Two punk rock-leaning acts playing an all-ages show on a Wednesday night with a blues-driven garage rock band made up of teenagers. Weird? Perhaps. Worth $5? Yes sir.
Black on Black, a punk three-piece, claims to play and live the music that drives them. One listen to the EPs Help Yourself and the upcoming Let’s Get Cynical and you will know this statement is not just more pseudo-punk posturing from some mall punk rockers, this band practices what it preaches. Influenced by luminaries of the hardcore scene like Fugazi, Gorilla Biscuits, Bad Religion, OFF!, and Bad Brains as well as the alternative leaning Dinosaur Jr., The Melvins, and Archers of Loaf, Black on Black embraces the ominous tones of garage rock, the all-out audial assault of massive volume legends like Swans and storytelling like that of Husker Dü. Make sure to show up early for some punk rock storytelling truth. If you dig Vampire Weekend, stay home.
Bands charging out of the fertile music scene of St. Joseph are all the rage. First was Dsoedean, the indie rock-leaning band with an affinity for Built to Spill and expertly crafted songs. Next—and the one to make the biggest boom thus far—was Radkey, the punkish trio of brothers that no one can seem to get enough of right now. Now it is Scruffy and the Janitors’ turn to test the waters, to bask in the light. Scruffy (Steven Foster, Teriq Newton, and Trevin Newton) takes its love of ‘90s alternative bands like Mudhoney and Nirvana, blends them with The Animals, The Kinks, Led Zeppelin, and The Stones while embracing more recent garage acts such as The White Stripes and The Strokes. For good measure, Scruffy shakes some Skip James, Little Walter, and Son House in the mix for good measure. Driven by their debut release, last year’s Pino and an ever-solidifying live show, Scruffy is definitely a band to keep an eye in the future. The four will go all the way, if they don’t melt their amps first.
Stiff Middle Fingers, an action-packed local favorite, cover tunes from legendary bands from the world of punk like Stiff Little Fingers, Descendents, Black Flag, and Minor Threat as well as original tracks as skull rattling as “Common Cents,” “World Biggest Guillotine,” and “Psycho Bitch,” from last year’s million volt-charged debut Enemies with Benefits (see our review here). Frontman Travis Arey is a remarkable sight to witness as he runs around, microphone in hand, with the boundless energy of a hyperactive kid eating a 10-pound bag of sugar and doing lines with a pixie stick. Arey stands on tables, runs to the bar, having people sing along; he just wants you all to enter his world for an hour or so. He is the embodiment of Henry Rollins if Henry were ever in a good mood. The band behind him plays like there’s nothing left to lose. Cameron Hawk attacks his guitar, playing with the speed of a hummingbird, Barry Swenson’s bass work is as good as it is bowel shaking, and JP Redmon plays the drums like the bastard son of Bill Stevenson and the goddamned Energizer Bunny.
If you want to see where music is heading in the region, that there are indeed great bands out there willing to give all of themselves for the sake of the show and the crowd—be it five or five thousand strong, that care more about the music than their image, The Bottleneck is the place to be. If you like churned-out, radio-friendly “rock,” these probably are not the bands for you.
The Wednesday show will kick off at 8:00 pm with Black on Black, followed by Scruffy and the Janitors, and concluded by the explosive sounds of Stiff Middle Fingers. This is an all-ages show; cover is $5. Facebook event page here.
–Danny R. Phillips
Danny R. Phillips has been reporting on music of all types and covering the St. Joseph, MO music scene for well over a decade. He is a regular contributor to the national circulated BLURT Magazine and his work has appeared in The Pitch, The Omaha Reader, Missouri Life, The Regular Joe, Skyscraper Magazine, Popshifter, Hybrid Magazine, the websites Vocals on Top and Tuning Fork TV, Perfect Sound Forever, The Fader and many others.
We are proud to announce that The Deli New England’s Best of 2012 Emerging Artist is Guerilla Toss! This uncompromising, bizarre industrial/dada five piece (pictured and streaming below) gathered multiple votes from our jury of scene experts, which allowed them to end up on top. Kudos also to pop punkers Fat Creeps, who placed second, and orchestral blues sextet The Bridgebuilders, who sneaked in thuird position thanks to the good performance in our Readers and Fans’ Poll.
Please take a look at our chart of 60 New England area artists below. The highest value of votes came from our jurors, who included individuals professionally involved in the local scene. This includes promoters, venue owners, press, DJs and other music experts. The remainder of the votes was compiled by The Deli New England contributors, readers, and open submissions voted on by national Deli editors.
