THE DELI

After – quite literally – storming the local DIY scene with their super tense live shows and a borderline insane debut EP, this past summer the trio of NYC natives Show Me the Body released their debut album ‘Body War,’ a ten track, electric banjo driven sonic assault that manages to successfully blend post-hardcore, industrial, math rock and hip hop. The album inserts itself in the lineage of hybrid punk releases that includes seminal records by Fugazi and Rage Against the Machine, but maintains a level of rawness and desperation neither of those bands ever managed to convey. (This makes us wonder if that’s what a few decades spent in NYC’s "less trendy" neighborhoods does to kids…). Intriguingly, unlike most post-hardcore acts, Show Me The Body isn’t afraid to slow down the tempo (‘Death Sounds 2’), or even give up the drums entirely every now and then (‘Honesty Hour’), which opens up sonic space for sound experimentation and even textural moments, like in ‘Chrome Exposed.’ The quieter sections also allow for a greater contrast when the instrumental explosion eventually arrives, taking the ’90s rock loud/quit/loud idea to its extreme. But the most effective tracks are the ones where the band’s signature tension finds an (explosive) release, like title-track. 

This is the record most NYC kids involved in the vital, seminal, local DIY scene – and in all likelihood, most rock critics too – will remember years from now. It’s a record we think is destined to inspire many young, offbeat musicians – from underground, where so many NYC scene gems are buried.

The reckless abandon of Brooklyn rockers partying hard is on full display in Baby Acid’s debut music video and song “Baby Guts.” The recently premiered track previews their full-length Moon Sounds Records release on December 9. Recorded and produced by band visionary Lindsey and Jasno from Vandelles/Hellbirds notoriety at his Secret Loft Studios, while mastering was handled by A Place To Bury Strangers Oliver Ackermann. The track itself emerges via full-on fuzzed out guitar chords while initial vocals proclaim that “my baby comes from France, my baby don’t wear no pants.” While the lyrical output may playfully favor words that rhyme over actual storytelling, ferocious riffs and rhythms are executed with serious intent. Video imagery depicts the black-clad band against a white backdrop interspersed with footage from a raging house party. As walls become increasingly covered in handwritten graffiti, impromptu crowd-surfing and bathroom shenanigans mirror the track’s explosive conclusion. Baby Acid play their album release show on 12/9 at The Footlight w/ Parlor Walls, Ex Girlfriends and Thick. – Dave Cromwell

Back in 2013, when they released their his and hers LP, denitia and sene was one of The Deli’s most written about artists (heck, we even booked them at our 2013 electronic CMJ stage!). We simply couldn’t get enough of the singer/producer pair’s obscure yet very poiginant electro-RnB. Three years later, the pair is back with a new album titled love and noir, and judging from the two singles, "favourite." and "Open Wide,"  the record should be as richly textured and spell-binding as the group’s first full length. "Open Wide" has a glitchy, industrial beat with distorted synth glissandos and robotic backup vocals that clash perfectly with denitia’s pristine vocals. With "Favourite," on the other hand, less is truly more. Denitia’s vocals and lovesick lyrics carry the track, occasionally aided by a horn blast and modulated synths. It’s a song of few elements, sure, but each is crafted, curated and utilised to its fullest extent. Catch the duo live at Mercury Lounge on 11/18 for their release party. — Henry Solotaroff-Webber

Ladies and Gents,

We are proud to unveil (for now just digitally) issue #48 of The Deli Magazine NYC. It’s an issue entirely focused on Electronic music, featuring a gear section focused on our upcoming Brooklyn Synth Expo, and many Q&As with the most promising emerging electronic bands about their favorite synths. On the cover, EDM-World duo SOFI TUKKER; inside, a feature about NYC’s LGBT Hip Hop scene and a two page article about nu-soul up and coming diva Cruel Youth.

The print version of it will hit the streets of NYC on Friday November 4th.

Hope you enjoy it!

The Folks at The Deli

P.S. Check out Sofi Tukker’s new video for ‘Awoo,’ streaming below.