THE DELI

The pulsing, free-flowing rhythms on “Kindness, Calmness” parallel the song’s buoyant vocals in mood if not in genre. In fact, the melding of electronic beats with lounge-y vocals leads to an overall effect that’s mildly jarring.

But lovely.

“Kindness, Calmness” is the second single from Novelty Daughter’s forthcoming LP Inertia (out November 3). There’s an almost strangeness to the work of the Brooklyn based artist that resists categorization (NPR labeled her a “jazz-electronic-pop” musician). 

“Kindness, Calmness,” as well as Inertia’s first single, “U Want What I Want” feel a bit out of step with the times, a bit outside, a bit otherworldly. And that’s a great thing. –juan leon

Pill’s fourth release to date, entitled ‘Aggressive Advertising,’ seconds the axiom according to which crazy sounding bands that manage to stick together only get better with time. The Brooklyn quartet’s earth shattering, saxophone-armed brand of noise/math rock finds a new musicality and maturity, both in devilishly aggressive tracks like "Empathizer (Rat in the Box)" (streaming), and more spacious numbers like "Side Eye" (streaming), which manages to blend a variety of disparate influences, including Morricone’s cinematic guitars, Naked City’s unexcpeted sonic assaults and Fugazi’s stilish, bass driven post-hardcore. The band, led by screamer in chief Veronica Torres, is a force to be reckoned with when on stage, so don’t miss their upcoming shot at Baby’s All Right on October 19th.

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

Darkwing’s music exists in the weird crossroads of lo-fi indie rock and garage-fueled punk, an intersection featuring catchy hooks and the dankest of memes for street signs. This is the self-aware punk of the Cyber Age, the soundtrack for stoned conversations after a night of longboarding. The Deli is excited to premiere their newest single, “Big Red Heart.” It offers a more subdued and intimate experience than previous work (a result of a Tascam 388 and a living room recording) while still preserving the same attitude. Celebrate with the band at Baby’s All Right on 10.18, a benefit show for fellow scene member Chelsey Pickthorn also featuring Fruit & Flowers, Grim Streaker and Hot Curl. —Amanda Ogea, photo by Thomas Ignatius

With electronic music becoming more popular than ever, it’s not surprising that bedroom artists are popping up all over the country. What is notable, though, is the producer that actually gets out of the bedroom and plays a live show. California native Alec Lee is of this rare breed, performing his soulful, Chet Faker-inspired electro-pop across the Bay Area, opening up for acts like Smash Mouth and Tender. His newest EP Life in Pastel is a cross-section of all his best qualities as a creator. His singer-songwriter side comes out in “I’ll Be Ready,” a stripped-down track that straddles the line between soul and pop, while “Found You” (streaming below) is a full-out explosion of upbeat electronica. – Lilly Milman

Hit Like A Girl is an attention-grabbing artist name that definitely raises expectations (and eyebrows) for the music you’re about hear. And Nicolle Maroulis’ new album You Make Sense certainly is attention-grabbing, though perhaps not in the ways you’d expect. Most of the tracks on the record follow a pretty standard rock-arrangement: guitars and drum tracks are well-executed throughout, though they don’t break down any walls, musically. What’s disarming and breath-taking are Maroulis’ voice and lyrics. "And although I never met your mom and dad / you were the best thing that I ever had" she sings on "The Song I Hoped You’d Never Hear." Gut punch. Moments like that are scattered throughout the album, knocking the wind out of you when you least expect it. You Make Sense may seem like a traditional alt-rock album- but if you really listen, there’s a fragile intimacy and unexpected beauty. – Geena Kloeppel