BEST OF 2012 POLL FOR EMERGING NEW ENGLAND ARTISTS
– FINAL RESULTS –
We are proud to announce that The Deli’s Best of 2012 Emerging Nashville Artist is Daniel Ellsworth & the Great Lakes! The band received high scores all around in our poll, with votes pouring in from jurors, Deli writers, and readers, which is something quite rare and conjures up a fully deserved win. Indie-rockers The Paranormals placed second followed by the Southern blues band Luella & the Sun who came in at third.
Please take a look at our chart of 50+ Nashville-area emerging artists below. The highest value of votes came from our jurors, who included individuals involved in local music. This includes promoters, venue owners, press, DJs and other music experts, who are listed below (thanks y’all). The remainder of the votes was compiled by The Deli Nashville contributors, readers, and open submissions voted on by national Deli editors.
BEST OF 2012 POLL FOR EMERGING NASHVILLE ARTISTS
– FINAL RESULTS –
We are proud to announce that The Deli’s Best of 2012 Emerging SF Bay Area Band is… DRMS!
This young and talented female fronted indie pop quartet won a really tight race mostly because of a combined jury vote. Americana fiddlers and Readers’ Poll winners The Brothers Comatose secured second place (just 0.023 points away) also thanks to 2 point gathered from the jury. Kudos also to intriguing songwriter Lauren O’Connell and surf pop masters Ash Reiter who tied on 3rd.
Please take a look at our chart of 40+ SF Bay area emerging artists below. The highest value of votes came from our jurors, who included individuals directly involved in the local music scene, including promoters, venue owners, press, DJs and other music experts. The remainder of the votes was compiled by The Deli SF readers, and open submissions voted on by national Deli editors.
BEST OF 2012 POLL FOR EMERGING NEW ENGLAND ARTISTS
– FINAL RESULTS –
ARTIST
J
R
OS
TOT
1
Drms
4
0.023
4.023
2
Brothers Comatose
2
2
4
3
Ash Reiter
0.5
3
3.5
Lauren O’Connell
1.5
2
3.5
5
Permanent Collection
3
0.057
3.057
6
Major Powers & the Lo-Fi…
3
0.009
3.009
7
Terry Malts
3
0.007
3.007
8
Forrest Day
3
0.006
3.006
9
Stillsuit
3
0.005
3.005
10
Social Studies
3
0.004
3.004
11
Trails and Ways
3
0.003
3.003
12
Girrafage
3
0.002
3.002
Some Ember
3
0.002
3.002
14
Shock
3
0.001
3.001
Siddhartha
3
0.001
3.001
16
Elephant & Castle
3
0
3
17
Guy Fox
2
0.134
2.134
18
Seabright
0.053
2
2.053
19
Buzzmutt
2
0.041
2.041
20
Big Long Now
2
0.04
2.04
21
Sam Flax
2
0.021
2.021
22
Midi Matilda
2
0.004
2.004
23
No Babies
2
0.003
2.003
24
Veil Veil Varnish
2
0.002
2.002
25
Standard Poodle
2
0.001
2.001
26
Deaf Heaven
2
0
2
Planet Booty
1
1
2
Painted Palms
2
0
2
29
Tumbleweed Wanderers
1
0.5
1.5
30
Heather Normandale
0.085
1
1.085
31
French Cassettes
1
0.076
1.076
33
A White Hunter
1
0.052
1.052
33
SFPD
1
0.048
1.048
35
Speak Friend
0.044
1
1.044
35
Coo Coo Birds
1
0.034
1.034
37
Chance’s End
0.02
1
1.02
37
Foxtails Brigade
1
0.017
1.017
39
Big Tree
0.016
1
1.016
39
Steer the Stars
0.014
1
1.014
40
Oceanography
1
0.008
1.008
41
Eddie Roberts’ The West Coast…
1
0.006
1.006
42
Bill Orcutt
1
0.004
1.004
Kapowski
1
0.004
1.004
44
DaVinci
1
0.003
1.003
Legend: J = Jurors, W = Deli Writers,
R = Deli Readers, OS = Open Submissions
We are proud to announce that The Deli Austin’s Best of 2012 Emerging Artist is Whisky Shivers! Congratulations are also in order for indie/blues rock outfit The Couch who came in second place, and americana-folk band Shakey Graves who came in third.
Please take a look at our chart of 40+ Austin area artists below. The highest value of votes came from our jurors, who included individuals involved in local music. This includes promoters, venue owners, press, DJs and other music experts (who are listed below – thanks y’all). The remainder of the votes was compiled by The Deli Austin contributors, readers, and open submissions voted on by national Deli editors.
