THE DELI

NYC’s Cloud Becomes Your Hand‘s creative potential is on full display in their sophomore album "Rest In Flea," a multi-colored sonic adventure released by intrepid Queens label Northern Spy, home to an enviable collection of NYC’s best experimental talents of all ages. But the record, a brilliantly quirky but very musical collage of robotic numbers, psychedelia and musical deconstruction, doesn’t tell the whole story. With electronic xylophone, clarinet and electric violin rounding up their drum/bass/guitar sonic backbone, the sextet offers a monstrously tight live show featuring perfectly choreographed movements and sublime moments of absurdity, reminiscent of a DIY blend of Devo, Wire and The Residents.

Read the Delicious Audio Q&A with Cloud Becomes Your Hand about gear and the recording process.

 The Wimps could easily be mistaken for a 60s band that never quite made it big, instead they’re a young Richmond based quartet who formed less than a year ago and take inspiration from prominent artists such as The Beatles, The Velvet Underground, and The Stooges. In April they released their debut self-titled full length, which features 10 garage pop tracks dripping with infectious melodies and catchy lyrics. The record highlights a variety of different sounds from the 60s that range from the easy going melodic pop of female singers like Lesley Gore to the R&B soul of artists like Percy Sledge. It also contains the energy and attitude of garage rock characterized by buzzing guitars and precise drumwork. The Wimps will be playing Strange Matter on August 9th in support of Lady God. – John Honan

 There’s always been a thin line between songs that pay homage to the past, and songs that regurgitate it. Tracks of Quincy band The Way Ways are definitely in the former camp, offering a fresh take on 50’s and 60’s soft-rock. Like who would’ve been their contemporaries, they have knack for strong song-writing that doesn’t try to do too much.  Chilled out vocals, steely guitars, and soft-spoken piano parts gently intermingle to create a sound that’s tranquil, but has enough teeth to keep things interesting. They also have some pretty fly solos on tracks like "Jeanne" too that probably sound great live. Speaking of, you can see them on 8/6 at Great Scott. —Henry Solotaroff-Webber 

Photo Credit: Hawley Shea Photography

Newcomer pop artist COTE has clearly been keeping her ear’s peeled to indie pop’s current state of affairs. On the NYC artist’s debut track, "London," she brings together dreamy guitar licks in addition to nostalgic synth patterns — both of which are hallmarks of today’s pop landscape.  Her dark and sultry vocals might be slightly reminiscent of mellow-pop goddess Lana Del Rey, but make no mistake: her debut single ‘London’ shows a peronality that’s all her own. Most importantly, this is a beautifully produced track that showcases a young artist with a noteworthy voice and very promising songwriting chops. — Henry Solotaroff-Webber

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best mellow songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

If this is what bad magic is then I don’t even want to know what good magic is because I’m sure I will keep coming back to the beguiling clutch of Bad Magic’s music. The Richmond trio–consisting of Julie Karr, Jimmy Held and Tim Falen–hits a sweet spot between rough and tender, coaxing us listeners with the rugged charm of high strung guitars and then easing us down with languid vocals. Julie bewitches with her vocals, textured with longing and fire, and commandeers each track with a snaking guitar riff that sneaks up on you before exploding. Bad Magic’s music is raw but melodious, packing every inch of each chord and progression with feeling and desire, melting everything around you away. Luckily enough they’re performing at Strange Matter on August 8 so if you’re looking to be enchanted just take a listen below and catch their show on monday! – Adriana S. Ballester