THE DELI

"We are pissed and we came here to dance."

So reads the last line of the synopsis to Love Without Domination, the newest, largest, and arguably most political release by Los Angeles-based label Zoom Lens. With a title referencing Jenny Zhang’s essay "Against Extinction", Love Without Domination is a 22-track charity compilation from artists across diverse genres of local and international fame, galvanized by recent events and connected by an urgency to create sounds of protest. New songs featured include Meishi Smile‘s post-industrial catharsis "Hate Floods Slow", as well as contributions by Plaster Cast & The Sleep, Thought Tempo, and Magic is Real. New local artist debuts include the noise rock duo Comrade(s) and post-techno producer pleasure promenade.

The release of Love Without Domination comes at a precarious time for artist communities, only one week since the tragic fire in an Oakland DIY space and one month following results of the 2016 presidential election. But in spite of these troubling events, in spite of increased crackdowns on DIY spaces and rising hate crimes, Zoom Lens compels listeners to act against the oppression and injustice of marginalized communities through nuanced self-expression.

"Through art, make dialogue and break boundaries. When dealing with an oppressive force who is meant to pacify our feelings, self-expression is rebellion. Utilize your skills, your privileges, and your strengths in all forms. Militarize yourself with unforgiving self-love and radical passion. "

Love Without Domination is free to stream and available to purchase—listeners can name their price, and all proceeds will go to fund the non-profit organizations ACLU, Border Angels, and Planned Parenthood. – Ryan Mo, Album Art by Brian Vu

It’s safe to say that Paul & The Tall Trees‘ new video for ‘Can’t You Wait’ (streaming) won’t change your life inside out, but there’s something to that song that got us intrigued, and the video certainly contributes to the charm. Even though the Staten Island based band’s press release mentions the term "psychedelia," the track’s initial section echoes early Roxy Music, although Paul (Schalda)’s vocals progressively assume a more menacing tone, something that wouldn’t have been tolerated by Roxy’s "crooning-head" vocalist Bryan Ferry. The track’s bouncy rhythm section certainly sparks happiness, but it would be a mistake to think it’s a permanent feature of this group’s sound, since previous single ‘Once in a While‘ is an almost drumless ballad (definitely psychedelic this time). The two tracks, included in the debut album ‘Our Love in The Light,’ and our favorite song ‘Crack of Dawn,’ showcase an artist that takes chances and it’s charmingly quirky, fun and poetic at once. You can see Paul & The Tall Trees live at Baby’s All Right on December 12th.

On the final night of Northside 2016, Brian Wilson—erstwhile songwriter/arranger/production genius behind L.A.’s Beach Boys—performed his entire 1966 masterpiece, Pet Sounds, at McCarren Park in Brooklyn. The crowd, ranging from very young to elderly, and including patrons from the broadest spectrum of culture and subculture, confirmed what some have known for quite a while now: that surf music—a vernacular style forged in early 1960s Southern California—has far outgrown its local wellspring. – Read the full article on The Deli NYC Issue #47.

Local pop-punk icon Mikey Erg (of NJ’s The Ergs! fame) is back with a solo album entitled ‘Tentative Decisions.’ The man stands out in that loud and melodic scene for a lyrical talent way above the average, and for gladly joining other like-minded bands on tour and on record (his credits include Dirt Bike Annie, The Unlovables, The Dopamines, Star Fucking Hipsters, House Boat, Worriers and Weston). Mikey will spend the winter touring in support of the record, with a NYC date set for February 17 at Brooklyn Bazaar.