The beginning of the second millennium will probably be remembered by music critics for the realization that soul lent itself to be pushed in new, more or less experimental directions. In the early aughts, a genre that was frowned upon by the tense and brainy children of the post-punk generation was given a new "indie legitimacy" by acts like TV on the Radio, Dirty Projector and Ava Luna. NYC collective Space Captain, the brainchild of Maralisa Simmons-Cook, is part of this wave, although within less noisy coordinates than the aforementioned bands. Born in 2015 as a rather traditional soul-jazz group (this is their debut EP), in a few months the band quickly evolved into a rather different animal: 2016’s "In Memory" EP shows edgy electronic arrangements focused on textural and ambient soundscapes. The band is about to release their debut full length "All Flowers In Time," and the record’s two preview singles showcase a partial return to the live instrumentation of the debut, without losing the edge of unexpected melodies, parts and song changes found in "In Memory." Check out the video for Sycamore below, and don’t miss the band’s record release party at Union Pool on October 27th.

By booking for Halloween night an intensely emotional, not-scary-at-all band like Hodera, this year the Mercury Lounge is certainly "thinking outside the box." On the the other hand, though, the New Jersey based quartet is pretty much guaranteed to fill the small Lower East Side venue, since their quality brand of post- Americana has been making ears turn since their 2015 debut album "United by Birdcalls." Breakout single "Breathe Easy" (streaming below) showcases their ability to merge inventive arrangements and personal lyrics wilthin a more traditional alt rock formula. This year’s brand new sophomore LP "First Things First" is a work whose consistency confirms a band at its peak (check out single "North Dakota", also streaming). The Mercury gig will serve as the band’s release show in the city. Also on the bill, more "Halloween appropriate" locals like Peaer and A Deer A Horse.

We don’t know for sure if the name of Brooklyn band Sooner was inspired by My Bloody Valentine’s seminal track ‘Soon,’ but we think it’s extremely likely that the British band from the ’90s had its fair share of influence on their sound. The New Yorkers offer a more muted approach to the shoegazer formula, mostly built on John Farris’ electric guitar parts, which build from intricate arpeggios to slightly overdriven chords, and the cloud of reverb surrounding them. Federica Tassano’s  placid vocal melodies complete this gentle sonic picture, supported by a tight and clean rhythm section. The band will be playing Alphaville on 10.28.

In the wake of the recent fires in Napa and Sonoma, the monthly Milk Was A Bad Choice showcase is donating the proceeds from the next show to relief for those communities. The stacked lineup includes a funky mix of the Bay Area’s best indie pop bands—all of which have been previously featured on The Deli. It’s hard to resist dancing to the upbeat, semi-electro melodic pop of Panic is Perfect, a five-piece with afro-pop influences. The jazzy six-piece LOCO TRANQUILO is sure to make you move, as well, with their unique blend genre-defying funk music. Finally, the slow-brewing soul-influenced alt rock of MOSAICS tops off the lineup. – Lilly Milman

Be sure to drop by the Milk Bar, catch this stacked line up, and donate to a worthy cause on November 1st at 8 pm. Until then, listen to our playlist of the performers below. 

In their debut LP Peach, Bay Area rockers Culture Abuse provide their take on the frantic, fuzzy garage rock that enamored the late 90s. At its core, Peach is a grungey daydream—every track is an onslaught of guitar-driven, droney punk rock that takes its influences from every corner of the genre. The band doesn’t waste time transitioning from hardcore, to shoegaze, to (dare I say) power pop. Instead, they do it all at once—a feat rarely done at all, much less often done well. In a deceptively simple presentation, Culture Abuse provides an intricately crafted instant classic that you can’t help but bang your head to. They are currently on a North American show, and they will be playing LA Waterfront on October 28th. – Lilly Milman

Listen to our favorite track “Dream On” streaming below. 

