NYC

Spotlight on Plaza Art Fair artist: Hembree

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(Photo by Rusty Wright, The Waldron Photograph Co.)

 
This week, we’ll be highlighting some of the artists playing INK’s stage at the Plaza Art Fair this weekend, September 19-21.
 
With the release of a brand-new single and its upcoming debut performance, Hembree is picking up where Quiet Corral left off, but with a renewed vigor and sensibility.
 
The group—who makes up five of the six members of Quiet Corral (vocalist/guitarist Jesse Roberts left the band last year, shortly after the release of its debut album Ancestors)—retains much of its former identity of compelling, captivating Americana, but with a pop appeal.
 
Hembree’s lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Isaac Flynn answers some questions about the new outfit and what we have to look forward to from them.
 
The Deli: Down and dirty: 1 sentence to describe your music.
 
Flynn: I’d like to think that our music sounds like a 1980s pop band that decided to start an Americana rock band, but they forgot to tell the keyboard player.
 
The Deli: How long have you all been making music under this moniker?
 
Flynn: The lineup is all of the remaining members from Quiet Corral. It consists of Garrett Childers, Jim Barnes, Zach Mehl, Matt Green, and myself.
 
We had talked about starting a band called Hembree as soon as Quiet Corral ended in October of 2013. During our time in the studio throughout 2014, we came up with several other names, but for some reason we couldn’t escape Hembree. We have a great friend named Hembree, and he was instrumental in convincing me to write more music after QC ended. His encouragement meant a ton to us, but we also just thought he had a really sweet name.
 
The Deli: Your appearance at Plaza Art Fair will be your debut as Hembree. Since disbanding Quiet Corral, what has changed about your music and how have you grown from that experience?
 
Flynn: So much has changed since Quiet Corral. Several of us were very young when we started Quiet Corral. Like 19 years young. I remember a show in Bowling Green, KY, where our bassist Matt [Green] and I had to watch the headliner play through a window because we weren’t legally allowed in the venue. We learned so much during that time period, and now we are trying to take what we learned in Quiet Corral and apply it to Hembree.

We were incredibly serious about everything in Quiet Corral. While we still hold ourselves to a high standard musically, we’ve learned to have way more fun throughout the entire creative process.
 
The Deli: You just released the single "New Oasis.” Are you going to release an album with it? What can listeners expect from the new material?
 
Flynn: We are planning to release an EP later this year. We kind of holed up in the studio, and we’re starting to show folks what we made. It was an amazing experience. We had no expectations or deadlines. We’re excited for everyone to hear the songs.
 
The new material is going to have some of the elements that listeners enjoyed with Quiet Corral, along with a heavy focus on melody, electric guitar, and keyboards.
 
The Deli: What does supporting local music mean to you?
 
Flynn: For me, supporting local music means getting to know as many people as possible in our music community. I’m an audio engineer, and I’m very fortunate to have worked with a lot of bands from Kansas City and Lawrence. I’ve learned that we have some of the most talented and genuinely amazing individuals living in our area. Whether they’re musicians, promoters, journalists, DJs, fans, etc., KC has some incredible people. I love how supportive musicians are of other musicians in the community.
 
The Deli: Who are your favorite local musicians right now?
 
Flynn: In no particular order…
CJ Calhoun (Cowboy Indian Bear): CJ is a dear friend of mine, and he happens to be one of the most talented musicians I know. CJ has the unique ability to craft infectious music with just the right amount of darkness.
 
Spencer Mackenzie Brown: Spencer is another great friend of mine. He delivers lyrics in a way that make you feel like you’ve lived the exact experience he’s writing about. 
 
Alex and Austin Ward (The Noise FM): The Wards are also dear friends. As you can tell, I really admire my friends. These guys live in Chicago now, but they’re KC natives. Their music hits so hard, and they never fail to blow my mind during their live shows. They’re also some of the funniest dudes ever. Check out their Boy Meets World fan fiction and see for yourself.
 
The Deli: Who are your favorite non-local musicians right now?
 
