THE DELI

It’s difficult to believe that The Shacks’ “Strange Boy” was the first song that Shannon Wise ever recorded, but that’s how the story goes. The New York based duo (made up of Wise and Max Shrager) formed almost by accident, which only amplifies their chemistry. When Shrager’s whimsical arrangements are combined with Wise’s saccharine soprano, a sound akin to magic is created. The Shacks’ debut self-titled EP is a spooky and sweet bedroom pop masterpiece, and it leaves the listener wanting more. This fall they’ll be playing a bunch of shows scattered across the US. Our friends at Delicious Audio asked guitarist Max Shrager a few questions about his guitar tone, see link below. Check out their latest video for single "The Strange Effect," streaming below. – Lilly Milman

Delicious Audio Q&A with Max Shrager of THe Shacks about guitar pedals and tone.

With two singles already released, singer-songwriter Josh Washam is quickly making a name for himself in Nashville in anticipation of his upcoming full-length LP The Washam Machine. The single “Misinformation” (streaming below) is a breezy, honest ballad about trust and communication. The energetic, driven Americana is stylistically similar to releases by established groups like The Avett Brothers, except with one main difference—Washam recorded this all on an 8-track machine in his home studio in Nashville. From the production, to the arrangements, to the cover, this album represents Nashville to its core. The Washam Machine is set to be released on October 6th, and Josh Washam will also be playing a record release show at The Crying Wolf on the 8th. – Lilly Milman

NYC-based  Surfbort may have the noisy heaviness and aggression of other bands, but they offer a definitive lack of angsty bravado and instead boast flippant tongue-in-cheek lyricism and unfiltered vocalism that smacks of real, visceral vigor and musical gut-punches. Their latest  EP. Bort to Death, is 4-tracks worth of rough-‘n’-tumble, old-school punk that will leave you dreaming of deep diving into your nearest circle pit. Luckily for you, you can make that dream a reality and catch Surfbort at their latest show at Brooklyn’s Villian on 10/23. – Olivia Sisinni 

NYC-based Surfbort may have the noisy heaviness and aggression of other bands, but they offer a definitive lack of angsty bravado and instead boast flippant tongue-in-cheek lyricism and unfiltered vocalism that smacks of real, visceral vigor and musical gut-punches. Their latest  EP. Bort to Death, is 4-tracks worth of rough-‘n’-tumble, old-school punk that will leave you dreaming of deep diving into your nearest circle pit. Luckily for you, you can make that dream a reality and catch Surfbort at their upcoming show at Brooklyn’s Villian on October 23rd. – Olivia Sisinni 

Though in all likelihood failing to live up to the ambition of its title (no trap beats or Katy Perry features here), Cende’s debut album #1 Hit Single stomps with an impressive dazzle. In a spectacle of jangling guitars and it-came-from-the-garage energy, the eight tracks flutter by in less than 25 minutes. It’s so quick you barely let the four power poppers into your heart before they leave you crying “wait!” from the doorstep. It’s an easy album to throw on repeat and play over and over—just don’t wear it out before December 9th when Cende opens for Vagabon at The Bowery Ballroom alongside Radiator Hospital. – Cameron Carr