interested in seeing what Painted Palms has to offer, be sure to see them at their album release party TONIGHT at Rickshaw Stop with Soft Metals and Melted Toys. –Erin Dage

The first phase of the Deli San Francisco’s Year End Poll has come to an end – and we have the results. The Open Submissions leaders are a testament to the diversity of talents in the New England area, ranging from genres like Surf Rock to Ambient and Prog Metal.

Of course, the Deli San Francisco editor wasn’t eligible to vote for the bands in the Bay Are scene. Instead, the submissions were voted on by three other editors, including Deli Editor-In-Chief Paolo De Gregorio.

Acts advancing to our Readers/Fans Poll with a ranking above 7.5:

French Cassettes (8.5)
Sea Dramas (8.5)
Art Elliot (8.3)
Devin Farney (8.3)
Major Powers & The Lo-Fi Symphony (8)
Agony Aunts (8)
Owl Paws (8)
Chris Klippel (7.8)
Fritz Montana (7.8)

Honorable Mentions (ranked above 7.0):

Tall Sheep (7.5)
Bonnie & the BANG BANG (7.5)
The Trims (7.3)
Lee Gallagher & The Hallelujah (7.3)
North Home (7.3)
The Galloping Sea (7.3)
Cazadero (7.1)
Feral Fauna (7.1)

Total submissions from the San Francisco scene: 60

WHAT’S NEXT: Now that the first stage of the poll has come to a close, the next step is to unveil the artists nominated by our local jurors: venue promoters, bloggers, etc. (In other words, the people who know the scene best.) Then, our readers and writers will get a chance to vote on the poll.

A big thanks again to all of the bands who submitted their music. We hope to see you all continue to write the music that makes Bay Area such a rich and diverse local scene.

The Deli Staff

Are you yearning to see an awesome psych rock show this week?? This Wednesday, Bay Area darlings Disappearing People and Faux Canada will be joining New Zealand psych-pop act Connan Mockisan at Bottom of the Hill in San Francisco. Opening the show is indie-pop trio, Faux Canada, who embrace synthesizers and give an electronic update to indie rock bands of yore. Oakland’s duo, Disappearing People will change the pace of the show, blending elements of psych-rock and fuzzed-out lo-fi music to create durational musical compositions. This band is nothing short of trippy. And last but not least, there’s the headliner Connan Mockisan who has made it to California from across the pond. Mockisan crafts slowly building, twee-like, psych-pop. The artist has been making waves with his most recent album, Caramel. That said, catch Mockisan before he flees the states! –Erin Dage

Do your best to make it out to the Boom Boom Room in San Francisco to check out the Bay Area’s premiere Hammond B3 organ player Wil Blades. By combining a vintage soulful feel and prodigious technique, Blades has become a staple of the SF jazz scene, performing with jazz legends like, Charlie Hunter, Billy Martin and Dr. Lonnie Smith. This Saturday, he’ll be playing with his new trio comprised of guitarist Jeff Parker from the post-rock band Tortoise and New Orleans drummer, Simon Lott.

For a night of feel good grooved out music at John Lee Hooker’s storied Boom Boom Room, we recommend you hang out and soak in the warm cosmic vibrations of the B3 organ of at one of the best night clubs in the city. –Ethan Varian

Are you ready for a night of ’60s influenced rock n’ roll? If so, we’ve got an event in mind! This Friday, the Uptown in Oakland will host a show with the likes of Alamoon, Down Dirty Shake, Style Like Revelators and Buzzmutt. Here’s the lowdown on the bands: Alamoon is a female-fronted psych rock project with lyrics that give nods to Jefferson Airplane, but with a contemporary twist. San Francisco based, Down Dirty Shake posesses a heavily influenced 60s soul and rock n’ roll vibe. Style Like Revelators, a fuzzed-out blues rock outfit coming from the Central Valley, plays their own style of heavy-hitting, long-form compositions. And last, but certainly not least, Buzzmutt is a psych-tinged, noise rock band hailing from San Francisco.

They’re all amazing bands with an awesome sound. If you’re up for a night of vintage rock n’ roll fun, let these bands be your guide for the night. You’ll have a great time! –Erin Dage