L.A.

Artist to Watch: James Supercave

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Redefining the musical landscape of the eastside, James Supercave have only been performing since 2012, and haven’t officially released an album yet. With a sound as big as a David Bowie-fronted version of Pink Floyd, and an energetic live show to match, its apparent the young quintet are only scratching the surface of their creativity. The band’s first proper single (demos have been leaking for over a year), "The Right Thing" is an art pop opus. Melody and rhythm collide as each movement takes you on a journey of ever-increasing tension that bursts open to an ending filled with pounding drums, soaring strings, and frontman Joaquin Pastor’s signature vocal stylings. James Supercave’s debut EP ‘The Afternoon’ is set for release on Hit City USA in March, with a residency at The Echo the same month. Word on the street is, they’ll be joining Warpaint on tour in April. So those free shows every Monday in March are not to be missed. Stream "The Right Thing," below from the band’s soundcloud. – Jacqueline Caruso

L.A.

Video: Jesus Sons, “All These Furs”

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With the passing of Leonard Knight, the artist behind Salvation Mountain, this video for Jesus Sons‘ "All These Furs," feels more than appropriate. The cinematography captures a nostalgic beauty that not only honors the late artist and his work, but pairs like a fine scotch with the song’s celebratory energy. Following the migratory pattern of myriad garage rockers in their class, Jesus Sons transplanted to LA from San Francisco, only to enrich our rock scene further. If you want to get nerdy about gear, these boys can stand up to the test. While the aesthetic may seem a bit on the nose, Jesus Sons pull it off with pure authenticity. You get the impression that they really do drink their whiskey straight out of the bottle while riding motorcycles through the desert searching for raw life experiences. Snag their debut LP released last month on Mock Records, peep the video below and catch their raucous live set tonight at Harvard and Stone. – Jacqueline Caruso

Jesus Sons "All These Furs" A Carey Quinton Haider Film from carey haider on Vimeo.

L.A.

Stream: FIM “Fast Cars”

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Approahcing humor in songwriting is usually looked down upon, as if not taking things seriously makes you a goof in a musical climate where you’re more respected for being brooding and woundedly self-absorbed. At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss dance punk trio FIM, who willingly define themselves as extraterretrial psych rockers. Staying true to that sill descriptor, the foursome just released their most outlandish track yet, "Fast Cars", a brainy, robotic synth pop romp that is actually backed up by some considerable skill. Meaning, they take their humor seriously. It’s tempting to instantly raise the "novelty" flag, but when you’re incorporating an infectious rhythmic energy with such care there’s no reason to embrace the weirdness and let your inhibitions flow. FIM will be playing this and other songs off their latest EP "Alien Beach Party" at the Satellite on February 24.

L.A.

Cassorla plays the Bootleg Theater on 2.24

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Cassorla is the project of multi-instrumentalist Ben Cassorla, who recently put out an EP of songs recorded in Los Angeles, Portland and Paris. Gathering his Amigos, which coincidentally is the name of the album, he used limited instrumentals, ‘vocals doubled roughly, muted drums, old analog delays, cheap tremolos, vintage microphones and a guitar’, to create an ensemble of sounds strong enough to develop a newfound love for an undefined genre. His music is indescribable and completely original; I found it difficult trying to pinpoint a certain genre he could fall under. So instead, I was left with trying to identify genres that blend together into one: classical, underground electro, indie rock, avant-garde and some new age are just some of the genres I could pinpoint, yet they all intertwine. Future One is quite the highlight – it features Taylor Goldsmith from Dawes, and includes rough guitar picks that naturally bring out my air guitar and foot tapping skills. You can see Cassorla perform an album release show alongside Chris Bauers at the Bootleg Theater on February 24. – Kayla Hay

L.A.

The Vigils play Los Globos on 2.13

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Cleverly named after the malicious secret society in eighties cult classic The Chocolate War, the Vigils are an instinctive quartet with a flair for grandiosity that touches upon the more sensible side of post-punk. Fronted by the slurred, yet impassioned delivery of Danny Cieplinski, the band are regulars in the West Hollywood scene, playing numerous shows week after week with a tireless drive that resonates in their impassioned performances. They’re seduced by the defiance of rock n’ roll, eschewing choppy, slightly delayed guitar chords and tight rhythmic patterns that are performed with a dramatic flair. But there’s also a danceable feel to their brisk, straightforward approach, served in a brooding swing that interlocks with their scuzzy, yet tuneful sound. The band will showcase their performance prowess next Thursday the 13th at Los Globos.

L.A.

Video: MYPET, “Pays To Know”

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Dark and brooding, MYPET makes sultry, at times psychedelic, electro pop. Their video for "Pays to Know," is set in a fantasy-filled forest where danger lurks around every corner. I guarantee the hook will be stuck in your head for days. Peep the video below and see them live tonight as part of The Deli LA presented Kan Wakan Residency at The Echoplex with J. Laser (of M83), and Tien. – Jacqueline Caruso

L.A.