Brooklyn post-punk rockers The Fluids continue to share tracks leading up to the release of their debut album “No Kidding!”. While initial singles “Creatures and “Sign N’ Drive” provided early insight, more recent focus on deeper tracks point to a complete full length recording.  Utilizing an extended keyboard intro and siren-like effect, “Just Like Me” (streaming below) ultimately bursts out as a full-on guitar, bass and drums stomper.  While the vocal inflections have accurately drawn comparisons to Berlin-era Bowie, the band’s full, expansive sound is in part reminiscent of early aughts post-punk revivalists Interpol but also ’80s icons The Psychedelic Furs.  The album is available 10/27 on Axis Mundi Records, with the release party on Thursday October 26th at the Mercury Lounge. – Dave Cromwell

Five electronic producers/DJs hit Brooklyn Bazaar for WAXX’s monthly event BASSment on October 21.

The showcase includes producer and visual artist JessAudrey, as well as WAXX residents Noah B, KLM, Rubie Lee, and Chase Jam.

The lineup’s stylings range across a varied spectrum of hip-hop & bass, dreamy electronica, disco grooves, and more. Should make for a fun night out.

Check out their work below:

New music seekers,

We have a brand new issue of The Deli NYC available online for you – and it’s a gooooood one, can read it here! 

We are super thrilled to have new DFA Records signee Guerilla Toss on the cover (check out their wonderful single "Skull Pop") streaming below.

This is also our yearly electronic issue, linked to the upcoming Brooklyn Synth Expo, and therefore features:

– An article about the state of the electronic scene in NYC,
– Several Q&As with other electronic NYC artists,
– An ample section dedicated to the gear participating in the Synth Expo.

The paper version will be distributed in NYC around October 20th. 

Enjoy!

The Folks at The Deli

Soccer Mommy’s music is starkly intimate. Frontwoman Sophie Allison’s writing pairs personal stories with bedroom pop honesty, but if you ever doubted that intimacy would translate to a live setting check out the band’s recently released Audiotree Live session. It’s proof that Soccer Mommy’s music works just as well live and evidence for the band’s recent buzz, fed – among other things – by her full length released on Fat Possum Records and by Allison’s participation in a New York Times discussion on women in rock music. Experience it for yourself on November 14^th when Soccer Mommy headlines at Baby’s All Right.  – Cameron Carr

A shiver runs down our spines every time we read the words "self-directed video," in particular when applied to artists that play musical genres that require top notch production values (like soul music). But in the case of NYC’s soul-pop artist Raveena (previously known as Raveena Aurora) our premonitions were proved wrong. With the help of director James Ronkko, the artist of Indian and American descent created a simple, but truly beautiful video that matches the breezy, lightheartedly intimate vibes of her single "Sweet Time." A woman of many talents, Raveena not only looks incredibly comfortable in front of the camera, but also supports her art with commitment to social causes rarely found in soul pop acts. A debut EP is scheduled to be released at some point soon.

There’s a certain overarching sweetness that consumes the Denver/New York-based group, Strawberry Runners, but a close listen will reveal a far more complicated sound. The pop-driven arrangements and saccharine melodies support lyrics filled with darkness -a juxtaposition that’s at once uplifting and upsetting. The band is about to release a new EP entitled "In the Garden, In the Night," with a show at Trans Pecos on October 21st. Emi Night, the singing-songwriting force behind this project, is very much into stompboxes and our friends at Delicious Audio asked her some questions about it.

We added this song to The Deli’s playlist of Best indie songs by emerging NYC artists – check it out!

If you’re a fan of Florist’s ambient folk melodies and subtle production, you’re probably pretty excited about the group’s latest album and October 27^th headlining show at The Park Church Co-op. You’ll probably also fall for opener Lizard Kisses. The Brooklyn collective’s music has a similar melancholic minimalism, though veering in its own directions. Light on percussion, heavy on dual low-high vocals, and full of charming instrumentation like synth and glockenspiel, Lizard Kisses’ sound is somber and heartwarming at the same time. Get to the show early and see if you can resist falling for them. – Cameron Carr