NYC’s quartet The YeahTones are here to remind us that Blues Rock can still be the coolest (old) kid on the block, if only flawlessly executed and – at once – approached with the creative edge it too often lacks. Listening to ‘What Could I Do’ – whose perfectly gritty video is streaming below – we couldn’t help but being reminded how The Beatles, in tracks like Come Together, I Want You and Helter Skelter, were able to make that genre sound entirely fresh again. With this single, The YeahTones’ accomplish that same goal through subtle variations to the original 12 bar Blues "script," and an arrangement that delivers unexpected turns without lacking in the power department. The guys must be seen live for full approeciation – their next show is at Brooklyn Bowl on September 12th.

Dear Deli Readers,

Issue #47 of The Deli NYC is now available online, you can read it here!

It’s the Brooklyn Stompbox Exhibit issue! See section about pedals in the second half of the magazine, in part curated by Gearphoria.com.

Enjoy!

The Folks at The Deli NYC

Some retro-ish music has the power to trigger in us the appreciation for “vintage” styles we didn’t think we missed – until now. This is the case with New York band, Supersmall, whose most recent album, Silent Moon, evokes some of some of the well tempered pop of the ’80s (think early Everything But the Girl with a male singer or a folkier version of The Style Council), with accompanying lyrics that tackle topics such as finding a better life and – but of course! – romance. For a night of emotionally stable music, catch them live at Rockwood Music Hall on August 27th. – Madeleine Grossman

Brooklyn-based band, Sanctuary Sound – the project of Cade Sadler – likes to play with expectations – and contrasts.  Single One Clear Thought (streaming) opens the band’s EP, Brass Ring, with electronic noises that sound like the start of something rather cerebral.  However, what follows is a muted and soulful synth pop track that’s actually very emotional, and complimented by Sadler’s semi-whispered, fuzzy and reverbed voice.  Sanctuary Sound is playing at Rockwood Music Hall tonight (August 26th). – Madeleine Grossman 

Deeply spiritual and tortured at once, NYC’s electronic one man band project Varick is back with a new track that combines goth influences with EDM, synth pop and industrial. A song about "surrendering your ego in order to find a deeper meaning within yourself." Surrender (streaming below) well exemplifies Varick’s interpretation of music and creativity as mediums towards the search for a deeper life balance, where catharses – here in the form of occasional explosions of distorted guitars – can be as enlightening as the contemplation expressed in the thoughtful lyrics. The single will be part of Varick debut full length album, entitled Veda I, to be released on September 9th.

After two years, Brooklyn-based artist FRAME is back with a new track entitled “Love Wasted”, which serves as a sampling of her upcoming full length debut. In the single, Caitlin Frame, the creative force behind the project, writes about her now finished eight year open-marriage, and the complex emotions and regrets attached to this unconventional experience (that many fantasize about!). The track plays with contrasts as Frame confidently sings about her vulnerability and emotional confusion over a decidedly pop production. As of now, there is no fixed date for her upcoming release, but you can see FRAME live tonight (8.25) at Baby’s All Right with Cayetena and Weaves! – John Honan

Displaying a multifaceted talent, actress (or female actor, take your pick!) Jordan Lane Price in her debut EP Sponge shows promising signs with her musical project JLP.  Released through Innit Records, the EP proves to be a nostalgic collection of songs full of fuzzy electronic pop songs dominated by organs and JLP’s bright vocals. We are streaming below opening tracks – and by far the catchiest song – In the Woods. The band landed a September residency at Pianos, during which JLP will be joined by partner (and co-writer) James Levy and his band, Reputante. While the group has not released anything since the Oceanside EP in 2013, this residency hopefully suggests the promise of something new to come in the near future. Many familiar local artists will join them on stage during the residency, including The Can’t Tells, Controller and Aunt Ange – full schedule here. 

Like their name implies, Big Huge‘s sound is explosive from the get-go. On their latest EP Orama, the NYC garage rock band has a strong, early-60’s rockabilly sensibility,  all the blaring fuzz and bare-knuckle dirt of early 70’s rock, and yet still delivers fresh sounding hooks destined for earworm status. The band is fun, upbeat, and the perfect companion to a late-night highway drive with the windows down. Check them out at the Market Hotel on September 1st in support of Shannon and the Clams and White Mystery. -Olivia Sisinni

Gambles, the alt-folk project of New York-based artist, Matthew Siskin, produces ruminations on modern life that feel both dark and revelatory. His tracks are characterized by minimalist instrumentals, subtle in feel, accompanied by Matthew Siskins’s harrowing vocal accompaniment—delicate, vulnerable but decidedly resolute. The combination yeilds a sound that is as beautiful as it is haunting, and leaves the listener to contend with some serious soul-bearing. Check out the single "You Won’t Remind It" below and see Gambles headling at Rough Trade on September 16th with Roger Harvey. – Olivia Sisinni

Fences, aka Brooklyn based (via Seattle) songwriter Chris Mansfield, paints lush musical dreamscapes that still seem to be earnest and intimate in feel. In their latest single, "Pale Paper", Fences weave layered, upbeat instrumentals against Mansfield’s melodic vocals and poignant lyricism. The result is an emotional and uplifting pop song that exudes honesty. Fences will be releasing their new 6 track EP To the Tall Trembling Trees on Sept 9th, check out preview single Pale Paper below. You’ll be able to catch them live at Rockwood Music Hall during their October residency on the 3rd, 10th and 20th. – Olivia Sisinni

Melodic cacophony is one of those grinding paradoxes that I’m hesitant to even entertain, but it’s the most apt description we found when trying to put into words Brooklyn-based band, Video Daughter‘s music. Throughout their eponymous titled EP, the self-proclaimed "avant-garage" rockers deliver a new-york-punk sensibility engulfed by an inferno of noise. Despite the bludgeoning force that comes out of the album, the band never ceases to forge a strong melodic presence, even when their songs are lead by march-like percussion ("La Petite Mort"), or border on manic ("Nunu"). If you’re interested in listening to tunes with a fierce sonic bite, check out the link below and see Video Daughters play Shea Stadium on 8/30 with the Yin Yangs and Rathaus. – Olivia Sisinni