Former Deli Artist of the Month winners American Darlings expand their catalog with the release of their latest recording “Glow.” The six brand new tracks are available via multiple formats, and lead track “Roll With Me” (streaming below) shows the three minute power-pop anthem format is alive and well. Essential verse lyrics “days” and “haze” are as clean a rhyme as “take” and “heartbreak,” and set up an instantly catchy chorus. Crunchy guitar and handclap percussion brilliantly usher in the hook that goes: “If you say that you’re in it – come on roll with me baby. Till you say that you’re gonna – come and do what you wanna.” That perfect blend of hard rock and “first time” longing conjures up memories of influential pop bands like The Raspberries and Badfinger. You can catch them live supporting The Ataris on 9/23 at Goldsounds in Brooklyn. – Dave Cromwell
Peasant Moon
Peasant Moon is the Alt Country duo of Josie Rothwell and Harvey Russell. The pair splits their time between Chicago and Sydney and recently released the title track from their forthcoming EP, Our Timing Was Wrong.
You can help Peasant Moon celebrate the release of their EP at Uncommon Ground Lakeview with Little Birds & Back Pocket Bourbon on September 8th.
Phantom Works
Phantom Works is preparing to release their latest EP, Ohms. The EP’s lead track, “No Brave”, can be streamed below, and the EP will be available digitally and on vinyl on September 15th. This marks the band’s first release since 2015.
You can help Phantom Works celebrate the release on September 15th at Quenchers Saloon with OUT and Imelda Marcos.
Dayeater Prepares For Psych-Amphetamined Follow Up
A trio of frenetic musicians that believe in the power of upbeat tempos and multiple harmonies, Dayeater is an unending ball of energy. Gutarist, Jesse Lee, shreds through multi-faceted tracks while bassist, Chris Brockett, keeps them running on a straight track. The music is energizing and their live shows back that up with maximum effort given. Versatility lines the band’s past work but their upcoming album should bring their production to a zenith. The crew plays Kick Butt Coffee on September 8th and they seem keen to share their newer songs for the fans who attend.
NYC scene staples: Baby Copperhead and his inventive banjo
New York-based performer Baby Copperhead shares his namesake with a notably harmless breed of snake; unlike the animal, he’s got some bite. WNYC called him “the banjo visionary,” but he’s also a singer, a songwriter, a guitarist, an experimentalist. His music is both expansive and intimate; his sound like nothing you’ve ever heard a banjo make but also like every melody your mother sang to lull you to sleep. – Rachel Kerr
New Ruby The Hatchet Album Available for Streaming & Purchase
Ruby The Hatchet recently dropped an enchanting, psych-prog pill, entitled Planetary Space Child (Tee Pee Records). Rumbling and ripping through the galaxy at optimum speed, the album ventures into the darkness, maintaining a steadying, tranquil state. The band will be landing at Johnny Brenda’s this Saturday, September 9, supported by Heavy Temple and Meddlesome Meddlesome Meddlesome Bells.
Mïrändä brings edgy electronic art pop in ‘Empire’ EP
Born and raised in New York City, Miranda Scott—better known as Mïrändä—is a solo electronic artist that’s been catching some attention this summer, playing established small NYC venues like The Knit, Pianos and Bowery Electric. Her carefully crafted electronica is uplifting and unpretentious, with inventive drops and catchy choruses to match. Her lilting soprano in tracks like “Cruel 2 B Kind” (streaming below) is reminiscent of a Heart of Glass-era Debbie Harry, while the production is more electronic and even experimental at times. Her Empire EP shows her range as a producer as well as a singer, while her activity on the live show circuit proves she is not just a "bedroom artist." – Lilly Milman
New Get Better Records Benefit Compilation Available for Streaming & Purchase
Get Better Records recently put out an extensive (119 song) compilation, whose title says it all: A Benefit Comp To Help Pay Medical Bills For Those Activists Fighting Against Fascism & Racism. With proceeds aiding those injured in Charlottesville, as well as those affected by Hurricane Harvey, one can listen to a massive collection that includes a multitude of local talent Bren Lukens, Cayetana, Sadie Dupuis, Mischief Brew, Soul Glo, HIRS, S-21, Radiator Hospital, Mannequin Pussy, Worriers, Dominic, Jon Loudon, and Roger Harvey among many others. Especially in times of crisis it’s important to standup for what one believes in, reach out to those who have sacrificed and suffered, and help in any way you can.
Phoebe Bridgers releases video for “Motion Sickness,” plays Highland Park Ebell on 9/21
Phoebe Bridgers has just released her newest music video for “Motion Sickness”, and it is artistically phenomenal. Lyrically, this single has me shook with the way Bridgers adequately describes her emotions through a nostalgic story. The simplicity of her voice quiets your mind as you watch and listen to an honest depiction of her life. This single resonates a lot with me, coming from a place where you don’t feel whole: “There are no words in the English language, I could use to drown you out.” I don’t know what I love more: the creativity of Justin Mitchell’s music video, pinpointing the child-like references and intertwining them with adult problems, or Bridgers’s true self coming through in her lyrics. Either way, they are both beautifully revitalizing.
“Motion Sickness” is just one single off of Bridgers’s debut album, Stranger In The Alps, which is out on September 22 via Dead Oceans. Catch her play a headline show on September 21 at Highland Park Ebell. – Kayla Hay
Carrying Torches @ Silvie’s 9/22
Carrying Torches recently released their debut EP Ace of Wands. Below is the video for the single “Where’d You Go”.
You can catch Carrying Torches at Silvie’s on September 22nd with Candid Kid Minneapolis.
Mutts release “I’ll Be Around”
Mutts have released the next single from their forthcoming EP, Stick Together. The full EP will be released on September 11th. The band is planning to tour in support of the EP in 2018.
Mutts frontman Mike Maimone will finish out the year touring with Company of Thieves and Los Colognes.
Yaeji drops “Last Breath” with parody makeup tutorial vid
NYC and Seoul-based Yaeji’s tracks have been percolating on the house scene throughout 2017 (Yaeji’s killer rework of “Passionfruit” is exhibit A). Her latest single, a breathy and breathless deep house banger, sees the DJ/producer threatening a real breakthrough. Released by the LA/NYC music label GODMODE (who’ve been consistently dropping fire Yaeji tracks), “Last Breath” is a sonically fascinating haze-collage of Yaeji’s icy, wispy vocals merged with stylish, soulful synth and percussion touches. It all coheres beautifully. The vaguely tribal percussion really does the trick. Icing on the cake is the make-up tutorial video accompanying “Last Breath,” which reveals a sneakily brilliant media/self-awareness. Yaeji is no joke. -juan leon