Flynn: I’m really digging this band called Snowmine from Brooklyn (thanks Middle of the Map!). They write brilliantly crafted indie-pop songs.
 
The Deli: Who are you looking forward to seeing at Plaza Art Fair?
 
Flynn: The lineup is fantastic this year. Just a few of the bands that I’m excited to see are Wells The Traveler, Josh Berwanger Band, Carswell & Hope, and She’s a Keeper.
 
The Deli: Besides Plaza Art Fair, what other shows do you have coming up?
 
Flynn: We’re in the process of booking several shows right now. It’s looking like we’ll have EP release shows in Lawrence, Kansas City, and Austin in November.
 
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?
 
Flynn: Arcade Fire, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, and The Beach Boys of 1966 headline (not to be confused with The Beach Boys of 1996 with John Stamos on drums).
 
Side note: if you’ve never seen it, check out the episode of Full House where Uncle Jesse sings the song “Forever” with the Beach Boys…perfection.
 
The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why?
 
Flynn: Prince: The man can play every instrument!
Quincy Jones: Perhaps MJ deserves this spot (maybe the best performer of all time), but I can’t get over Quincy’s production. So incredible.
John Lennon and Paul McCartney: I can’t split these two up. They definitely both deserve a spot.
 
The Deli: Where can we find you on the web?
 
 
The Deli: What other goals does Hembree have for 2014, and beyond?
 
Flynn: In Quiet Corral, we wanted to be the first band to play on the moon. I think it’s safe to say that goal still remains for Hembree.
 
The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for the Deli audience?
 
Flynn: Visit the Space Jam website. It hasn’t changed since 1996. You’ll love it.
 
Hembree is:
Jim Barnes: drums, vocals
Garrett Childers: guitar, vocals
Isaac Flynn: vocals, guitar
Matt Green: bass
Zach Mehl: keys
 
 
Be sure to catch Hembree’s debut on INK’s stage at Plaza Art Fair on Friday, September 19 at 7:00 p.m. The stage is located at Ward Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue, next to Gram & Dun and Plaza III. Facebook event page.
 
–Michelle Bacon
 
Michelle Bacon is editor of The Deli KC and plays in bands. Seriously, check out the Space Jam website. It’s unreal.
 
 
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Fancy Colors debut video for ‘Gnosis’ + play Rockwood tomorrow (09.18)

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Like constantly unstable chemical elements, most musicians are always seeking new collaborations that can open new creative possibilities – which also explains why for bands it’s nearly impossible to find committed musicians. Fancy Colors‘ songwriter/multi-instrumentalist Zac Colwell and drummer Dave Heilman toured with Regina Spektor, of Montreal, and Sondre Lerche among others, met on the road and recorded their debut album ‘Near Equator‘ in several locations during breaks in their tour schedule. In June 2014 they followed up with sophomore LP ‘Island of the Dead,’ which brings their evocative and elegant dream pop to new levels of lusciousness. The band today is premièring this psychedelic video for new single ‘Gnosis,’ and we are proud to let you know that they are scheduled to play our Indie Pop CMJ Official show on Saturday 10.25 at Spike Hill. You can also see them live at Rockwood Music Hall tomorrow (09.18)

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Juniper Rising releases “Day of Days” LP + tours east coast

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Juniper Rising is a washy western blues band form Brooklyn convincing enough to take us back to Texas. They’re putting out their full length debut on Burger Records next month, and we can tell it’s going to be a solid release. "I don’t care what the people say/I ain’t waiting for my wedding day" Holly Overton sings on this spaced out track, as she weaves nostalgic images of rainy days on the beach. Live they are absolutely delightful, Kevin Faulkner plays a mean table stell slide guitar, providing sliding melodies that give this band that extra western feel. Make sure to give their debut, ‘Day of Days,’ a listen and catch them at their release show on October 3rd or at these east coast dates in late September. – Jake Saunders

NYC

Spotlight on Plaza Art Fair artist: Eddie Moore & the Outer Circle

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This week, we’ll be highlighting some of the artists playing INK’s stage at the Plaza Art Fair this weekend, September 19-21.
 
Eddie Moore & the Outer Circle features a collection of KC’s finest musicians, fronted by pianist and composer Eddie Moore. The Houston native formed the group 3 years ago while working toward his Master of Arts in Jazz Studies at UMKC. We talked with Moore a bit about The Outer Circle’s jazz and soul-inspired sounds.
 
The Deli: Down and dirty: one sentence to describe your music.
 
Moore: My music can best be decribed as groovy, sophisticated soul.
 
The Deli: Give me some background info on The Outer Circle. How long have you been together? How did it all come to be?
 
Moore: The band has been together for about 3 years. The Outer Circle came to be while I was in graduate school at UMKC. We were all in combo together for the most part and shared common interests musically. We were often experimenting with ideas, and just having fun with them.
 
The Deli: What have been your greatest accomplishments as a band?
 
Moore: I think one of the greatest accomplishments has been the opportunity to take our music aboard. This past year myself and Matt Leifer (drums) collaborated with musicians from Costa Rica in celebration for the Limon Roots African Culture Awards held at the National Theatre in San Jose. To be a part of the celebration of African American music was a very humbling experience and honor.
 
The Deli: What is your songwriting process like?
 
Moore: I don’t have a specific writing process. I usually like to sit at the piano and think of things in my life that move me to create. It could be anything from hanging out with friends and family to the car breaking down on the freeway. We are all human and life is full of twists and turns.
 
The Deli: You just released your album, The Freedom of Expression, last February. What can we expect from it? Are you recording again anytime soon?
 
Moore: People can expect to hear pieces that tell great and different stories that take the listener on a calm, at times ruckus groovy journey.
 
We are in the middle of our second project now. I am very excited for it, as it will be quite different from our last, but still true to our sound.
 
The Deli: What does supporting local music mean to you?
 
Moore: Supporting local music to me as an artist is more than just going to local shows—yes, that is a big part and we all need support. However, I think the real support to local music is through collaboration with other artists, thus making the scene stronger. I choose to mainly play with groups that contribute their original music to the local scene, regardless of genre. Groups like Book of Gaia, Various Blonde, 77 Jefferson, Zack Mufasa, and The Project H to name a few. The time is now; more creativity makes a strong scene.
 
The Deli: Who are your favorite local musicians right now?
 
Moore: Peter Schlamb and The Project H. Both are friends of mine and great bands. Have been groovin’ out to their music a lot lately.
 
The Deli: Who are your favorite non-local musicians right now?
 
 
The Deli: Who are you most looking forward to seeing at Plaza Art Fair?
 
Moore: The Ink Stage is deep this year, I’m just gonna camp out there.
 
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?
 
Moore: I am a specific lover of Houston Jazz being that I was raised there, and all the great musicians that are from the city. It would be a dream to one day share the bill with all those I look up to. Guys like Jason Moran, Robert Glasper, Jamire Williams, Walter Smith, and Mike Moreno.
 
The Deli: What other goals does Eddie Moore & the Outer Circle have for 2014, and beyond?
 
Moore: The main goal is to grow as band, creating more music to share with people all over the world.
 
The Deli: Where can we find you on the web?
 
 
The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for the Deli audience?
 
Moore: Please, listeners and patrons, go hear and support local music as often as you can. Here in KC we are blessed to have great and interesting scene brewing with lots of young vibrant talent across the board make noise nationally. Artists, collab with your friends—as well as those you may not know—to do interesting original projects.
 
Eddie Moore & the Outer Circle is:
Eddie Moore: piano
Dominique Sanders: bass
Matt Hopper: guitar
Matt Leifer / Ryan Lee: drums
 
 
Eddie Moore & the Outer Circle will be playing on INK’s stage at Plaza Art Fair on Saturday, September 20 at 1:00 p.m. The stage is located at Ward Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue, next to Gram & Dun and Plaza III. Facebook event page.
 
–Michelle Bacon
 
Michelle Bacon is editor of The Deli KC and plays in bands.
 
 

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Tigers Are Bad For Horses release new single “Recovery”

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The track sounds “a lot like electronic and indie pop, but not” describes Tigers Are Bad For Horses pianist, Lyell Evans Roeder. When his rock and classical roots paired up with Mellen (Mary-Ellen) Funke’s folk-vocals, the duo created a sound all their own. Influenced by Bonobo, Alt-J, and Daft Punk, “Recovery” is a beautiful blend of Funke’s sultry voice and Roeder’s relaxing electro-jazz melodies.

Tigers Are Bad For Horses, a name created by Roeder’s "crazy-but-brilliant" Russian college roomie, have only been working together since April 2014, but already have a lot in the works. They are currently producing a second single, which they plan to release before the drop of their EP; both are expected this fall. The pair say they are dreaming big, but for now, they are looking forward to performing in the D.C. area in the next few months. If you haven’t already heard “Recovery” on Sirius XM Chill, take a listen below. –Sade A. Spence

NYC

Lia Ices releases “ICES” + plays Mercury on 09.17

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Lia Ices, one of our favorite NYC chanteuses (featured on the cover of the 25th issue of The Deli in 2011) is finally back with her long awaited sophomore album, and, well… it sounds nothing like the debut one that grabbed our tortured hearts. But change and experimentation are necessary in music, and in this record – entitled simply "ICES" – Lia abandons the spare, deeply intense ballad format that characterized her early career in favor of more lighthearted, lo(wer)-fi pop tunes that embrace many world influences, Caribbean ones in particular – we are thinking more about Calipso than reggae. The vacation related imagery in this new video for single "Higher" confirm how "ICES" can be filed under the ‘beach pop album’ category. Since it’s dropping at the end of the summer, it might help us extend the perception of the warm season through sound induced nostalgia, or maybe even make us dream of that trip through exotic lands we never took. Don’t miss her live tomorrow (09.17) at The Mercury Lounge.

NYC

Synth-pop from NYC: Una Lux plays Glasslands on 09.18

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Led by singer Kelso Norris, NYC emerging synth pop quartet Una Lux constructs dark melodic songs that land somewhere between Depeche Mode’s digestible industrial pop and Goldfrapp’s lush and layered romanticism. They released their first single ‘Simon’ in mid August, and just unveiled its video (streaming below). The band is scheduled to play Glasslands Gallery on September 18.

NYC

Spotlight on Plaza Art Fair artist: The Project H

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(Photo by Aaron Linscheid)
 
This week, we’ll be highlighting some of the artists playing INK’s stage at the Plaza Art Fair this weekend, September 19-21.
 
Most people know that Kansas City is steeped in a rich jazz heritage that continues to this day. One of the groups that has helped carry on the city’s vibrant jazz scene is The Project H, who has taken the music’s tradition to a modern level. Though still tasteful to listeners of jazz standards, the band incorporates a range of influences and abilities, creating music that is relevant and colorful. Ryan Heinlein, the band’s trombonist and songwriter, answers a few questions for us about the group.
 
The Deli: Down and dirty: one sentence to describe your music.
 
Heinlein: Doesn’t matter if you want to dance to it or analyze it, you’re going to be singing it for a while after you hear it.
 
The Deli: Give me some background info on The Project H. How long have you been together? How did it all come to be?
 
Heinlein: The band started in 2007 when I lived in Wichita. It took a year or so to get the band up and running when I moved to KC in 2008. The lineup is: drums, bass, keys, guitar, trombone, trumpet, and tenor sax, but we have a lot of people sit in. Everyone in the band freelances and makes most of their money playing other gigs so I use a lot of subs. That’s the thing about the KC jazz scene though, the talent pool is deep enough that I can call quite a few people on any instrument before there is a drop off in musicianship.
 
The Deli: What have been your greatest accomplishments as a band?
 
Heinlein: I think there’s something to be said for releasing three independent records with a band like this. Getting freelance musicians to commit their time and creative energy to a project like this is definitely an accomplishment, and the fact they still wanted to do another one was a win for me! Gig wise, we covered Beck’s “Song Reader” in its entirety (20 songs) last year with our friends Mark Lowrey, Shay Estes, and Jeff Harshbarger. Selling out the recordBar is always fun.
 
The Deli: The band has done educational clinics for schools in the area. What benefits have you seen it have on students, and also for yourselves as musicians?
 
Heinlein: Yes, we usually book them in bunches once or twice a year. I think it’s safe to say that we wouldn’t be the musicians we are today if it weren’t for music education. The day-to-day activities of being in a high school band or being a music major in college tend to run together but, for me at least, the lasting memories were the clinics that were provided as well as the performance opportunities. So I guess it’s just a “pay it forward”-type situation. The students get to see a group of younger guys making a living doing by being creative and doing what they love. And for us, it’s an easy way to let younger audiences hear us. We feel that we have an opportunity to attract people to more straight-ahead jazz if they hear our not-so-straight-ahead jazz. Basically we function as a gateway drug for jazz!
 
The Deli: You just released your third studio album, We Live Among the Lines. What can we expect from it?
 
Heinlein: A lot of layers and textures. The rock influence really sticks out to me on this record, probably because we added guitar to the group about a year and a half ago. I think there’s a commonality among the songs but at the same time, every song can stand on its own. I honestly think there’s something for everyone on this record.
 
The Deli: What does supporting local music mean to you?
 
Heinlein: I don’t get out as much as I wish I could with family and working on a doctoral degree but just getting out and seeing as many shows as I can. I don’t worry about genres, I like a lot of music and it’s pretty easy to find a good concert to go see when I do get out.
 
The Deli: Who are your favorite local musicians right now?
 
Heinlein: This answer would be different for every member of the group so I’ll just give you mine. In no particular order: The Grisly Hand, David Hasselhoff on Acid, Peter Schlamb, and Katy Guillen & The Girls… there’s seriously a lot of really good music in this town!
 
The Deli: Who are your favorite non-local musicians right now?
 
Heinlein: Becca Stevens, Jose James, Tigran Hamasyan, Jaga Jazzist, and I have always had a soft spot for Dillinger Escape Plan.
 
The Deli: Who are you most looking forward to seeing at Plaza Art Fair?
 
Heinlein: Aside from a couple groups I mentioned earlier, The Phantastics and My Brothers & Sisters on Friday, Eddie Moore & the Outer Circle and Diverse on Saturday.
 
The Deli: What is your ultimate fantasy concert bill to play on?
 
Heinlein: Oh man, something really diverse. I wish Mr. Bungle were still around. Maybe have a classic jazz group like the Jazz Messengers or Weather Report. P-Funk would be awesome too!
 
The Deli: A music-themed Mount Rushmore. What four faces are you putting up there and why?
 
Heinlein: This question is pretty much impossible so I’ll give you one based on my musical influences.
Mike Patton: His ability to explore and push the boundaries of music, no matter what genre he is doing.
James Brown: C’mon! He’s the Godfather of Soul! The pocket in his bands…
Bobby Watson: He’s pretty much responsible for igniting this jazz renaissance in KC. His playing and writing is the perfect combination of technique and soul. I owe him so much… Everyone in the band does too.
JJ Johnson: My influence, as far as trombone players are concerned, changes a lot. Right now I’m on a JJ kick. He’s just so soulful when he plays.
 
The Deli: What other goals does The Project H have for 2014, and beyond?
 
Heinlein: We are starting a collaborative series starting next month at the Westport Coffee House Theater where we act as a backing band for different KC musicians. October will be with Kelley Gant, December will be Emcee Reach and next February will be Lauren Krum. We are also talking with Julia Haile and Jorge Arana for later in 2015. I’d like to play some festivals outside KC, continue to support this record, and just expand our audience. I’d also like to do a Project H big band show…I have a lot of writing to do I suppose!
 
The Deli: Where can we find you on the web?
 
 
The Deli: Always go out on a high note. Any last words of wisdom for the Deli audience?
 
Heinlein: Get out and listen to a group you may not normally follow, or go to a club that you’ve never been to. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone. There are great things happening in our city, let’s celebrate it!
 
The Project H is:
Clint Ashlock: trumpet
Ryan Heinlein: trombone
Brett Jackson: tenor saxophone
Matt Leifer: drums
Andrew Ouellette: keys
Dominique Sanders: bass
Jeff Stocks: guitar
 
 
The Project H will be playing on INK’s stage at Plaza Art Fair on Sunday, September 21 at 2:00 p.m. The stage is located at Ward Parkway and Pennsylvania Avenue, next to Gram & Dun and Plaza III. Facebook event page.
 
–Michelle Bacon
 
Michelle Bacon is editor of The Deli KC and plays in bands.
 
 

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The New Tarot unveils video for “Make Up” + plays The Deli’s CMJ show

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Earlier this summer we blogged about the young alt/art rock band The New Tarot, a group founded and led by sisters Monica and Karen Walker (pictured). The quintet has been getting some attention love recently after releasing this intriguing video for single "Make Up." We are excited to announce that the band will be playing one of our official CMJ shows at this year Music Marathon in October.

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DC Area Deli presents: 2 Great Songwriters. 2 Great Guitar Duos. 9/22 @ Galaxy Hut

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In one week, the DC Area Deli Magazine is proud to present an intimate show at Galaxy Hut, featuring 2 of the areas best songwriters, each presenting their material in a guitar duo.

First up will be Baltimore’s The Andy Bopps, featuring power-pop and alt-country savant Andy Bopp (Love Nut, Myracle Brah, Bleaker Street Cowboys, The Modern Ruins) accompanied by his son, Andrew Bopp III. Andy has been writing and self-recording perfect guitar-pop for two decades, earning a celebrated status among power-pop diehards and the many musicians across the country who have had the pleasure to work with him. In anticipation of five new releases in the coming months (a solo rockabilly EP, a long anticipated EP and full-length as Myracle Brah, and two new EPs from The Bleaker Street Cowboys), Andy has set out with his son to perform songs old and new with an intimate and soulful sound, focusing on his bright voice and inventive guitar arrangements.

Closing the night will be DC’s Mike Reina with the incredible Anthony Pirog. After taking a break from their full band project, The Jackfields, to record and tour with Skysaw (featuring drummer Jimmy Chamberlain of The Smashing Pumpkins), Mike and Anthony have reformed The Jackfields as a vehicle for Mike’s gorgeous songwriting and production. On this night, Mike and Anthony will appear as a duo, highlighting Mike’s song-writing and Anthony’s virtuoso guitar talent and sonic palette.

Please join us for a night of superb songcraft and focused talent that draws inspiration from the greatest in the history of pop, psychedelic and guitar music. It will prove to be rewarding for both the casual music fan, the nerd, those who want to jiggle and dance, and those who want to marvel at the depth of truly great musicians. Galaxy Hut, 9/22, 9PM, $5.      

NYC

From the NYC Submissions: Controller, live at Mercury Lounge on 09.30

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NYC quintet Controller may put on a tough front, but despite their lyrical aggression, they’ve really got a grasp on instrumental technicality. With a sound somewhere between post punk and pop – similar sonic coordinates inspiring what seems to be their biggest influence, i.e. early U2 – the band surely masters the art of anthemic choruses.  Listen to their self-titled debut EP here, and – if you dig – catch them live at Mercury Lounge on September 30. – Jillian Dooley

This band submitted their music for coverage here.

NYC

NYC Post-hardcore quintet Sick Feeling plays Glasslands on 09.16

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Are you afraid of noise and guttural voices? If you are, don’t even bother checking out this track by NYC sonic terrorists Sick Feeling, ’cause the guys have no mercy for delicate ears. Mixing post-hardcore and screamo with noise rock and math, the quintet offer concisely creative tunes that are true explosions of sounds. Those of you craving some good old tinnitus should check them out live – without earplugs – at Glasslands tomorrow (09.16).