Know Hope Records recently issued a compilation to benefit the ACLU. Solidarity in Sounds features 22 songs from 22 bands, and "Dark Times" was contributed by Commonwealth Choir. The track serves as a gritty, bass-driven point of opposition, stepping forward when things aren’t right. It captures the band’s omnipresent ability to find a good hook; however, this message is delivered with a show of force and some snarl. Give it a spin, and stick together in supporting the ACLU.
New England
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Pace Car Joe Debuts New EP, Plays Thunder Road 4/21
Boston-based alt-rockers, Pace Car Joe, are in preparations to release a brand new EP, Moonlight Convicts, unto the world. Just a few months after January’s Ghost of the Boulevard (which earned them an artist-of-the-month nod), the band is sure to repeat, with another collection of catchy crowd-pleasers that will keep them on our radar. Check them out with Jake Hill and Deep Creek at Thunder Road Music Club on 4/21 and hit the link below for their new single, "Camouflaged By Happiness". -Brian Varneke
Chicago
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Bonzie “Fading Out”
Bonzie released a new single this week from her forthcoming LP, Zone On Nine, which is due out on May 19th.
Philadelphia
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New Shelf Life LP Available for Streaming & Purchase
Christian Coated Ethical Arena, the new full-length album from prolific Philly songwriter/recording artist Scotty Leicht, a.k.a. Shelf Life, negotiates an emotive maze of melody. Jarring, noisy instrumentation surrounds even-keeled vocals, creating a consoling, in-the-eye-of-the-storm sound. A calming pensive but potentially volatile environment takes shape, easing one into a comfortable but ever alert awareness. Shelf Life will be sharing these new ditties at The Pharmacy this evening with Blue Smiley, Fond Han, and Options.
NYC
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Deli Premiere: Astra the 22s drop banger “Stranger”
Who would have thought that a Latvia-born band would get American rock so right? Brooklyn-based via the Baltics, Astra the 22s is a classic, dirty, rock ’n’ roll duo that smacks of 80’s glam without surrendering fully to it. Their latest banger of a song, “Stranger,” is a boom-click, percussive-led track with some serious teeth. Hazy synths, and fuzzy guitars frame singer Kerija Kaleja’s vocals as she flexes her chops through high-register choruses and low, breathy verses. You can check out "Stranger" streaming below, and keep your eyes peeled for a new release, coming to you April 28th. – Olivia Sisinni
Philadelphia
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New Track: “Bailey” – Father Figure
Last month, West Chester-based quartet Father Figure released their debut record Weird Love. The collection is littered with an exuberant, emotive blend of melodic power pop that will aid in shedding those rainy day blues away. "Bailey" glides in a gentle roll while discussing the desire to alter the dynamics of a relationship or abandon it all together. What starts as an inviting inside take quickly shifts toward an agitated ultimatum.
Nashville
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NOIA’s recycled sonic collages live at Baby’s All Right on 04.22
NOIA is a sonic force to be reckoned with (and her taste for fashion is also remarkable). Having a professional background in sound design, mastermind Gisela Fulla-Silvestre creates entire noise foundations for her songs. Recycling and layering sonic artifacts like distortion trash and excess sound bites from films, the NYC via Spain producer creates sonic collages that serve as a bed on which her sensual vocals can lay. Her work, over anything else, feels artful, less focused on pleasantries and entertainment value and more on pushing the boundaries of electro-pop. Catch her next show at Baby’s All Right on April 22nd with (ex New Yorker) Lydia Ainsworth. – Andrew Strader
Nashville
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Sharkmuffin Offers Single from Upcoming Sophomore Effort ‘Tsuki’
Sharkmuffin is a band with a variety of sonic influences. They make high energy grunge tunes that pack a punch, but decorate them with psychedelic, 60s style guitar riffs reminiscent of beach pop classics like The Byrds or Jefferson Airplane. Despite their retro sensibilities, they manage to stay culturally relevant. Their latest music video for “Little Bird,” a cut off their upcoming sophomore effort, is an ironic narrative about the modern urbanite trying to make a way in the world. With huge crowds incessantly following their beloved Big Bird, there’s an underlying commentary on a generational tendency to hurry up and matter. Sharkmuffin’s newest album, Tsuki, will be out via Little Dickman Records May 5th, 2017. Be sure to catch the release show at Sunnyvale on May 3rd. – Andrew Strader
NYC
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Home Blitz plays Union Pool on April 29
We often reward musical madness here at The Deli, because this is a city inextricably tied to psychosis and the overactive imagination that often goes with it. Brooklyn’s Home Blitz is a band that fit this description, and that’s certainly why they were our NYC Record of the Month in May 2016. You’ll be able to catch them live at Union Pool on April 29, do not miss!
We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!
Philadelphia
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New Boosegumps EP Available for Streaming & Download
Heart Peach, the new EP from Boosegumps, is the type of brightly lit, melodic music that can temporarily lift the shades. An inherent, honest optimism radiates from the keyboard-driven, percussive-sequenced tracks, whose unassuming, swift nature sheds any barriers. It’s a much-needed glimmer of hope amid all this negativity. Boosegumps will be part of the Witch H(c)unt LP release show this evening at All Nite Diner that also includes Curtis Cooper and S.T.A.R.W.O.O.D.
NYC
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Big Thief unveils new video + announce new LP & tour
Big Thief dropped a stunning debut full length last year (it earned them the cover of The Deli’s winter issue), and since the date of its release they toured like there was no tomorrow. So we are not really sure how they managed to find the time to write a new record AND shoot a video (for single ‘Mythological Beauty,’ streaming below), but the simple fact that they were able to pull this off means the band is in a state of grace, as far as inspiration is concerned. The sophomore record, entitled "Capacity " will be released in June on Saddle Creek, and this is what singer and guitarist Adrienne Lineker has to say about it:
“There is a darker darkness and a lighter light on this album. The songs search for a deeper level of self-acceptance, to embrace the world within and without. I think Masterpiece began that process, as a first reaction from inside the pain, and Capacity continues that examination with a wider perspective.”
Big Thief in 2017 won’t lose the habit of touring (more info here, followed by EU dates!) , New Yorkers should mark their calendars for Fri. June 9 @ Rough Trade.
Nashville
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Grim Streaker brings their “skate punk” to The Knit on May 5th
Grim Streaker is a band that delights in blowing ears off not only with volume but with melody. They hone a noisy sensibility that references at once post-punk and garage aesthetics that might lend itself well to skate videos and street art documentaries. Their work derives its vividness and energy from its contrasts. The guitars are full of fuzz and feedback but don’t dismiss catchiness of the underlying melodies. Much in the same way, Amelia Bushell’s vocals push through the noise with a defiant Joan Jett-esque sentimentality. If you’re a fan of skate rat rock, be sure to check out “Guts,” their debut single or see them in action at the Knitting Factory on May 5th or Cape House on June 9th. – Andrew Strader