BEST OF 2012 POLL FOR EMERGING AUSTIN ARTISTS
– FINAL RESULTS –
ARTIST
J
W
R
OS
TOT
1
Whiskey Shivers
10
0.03
10.03
2
The Couch
6
0.5
6.5
3
Shakey Graves
5
0.06
5.06
4
Deep Time
5
0.04
5.04
5
Crooked Bangs
5
0.01
5.01
7
Borrisokane
2
1.5
3.5
7
hhhhhh
1.5
2
3.5
9
Hard Proof
3
0.08
3.08
9
My Jerusalem
3
0.08
3.08
10
Mike and the Moonpies
3
0.05
3.05
12
Dana Falconberry
3
0.04
3.04
12
The Vliets
0.04
3
3.04
16
Good Field
3
0.03
3.03
16
Holy Wave
3
0.03
3.03
16
Marmalakes
3
0.03
3.03
16
The Bad Lovers
3
0.03
3.03
18
david thomas jones
0.02
3
3.02
18
The Ghost Wolves
3
0.02
3.02
21
Hello Caller
1
0.01
2
3.01
21
The Calm Blue Sea
3
0.01
3.01
21
The Eastern Sea
3
0.01
3.01
24
Peterson Brothers Band
3
0
3
24
The Church Shoes
3
0
3
24
Yum
3
0
3
25
A Giant Dog
2
0.18
2.18
26
MAJOR MAJOR MAJOR
0.12
2
2.12
27
The Able Sea
2
0.1
2.1
28
Pharaohs
2
0.06
2.06
29
Creationists
2
0.04
2.04
30
The Boxing Lesson
2
0.03
2.03
32
Crooks
2
0.02
2.02
32
Not in the Face
2
0.02
2.02
36
Black Books
1
1
2
36
Ditch Witch
2
0
2
36
The Young
2
0
2
36
White Walls
2
0
2
37
Residual Kid
1
0.19
1.19
38
Bobby Jealousy
1
0.12
1.12
39
Wild Child
1
0.04
1.04
40
The Del-Vipers
1
0.03
1.03
41
Dikes of Holland
1
0.02
1.02
42
Spray Paint
1
0.01
1.01
43
Xander Harris
1
0
1
Legend: J = Jurors, W = Deli Writers,
R = Deli Readers, OS = Open Submissions
List of Jurors: Lawrence Boone (Covert Curiosity), Michael Maly (Sonic Itch), Jen Leduc (Superpop!), Scott Osborn (New Deli Austin Editor), Max Meehan (Beerland), Ben T. (29th St. Ballroom), Taylor Browne (Ex Deli Austin Editor), Tyson Swindell (Red 7), Lee Haze (Swan Dive) John Laird (Side One: Track One), Dan Plunkett (End of an Ear), Lawrence Boone (Covert Curiosity), Travis (The Parish), Kristyn Ciani (Lambert’s), Dianne Scott (Continental Club),Maggie Lea (Cheer Up Charlies), Kristyn Ciani (Lambert’s), Julie Schlembach (Austinist), Spot Long (Trailer Space), Winston Bee (Trophy’s).
Congrats to everyone who made the list and thanks to all those who voted!
What do you get when three teenage boys decide to start making music together? Well, you usually aren’t lucky enough to get anything like Radkey. Fortunately, the Kansas City music scene is. The three brothers—Dee (19), Isaiah (17), and Solomon Radke (15)—hail from St. Joseph and have been creating music catchy enough to be received by a broad audience and heavy enough to be affirmed by more experienced rockers and punkers alike. Though the brothers have only been playing music for 3 years, they portray a mastery of their instruments and a deep understanding of their influences, which include bands like The Misfits, The Ramones, Bad Brains, and Jimi Hendrix.
Radkey has found an unbelievable amount of success in its short amount of time as a band: the trio has performed at the Afro-Punk Festival in Brooklyn (also including the likes of Erykah Badu and Reggie Watts), recorded a video at the Wreck Room in Brooklyn (founded by Adrian Grenier of HBO’s Entourage), and will be performing an official showcase at SXSW in March, as well as others (including Kansas City’s MidCoast Takeover showcase). Congratulations to Radkey for being The Deli’s Emerging Kansas City Artist of 2012!
Radkey has a number of performances coming up, the next of which is tomorrow, Thursday, January 31, at Eighth St. Taproom in Lawrence, with Bloodbirds and Ponyboy (the band will be recording a music video at this event). The boys will also appear at The Riot Room this Sunday, February 3, with The Growlers and UZIS. Radkey will release a 7” on Friday, March 1 at Replay Lounge with Stiff Middle Fingers. If you’re in Austin in March, the trio will be playing an official SXSW showcase as well as others (including MidCoast Takeover at Shangri-La).
