THE DELI

Existing somewhere in that sphere of experimental indie pop that contains Animal Collective and Neon Indian, Dawkins‘ Ep1 is a quality release that steers clear of being a cheap knockoff of the reverb drenched, chaotic sound that has made other groups famous.   Although not flawless, the group’s first release achieves some really great moments, like at the 1 minute mark in Kiwi, where the chorus all of a sudden bursts through in a great moment of catharsis. At times blissfully harmonious with the pumping, youthful energy of indie pop, Ep 1 is a wonderful start for the group.

-Written by Michael Dranove

The sleepless summer nightlife of the city echoes throughout “NY is Red Hot” (streaming) a new track from Amelia Airhorn. A collaborative effort between electronic dance duo The Knocks, and nu-disco vocalist Skylar Spence, the track takes a ride on a time machine to the vintage disco and pop sounds of ’80s and ’90s New York, a city they pledge loyalty to in the lyrics ("New York is my life and I’m never gonna leave!"). The song pulsates with high energy grooves that conjure up images of sweltering hot summer parties and the carefree city lifestyle. Take it as a reminder to partay! – Tafari Lemma

Brooklyn musician David Van Witt records and plays live (with a band) under the name HNRY FLWR.  After spending the last two years honing his project’s live show, he found a home for his debut EP ‘Flowerama’ at NYC’s Paper Garden Records.  Opening track “Stranger” moves from somber beginnings into a bright keyboard driven anthem. Nuanced layers emerge throughout with cascading background vocals and buzzing synths.  “As Above, So Below” (streaming) slithers along like a soundtrack to some middle-eastern mystery quest film.  Ballad “Little Brother” explores the cycle of violent abuse, ultimately concluding that “now I’ve become those bruises on your arms.”  “Down In Carolina” is propelled along by a deliberate bass line under bright synthesizer enhancements.  There’s a muted, distant quality to the vocals that add an air of mystery and depth to the track.  Closing track “Context (Trans-Pecos, On A Full Moon, On A Monday)” sounds pretty much as the title suggests – this acoustic-guitar-only live track was recorded at the Queens’ venue. The EP release show is Friday 6/16 at Berlin with The Undercover Dream Lovers and Rhinestone. – Dave Cromwell

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

Arctic Desert Tundra, the debut release by New York duo 3D-WOW, is a startlingly original piece of psych/progressive-pop. Quietly released last November, Sara Kossin and Alec Ciesla’s debut is a collection of eight songs that are brooding, moody and at times menacing. The underlying sensitivity of songwriter/vocalist Sara Kossin radiates through the shuffling, thrashing dissonance like light through cracks in a door. Fans of Tortoise and Modest Mouse will be intrigued by the record, as it takes the guitar-heavy, ambient sounds of ’90s and early-2000s indie and runs with it into promising new post rock territory. – Ethan Ames

This artist submitted music for coverage here.

Plenty of musical acts want to ride high on the Sixties-esque psych-rock revival to bring about some good feelings. Demure For Sure (the brianchild of NYC composer Zack De Sorbo) folds that avant-garde pomp and nostalgia into his newest track, "Coconut, Rum And Banana", released last week. The song — from a distance — could double as an outtake from The Beach Boys’ Smile or something from The Monkees’ discography, or as a more polished Ariel Pink single. Bubbling sounds and meandering flutes put the finishing touch on this flower-power fantasy, which might make you want to frolic through a field like a 21st-century Merry Prankster. "Coconut, Rum And Banana" will appear on Demure For Sure’s EP "Tie-Dye Shadows", which comes out July 12th. – Will Sisskind