Queens rapper Deem Spencer conveys a vibe both rare and compelling. Though the beats sometimes feel under-produced, his approach feels honest and similarly candid. Deem doesn’t rap so much as tell it how it is. He’s melodic and raw; in the single “soap” from his sunflower EP, he croons “If I cared about some money I’d be in college wasting it. Hate itself a sin and I hate sinnin.” It is juxtapositions like this that crack open truths only discernible through poetry. Deem Spencer is the freshest laureate. We first blogged about Deem in October 2016, promoting an upcoming show at dive bar Don Pedro. In just over six months, the man worked his way to playing at The Knit on a Northside Fest Friday night, which rightfully earns him a Deli NYC "Buzz Alert!" – BrokeMc
A Thong by Any Other Name Would Sound as Sweet
It’s damn near impossible not to think of Sisqo’s 1999 ode to whale tails and the cheeks that complete the look when the word "thong" is heard, or really just thought of. That’s probably not the reaction local psych-surf act Thong were going for with their name, though "Thong Song" was definitely an anthem of sorts. Regardless, Thong recently announced that they’re going to be changing their name, and that these last few shows of theirs were the final times to see them as the thongs that once were.
As far as what Thong’s new name will be, that’s something we’ll all just have to learn at their name change reveal show this Sunday, with garage poppers Marcy’s Band and Este dropping rhymes. Visuals will be provided by Grayson Bear and there will even be a little bit of stand up from George Jones. But we all can rest pretty easily knowing that just because the band is changing their name doesn’t mean they’re changing their beloved sound.
Head over to 5th Avenue Cinema this Sunday to catch Thong’s last show as such.
Tumble on Down to Kelly’s Olympian for a Night of Folk-Pop
Folk and Americana fans are some of the most dedicated around. Depending on the particular pace of the plucking, they know to react with either intriguingly pensive stares, a little more action via some head bobbing and toe tapping, or launching into full blown hip swinging. Those types of reactions, be them in the folk/americana realm or other, are what artists live for. Anyone looking to get into that kind of fun this weekend has the opportunity to Friday at Kelly’s Olympian.
A delightful night of folk meets twangy indie pop, soulful folk group of transplants Kaiya On The Mountain will connect with Tumbledown‘s gritty honesty yet broodingly sweet styles most recently expressed on their debut EP In Between. The night ends with a headlining set from the rayLand Baxter inspired duo Hammerhead, rounding out the festivities perfectly.
Steel Chains Say Sayonara to Playing Shows
Maybe some of you knew it was coming and maybe some of you didn’t. Either way, our punk scene is about to lose one of its active and integral collection of members. As of Friday, we’ll be saying goodbye to local melodic punks Steel Chains.
They dropped their demo tracks just a little over two years ago and an EP not too long after, instantly making them favorites without fault. Steel Chains render a more harmonious version of traditional punk, using a post-like execution of catchy, quickly paced riffs. On top of their talent they were also just enjoyable to see perform overall, so it’s really quite the bummer to see them go.
Join Steel Chains for their last performance Friday at The Know with Macho Boys, Mr. Wrong and Petite. Every bit of the show’s $7 cover will be donated to the Trans Lifeline, so they’re going out on a charitable bang to boot.
A Party for Sgt. Pepper’s 50th Anniversary
Whether you feel like they’re overrated or not, it’d be hard to deny the influence the Beatles had and still has on music. Their career filled with the quintessential hits that define them, the Beatles were some of the "first" to bring pandemonium, romantic pop and the steady transition into drug life to the public eye. Seeing as the first day of June marks the 50th anniversary of their considerable opus Sgt. Pepper’s The Lonely Hearts Club Band, of course a commemoration had to take place, and of course it would be in fun Portland fashion.
The Funhouse Lounge will house a tribute show as an ode to the band Thursday night, featuring local rock musicians and special guests, many of which are likely to be in some sort of Beatles-like garb. Advertised are The Toads, The Dark Backward and comedian/loud sound creator Tinn Itus and the Strobing Visions covering hits from all throughout the Beatles’ extensive catalog. The 21 and over event is only $10, but those that come in costumes themselves only pay half price. Those in costume will also be automatically invited to partake in other Beatles’ themed special activities, so a lot of fun is sure to be had.
Q&A with The City and Horses, live at the Gateway on 07.19
Brooklyn indie-pop band The City and Horses makes music that’s both sensitive and urgent. Their records sound like a proverbial melting pot of influences, ranging from ’60s Britpop and disco to contemporary alt-rock. On "Shades," the opening track from their newest album, Ruins, verses comprised of ethereal, swelling synthesizers seamlessly merge into romping, major-key disco-esque choruses. On "Drag" (streaming below) the influence of Modest Mouse and Silver Jews can be heard in the song’s aura of twangy melancholy. The Deli recently spoke with lead songwriter Marc Cantone about the new album. You can catch TCAH on July 19th at the Gateway in Brooklyn. Listen to "Shades" here, and check out the Q&A they won thanks to The Music Building‘s Expose Yourself campaign, by following the link below! – Ethan Ames
Milked
Milked is the work of former Geronimo! band member Kelly Johnson. This week he released the first single and title track, “Death On Mars”, from his forthcoming album. The album will be released via Exploding In Sound Tape Club on June 30th.
You can catch Milked on June 29th at Quenchers Saloon with Post Child, Bow & Spear, and Sat. Nite Duets.
Listen to Two New Tracks from Fritz Montana
Fritz Montana is a San Francisco based indie blues rock trio laying the foundation for up and coming independent artists in the Bay Area. With uplifting jams and vocals that aim right for your heart, Fritz Montana has mounted a successful career including airplay on San Francisco’s LIVE 105.3 Soundcheck program and a slot on the 2015 BottleRock Napa lineup.
Inspired by their recent growth as musicians, Fritz Montana returns in 2017 with their first EP in two years titled ‘Father Mother,’ detailing concepts of loneliness, confusion, hopelessness, naivete, and an enthusiasm to keep moving forward; the same emotions that drove them to play music. Staying true to their roots, these men have dedicated their lives to the betterment of American music and the creation of heart-melting soulful jams.
Take a listen to two new tracks from their upcoming album, Blood on My Lip and Evil Ways: