Super young, Manhattan born and bred quartet Dolly Spartans played our Northside show on Thursday night, delivering their uplfiting power pop with remarkable instrumental skill for a band of musicians in their early twenties. Today we are premiering their studio video for single "Don’t Be Said," which blends indie rock with exotic influences reminiscent of… what is it that we hear in that bridge, Calipso? If not Calipso, something close, check it out!

Having recently released the single “Calm Punk” off their forthcoming sophomore album, Brooklyn fuzz-pop trio Dead Stars played some wonderfully blaring songs at The Gutter Spare Room last night. Forming a tight triangle on the small stage, the Jeff Moore-led band blasted simple yet powerful tracks that reminded one of the sheer thrill of loud guitars and relentless drums. Perhaps “anyone can play guitar,” as Radiohead once sung, but it’s special when it’s done with the kind of focused passion that these guys brought.

While working in a completely different genre, Brooklyn-via-Colombia avant-pop duo Salt Cathedral exuded a similar no-nonsense energy at The Living Room. As guitarist Nicolas Losada strummed with poise, singer Juliana Ronderos hand-motioned and pulsated with a rapper’s swagger. Round light fixtures flashing different colors behind them, the band played an entrancing set of fidgety effects and gentle guitars that had the audience in silent thrall. Although the group mostly played their undeniably engaging original material, they did a cover of “Say My Name” by Destiny’s Child which, with its propulsive electronics and long guitar lines, was simply great. – Zach Weg

On Thursday night at Cameo Gallery, one of the few small Williamsburg venue still standing, three different-sounding bands played their own kinetic sets.

Brooklyn quintet The Fluids took the stage first (who also played our Northside show the following night – pictured), swiftly surging into a loud pop-punk track that was almost manic in its blistering guitars and strong vocals. Frontman Michael O’Donnell was a gripping performer, his hunched-over guitar-thrashing and sudden shouts into the microphone recalling Joe Strummer’s powerful presence as The Clash’s leader. The sheer passion of that iconic British group did find kinship with the members of The Fluids, even as they exuded an assured cool in a next song that channeled The Strokes’ early work with its rattling guitar lines. Continuing onto a playfully-menacing cover of “Pablo Picasso” by The Modern Lovers and ending with what sounded like their single “Just Like Me” (streaming below), which placed reflective spoken-word in upbeat punk, The Fluids made an undeniably gripping introduction into the next band,.

Walking onto the stage with a forest-green sleeveless tee and a snapback hat, Fort Lean‘s frontman Keenan Mitchell immediately displayed charm, smiling at and amiably talking to the audience. But then came his band’s delightfully-blaring songs and Smith got down to his first guitar solo, the hat flying off his head. It was a buoyant yet tight intro that soon led to a potentially hypnotic third song (seemingly “Cut To The Chase,” streaming below) that set Smith’s acrobatic voice to swirling synths. Fort Lean weren’t just merry dancers, though, as their last song had a subtle melancholy that reminded us of their eclecticism.

After a short break, the small space filling with people, headlining act Caveman (who graced the cover of The Deli NYC’s issue #27 back in 2011) took the stage. A few members wearing ties and enveloped in a purple light, the Brooklyn band segued into an almost seductive set of mostly new, as-yet-unreleased material. Synths soared and drums tumbled but the group’s poise remained, even as thunderous guitars washed over lead singer Matthew Iwanusa and his bandmates. Unlike the two singers before him, Iwanusa held a relatively calm presence. Not much bending, a little swaying. This very serenity, though, was rapturous, his stilled eyes closing the night with quiet power. – Zach Weg

If you were taken by the earlier renditions of femme-fronted Blood Candy‘s "Dead Moon" and "Heart Attack" you’ll love what they did in their newest album. Released digitally on June 5th via Buddyhead Records, the album Dead Moon was recorded and mixed by Joe Cardamone (The Icarus Line) at Valley Record Company and includes studio reworks of songs only previously heard live such as "Starcrush" and "Honey". The album showcases Blood Candy’s blend of fuzz and reverb that mingles like lovers’ sweat and cigarette smoke — cinematic enough to be featured in a Lost In Translation montage, a Geek and Sundry show, or even your next mixtape/playlist. 

Bloody Candy is supporting Tennis System’s Echo residency with Seaweed Salad and ASS LIFE tomorrow; come through and see them live if you missed them this past weekend with the Warlocks! – Ryan Mo

Heathers‘ cardigan prince and Death Party label owner Michael Avishay celebrates his birthday in tandem with the band’s national tour, and you’re all invited to see them off and wax poetic about that late 20’s lifestyle. A blend of power pop and indie jangle with fuzz in all the right places, Heathers is an eminent force in Southern California, playing with fine fellas like Roses, Girlpool, and Kera and the Lesbians, making venues like Lot 1 and Los Globos sticky with feelings and sweat. With ludic songs suggesting sex-positivity ("Teenage Clothes"), catchy songs that are as sad as fuck ("Fear"), and covers of the integral C-86 band The Wedding Present (courtesy of Part Time Punks), Heathers’ musicality mashes heartfelt lyricism with propulsive rhythms. And that’s exactly what you need in your life.

Heathers released their newest single "Tanker" on June 3rd, and they’re probably most likely going to play it tonight. Catch them with Traps PS, White Bike, Uncrushworthy, and Media Jeweler at Pehrspace (event deets here) and get in on the Friday night feels. – Ryan Mo

We were bummed to learn that Sons of an Illustrious Father couldn’t play tonight’s Indie/Psych B.E.A.F. Stage at Muchmore’s for a family emergency, but we found a last minute replacement in heavy psych rock quartet Stuyedeyed (pronounced: "sty•died"). Their hazy, bluesy psych rock will sure tip tonight’s bill’s balance even more towards the droney side of things. Check out their latest EP "Cursed," and our favorite track "Miscarry On" (streaming) from their debut album "BIRTH," released in January 2015.

Those who are growing resentful of the attitude affecting many Brooklyn hipster/bands’ may take solace in The City and the Horses‘ music, a NYC/Philly band that’s been around since the late aughts. Their loungy pop is as colorful, multifceted and transparent as a glass marble. It also prominently features – among many others – an instrument that is bound to come back in vogue at some point: the flute. The band recently found a cozy spot under the wing of Brooklyn’s label/event organizer Paper Garden Records, which booked them for their Northside Fest show, scheduled for tonight at The Living Room. On the bill also NY-ers Salt Cathedral, ARMS, Stranger Cat, and Spritzer among others. Check out also their new video for their electronic ballad "Re-Inking."

Brand new electronic duo HVLLOWZ may have an unpronounceable name, but we find their soulful downtempo extremely appealing. Their debut, self titled EP came out just two months ago and is at times reminiscent of the intensely dark early Portihead records – minus the hip hop factor. Programmer DJ Wallstreet sticks to minimalistic and atmospheric arrangements, complementing singer and songwriter Skela’s sultry vocals and preference for slow tempos. The band will be performing liva at Union Pool tonight within the Audiofemme’s Northside Festival show, opening a bill featuring other noteworthy local electronic acts like ONWE, Leverage Models, and Of Clocks and Clouds.

In early 2014, Brooklynite Henry Crawford released the palpably moving ‘Wendy’ under the moniker Small Wonder. Taking inspiration from the tale of Peter Pan, the indie-pop effort balanced the intimacy of Youth Lagoon’s ‘The Year of Hibernation’ and the stateliness of Golden Suits’ self-titled debut while displaying Crawford’s own gentle power. On songs such as the alternately calm and explosive “Patron Saint of Pretty Faces” (streaming below), the songwriter sings of a lover’s lasting impact with a directness that makes his struggle towards peace that much more involving. That’s the triumph of Crawford: as with all engaging storytellers, you really see, and feel, the unraveling humanity. Small Wonder plays at The Knitting Factory on Monday june 15). – Zach Weg

Following in the footsteps of the two most prominent… let’s call them "Beauty and the Beast" rock bands of all times (The B52’s and Bjork’s early band The Sugarcubes), NYC/NJ’s Gillian features the constrasting double vocals of Kym Hawkins’ pretty alto and Geoff Bennington’s manic tenor. These two characters inhabit a rather schizofrenic sonic environment where pop melodies emerge unexpectedly from a rather chaotic and heavy musical background. The best example of this is single "Spirit Night’ from their 2014 EP "The Eyes in My Head,’ a kaleidoscopic track that blends all sorts of influences: we hear Americana leaning guitars, a garage rock rhythm section, melodies reminiscent of the ’80s sophistipop wave, and vocals at times reminiscent of Yeah Yeah Yeahs. The band landed a June residency at Arlene’s Grocery – the next two dates are on the 17th and 24th of the month.

Last year, Danger Collective Records worked with Lost Dog to bring the DIY Insidelands to Los Globos with acts like Girlpool, Soma (now Celebrity Crush), Casinos, and Together Pangea.

It sold out.

This year, Dylan Thinnes, Mike Morin (&? Productions), Austin Feinstein, Franky Newby, and Reed Kanter (Danger Collective Records) join forces and go double-down with a new name, new venue (Jewels Catch One), and over double the bands.

From heavy hitters like Kool A.D. (of Das Racist) and No Age to LA mainstays like Dream Panther, Slow Hollows, Winter, Dirt Dress, Surf Curse, and Lovely Bad Things, the new Runaway 2015 won’t just live up to the hyper of yesteryear; it’ll set the standard for DIY fests all over Los Angeles. Runaway’s roots run north in the San Fernando Valley, from the 17 year-old star promoter Dylan Thinnes, member of Slow Hollows and friend of Danger Collective Records.

About the presenter: Danger Collective Records is an independent DIY record label started by Reed Kanter and friends two years ago. The label’s ever-growing lineup includes local notables like Casinos, Kid Cassidy, Nirvanus, Best Friend, Zipper Lips, Te Amo, and more. Danger Collective Records’ résumé of events includes shows at The Smell, White Oak Music and Arts, Space Forty-Two, Almost Holden Collection, pehrspace, and more, making them one of the pillars of the Los Angeles underground.

Tickets are available online now — get them while they’re still available! – Ryan Mo

Quick, let your hot date know there’s a change in plans tonight because at 9:30 at The Penthouse Baltimore’s total dreamboat Wildhoney will be playing a show on a diverse lineup with bands from Baltimore, North Carolina, and Britain. It’s kind of your chance for one of those summer of love dance scenes you’ve always sneered at in movies but secretly practiced in your bedroom. But if you don’t catch them tonight before they continue on their U.S. tour with Spook School, you’ll have more chances when they play DC9 Nightclub in DC on 6/25 and Metro Gallery in Baltimore 10/07 (plenty of time to plan for that one). Wildhoney’s latest 3-song record, "17 Forever", gets pretty and gritty with the band’s swooning, atmospheric blend of lo-fi shoegaze and post-punk. The title fits a collection of songs that glitter and brood through a teenage girl’s daydream. Airy vocal harmonies delightfully steer through surrounding storms of percussion, warm fuzz/bass, distancing reverb, and slicing guitars. They’ve been killing it in the past few months : a tour with Whirr, a new music video, and they’ve announced their next EP is due out later this year. Keep at it guys, we’ll be keeping an ear out!

– Leora Mandel