I’m trying out another new series here for the Deli Portland called Saturday Night Sounds. With it, I’m hoping to share a chill tune or two to be enjoyed by you doing whatever it is you do on Saturday nights. For its inaugural post, here is "Forced Entry" by Reptaliens. The track dropped some days ago, but I feel it’s the perfect jam for this crisp weekend night. Both main members, Cole and Bambi B., have been literally immersed in various acts around Portland for the last few years. As Reptaliens’ first track, "Forced Entry" conjures colorfully hazed happiness, like a pleasant dream transformed into a song. 

Reptaliens are set to drop a full length, aptly titled Recordings, sometime in the summer of this year. Considering "Forced Entry" as a peek into what Recordings will sound like, we only have great things to look forward to with its release. Enjoy it below.

-Cervante Pope

There’s been quite the buzz flying around the Mt. Portland compilation, and that buzz could not be more warranted. An idea turned reality, solo musician Joel Magid saw how transmuted Portland and its music scene have become, and decided to capture it one track at a time. Featuring 13 of PDX’s most beloved and brightest, like the Century, Talkative and what very well may be the last recording from Grandparents to name a few, the Mt. Portland compilation doesn’t even come off as such thanks to its production. Each original, previously unreleased track was recorded at Buzz or Howl Studios by owner Stan Wright. Though the bands on the comp aren’t bred of the same genre, Wright’s analog recording technique melded each contributed track seamlessly, resulting in a collection that’s more cohesive than just compiled. Both Wright and Magid fronted recording time, pressings and all other costs themselves, keeping the compilation not for profit and free for us to consume.

Stream the compilation below and check out the Mt. Portland release show tomorrow at Rontoms, for free. Performing will be Boone Howard and Michael Finn (the Domestics), Candace, Joel Magid himself and headlined by And And And. 

-Cervante Pope

Oh, the illusive "perfect bill." All venue bookers, show promoters and bands are constantly seeking an unmarred night of cohesive, fluid musical enjoyment. Unfortunately, it’s never as easy to plan as it may seem. Yet last night’s show at the Star Theater proved a successful feat on Portland’s end, hosting a stacked bill comprised of locals LiquidLight and Hollow Sidewalks, and Texas living Future Death and Ringo Deathstarr.

There’s a reason why LiquidLight won the Deli Portland’s Best of 2015 Readers Poll, and they more than validated that victory on the stage. It’s clear that each member of the band knows how to play their respective instrument well, all of them exhibiting a clean and clear mastery without coming off as pompous, only pleasant. You found yourself easily lost in the technical sweeps of both Anthony Medici’s and Cory West’s guitar playing, while Zackary Rodrigues pounded out intricate drum beats with ease. Though he kept it low key towards the back of the stage, you could still feel bassist Gage Dean’s presence strongly as he maintained the songs’ heavy rhythms.

With a slightly differing sound compared to that of LiquidLight, Hollow Sidewalks (pictured above) shared with the audience a different approach to the conventional post-punk form. Lead vocalist Nora Murphy Hughes has a deep and alluring quality to her croon that aids in the band’s signature delivery – psyched out post-punk presented in a mellow and enjoyable fashion. Setting the mood with darkroom hued lights, their music warbled and pulsated through your gut, leaving you wanting more of their short and sweet songs.

Each band played as if they place was packed, and though it wasn’t, that type of vigor is what helps define a good band. Giving their all, both LiquidLight and Hollow Sidewalks truly fit the bill.

-Cervante Pope