The first song on Venn‘s self-titled EP, "Surreal", starts out on solid ground, but before you know it the dreampop kicks in and this EP never comes down again.  The textures of the album, to put it simply, are pretty.  The sounds of shoegaze, dreampop, and indie psychedelia blend nicely.  Specifically, the vocals sound almost like what might happen if Morrisey did shoegaze, insolent but cool as heck and full of passion.

All in all a great first original release from these DC youngsters.       

-Written by Michael Dranove       

Trio Ian Sweet, the brainchild of Los Angelinos guitarist Jilian Medford, relocated from Boston to Brooklyn in 2016. The city has been kind to them: the group has gathered a fair amount of interest since the move, after which they released two records in quick succession (their early releases, a lot more experimental, date back as far as 2013). While the earlier of the two (a self titled mini-LP) sounds like a transitional album, ‘Shapeshifter‘ delivers a sound that’s edgy, fun and mature – within the perimeters of the DIY aesthetics, which despise maturity. It’s a mix of math rock, indie pop and psychedelia that marries the cerebral and the imaginative in surprising ways. Jilian’s voice, always distorted in a blurry way, conveys a violent brightness to the tracks, and is at times reminiscent of early Bjork. Breakout single #23 (streaming bewlow) is the perfect exemplification of the band’s disciplinately unruly pop expressionism. The record is a constant surprise, full of incredibly vibrant sounds, often drenched with rare passion (‘2soft2chew‘) but also prone to playfulness (‘All Skaters Go To Heaven‘). The feeling we get is that ‘Shapeshifter’ is a sonic portrait of a band in the perfect musical sweet spot (like the Pixies on ‘Surfer Rosa’), that confidently balances a youthful imagination with quality songwriting, and a sound that’s daring without being over-produced. 

Ian Sweet will soon be going on tour that will take them to Austin for SXSW and then to the West Coast.

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

Born and raised in Brooklyn, singer-songwriter Reonda operates in the minimalistic realm of musical production. A highlight song of her latest album ‘Lightness of Being‘ is ‘Tonight in Mexico,’ tastefully arranged with delicate strings, a metronomic beat and wistful acoustic guitar accompaniment. The simplicity of her songwriting is highlighted in the album cover, showcasing a subtle, reflective warmth. Reonda was among the NYC artists selected to be performing at an official SXSW show, on March 16th (Lamberts, 8pm). – Geena Kloeppel

The Deli NYC is proud to sponsor National Sawdust’s one year anniversary of The Revolution (VOL. 13), scheduled for March 18th at the stunning venue in the heart of Williamsburg. The performance series continues to highlight rising local artists who strive to showcase the evolution of this city’s amazing and multi-faceted music scene. Performing at the upcoming show are the following artists: R&B-influenced Marie Davy, indietronic crooner Iris Lune, the jazz vibraphone virtuoso ‘Nikara Warren presents Black Wall Street,’ avant-pop prodigy Arthur Moon, hip-hop rhyme master Jakk Tha Rhyma of Pro Era, and the Cuban-influenced sounds of (U)nity. For those looking to tap into what’s coming up in the New York music scene, this show is a must-see. More details for the March 18th event are available through Eventbrite. – Will Sisskind

While the current presidential administration might bode poorly for minorities, women, and maybe the way we look at Twitter, we can at least rejoice that the next four years will show a defiant uptick in relevant punk music. And man, is the United Nations doing the lord’s work. The Brooklyn-based band–that may/may not be a supergroup–recently released "Stairway to Mar-a-Lago," a single whose release coincided with the recent inaugural ceremony and features the band’s signature blend of unhinged, frenetic instrumentals, screeching vocals, and sweepingly anthemic breakdowns. The group is kind of everything you’d want out of a 2017 punk band: killer tunes are matched with headstrong messages, angst and an appetite for the controversial. Check out the band’s latest single, streaming below. – Olivia Sisinni