Tashaki Miyaki share “Cool Runnings,” play The Troubadour Feb 22

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Self-actualization is an arduous, life-long task. It requires vulnerability and acceptance. Embracing this attitude towards a higher existence, Lucy Miyaki is showing us her softer side with "Cool Runnings." Based on the idea of "trying to stop the cycle of self sabotage," a pattern known all too well to those following artistic paths, Tashaki Miyaki have once again captured layered emotions in their own breezy, chilled out way. The ease with which Miyaki delivers her dreamy, heartfelt lyrics is beguilingly seductive. Her voice is like a cozy cocoon waiting to wrap you up and carry you away to an enlightened consciousness. Stream "Cool Runnings" below from their bandcamp. The single is part of a limited edition 7" colored vinyl available Feb 25. Catch them live at The Troubadour on Feb. 22. – Jacqueline Caruso

L.A.

Stream: White Sea, “Prague”

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Back in November, we shared White Sea’s video for "I Don’t Know," which was filled with heavenly production and imagery. White Sea is the moniker of Morgan Kibby, known for her work with M83, who has an undeniably angelic voice. Her latest single, "Prague," shows the darker side of her electro sound. Opening gently like a sweet caress with delicate, whispering harmonies, she catches you completely off guard with the thumping, gritty beat that kicks in with the chorus. Like a vampire, "Prague" woos you before it takes a satisfying bite. White Sea’s full length, ‘In Cold Blood’ is due out this March. Catch them live at The Palladium with Phantogram on February 22. – Jacqueline Caruso

L.A.

Stream: Uh Huh Her ” Innocence”

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"I look back, I look back", goes the chorus to Uh Hu Her’s latest electro-pop romp "Innocence", a sentiment that suitably connects with their current status as an established act. How do you evolve? It’s a thought that went through the minds of Camilia Grey and Leisha Hailey while making their third full-length release, titled Future Souls, and the answer couldn’t be any clearer: go back to writing the kind of alluring anthems that seduce the crowds to step into the dancefloor. The track transmits an electric charge with its driving hook and infectious bass groove, though its murky ambiance gives it an air of mystery and depth. Future Souls will be released via Plaid Records on March 25th. 

L.A.

Artist to Watch: Twin Oaks

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Multi-instrumentalist Aaron Christopher and singer-songwriter Lauren Brown are Twin Oaks, a collaborative duo whose doleful, soft-spoken brand of shadowy folk pop conveys a bevy of emotions with minimal resources. The pair recorded their second mini-LP The Lion’s Den in the intimacy of Aaron’s bedroom in Chino, which mosly centers around willowy acoustic melodies locked into Lauren’s brittle, yet evocative vocal delivery. Their sparse approach creates a spaciousness that lets the bittersweet compositions breathe, suffused with the calmness of a sunlit early morning. One could easily describe it as dreamy or blissful, but there’s nary a shrouded note – these are songs that pulsate with quiet emotion and golden-hued translucence. The duo is currently in the process of recording their debut full-length, which should further illustrate their delicate timbre. – Juan Rodríguez

L.A.

Moses Sumney Voted The Deli LA’s 2013 Best Emerging Artist

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I first heard talk of Moses Sumney after his jaw-drapping live performance this summer at The Bootleg during the KING Residency. With a series of microphones set to different looping mechanisms, Sumney creates a one-man show that rivals most full band performances. His voice alone is uniquely textured and souful enough to make heads turn, but his talents don’t end there. His innovative creativity is on full display in every aspect of each song he crafts. To declare him The Deli’s 2013 Best LA Emerging Artist is an honor for us and to say we are floored by his talent and vision would be an understatement. He plays this coming Monday at KCRW’s It’s A School Night at Bardot. Clear your schedule and be there. This will definitely be your last chance to see him for free and in such an intimate setting. Streaming below is "Alchemy" along with a video of his live performance at The Bootleg.

L.A.

Body Parts Voted First Runner-Up as The Deli LA’s 2013 Best Emerging Artist

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If you’ve been reading The Deli LA at all this year, you know we’ve been following local art-pop band Body Parts as they slowly released single after single from their now fully released debut album, ‘Fire Dream.’ Their epic residency to celebrate the release at The Satellite this November will not soon be forgotten. Co-founders, Ryder Bach and Alina Cutrino, are overflowing with ideas and the chops to match. The band just finished up a string of west coast dates with Cloud Control. They’ll be opening for synth-pop trio, Wildcat! Wildcat! at The Echoplex on February 21. While you wait for this night of sweet jams, stream "Unavoidable Things," which smartly unfolds the story at the crux of the album.