THE DELI

There is much to take in with Tay and the JangLahDahs’ latest EP, “Bloomin.” Self-described orchestral psych-folk-rock, this group brings a booming serenade of talent from all angles. There’s the strong vocals of Tay Robin, who sounds like what Dolores O’Riordan of The Cranberries might have sounded like if she weren’t always yodeling. There’s that lovely stand-up base with a cooing rich trumpet and are we hearing a a glockenspiel? An electric violin? A mandolin? It all comes together with a rich folksy feel, an Irish twist, and delightful harmonies. Purely enjoyable stuff here. Come see them play at The Starry Plough on February 22 and hey, check out their music video for “Wise Words.” Ah, soothing purity. –Michelle Kicherer, Associate Editor

Once upon a time, Morrissey sang “life is very long when you’re lonely,” and since then musicians from all walks of life in the world have scrambled to find similar catharsis in solitude and sadness. Brooklyn garage-punk band White Rope, echo that very lyric in their 2015 track "The Pain Olympics", but to a different end. The title of the track itself seems to parody the fervor with which a lot of artists mine their personal trials and traumas for lyrical content, but with a sense of humor (I mean, they do replace “lonely” with “horny”…). White Rope channels vulnerability in their own way, not shying away from real pain but also recognizing how goofy it can feel to put all that out there. White Rope celebrated the release of their new album NO FUNERAL (streaming) at Alphaville on January 31st, their next show is at Ceremony224 on April 2nd. – Sunny Betz 

New York’s Sweet Baby Jesus makes the type of raucous, freaky garage rock you’d expect from their namesake – sloppy guitars shred against screaming revelations at a breakbeat pace, infected with a distinctly Americana vocal quality that feels equal parts Bob Dylan and Ian Mackaye. Their latest effort, Lyre of Ur, has a clear spiritual inspiration, described as “a lilting melody, draped in the burden of a deep gut feeling and weighted by a soul of stone.” I’m unsure as to the source material Sweet Baby Jesus frontman Pooty (no surname given) drew from in writing Lyre, but I admire its soulful quality and joyous mysticism – it promises a divine stage presence when SBJ takes to The Glove on March 29th, supporting Palberta and SSS. Until then, stream Lyre of Ur below. -Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt)

It’s hard not to fall in love with the relaxing, alt pop productions of Claud Mintz, whose recent single “easy in the morning” blends textures both electronic and acoustic, setting guitar arpeggios against swelling, muted synth and shuffling electronic breaks. The whole track is accented by field recordings of morning birds in the background, creating an additional layer of easygoing atmosphere to Claud’s already mellow vocal performance. Lyrically, “Easy” is an unapologetic vision of self-intimacy, of the still moments spent alone before the day breaks and the complications of modern life set in – Claud’s willingness to invite us into their world is a centering experience, one that imparts an unparalleled sense of ease upon the listener, and serves as a testament to the inner peace we can all find if we take some time, alone. 

Claud will bring their introverted, tactile pop to Baby’s All Right on February 15th, playing alongside Del Water Gap and Spud Cannon. Until then, cozy up and stream “easy in the morning” below. -Connor Beckett McInerney (@b_ck_tt)