In advance of the May 5 debut album release “Olden Goldies,” Argentinian-born Queens resident Tall Juan (profiled in the Summer 2016 Deli Print Issue 47) has released first single “Getting Cold” (streaming below).  Using his nylon-stringed classical guitar, deliberately strummed, unaccompanied chords introduce the track slowly at first, before building in speed. That intro serves as segue for the full stomping progression where Juan wails “I was all alone, I even wanted to try and kill myself.”  Channeling original punkers Joey Ramone and Richard Hell’s vocal stylings in tone and delivery, an instant connection is made with fans of early NYC punk and garage rock.  Despite the relative structural simplicity (something punk rock is celebrated for) there are enough chord changes and rhythmic turns to keep it all careening forward.  The upbeat progression lightens angst filled lyrics like “all I ever wanted was some love, but all I got was my body getting cold.”  Olden Goldies is available for pre-order via BUFU Records now. – Dave Cromwell

Last Monday, School Night! held a free show at Baby’s All Right with Active Bird Community as a headliner. You never know what to expect from opening acts, but this time we were in for a pleasant surprise. QTY is a couple playing music reminiscent of classics such as Bob Dylan and Lou Reed, but with a sonic attitude closer to the Jesus and Mary Chain. Their song "Rodeo," which seems to tackle the couple’s relationship, delivers plenty of rock’n’roll attitude, strong songwriting, and a satisfyingly bright distorted guitar sound. If you are traveling to Austin for SXSW in two weeks, you’ll have an opportunity to catch these guys live at Maggie Mae’s on March 17th.

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

Babe City Records artists Den-Mate have been turning some heads with their dark and disdainful electro-punk sound. Headed by singer-songwriter Jules Hale, the band has seen success following the release of their self-titled debut album last year. Heavy with a sense of foreboding, Den-Mate’s music is at once catchy and ominous, full of traditional post-punk tropes and the dystopian sounds of Crystal Castles like beats and distortion. With very modern and skillfully constructed songs, Den-Mate is a DC band to look out for.

Catch Den-Mate this Saturday, March 4th at the Black Cat.

-Written by Michael Dranove

Not many people will promptly associate Craigslist with rock’n’roll, but it’s not rare to hear of musicians finding each other in the free online classifieds’ Musicians section. That’s what brought together NYC Indie quartet, Glass Tactics. In February they released their three track debut EP “Tactics,” a record that, with its catchy hooks and laid back choruses, captures the essence of a classic power pop track. On their Facebook page, they describe their shows as “joyous, finger-bleeding” which seems like half of one good reason to see them on March 17th at Pianos. – Jocelyn Huggler

This artist submitted music for coverage here.

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

The Indie Rock Year End Poll Results are finally in!

Overall Poll Winner (Combined Juror + Reader Poll Votes): Big Thief

This indie rock quartet graced the cover of our winter 2017 issue of The Deli, and offers catchy and melancholic indie rock that sticks to the soul. They hone a fuzzy, distorted rock sound with folky overtones and production that cleans it up enough to be endlessly listenable. 

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Overall Poll 2nd Place: Cut Worms

Cut Worms offers 60s pop revival reminiscent of anything from The Beach Boys to Gerry and the Pacemakers. With catchy, simple, and relatable tunes that satisfyingly dabble in the retro, Cut Worms knows how to catch an ear. 

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Reader Poll Second Place: Baby Acid 

Baby Acid is self-described as "grunge-gaze" and it’s easy to understand why on a first listen. They blend the fuzzier, harder, heavier elements of grunge with the the reverb-soaked, sound walls and atmospheres of shoegaze to create an entire sonic space. 

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Here’s the list of all the finalists with their Readers’ Poll scores. As always, we’d like to thank all of our artists, jurors, and readers for participating in this year’s polls.  Stay tuned and vote for all of our remaining genre polls! 