The Deli Nashville’s Best of 2012 Readers and Fans’ Poll for local emerging artists is over, thanks to all those who cast their vote in support of the emerging local bands and artists in our list of nominees. Congrats to singer songwriter Anna Haas (pictured + video below) for being The Deli Readers’ Best Nashville Artist of 2012!
Here’s this poll’s top 10 chart, full results can be found here.
ARTIST
VOTES
1
Anna Haas
1855
2
Daniel Ellsworth & the Great Lakes
1726
3
Alanna Royale
260
4
Diarrhea Planet
247
5
Linear Downfall
170
6
Adam Burrows
139
7
The Young International
84
8
Blackfoot Gypsies
82
9
The Gills
75
10
Kelly Ruth
65
Stay tuned for the composite chart, to be released soon, which will include the point nominees accumulated from the jurors and Deli writers’ votes, and will crown The Deli’s Best Emerging Nashville Artist of 2012.
Bushwick’s rising dreampoppers Sparxx are debuting today on our channels the video for the heavenly track “Mod.” Shot & Edited by Danny Krug, Co-Directed by Danny and Heather Sparx, with styling by Nadia Tulin, the video was bravely filmed on location in Bushwick (ugliest/hippest neighborhood in the world?), with concert footage from local venue, The Lab. Band sonic guru Justin Matthews and Heather also remixed the track from the original version, giving it additional punch and sheen, matching it more closely to the video. The story of “Mod” is told through Heather’s passionate vocals, Justin’s synth and guitar textures, and a thoroughly rockin’ beat. Following a timeless script, hot boy hits on girl – but Heather asks if you could simply slow down for a moment and “take a break with me”. A breath was taken, now what?
Witness the cyber-goth-dance band at The Rock Shop on February 20. – Dave Cromwell
The Deli’s Best of 2012 Poll for emerging New England artists is now over, thanks to all those who cast their vote in support of the emerging local bands and artists in our list of nominees.
Congrats to Boston rapper MC Kabir pictured and streaming below) for becoming The Deli Readers’ Best New England Artist of 2012. Kudos also the close seconds, powerful alt folk sextet The Bridgebuilders. New Hampshire’s garage soul band Gnarlemagne placed third.
Here’s the New England Readers’ Poll Top 10:
ARTIST
VOTES
1
MC Kabir
1541
2
The Bridgebuilders
1440
3
Gnarlemagne
321
4
Cask Mouse
270
5
Ula Ruth
187
6
Bella’s Bartok
174
7
A2VT
115
8
Nemes
113
9
Young Blake
96
10
Jay Psaros
83
Stay tuned for the composite chart, to be released soon, which will include the point nominees accumulated from the jurors and Deli writers’ votes, and will crown The Deli’s Best Emerging DC Area Artist of 2012.
Aly Spaltro’s sultry voice carries through her new album, “Ripley Pine,” at times sounding like Neko Case or a young PJ Harvey. Spaltro, the gifted songwriter behind Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, wrote the album in Maine while working at a used DVD store, later recording it in her then-new Brooklyn apartment. Floating between folk, rock, and psych elements, the new record shows a diverse musical and emotional depth to the 23-year-old songwriter, through expert layering of melodies and metaphors. “Ripley Pine” will be released on February 19, followed by a show at the Knitting Factory on the 23rd. – Devon Antonetti
Indie-pop duo Chalk and Numbers showcase a soft spot for bubble gum pop in the new single “Boy” (streaming below), which combines a refreshingly stripped down sound with melodic elements inspired by the 60’s mainstream pop. The Brooklyn natives conjoins Sable Yong’s refined and tempered voice with Andrew Pierce’s composed melodies within a range of memorable melodies and light tones. Their new EP will be released on March 12th – you can see them at The Mercury Lounge on 02.20 with The Suzan and Earthy Babes (both also Brooklyn based). – Tina Aita
The Deli Austin’s Best of 2012 Readers and Fans’ Poll for local emerging artists is over, thanks to all those who cast their vote in support of the emerging local bands and artists in our list of nominees. Congrats to psychedelic keyboard driven quartet Borrisokane for being The Deli Readers’ Best Austin Artist of 2012.
Kudos also to weird folkster hhhhhh and psych rock masters Black Books who placed second and third.
ARTIST
VOTES
1
Borriskane
94
2
hhhhhh
52
3
Black Books
40
4
The Couch
30
5
Residual Kid
19
Stay tuned for the composite chart, to be released soon, which will include the point nominees accumulated from the jurors and Deli writers’ votes, and will crown The Deli’s Best Emerging DC Area Artist of 2012.