	Active Bird Community		1%	14 votes
	ArthurMoon		1%	21 votes
	Baby Acid		46%	637 votes
	Big Thief		1%	16 votes
	Citris		0%	5 votes
	Cloud Becomes Your Head		0%	6 votes
	Cut Worms		0%	1 vote
	Deal Casino		0%	1 vote
	Haybaby		0%	11 votes
	New Tarot		0%	3 votes
	Not Blood Paint		0%	5 votes
	Paris Monster		6%	87 votes
	Patio		1%	19 votes
	Prima		2%	31 votes
	Public Access TV		0%	6 votes
	Rachel Angel		35%	481 votes
	Wall		0%	3 votes
	Zula	NYC Best of NYC Indie Rock Category Final Results: Big Thief, Cut Worms, Baby Acid Posted on: March 2, 2017 The Indie Rock Year End Poll Results are finally in! Overall Poll Winner (Combined Juror + Reader Poll Votes): Big Thief This indie rock quartet graced the cover of our winter 2017 issue of The Deli, and offers catchy and melancholic indie rock that sticks to the soul. They hone a fuzzy, distorted rock sound with folky overtones and production that cleans it up enough to be endlessly listenable.  — Overall Poll 2nd Place: Cut Worms Cut Worms offers 60s pop revival reminiscent of anything from The Beach Boys to Gerry and the Pacemakers. With catchy, simple, and relatable tunes that satisfyingly dabble in the retro, Cut Worms knows how to catch an ear.  —  Reader Poll Second Place: Baby Acid  Baby Acid is self-described as "grunge-gaze" and it’s easy to understand why on a first listen. They blend the fuzzier, harder, heavier elements of grunge with the the reverb-soaked, sound walls and atmospheres of shoegaze to create an entire sonic space.  — Here’s the list of all the finalists with their Readers’ Poll scores. As always, we’d like to thank all of our artists, jurors, and readers for participating in this year’s polls.  Stay tuned and vote for all of our remaining genre polls!   Active Bird Community   1%   14 votes  ArthurMoon   1%   21 votes  Baby Acid   46%   637 votes  Big Thief   1%   16 votes  Citris   0%   5 votes  Cloud Becomes Your Head   0%   6 votes  Cut Worms   0%   1 vote  Deal Casino   0%   1 vote  Haybaby   0%   11 votes  New Tarot   0%   3 votes  Not Blood Paint   0%   5 votes  Paris Monster   6%   87 votes  Patio   1%   19 votes  Prima   2%   31 votes  Public Access TV   0%   6 votes  Rachel Angel   35%   481 votes  Wall   0%   3 votes  Zula NYC Best of NYC Indie Rock Category Final Results: Big Thief, Cut Worms, Baby Acid Posted on: March 2, 2017 The Indie Rock Year End Poll Results are finally in! Overall Poll Winner (Combined Juror + Reader Poll Votes): Big Thief This indie rock quartet graced the cover of our winter 2017 issue of The Deli, and offers catchy and melancholic indie rock that sticks to the soul. They hone a fuzzy, distorted rock sound with folky overtones and production that cleans it up enough to be endlessly listenable.  — Overall Poll 2nd Place: Cut Worms Cut Worms offers 60s pop revival reminiscent of anything from The Beach Boys to Gerry and the Pacemakers. With catchy, simple, and relatable tunes that satisfyingly dabble in the retro, Cut Worms knows how to catch an ear.  —  Reader Poll Second Place: Baby Acid  Baby Acid is self-described as "grunge-gaze" and it’s easy to understand why on a first listen. They blend the fuzzier, harder, heavier elements of grunge with the the reverb-soaked, sound walls and atmospheres of shoegaze to create an entire sonic space.  — Here’s the list of all the finalists with their Readers’ Poll scores. As always, we’d like to thank all of our artists, jurors, and readers for participating in this year’s polls.  Stay tuned and vote for all of our remaining genre polls!   Active Bird Community   1%   14 votes  ArthurMoon   1%   21 votes  Baby Acid   46%   637 votes  Big Thief   1%   16 votes  Citris   0%   5 votes  Cloud Becomes Your Head   0%   6 votes  Cut Worms   0%   1 vote  Deal Casino   0%   1 vote  Haybaby   0%   11 votes  New Tarot   0%   3 votes  Not Blood Paint   0%   5 votes  Paris Monster   6%   87 votes  Patio   1%   19 votes  Prima   2%   31 votes  Public Access TV   0%   6 votes  Rachel Angel   35%   481 votes  Wall   0%   3 votes  Zula Posts pagination Previous page Page 1 … Page 216 Page 217 Page 218 … Page 870 Next page